SELT - Skills for English Inferring Meaning from Tone Questions and Answers

Question 1

You will hear a man say: 'Oh, brilliant! Another two hours of waiting for the train. Just what I wanted to do on my day off.' What is the speaker's true feeling?

Accepted Answer

He is annoyed and being sarcastic.

Answer

He is genuinely happy about the delay.

Answer

He is confused about the train schedule.

Answer

He is patiently waiting for the train.

Question 2

You will hear a woman speaking to a friend who is nervous about a job interview. She says: 'Don't you worry. You're more than qualified for this. Just be yourself and you'll do great. Everything will be fine.' What is the speaker's primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To reassure her friend and build their confidence.

Answer

To express doubt about her friend's chances.

Answer

To complain about the difficulty of interviews.

Answer

To give complex instructions on interview techniques.

Question 3

You will hear a manager speaking to an employee about a missed deadline. The manager says, with a sigh: 'Well, the deadline was yesterday. I suppose we'll just have to explain the delay to the client.' How is the manager most likely feeling?

Accepted Answer

Disappointed and resigned

Answer

Angry and aggressive

Answer

Cheerful and optimistic

Answer

Curious and interested

Question 4

You will hear a student who has just seen his exam results. He says, speaking quickly and with a high pitch: 'I passed! I can't believe it, I actually passed! This is the best news ever!' Which of the following best describes the student's tone?

Accepted Answer

Excited and overjoyed

Answer

Calm and relieved

Answer

Worried and uncertain

Answer

Displeased and bitter

Question 5

You will hear a woman say: 'You think that new restaurant is any good? *Really?* I heard the service was terrible and the food was overpriced.' What does the speaker's tone on the word 'Really?' imply?

Accepted Answer

She is expressing doubt and skepticism.

Answer

She is asking for genuine confirmation.

Answer

She is showing enthusiastic agreement.

Answer

She is changing the subject of the conversation.

Question 6

Listen to a person leaving a voicemail message. They are speaking very quickly and their voice is slightly shaky: 'Hi, it's me. Listen, I've missed the last bus and my phone is about to die. I'm at the corner of Oak Street and Main. Please, can you come get me?' The speaker's tone conveys a sense of:

Accepted Answer

Urgency and anxiety

Answer

Casual indifference

Answer

Mild annoyance

Answer

Calm confidence