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WACE Italian Second Language ATAR study materials
WACE Italian Second Language ATAR study resources

WACE Italian Second Language ATAR practice questions

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Question 1Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear: «Buongiorno, desidera un caffè o un tè?» What is the speaker asking?

  1. Whether you have already eaten
  2. Whether you want coffee or tea Correct answer.
  3. Where the station is located
  4. What time the shop closes

Explanation

The verb «desidera» is a polite form of «desiderare» (to wish, to want), and the question offers a choice between «un caffè» and «un tè». Recognising the polite third-person singular used in service encounters is essential for understanding offers in shops and cafés.

Question 2Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A friend says: «Ci vediamo alle otto davanti al cinema.» What arrangement is being made?

  1. Meeting at eight in front of the cinema Correct answer.
  2. Meeting the friend at the station at eight
  3. Watching a film at home together
  4. Buying tickets inside the cinema at nine

Explanation

«Ci vediamo» is a reciprocal construction meaning «we will see each other», and «alle otto» expresses the time. The phrase «davanti al cinema» combines the preposition «davanti a» with the articulated preposition «al» to mean «in front of the cinema».

Question 3Oral communication (listening and speaking)

In a shop you hear: «Mi dispiace, non abbiamo più biglietti.» What does the assistant mean?

  1. They have tickets only for tomorrow
  2. They have just sold you a ticket
  3. They no longer have any tickets left Correct answer.
  4. They want you to pay in advance

Explanation

The adverb «più» in a negative sentence means «any more» or «no longer», so «non abbiamo più» signals that something is finished or exhausted. «Mi dispiace» introduces an apology, confirming that the request cannot be met.

Question 4Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You are greeting a teacher at 9 a.m. Which spoken greeting is most appropriate?

  1. Buongiorno, professoressa. Correct answer.
  2. Notte, prof!
  3. Ehi, come va?
  4. Ciao, bella!

Explanation

In formal contexts Italian uses «Buongiorno» until the afternoon, followed by a title such as «professoressa». Informal greetings like «ciao» are reserved for people you know well and would be inappropriate with a teacher in a school setting.

Question 5Oral communication (listening and speaking)

Someone asks: «Scusi, sa dov'è la stazione?» What information do they want?

  1. The time of the next train
  2. The name of the ticket inspector
  3. The location of the station Correct answer.
  4. The price of a train ticket

Explanation

The question word «dov'è» is the contraction of «dove è» and asks about location. The polite «Scusi» signals that the speaker is approaching a stranger to ask for directions.

Question 6Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear: «Ho fame, andiamo a mangiare qualcosa?» What is the speaker suggesting?

  1. Going to bed because they are tired
  2. Cooking dinner at home alone
  3. Buying a present for someone
  4. Going to eat something together Correct answer.

Explanation

The idiom «avere fame» means «to be hungry», and «andiamo» is the first-person plural imperative used to make a suggestion. The indefinite «qualcosa» (something) confirms that the proposal is about getting food.

Question 7Oral communication (listening and speaking)

In a café the waiter asks: «Con zucchero o senza?» What is he checking?

  1. Whether you take sugar in your coffee Correct answer.
  2. Whether you want your drink hot
  3. Whether you will pay by card
  4. Whether you want a large or small cup

Explanation

The preposition «con» (with) contrasts with «senza» (without), and «zucchero» means sugar. This short elliptical question is very common in bars when serving coffee.

Question 8Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A recorded announcement says: «Il treno per Roma parte dal binario tre.» What should you do?

  1. Wait for a delay announcement
  2. Change trains at Rome station
  3. Buy a ticket for platform three
  4. Go to platform three for the Rome train Correct answer.

Explanation

«Parte dal binario tre» means «departs from platform three», and «il treno per Roma» identifies the destination. Recognising transport vocabulary such as «binario» and «parte» is a key listening skill in stations.

Question 9Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear a friend say: «Ieri sono andato al mare, ma ha piovuto tutto il giorno.» How was the day?

  1. Cancelled before it began
  2. Disappointing because of the rain Correct answer.
  3. Relaxing and sunny throughout
  4. Spent at home with friends

Explanation

The contrastive conjunction «ma» signals an unexpected turn, and «ha piovuto tutto il giorno» means it rained all day. The passato prossimo with «essere» («sono andato») sets the event in the past, so the listener must infer that the outing did not go as hoped.

Question 10Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A colleague says: «Se avessi tempo, verrei volentieri alla festa.» What does this tell you?

  1. They do not like parties at all
  2. They will come only if it rains
  3. They probably cannot come because they lack time Correct answer.
  4. They have already decided to attend

Explanation

The imperfect subjunctive «avessi» with the conditional «verrei» forms a hypothetical period of the second type, describing an unreal or unlikely present situation. The implication is that the condition is not met, so attendance is doubtful.

Question 11Oral communication (listening and speaking)

Someone says: «Non ho potuto chiamarti perché il telefono era scarico.» Why did they not call?

  1. They forgot the appointment
  2. Their phone battery was flat Correct answer.
  3. They had lost your number
  4. They were in a meeting

Explanation

The adjective «scarico» applied to «telefono» means the battery was run down. The imperfect «era» describes the background state that prevented the action, while «non ho potuto» expresses inability in the past.

Question 12Oral communication (listening and speaking)

In a phone message you hear: «Ciao, sono Luca. Richiamami appena puoi.» What is Luca asking?

  1. To meet at his house tonight
  2. To be called back as soon as possible Correct answer.
  3. To send a written reply by post
  4. To cancel the previous call

Explanation

«Richiamami» is the imperative of «richiamare» with the attached object pronoun «mi», meaning «call me back». The phrase «appena puoi» means «as soon as you can», softening the request politely.

Question 13Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A doctor tells you: «Deve prendere questa medicina due volte al giorno, dopo i pasti.» When should you take it?

  1. Once daily before breakfast
  2. Twice daily after meals Correct answer.
  3. Three times daily before sleeping
  4. Twice daily on an empty stomach

Explanation

«Due volte al giorno» specifies frequency, and «dopo i pasti» means after meals. The formal imperative «deve prendere» shows the doctor is instructing the patient, so precision in understanding instructions is important.

Question 14Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You overhear: «Meno male che hai portato l'ombrello!» What does the speaker imply?

  1. They doubt that it will rain
  2. They are relieved because it is raining Correct answer.
  3. They are annoyed about the umbrella
  4. They want to borrow the umbrella later

Explanation

«Meno male» is an idiomatic expression of relief, roughly «thank goodness». The exclamation with «che» plus the passato prossimo indicates that bringing the umbrella turned out to be fortunate, implying rain.

Question 15Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A shop assistant says: «Se vuole, può provarlo in camerino.» What is being offered?

  1. Trying the item on in the fitting room Correct answer.
  2. Having the item gift-wrapped
  3. Paying for the item at the counter
  4. Returning the item next week

Explanation

The verb «provare» in a clothing context means to try something on, and the pronoun «lo» refers to the item being discussed. «Camerino» is the fitting room, confirming the meaning of the offer.

Question 16Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear: «Purtroppo il museo è chiuso il lunedì.» What does this mean for a Monday visit?

  1. You must book online for Monday
  2. You cannot visit the museum that day Correct answer.
  3. The museum is free on Monday
  4. The museum opens later on Monday

Explanation

«Purtroppo» introduces bad news, and «è chiuso» states that the museum is closed. The definite time expression «il lunedì» indicates a regular weekly closure, so a Monday visit is not possible.

Question 17Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A friend says: «Mi raccomando, non fare tardi!» What are they telling you?

  1. Be sure not to be late Correct answer.
  2. Do not spend too much money
  3. Do not forget your bag
  4. Be careful crossing the road

Explanation

«Mi raccomando» is an idiomatic way of urging someone strongly, similar to «please, make sure». The imperative «non fare tardi» literally means «do not make late», that is, do not be late.

Question 18Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear: «Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per quattro persone stasera.» What is the person doing?

  1. Asking for the bill for four people
  2. Ordering four dishes to take away
  3. Booking a table for four this evening Correct answer.
  4. Inviting four friends to their house

Explanation

The conditional «vorrei» is the polite form used for requests, and «prenotare un tavolo» means to reserve a table. «Per quattro persone» gives the number of diners and «stasera» the time.

Question 19Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A radio item says: «A causa dello sciopero, i treni regionali subiranno ritardi.» What is the consequence?

  1. Regional trains will be cancelled entirely
  2. All tickets will cost more
  3. Regional trains will be delayed Correct answer.
  4. The station will close early

Explanation

«A causa di» introduces a cause, here a strike, and «subiranno ritardi» means they will suffer delays. The future tense «subiranno» indicates a predicted consequence rather than a completed event.

Question 20Oral communication (listening and speaking)

Someone says: «Non me l'aspettavo proprio!» What are they expressing?

  1. Certainty about a result
  2. Mild annoyance at a delay
  3. Refusal of an invitation
  4. Complete surprise at something Correct answer.

Explanation

The verb «aspettarsi» means to expect, and the combined pronouns «me lo» become «me l'» before the verb. The adverb «proprio» strengthens the negation, so the speaker is saying they really did not expect it, that is, they are surprised.

Question 21Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A speaker says: «Pur essendo stanco, è venuto alla riunione.» What does this sentence convey?

  1. He stayed home because he was tired
  2. He left the meeting early
  3. He was too tired to attend
  4. He attended despite being tired Correct answer.

Explanation

The construction «pur» plus a gerund («pur essendo») expresses concession, meaning «although» or «despite». It sets up a contrast between the state of tiredness and the action of attending, which did take place.

Question 22Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear: «Magari avessi studiato di più!» What does the speaker feel?

  1. Pride in their study habits
  2. Indifference towards studying
  3. Regret about not having studied enough Correct answer.
  4. Confidence about the exam result

Explanation

«Magari» followed by the imperfect subjunctive («avessi studiato») expresses a wish about an unreal past, here a regret. The pluperfect subjunctive «avessi studiato» refers to a missed opportunity that cannot now be changed.

Question 23Oral communication (listening and speaking)

In a discussion you hear: «Non è che non mi piaccia, però preferirei altro.» What is the speaker's attitude?

  1. Mildly negative but polite about the proposal Correct answer.
  2. Strongly enthusiastic about the proposal
  3. Completely indifferent to the proposal
  4. Unable to understand the proposal

Explanation

The double negative «non è che non mi piaccia» uses the subjunctive after «non è che» and softens the statement. The conditional «preferirei altro» politely signals a preference for something different, so the attitude is gently negative.

Question 24Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A news report says: «Il sindaco ha smentito le voci circolate ieri.» What happened?

  1. The mayor confirmed the rumours were true
  2. The mayor denied the rumours that spread yesterday Correct answer.
  3. The mayor started new rumours himself
  4. The mayor refused to speak to journalists

Explanation

The verb «smentire» means to deny or contradict a claim, and «le voci» here means rumours rather than voices. The past participle «circolate» refers to rumours that circulated the day before.

Question 25Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear: «Avevo appena finito di mangiare quando è squillato il telefono.» What is the correct sequence?

  1. The phone rang throughout the meal
  2. The meal finished just before the phone rang Correct answer.
  3. The meal was interrupted before it began
  4. The phone rang, then the meal was finished

Explanation

The structure «appena» with the trapassato prossimo («avevo appena finito») followed by the passato remoto («è squillato» in this narrative style) shows that the first action was completed immediately before the second. Ordering past events correctly is central to understanding spoken narratives.

Question 26Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear a station announcement: «Il treno regionale 2047 per Bologna è in arrivo sul binario cinque.» What information is being given?

  1. The arrival platform of a regional train Correct answer.
  2. The price of a ticket to Bologna
  3. The delay of a local bus service
  4. The departure time of an Intercity train

Explanation

The announcement uses «è in arrivo sul binario cinque», which states the platform where the train will arrive. The number and destination identify the service, while the key detail is the platform. Listeners should go to platform five.

Question 27Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A friend tells you: «Domani devo alzarmi alle sei perché ho un colloquio di lavoro.» Why must the friend get up early?

  1. Because of a job interview Correct answer.
  2. To catch an early flight
  3. To study for an exam
  4. To meet a friend at the station

Explanation

The causal clause «perché ho un colloquio di lavoro» explains the reason for the early rise. «Colloquio di lavoro» means job interview. The other activities are not mentioned at all.

Question 28Oral communication (listening and speaking)

In a clothing shop you hear: «Questo modello è disponibile solo in taglia grande.» What does the assistant mean?

  1. The item is sold out completely
  2. The item is on special offer today
  3. The item is available only in a large size Correct answer.
  4. The item comes in every size

Explanation

The phrase «solo in taglia grande» limits availability to the large size. «Taglia» refers to clothing size. The assistant is telling you that other sizes are not in stock.

Question 29Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear a recorded message: «Benvenuti al museo. Le visite guidate iniziano ogni ora a partire dalle dieci.» When do guided tours start?

  1. Every two hours from nine
  2. Every half hour from eight
  3. Only once at midday
  4. Every hour from ten o'clock Correct answer.

Explanation

«Ogni ora» means every hour, and «a partire dalle dieci» sets the starting point at ten o'clock. Combining these two expressions gives tours every hour from ten. Other intervals and times contradict the recording.

Question 30Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A classmate says: «Non ho capito la consegna, puoi spiegarmela di nuovo?» What does the classmate want?

  1. To work with a different partner
  2. To change the assignment topic
  3. To hand in the work early
  4. To receive the task instructions again Correct answer.

Explanation

The verb «spiegarmela di nuovo» means to explain it again to me, referring to «la consegna», the instructions. The classmate did not understand and asks for a repeat. There is no request to change topic or partner.

Question 31Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A neighbour says: «Scusa il disturbo, potresti abbassare la musica dopo le undici?» What is the neighbour politely asking?

  1. To turn the music up
  2. To invite them to a party
  3. To stop playing music forever
  4. To lower the music after eleven Correct answer.

Explanation

The polite conditional «potresti abbassare» is a request to lower the volume, and «dopo le undici» specifies the time. The opening apology «scusa il disturbo» softens the request. The neighbour is not asking for silence at all times.

Question 32Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear a weather forecast: «Domani mattina cielo sereno, ma nel pomeriggio sono previsti temporali.» What should you expect in the afternoon?

  1. Light snow
  2. Clear sunny skies
  3. Strong wind only
  4. Storms Correct answer.

Explanation

The forecast contrasts a clear morning with «temporali» expected in the afternoon. «Temporali» means thunderstorms. The conjunction «ma» signals the change in conditions.

Question 33Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A friend says on the phone: «Ci vediamo davanti al cinema alle otto meno un quarto.» What time will you meet?

  1. 7:45 Correct answer.
  2. 7:15
  3. 8:45
  4. 8:15

Explanation

Italians express time by subtraction with «meno»: «le otto meno un quarto» means a quarter of an hour before eight, that is 7:45. The hour named is the one being approached. Reading it as a quarter after eight reverses the direction.

Question 34Oral communication (listening and speaking)

In a restaurant the waiter says: «Il secondo piatto è accompagnato da un contorno a scelta.» What choice are you being offered?

  1. A side dish of your choosing Correct answer.
  2. A dessert from the menu
  3. A different main course
  4. A drink included in the price

Explanation

In Italian meals «il contorno» is the side dish served with the main course, and «a scelta» means of your choice. The waiter is offering you a selection of side dishes. The main course itself is already fixed.

Question 35Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear: «Se non fosse stato per il tuo aiuto, non avrei finito in tempo.» What is the speaker doing?

  1. Asking for help next time
  2. Thanking you for essential help Correct answer.
  3. Complaining about late help
  4. Refusing your help

Explanation

The hypothetical construction «se non fosse stato per il tuo aiuto» credits the listener's help as decisive. The result clause «non avrei finito in tempo» shows the task would have failed without it. The overall effect is gratitude.

Question 36Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A colleague tells you: «Ho dovuto rinunciare alla gita perché mi hanno convocato per una riunione urgente.» Why did the colleague cancel the trip?

  1. Because the trip was too expensive
  2. Because of illness
  3. Because of an urgent meeting at work Correct answer.
  4. Because of bad weather

Explanation

The clause «perché mi hanno convocato per una riunione urgente» gives the reason: an urgent meeting. «Rinunciare a» means to give up or cancel something. The other reasons are not mentioned.

Question 37Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You overhear: «Non vedo l'ora che arrivi l'estate, quest'anno è stata infinita!» What is the speaker expressing?

  1. Indifference towards the seasons
  2. Impatience for summer to arrive Correct answer.
  3. Nostalgia for last summer
  4. Dread about the coming summer

Explanation

The idiom «non vedere l'ora che» expresses eager impatience for something to happen. Here the speaker longs for summer after a long year. The exclamation reinforces the strength of the feeling.

Question 38Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A doctor says: «Per ora deve evitare sforzi e riposare almeno tre giorni.» What advice is given?

  1. To take a blood test
  2. To exercise daily for three days
  3. To return to work immediately
  4. To rest and avoid exertion Correct answer.

Explanation

The verb «evitare» means to avoid, and «sforzi» refers to physical exertion, while «riposare» means to rest. The phrase «almeno tre giorni» sets a minimum rest period. The advice is therefore rest and no exertion.

Question 39Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear a radio advertisement: «Solo per questa settimana, tutti i libri sono scontati del trenta per cento.» What is being advertised?

  1. A free book for every purchase
  2. A new library opening
  3. A permanent price reduction
  4. A one-week discount on books Correct answer.

Explanation

The time limit «solo per questa settimana» restricts the offer to one week, and «scontati del trenta per cento» specifies a thirty per cent discount. The product is «libri», books. The offer is temporary, not permanent.

Question 40Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A friend says: «Peccato che tu non sia potuto venire, la serata è stata fantastica!» What is the friend communicating?

  1. Anger that you did not help
  2. Relief that you stayed at home
  3. Confusion about the evening's plan
  4. Regret that you missed a great evening Correct answer.

Explanation

«Peccato che» introduces regret about something that did not happen, here your absence. The second clause praises the evening as «fantastica». Together they express regret that you missed a good time.

Question 41Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear a student say: «Il professore ci ha chiesto di consegnare la relazione entro venerdì.» What is the deadline?

  1. The following Monday
  2. At the end of the month
  3. Before Friday Correct answer.
  4. After the weekend

Explanation

The preposition «entro» means by or before a given time, so «entro venerdì» sets Friday as the deadline. The report must be handed in no later than Friday. Other options move the deadline later than stated.

Question 42Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A hotel receptionist says: «La colazione è inclusa, ma il parcheggio è a pagamento.» What does this mean?

  1. Both breakfast and parking are free
  2. Parking is free but breakfast costs extra
  3. Breakfast is included but parking costs extra Correct answer.
  4. Neither breakfast nor parking is available

Explanation

«Inclusa» means included in the price, while «a pagamento» means subject to payment. The contrast introduced by «ma» separates the free breakfast from the paid parking. The two services have different conditions.

Question 43Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear: «Per quanto mi riguarda, la proposta è accettabile, purché i tempi vengano rispettati.» What is the speaker's position?

  1. Complete indifference to the proposal
  2. Conditional acceptance of the proposal Correct answer.
  3. A request to postpone the decision
  4. Total rejection of the proposal

Explanation

The phrase «purché i tempi vengano rispettati» introduces a condition, so acceptance depends on meeting deadlines. «Per quanto mi riguarda» limits the opinion to the speaker. The result is conditional agreement, not outright rejection.

Question 44Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A friend says: «Ho fatto una figuraccia davanti a tutti durante la presentazione.» How did the friend feel?

  1. Bored during the presentation
  2. Confident about the result
  3. Proud of the performance
  4. Embarrassed in front of others Correct answer.

Explanation

«Fare una figuraccia» is an idiom meaning to make a fool of oneself or look bad in public. The phrase «davanti a tutti» underlines the public nature of the embarrassment. The feeling described is embarrassment, not pride.

Question 45Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear a guide say: «Questo quadro, dipinto nel 1500, è stato restaurato due volte nel secolo scorso.» When was the painting restored?

  1. In the sixteenth century
  2. Twice during the twentieth century Correct answer.
  3. Only once, last year
  4. At the end of the nineteenth century

Explanation

«Nel secolo scorso» means in the last century, that is the twentieth century, and «due volte» indicates two restorations. The date 1500 refers to when the painting was created, not restored. The two time references must be kept separate.

Question 46Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A colleague remarks: «Avrei preferito che mi avvisassi prima di prendere quella decisione.» What is the colleague expressing?

  1. Mild criticism about not being consulted Correct answer.
  2. A wish to take the same decision
  3. Approval of the decision taken
  4. Satisfaction with the communication

Explanation

The past conditional «avrei preferito» with the imperfect subjunctive «che mi avvisassi» expresses a wish about the past that was not fulfilled. The colleague would have liked to be informed beforehand. This conveys mild criticism for not being consulted.

Question 47Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear: «Nonostante avesse studiato poco, è riuscito a superare l'esame con un buon voto.» What does the sentence emphasise?

  1. That the student refused to take the exam
  2. That success came despite limited study Correct answer.
  3. That studying little always leads to failure
  4. That the exam was unusually easy

Explanation

The concessive «nonostante» introduces an obstacle that did not prevent the result. The student had studied little yet passed with a good mark. The sentence highlights the contrast between limited preparation and success.

Question 48Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A news bulletin reports: «Secondo fonti ufficiali, le trattative sarebbero in fase avanzata.» How is the information presented?

  1. As reported but not confirmed information Correct answer.
  2. As a rumour officially denied
  3. As a personal opinion of the journalist
  4. As a confirmed final agreement

Explanation

The conditional «sarebbero» is used in journalism to report information not yet confirmed by the speaker. The phrase «secondo fonti ufficiali» attributes the claim to sources. The report therefore presents unconfirmed but attributed information.

Question 49Oral communication (listening and speaking)

A speaker says: «A dirla tutta, quel progetto mi sembra un po' troppo ambizioso per i tempi che abbiamo.» What is the speaker doing?

  1. Refusing to discuss the project
  2. Praising the project enthusiastically
  3. Cautiously questioning the project's feasibility Correct answer.
  4. Confirming that the deadlines are generous

Explanation

The idiom «a dirla tutta» introduces a frank opinion, and «un po' troppo ambizioso» expresses a mild reservation. The reference to available time suggests doubts about feasibility. The criticism is softened but clear.

Question 50Oral communication (listening and speaking)

You hear: «Per carità, hai ragione tu, però forse converrebbe sentire anche gli altri.» What is the speaker's communicative strategy?

  1. Rejecting the other person's argument outright
  2. Conceding a point while suggesting another step Correct answer.
  3. Changing the subject completely
  4. Ending the conversation abruptly

Explanation

«Per carità, hai ragione tu» concedes the point politely, while «però forse converrebbe» adds a suggestion with a softened tone. The speaker agrees in part but proposes consulting others. This is a diplomatic, concessive strategy.