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English Listening Placement Exam

  • Hello and welcome! Here is a listening exam to find your approximate level. This is not an official test, only a rough guide. I hope this is useful and you are able to take something from it.

  • The transcripts with the answers as well as the guide for your level will be attached at the bottom of the page.

A1

Questions

1 Greetings

1) What does Sarah ask John?

  • a.   "How are you feeling today?"

  • b. "What's up, John?"

  • c. "How are you?"

2) How does John respond?

  • a. "I'm feeling fine, Sarah."

  • b. "Not bad, thanks."

  • c. "I'm good, thanks."



 

Weather:

1) What does Emma ask David?

  • a "How's the weather today, David?"

  • b. "Do you think it will rain, David?"

  • c. "What's your favorite weather, David?"

2) How does David describe the weather?

  • a. "It's rainy and cold, Emma."

  • b. "It's cloudy and windy, Emma."

  • c. "It's sunny and warm, Emma."



 

3.    Daily Routine:

1)What time does Emma wake up?

  • a.  "I wake up at 6 o'clock in the morning."

  • b.  "I wake up at 7 o'clock in the morning."

  • c.  "I wake up at 8 o'clock in the morning."


2) What does Emma do after she wakes up?

  • a. "I go for a run."

  • b.  "I brush my teeth and have breakfast."

  • c.  "I watch TV."



 

4. Directions:

1) Where does Emma want to go?

  • a.  "Excuse me, Sarah. How do I get to the supermarket?"

  • b.  "Excuse me, Sarah. How do I get to the park?"

  • c.   "Excuse me, Sarah. How do I get to the train station?"

2) How can she get there?

  • a.  "Go straight ahead, then turn right at the traffic lights."

  • b.  "Go straight ahead, then turn left at the traffic lights."

  • c. "Go straight ahead, then turn around



 

5 Laura Goes Shopping

1)  What does Laura like to do?

  • a.      Laura likes to go to the movies.

  • b.      Laura likes to go shopping.

  • c.      Laura likes to play sports.


 

2) What does Laura enjoy finding?

  • a.      Laura enjoys finding good deals.

  • b.      Laura enjoys finding books.

  • c.      Laura enjoys finding gadgets.


3) What does Laura prefer not to shop for?

  • a.      Laura prefers not to shop for electronics.

  • b.      Laura prefers not to shop for toys.

  • c.      Laura prefers not to shop for groceries or household items.



 

My Daily Routine

1)What time does the person wake up every morning?

  • a.  6 o'clock

  • b.  7 o'clock

  • c. 8 o'clock

2) What does the person do after brushing their teeth and washing their face?

  • a.       Makes lunch

  • b.       Makes breakfast

  • c.        Takes a shower


3) How does the person usually get to work?

  • a.      Walks

  • b.       Drives

  • c.      Takes the bus


4)During their lunch break, what does the person do?

  • a.       Goes for a walk

  • b.  Eats at the cafeteria

  • c. Goes to the gym



 

My Daily Routine (Past Simple)

1)What time did the person wake up yesterday?

  • a.  6 o'clock

  • b.  7 o'clock

  • c. 8 o'clock


2)What did the person do after quickly brushing their teeth and washing their face?

  • a.       Made breakfast

  • b.  Took a shower

  • c.  Went back to bed


3)How did the person go to work yesterday?

  • a.       Drove

  • b.  Walked

  • c.  Took the bus


4)During their lunch break, what did the person do?

  • a.      Ate lunch at home

  • b. Ate lunch at the cafeteria with friends

  • c. Skipped lunch


5)What did the person typically do in the evening after work yesterday?

  • a. Went for a run

  •  b. Cooked dinner and relaxed

  • c. Went to bed early



 

A2


Conversation at the Park

1) What is Sarah doing at the park?

  • a.      Playing Frisbee

  •  b. Sitting on a bench and reading a book

  • c.  Walking her dog

2) What is Jack doing with his dog in the park?

  • a.  Playing soccer

  • b. Playing Frisbee

  • c. Running


3.) How long has Jack been playing Frisbee?

  • a. 30 minutes

  • b. 1 hour

  •  c. 2 hours

4) What was Jack doing yesterday?

  • a. Playing basketball

  • b.  Fixing his bike

  • c.  Walking in the park

5) Was Jack able to fix his bike?

  • a. No, he couldn't

  • b. Yes, he could

  • c. He didn't try






 

 

The Travel-Loving Leakey Family

1) What does the Leakey family enjoy doing?

  • a. Cooking

  • b. Traveling and exploring new places

  • c. Gardening

2) Who in the family loves going on adventures like her mom, Meave?

  • a.       Louise Leakey

  • b.  Richard

  •  c. Colin

3)What does Louise's dad, Richard, care about?

  • a. Cooking

  • b. Nature

  •  c. Reading

4) Where does Richard's half-brother, Colin, live now?

  • a. France

  • b. England

  • c. Italy

5) What do Phillip Leakey and his wife Katy do?

  • a. They run a bakery

  • b. They help people go on trips

  • c.  They are doctors




 

Sports for Everyone

1)What are sports a great way to do?

  • a.       Stay indoors

  •  b. Stay active and have fun

  • c. Study

2)What is another name for soccer in many countries?

  • a.  Baseball

  •  b. Football

  •  c. Hockey


3)How many players are there in a basketball team?

  • a.  Three players

  • b.  Five players

  • c.  Seven players


4)What equipment do you need to play tennis?

  • a. A racket and a ball

  • b.  A bat and a ball

  • c.   A stick and a puck

5) What are some benefits of playing sports?

  • a.  Making money

  •  b. Socializing, improving physical fitness, and learning important life skills like teamwork and sportsmanship

  •  c. Playing video games



 

B1


Text: Planning a Vacation

1)What does the text suggest about visiting Spain?

  • a.      Spain has freezing temperatures

  • b. Spain offers stunning views and chances for outdoor fun

  • c. Spain is a good choice if you like warm weather and beautiful beaches


2) How does the text describe Canada as a vacation destination?

  • a. Canada is known for its warm weather

  • b. Canada offers stunning views and opportunities for outdoor fun, especially during the summer

  • c. Canada is an expensive vacation destination

3)Why is it important to think about the cost when comparing different places?

  • a.  Because all places are equally expensive

  • b.  Because some places can be quite expensive, while others are usually more affordable

  • c.  Because cost is not a factor in choosing a vacation destination

4)What is mentioned as a busy city experience in the text?

  • a.  London

  • b.  Paris

  • c,  New York City

5) What advice does the text give for planning a trip?

  •  a. Don't worry about booking accommodations early

  • b.  Consider getting travel insurance for safety in case of unexpected events

  •  c. Always wait until the last minute to plan your trip



 

Conversation: Making Plans for the Weekend

1) What are Sarah's plans for the weekend?

  • a. Going to the movies

  • b. Going hiking if the weather is nice

  • c. Visiting the art museum downtown


2) What activity is Alex considering for the weekend?

  • a. Going to the movies

  • b. Going hiking if the weather is nice

  • c. Visiting the art museum downtown


 

3) What is the name of the new restaurant Alex mentions?

  • a. Café Azul

  • b. Café Verde

  • c. Café Rojo


 

4) What type of dishes does Alex say Café Verde serves?

  • a. Delicious vegetarian dishes

  • b. Authentic Italian dishes

  • c. Gourmet seafood dishes


 

5) How do Sarah and Alex plan to stay updated about their plans?

  • a. Through carrier pigeons

  • b. By sending smoke signals

  • c. By keeping in touch and touching base again tomorrow



 

Conversation: Recounting a Past Adventure

1) What was Alice's opinion about the hiking trip they took last summer?

  • a. Alice thought it was the worst trip they had ever had.

  • b. Alice thought it was one of the best trips they had ever had.

  • c. Alice thought it was an average trip.


2) How did Alice describe the view from the summit of the mountain?

  • a. Alice described it as dull and uninteresting.

  • b. Alice described it as breathtaking and stunning.

  • c. Alice described it as mediocre.


 

3) What did Ben say about the wildflowers along the trail?

  • a. Ben said they were ugly and unattractive.

  • b. Ben said they were beautiful and felt like walking through a colorful carpet.

  • c. Ben said they were okay, nothing special.


 

4) What was Ben's reaction when they encountered a bear on the trail?

  • a. Ben said it was boring and uneventful.

  • b. Ben said it was quite a scare and he had never been so scared in his life.

  • c. Ben said it was exciting and fun.


 

5)How did Alice feel about how the situation with the bear was handled?

  • a. Alice felt it was handled poorly and felt unsafe.

  • b. Alice felt it was handled well, calmly dealt with, and they were kept safe.

  • c. Alice didn't care about how it was handled.



 

B2


At the Doctor's Office: Understanding Medical Terms

1) What prompts the patient's anxiety during the doctor's appointment?

  • a. The doctor mentions concerns about their heart function.

  • b. The doctor mentions concerns about their liver function and recommends further tests.

  • c. The doctor mentions concerns about their lung function.

2) How does the doctor respond to the patient's difficulty understanding medical terminology?

  • a. The doctor ignores the patient's concerns and continues using complex terms.

  • b. The doctor patiently explains each term and breaks down complex concepts into simpler terms.

  • c. The doctor rushes through the explanation without addressing the patient's questions.


 

3) How does the patient express their concerns to the doctor?

  • a. The patient expresses frustration with the waiting time.

  • b. The patient expresses their anxiety about the uncertainty of their health status.

  • c. The patient expresses their excitement about the test results.


 

4) How does the doctor reassure the patient during the appointment?

  • a. The doctor dismisses the patient's fears without addressing them.

  • b. The doctor acknowledges the patient's fears and offers words of comfort and reassurance.

  • c. The doctor criticizes the patient for being anxious.

5) What does the patient feel as they leave the doctor's office?

  • a. The patient feels frustrated with the lack of information provided.

  • b. The patient feels relieved and confident about their health.

  • c. The patient feels grateful for the compassionate care received and reassured knowing they have a supportive medical team.







 

Meeting Simulation: Discussing Past Decisions


1) What is the purpose of the meeting?

  • a. To discuss current projects

  • b. To evaluate past decisions made during a recent project

  • c. To plan future projects

 

2) How does Sarah feel about the decision to change the marketing strategy midway through the project?

  • a. Sarah believes changing the marketing strategy was unnecessary

  • b. Sarah believes changing the marketing strategy was the right decision given the circumstances

  • c. Sarah believes changing the marketing strategy was too risky


 

3) How does John feel about the outcome of the project despite the challenges they faced?

  • a. John feels disappointed in the outcome

  • b. John acknowledges the successful delivery of the project despite the challenges

  • c. John feels the challenges were insurmountable


 

4) What does Emily emphasize as a key takeaway from their experiences?

  • a. The importance of individual achievements

  • b. The importance of teamwork in overcoming obstacles

  • c. The importance of sticking to the initial plan


 

5) How do the colleagues conclude the meeting?

  • a. With frustration and disappointment

  • b. With a sense of camaraderie and determination

  • c. With indifference towards future projects



 

Finance Discussion: Analyzing Investment Opportunities

 1) What sectors are the colleagues considering for potential investments?

  • a. Tech, healthcare, and renewable energy.

  • b. Finance, retail, and manufacturing.

  • c. Agriculture, construction, and hospitality.


2) How has the tech sector proposal been reviewed?

  • a. Thoroughly analyzed by the marketing team.

  • b. Extensively reviewed by the research team.

  • c. Briefly discussed in a casual meeting.

3) What are the findings of the healthcare proposal analysis?

  • a. It's projected to yield steady returns.

  • b. It's expected to face challenges in the market.

  • c. It's likely to result in significant losses.

4) What is the outlook for the renewable energy proposal?

  • a. It indicates potential for long-term sustainability and growth.

  • b. It suggests a decline in market demand.

  • c. It points to short-term profitability only.

5) What is the colleagues' plan regarding follow-up meetings?

  • a. Schedule follow-up meetings to delve deeper into each proposal.

  • b. Postpone further discussions indefinitely.

  • c. Disregard the need for follow-up meetings.




 

C1

"Exploring Sustainable Solutions"

1) What is the main focus of the project described in the audio?

  • a. Developing new technology for ocean exploration.

  • b. Educating local communities about marine life.

  • c. Addressing plastic pollution in the oceans.

  • d. Promoting sustainable fishing practices.

2) What role do autonomous drones play in the project?

  • a. Monitoring marine life populations.

  • b. Collecting plastic debris from the ocean.

  • c. Delivering supplies to remote villages.

  • d. Conducting research on ocean currents.

3) How does the project aim to involve local communities?

  • a. By providing free drone flying lessons.

  • b. By offering financial incentives for participation.

  • c. By promoting sustainable practices and reducing plastic consumption.

  • d. By organizing beach cleanup events.

4) What impact has the project had on the local fishing industry?

  • a. Increased competition for fishing grounds.

  • b. Improved water quality and healthier marine ecosystems.

  • c. Decreased fish populations due to overfishing.

  • d. No significant impact on the fishing industry.

5) What is the overall message conveyed by the audio?

  • a. The importance of preserving endangered species.

  • b. The need for stricter regulations on ocean pollution.

  • c. The power of innovation and community collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.

  • d. The inevitability of irreversible damage to marine ecosystems.



 

"Exploring Cultural Diversity"

1) What is the main focus of the audio?

  • a. Exploring the history of traditional music.

  • b. Celebrating the diversity of cultural expressions.

  • c. Analyzing the evolution of dance forms.

  • d. Discussing the impact of globalization on music.

2) Which traditional dance form is mentioned in the audio as originating from Africa?

  • a. Irish step dancing.

  • b. Quechua dances.

  • c. Flamenco.

  • d. African dance.

3) What instruments are mentioned in the audio as part of traditional Irish music?

  • a. Djembe drum and bombo drum.

  • b. Tin whistle and fiddle.

  • c. Andean flute and panpipes.

  • d. Bagpipes and accordion.

4) What is the significance of traditional Quechua dances mentioned in the audio?

  • a. They celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Peru.

  • b. They originated in Africa and were brought to Peru.

  • c. They are performed only during religious ceremonies.

  • d. They have no specific cultural significance.

5) What is the overall message conveyed by the audio?

  • a. The importance of preserving traditional music and dance forms.

  • b. The superiority of certain cultural expressions over others.

  • c. The need for standardization in global music and dance.

  • d. The decline of traditional cultural practices in modern society.



 

Exploring Culinary Traditions

1) What is the main focus of the audio?

  • a. Exploring traditional music from around the world.

  • b. Discovering the origins of popular dishes.

  • c. Analyzing the impact of globalization on cuisine.

  • d. Celebrating culinary diversity in the Mediterranean region.

2)Which country is known for its creamy tzatziki and grilled meats?

  • a. Italy

  • b. Greece

  • c. Morocco

  • d. France

3) What dish is described as a slow-cooked stew with tender meat and dried fruits?

  • a. Pizza

  • b. Tzatziki

  • c. Tagine

  • d. Pasta

4) What common ingredient is mentioned in the description of Neapolitan pizza?

  • a. Saffron

  • b. Basil

  • c. Dill

  • d. Cinnamon

5)What is the overall message conveyed by the audio?

  • a. The importance of traditional culinary practices in modern society.

  • b. The decline of Mediterranean cuisine in recent years.

  • c. The significance of spices in global cuisine.

  • d. The richness and diversity of Mediterranean culinary traditions.




 

C2 Level English

Navigating the Corporate Jungle

1)What does the phrase "climbing the corporate ladder" refer to?

  • a. Literal ladder climbing in office buildings.

  • b. Advancing in rank or status within a company.

  • c. Participating in team-building exercises.

  • d. Attending networking events.

2)What is meant by "the art of the deal" in the context of the audio?

  • a. Negotiating and making business agreements.

  • b. Creating artwork for corporate offices.

  • c. Practicing negotiation techniques.

  • d. Pursuing creative endeavors outside of work.

3)What does the expression "think outside the box" mean?

  • a. Following established rules and procedures.

  • b. Being creative and unconventional in problem-solving.

  • c. Staying within the confines of traditional thinking.

  • d. Avoiding risks and innovation.

4)What does it mean to face "a steep learning curve" in the corporate world?

  • a. To quickly adapt and learn from new experiences.

  • b. To encounter challenges and obstacles early on.

  • c. To have a gradual and steady learning process.

  • d. To excel in one's field without facing difficulties.


5) What is the overall message conveyed by the audio?

  • a. Success in the business world requires a straightforward approach.

  • b. Climbing the corporate ladder is easy for those who follow the rules.

  • c. Corporate leadership demands strategic thinking and adaptability.

  • d. The corporate jungle is a place where only the weak survive.



 

Exploring the Frontiers of Science

1)What is the main focus of the audio?

  • a. Exploring the mysteries of quantum physics.

  • b. Investigating the history of scientific discoveries.

  • c. Discussing the applications of classical mechanics.

  • d. Analyzing the principles of relativity.

2)What is one characteristic of quantum particles mentioned in the audio?

  • a. They can exist in multiple states simultaneously.

  • b. They always follow predictable paths.

  • c. They are unaffected by external disturbances.

  • d. They behave like conventional objects.

3)How are researchers using quantum computing in laboratories?

  • a. To study the behavior of black holes.

  • b. To develop new types of materials.

  • c. To solve complex problems that were once thought impossible.

  • d. To explore the origins of the universe.

4) What challenge do scientists face when working with quantum systems?

  • a. Quantum systems are easy to control and manipulate.

  • b. Quantum systems are resistant to external disturbances.

  • c. Quantum systems are delicate and easily disrupted.

  • d. Quantum systems follow predictable patterns.

5) What is the overall message conveyed by the audio?

  • a. Quantum physics is too complex for the average person to understand.

  • b. Scientists are on the brink of unlocking the secrets of the universe through quantum research.

  • c. Quantum computing has limited practical applications in real-world scenarios.

d. The mysteries of quantum mechanics will never be fully understood by humans.




 

Unveiling the Mysteries: A Journey into the World of Research

1) What is one of the primary goals of scientific research?

  • a. To prove preconceived notions

  • b. To uncover new knowledge and understanding

  • c. To promote commercial products


2) Where might field researchers conduct their studies?

  • a. In a laboratory setting

  • b. In digital simulations

  • c. In natural environments such as forests or oceans  

3)How do researchers use big data and computational algorithms?

  • a. To create fictional narratives

  • b. To analyze complex systems and uncover patterns

  • c. To predict lottery numbers


4) What role do conferences and symposiums play in research?

  • a. They discourage collaboration among researchers

  • b. They provide opportunities for researchers to share findings and collaborate

  • c. They are purely social events with no academic significance


5) Which of the following best describes interdisciplinary collaboration in research?

  • a. Researchers working in isolation within their own fields

  • b. Researchers from different disciplines coming together to solve complex problems

  • c. Researchers competing against each other for funding






 
 
 

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