Advanced Listening Test 1

1.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

No matter what he does, he’ll never recover the trust of the country as a whole.

It will be hard to recover the respect of the country at large.

Apparently he is quite confident that he does enjoy the respect of most people in the country.

If only he’d try a little harder he would gain the respect of the whole country

So long as he tries, there’s every chance that he will gain the support of the whole country.

The correct answer states that regardless of his actions, he will never regain the trust of the entire country. This implies that the person's actions have already damaged their reputation to such an extent that it is unlikely to be repaired. The other options either suggest that the person currently enjoys the respect of most people in the country or that there is a chance for them to gain the support of the entire country if they try harder, which contradicts the given statement.

Explanation

The correct answer states that regardless of his actions, he will never regain the trust of the entire country. This implies that the person's actions have already damaged their reputation to such an extent that it is unlikely to be repaired. The other options either suggest that the person currently enjoys the respect of most people in the country or that there is a chance for them to gain the support of the entire country if they try harder, which contradicts the given statement.

2.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

Without consulting an expert you were ill advised to introduce any major changes to the system.

Don't make any radical changes in the scheme; that's my advice to you.

It would be very unprofessional behaviour if you were to make any major changes in the system.

If you're considering major alterations in procedures, I suggest you consult an expert.

My professional advice to you is to avoid any major changes in the system.

The correct answer suggests that if someone is thinking about making significant changes to the system, it is advisable to seek the advice of an expert. This aligns with the initial statement that without consulting an expert, introducing major changes to the system would be ill-advised. Therefore, the best restatement of the initial statement is "If you're considering major alterations in procedures, I suggest you consult an expert."

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that if someone is thinking about making significant changes to the system, it is advisable to seek the advice of an expert. This aligns with the initial statement that without consulting an expert, introducing major changes to the system would be ill-advised. Therefore, the best restatement of the initial statement is "If you're considering major alterations in procedures, I suggest you consult an expert."

3.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

It was a long time before I really understood that he’s actually a very fascinating person.

As I get to know him better it becomes more and more apparent that he’s really an outstanding person.

It’s really worth spending time on getting to know a wonderful person like that.

Of the people I know well, he is the most extraordinary of all.

The really fantastic thing about him is that I still feel there’s a lot more to him than I know.

The answer choice "As I get to know him better it becomes more and more apparent that he’s really an outstanding person" best restates the idea that the speaker has come to understand that the person in question is fascinating. It suggests that the speaker's perception of the person has improved over time and that they now recognize their outstanding qualities.

Explanation

The answer choice "As I get to know him better it becomes more and more apparent that he’s really an outstanding person" best restates the idea that the speaker has come to understand that the person in question is fascinating. It suggests that the speaker's perception of the person has improved over time and that they now recognize their outstanding qualities.

4.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

A lot of countries agree that it is essential to take strong action to put an end to the pollution of the seas.

The pollution of the seas can only be prevented provided that many countries follow the same policy.

The seas will, it seems, continue to be polluted unless this agreement is accepted by a majority of the countries.

Owing to the pollution of the seas, many countries find it necessary to develop new strategies.

By putting into practice a series of precautions it is generally believed' that the pollution of the seas will be prevented.

The correct answer restates the idea that many countries agree on the importance of taking strong action to stop sea pollution.

Explanation

The correct answer restates the idea that many countries agree on the importance of taking strong action to stop sea pollution.

5.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

For now, the fewer the people who know, the better.

Once the stage is passed we can safely ask the others for their opinions.

Whatever happens, news of the matter must not be allowed to leak out.

There’s a lot at stake so the matter must not be allowed to go any further.

For the present it’s pointless to bring others into the discussion.

The statement suggests that currently, it is not necessary or beneficial to involve others in the discussion. It implies that there is a need for secrecy or limited involvement due to the importance or sensitivity of the matter at hand. Therefore, it is best to keep the matter confined and not allow it to progress any further.

Explanation

The statement suggests that currently, it is not necessary or beneficial to involve others in the discussion. It implies that there is a need for secrecy or limited involvement due to the importance or sensitivity of the matter at hand. Therefore, it is best to keep the matter confined and not allow it to progress any further.

6.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

Oranges require sun and warmth, so naturally they won’t grow here.

The climate is the most important factor when growing oranges.

However hard he tries, he won’t manage to grow oranges here as it’s the wrong sort of climate.

If he wants to grow oranges he could try here; the climate is just right.

The climate may be right for growing oranges but he’s had no success.

The correct answer restates the information that oranges won't grow in this location due to the unsuitable climate, regardless of the person's efforts.

Explanation

The correct answer restates the information that oranges won't grow in this location due to the unsuitable climate, regardless of the person's efforts.

7.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

Both sides have admitted that they are not willing to make any concessions.

Allowances will have to be made on both sides if they fail to reach an agreement.

Clearly there can only be an agreement so long as both sides are willing to give way over something.

Before coming to an agreement, both sides will have to discuss any concessions they might consider making.

If either side shows positive signs of giving ways the resulting agreement will not be in their favour.

Both sides have admitted that they are not willing to make any concessions. This means that in order for an agreement to be reached, both sides must be willing to give way on something.

Explanation

Both sides have admitted that they are not willing to make any concessions. This means that in order for an agreement to be reached, both sides must be willing to give way on something.

8.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

From the evidence it was fairly obvious that the criminal was John.

All the evidence showed that John was the only person to be charged with the crime.

At court John was charged with crime.

As far as the evidence is concerned, John seems to be a suspect.

If John had committed the crime, the evidence would have shown it.

The correct answer accurately restates the information given in the original statement, which is that based on the evidence, it was fairly obvious that the criminal was John.

Explanation

The correct answer accurately restates the information given in the original statement, which is that based on the evidence, it was fairly obvious that the criminal was John.

9.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

The demands made at the collective bargaining could have been met by the firm.

Since the firm could not possibly meet the demands, the parties at the collective bargaining could not reach an agreement.

Both sides made considerable efforts to ensure the success of the collective bargaining.

Even if the firm could have afforded more, the collective bargaining wouldn’t have been useful.

The failure of the efforts of the collective bargaining was due to the lack of interest on the part of the firm.

The correct answer restates the idea that the firm was unable to meet the demands made at the collective bargaining, which resulted in the parties not reaching an agreement. This suggests that the inability of the firm to meet the demands was the main reason for the failure of the collective bargaining efforts.

Explanation

The correct answer restates the idea that the firm was unable to meet the demands made at the collective bargaining, which resulted in the parties not reaching an agreement. This suggests that the inability of the firm to meet the demands was the main reason for the failure of the collective bargaining efforts.

10.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

He was brought before the judge, accused of breaking the peace.

He found the trial extremely disturbing.

The trial was conducted under rather unpleasant circumstances.

He is upset at the idea of having to stand trial.

The trial turned out to be an extremely unpleasant one.

The correct answer is "The trial turned out to be an extremely unpleasant one." This restatement captures the idea that the trial was disturbing or unpleasant for the person who was accused of breaking the peace.

Explanation

The correct answer is "The trial turned out to be an extremely unpleasant one." This restatement captures the idea that the trial was disturbing or unpleasant for the person who was accused of breaking the peace.

11.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

For the majority of theologians, the comparison of religions is a subject of great interest.

For most theologians, religious subjects are interesting even though they are studied comparatively.

Comparatively, many theologians are involved in the study of religions.

Religions are often compared by some of the theologians.

Many theologians argue that religions should have been studied comparatively.

The answer correctly restates the idea that the comparison of religions is a subject of great interest for most theologians.

Explanation

The answer correctly restates the idea that the comparison of religions is a subject of great interest for most theologians.

12.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

A proportion of his salary is kept in reserve.

The extra money has proved most useful.

Part of his earnings goes on luxuries, part on necessities.

He receives far more money than he deserves.

With piece-work one is paid for each item produced.

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Explanation

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13.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

Either Mr Drake resigns or Paul does.

Paul would have resigned if Mr Drake had.

Paul won’t resign unless Mr Drake does.

Mr Drake gave in his resignation before Paul.

Apparently, neither Paul nor Mr Drake plans to resign.

The correct answer restates the given statement that either Mr Drake resigns or Paul does.

Explanation

The correct answer restates the given statement that either Mr Drake resigns or Paul does.

14.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

Why don't you want to go to Antalya by car with Jane and me?

Haven't you decided to go to Antalya by car with Jane and me?

How about going to Antalya with Jane and me since we're taking the car?

If you and Jane decide to go to Antalya, couldn't we go by car?

Will you come to Antalya with Jane and me if we decide to take the car?

The correct answer restates the original question by suggesting the option of going to Antalya with Jane and the speaker by car. It implies that the speaker and Jane have already decided to take the car and invites the listener to join them on the trip.

Explanation

The correct answer restates the original question by suggesting the option of going to Antalya with Jane and the speaker by car. It implies that the speaker and Jane have already decided to take the car and invites the listener to join them on the trip.

15.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

It wasn't until after he had been elected that they realised he was a gifted leader.

Having shown his ability to lead he won the election a couple of weeks later.

A few weeks later he came out well ahead of the others in the elections.

His election confirmed that the country recognised him as their leader.

Shortly after he was elected he had to prove that he really could be a leader.

Shortly after he was elected, he had to demonstrate his leadership abilities.

Explanation

Shortly after he was elected, he had to demonstrate his leadership abilities.

16.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

Many people at the opening were unable to appreciate the worth of the exhibition.

At the opening of the exhibition some people thought it was inefficiently organised.

Most people who came to the opening did not expect the exhibition to be of any value.

Of those who attended the opening, some thought the exhibition was rather disappointing.

A great majority of the people were, in fact, impressed by the exhibition when it was opened.

Of those who attended the opening, some thought the exhibition was rather disappointing.

Explanation

Of those who attended the opening, some thought the exhibition was rather disappointing.

17.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

The expert’s advice was to consult him first and then sell the shares.

He thought it would be better if I were to seek professional advice before selling so many shares.

The sale of shares, he argued, was to be done on the advice of professionals.

He told me that only experts could sell so many shares.

He claimed that professional advice was necessary before we sold any quantity of shares.

The correct answer restates the statement that the expert advised seeking professional advice before selling a large number of shares.

Explanation

The correct answer restates the statement that the expert advised seeking professional advice before selling a large number of shares.

18.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

The bank relies heavily on him because of his ability to judge accurately the degrees of risks entailed with any given loan.

Before granting a loan, a bank will always try to assess the risks involved and these vary with each individual case.

The bank expressed its gratitude to him with a gift, since he had rightly pointed out the risks involved in that particular loan.

The bank agreed to lend him a specific amount but not an indefinite one as that would have involved higher risks.

The loan he received from the bank shows his ability to get what he wants in spite of the risks involved.

The correct answer accurately reflects the statement that the bank relies on him due to his ability to assess the risks associated with loans. This suggests that the bank values his judgment and trusts him to make informed decisions regarding the level of risk involved in granting loans.

Explanation

The correct answer accurately reflects the statement that the bank relies on him due to his ability to assess the risks associated with loans. This suggests that the bank values his judgment and trusts him to make informed decisions regarding the level of risk involved in granting loans.

19.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

Once they realised he was late it was too late to try and hide the fact.

Though he crept in quietly, he couldn’t hide from them the fact that he was late.

By creeping in so quietly he only drew attention to the fact that he was late.

However stealthily he may enter, they are bound to know he was late.

He must have expected that some of the others would arrive late.

The correct answer restates the original statement by saying that even though the person entered quietly, they were still unable to hide the fact that they were late. This implies that the person's attempt to be stealthy was unsuccessful in concealing their lateness.

Explanation

The correct answer restates the original statement by saying that even though the person entered quietly, they were still unable to hide the fact that they were late. This implies that the person's attempt to be stealthy was unsuccessful in concealing their lateness.

20.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

The directors of the firm have decided to give the task of implementing the change in policy to us.

Any change in policy on the part of the firm's directors requires our approval before it can be implemented.

The task of putting into effect the policy changes agreed to by the firm's directors is ours.

The firm’s directors realise that the change in policy will be difficult to implement.

Having agreed to a change in policy, we must force the directors of firm to implement it.

The correct answer restates the given statement by stating that the responsibility of implementing the policy changes agreed upon by the firm's directors lies with us.

Explanation

The correct answer restates the given statement by stating that the responsibility of implementing the policy changes agreed upon by the firm's directors lies with us.

21.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

He’s making the same promises now as he did two years ago, but this time most of his colleagues don’t believe him.

A couple of years ago he could, perhaps, have deceived his colleagues with the promises, but not now.

Many of his colleagues now realise that he didn’t keep the promises he made two years ago.

A couple of years ago, when he made those promises, less than half of his colleagues believed him.

It is not difficult for him to deceive his colleagues now as it was two years ago.

Many of his colleagues now realise that he didn’t keep the promises he made two years ago.

Explanation

Many of his colleagues now realise that he didn’t keep the promises he made two years ago.

22.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

The new health service has caused considerable unrest among both doctors and patients

The medical service is going through a crisis and this affects medical staff and patients alike.

Physicians and patients are disturbed by reports concerning the new health service.

Both physicians and patients will probably find it hard to adapt to the new medical system.

Patients, unlike doctors, cannot be counted on to give their support to the new medical system.

The correct answer suggests that both doctors and patients will have difficulty adjusting to the new health service, indicating that there is unrest and dissatisfaction among both groups.

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that both doctors and patients will have difficulty adjusting to the new health service, indicating that there is unrest and dissatisfaction among both groups.

23.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

By and large the West has been reluctant to commit itself actively to affairs in Yugoslavia.

In the main, the response of the West to the situation in Yugoslavia was unavoidable.

The West could have responded to the situation in Yugoslavia with a policy of active involvement.

Direct intervention was the response of the West to the situation in Yugoslavia.

The involvement of the West in Yugoslavia was in response to certain major events.

The correct answer restates the idea that the West has been hesitant to actively involve itself in the affairs of Yugoslavia.

Explanation

The correct answer restates the idea that the West has been hesitant to actively involve itself in the affairs of Yugoslavia.

24.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

I wish he hadn’t gone back on that first statement he made to the police.

It was a good thing he did deny the statement he gave to the police.

I wish he hadn’t gone back on that first statement he made to the police.

How lucky that the police realised that his first statement was false!

The correct answer is "I wish he hadn't gone back on that first statement he made to the police." This restatement accurately reflects the original sentence, expressing a desire for the person to not retract their initial statement to the police.

Explanation

The correct answer is "I wish he hadn't gone back on that first statement he made to the police." This restatement accurately reflects the original sentence, expressing a desire for the person to not retract their initial statement to the police.

25.

Choose the best restatement of what you hear.

It is said that architects prefer aesthetic considerations to practical ones.

The architects had to be reminded that a well-designed building is both beautiful and useful.

The architects were reminded that the appearance of a building is not of primary importance.

Architects are supposed to give more attention to appearance than to right construction.

The architects had to concentrate, not on the appearance of the building, but on making it functional

The correct answer restates the idea that architects prioritize aesthetic considerations over practical ones. They were reminded that the appearance of a building is not the most important aspect to consider.

Explanation

The correct answer restates the idea that architects prioritize aesthetic considerations over practical ones. They were reminded that the appearance of a building is not the most important aspect to consider.