Listen for "Almost Negative" Expressions

Name:

Multiple Choice
Listen carefully to the short conversation and question, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should be particularly careful of “almost negative” expressions.

Question

A.	There’s little rain in July.	C.	It rains hard in July.
B.	In July it never rains.	D.	When it rains in July, it rains hard.

Question

A.	The university accepted three students.	C.	John was not accepted.
B.	None of the students is going to the university.	D.	Two were not admitted.

Question

A.	Although he did pass, Mark’s exam grade wasn’t too good.	C.	The highest grade on the history exam went to Mark.
B.	Mark failed his history exam.	D.	Professor Franks didn’t pass Mark on the history exam.

Question

A.	He often has long waits in Dr. Robert’s office.	C.	Dr. Roberts is generally punctual.
B.	He must wait patiently for Robert.	D.	He doesn’t mind waiting for Dr. Roberts.

Question

A.	Betty often takes vacations in winter.	C.	Occasionally Betty works one week during vacation.
B.	Betty prefers to take vacations in winter.	D.	A winter vacation is unusual for Betty.

Question

A.	He rarely spends time on his courses.	C.	He never studies.
B.	He’s an excellent student.	D.	His books are always open.

Question

A.	He finished the exam in plenty of time.	C.	He used every possible minute to finish.
B.	He was scared he wouldn’t finish.	D.	He was unable to complete the exam.

Question

A.	This was a very long staff meeting.	C.	The meeting lasted only until 1:00.
B.	This was the only staff meeting in a long time.	D.	The one staff meeting should’ve lasted longer.

Question

A.	Meat tastes delicious to him when it’s cooked rare.	C.	This meat is the best he’s tasted in a long time.
B.	He isn’t sure if the meal is delicious.	D.	He’d like to eat some meat from this delicatessen.

10.

Question

A.	He broke his arm trying to move it.	C.	He only tries to move the broken arm.
B.	He only hurt the broken arm.	D.	There’s no pain if he rests quietly.