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LanguageCert ESOL B2 Communicator study materials
LanguageCert ESOL B2 Communicator study resources

LanguageCert ESOL B2 Communicator practice questions

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Question 1Listening

You hear: "The 9.15 service to Bristol will now depart from platform 4 instead of platform 2." Where should passengers go?

  1. The ticket office
  2. Platform 4 Correct answer.
  3. Platform 9
  4. Platform 2

Explanation

The announcement states a change of departure point: the train now leaves from platform 4, replacing platform 2. Candidates must track the correction marker 'instead of' and attach it to the new information, not the old.

Question 2Listening

A speaker says: "I'd have gone to the concert if the tickets hadn't sold out so fast." What does the speaker mean?

  1. They did not go to the concert. Correct answer.
  2. They are going to the concert later.
  3. They went but arrived late.
  4. They bought tickets quickly.

Explanation

The third conditional (would have + past participle with an if-clause in the past perfect) describes an unreal past situation. Since the condition was not met, the result did not happen, so the speaker stayed away.

Question 3Listening

You hear: "Could you let me know by Friday whether you're coming to the workshop?" What is the listener asked to do?

  1. Cancel the workshop
  2. Confirm attendance before Friday Correct answer.
  3. Send an email on Friday morning
  4. Attend a workshop on Friday

Explanation

The deadline 'by Friday' means before or on Friday, and the request is to say whether they will attend. The speaker wants a reply about attendance ahead of that date, not an action performed on the day itself.

Question 4Listening

Part 2 recording: "I used to think city cycling was dangerous, but since the new lanes opened I feel far safer." How does the speaker's attitude compare with the past?

  1. It changes from day to day.
  2. It has stayed the same.
  3. It has become more negative.
  4. It has become more positive. Correct answer.

Explanation

The structure 'used to think ... but since ...' signals a change of view. The speaker now feels 'far safer', so the attitude has shifted in a positive direction compared with the past.

Question 5Listening

You hear: "The museum is closed on Mondays, and on public holidays it opens at eleven rather than nine." When does the museum open at nine?

  1. On Mondays
  2. Every day
  3. On public holidays
  4. On ordinary weekdays Correct answer.

Explanation

Two exceptions are given: Mondays (closed) and public holidays (opening at eleven). The normal opening time of nine therefore applies on all other days, that is ordinary weekdays.

Question 6Listening

Speaker: "Right, so we've agreed the budget, and now we need to sort out the venue." What does 'sort out' mean here?

  1. Postpone indefinitely
  2. Complain about
  3. Organise or arrange Correct answer.
  4. Cancel completely

Explanation

In informal spoken English 'sort out' means to deal with something and get it arranged or resolved. In this meeting context the group still has to choose and confirm a venue.

Question 7Listening

You hear: "The flight was delayed by three hours, so we missed our connection and had to stay overnight in Amsterdam." What was the direct cause of the overnight stay?

  1. A cancelled connection
  2. Bad weather in Amsterdam
  3. A three-hour delay leading to a missed connection Correct answer.
  4. A lost suitcase

Explanation

The speaker links the sequence explicitly: delay, then missed connection, then overnight stay. The missed connection caused by the delay is the immediate reason for staying, not the weather or luggage.

Question 8Listening

In a lecture you hear: "Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall is not a single continuous structure but a network of walls built over many centuries." What is the lecturer doing?

  1. Recommending a visit
  2. Correcting a common misconception Correct answer.
  3. Describing a single wall
  4. Criticising the builders

Explanation

The phrase 'contrary to popular belief' introduces a correction of a widely held but inaccurate idea. The lecturer replaces the single-wall image with the accurate picture of many walls built across centuries.

Question 9Listening

You hear: "If I were you, I'd check the small print before signing anything." What is the speaker doing?

  1. Giving advice Correct answer.
  2. Asking a question
  3. Making a complaint
  4. Refusing to sign

Explanation

'If I were you, I'd...' is a standard formula for offering advice, softened by the hypothetical second conditional. The speaker recommends reading the small print, not performing the action themselves.

Question 10Listening

You hear: "We're looking for someone who can start immediately, ideally with two years' experience in customer service." What is the minimum stated requirement?

  1. Fluency in two languages
  2. A university degree
  3. An immediate start Correct answer.
  4. Two years' experience

Explanation

'Ideally' marks the two years' experience as desirable rather than essential, while starting immediately is stated without hedging. Candidates must distinguish firm requirements from preferences in job advertisements.

Question 11Listening

You hear: "The train leaves at ten to seven, so let's meet at the station at half past six to be safe." What time is the train?

  1. 7.10
  2. 6.30
  3. 7.30
  4. 6.50 Correct answer.

Explanation

'Ten to seven' means ten minutes before seven o'clock, that is 6.50. The meeting time of half past six is a separate, earlier arrangement for arriving in good time.

Question 12Listening

Speaker: "I'm afraid I can't make Tuesday, but Wednesday afternoon works for me." What is the speaker doing?

  1. Asking for the agenda
  2. Rejecting a time and proposing another Correct answer.
  3. Accepting Tuesday
  4. Cancelling the whole meeting

Explanation

The speaker declines the first suggestion with a polite 'I'm afraid I can't' and immediately offers an alternative that suits them. This is a classic negotiating move in scheduling conversations.

Question 13Listening

You hear: "It wasn't until I got home that I realised I'd left my umbrella on the bus." When did the speaker notice the loss?

  1. The next morning
  2. Before leaving work
  3. After arriving home Correct answer.
  4. While on the bus

Explanation

The cleft structure 'It wasn't until ... that ...' places the realisation at the later point in time. The umbrella was left earlier, but the speaker only became aware of it on reaching home.

Question 14Listening

In a radio interview: "The council says the new bus route will reduce congestion, though residents remain doubtful." What is the interviewer reporting?

  1. A single agreed fact
  2. The council's cancellation
  3. Two opposing views Correct answer.
  4. The residents' decision

Explanation

The report contrasts the council's claim with the residents' scepticism, signalled by 'though'. The listener must recognise that two conflicting perspectives are being presented, not one settled fact.

Question 15Listening

You hear: "Passengers travelling with young children may board before the general call." Who is allowed to board early?

  1. All passengers
  2. Passengers with hand luggage
  3. Passengers with young children Correct answer.
  4. Frequent flyers

Explanation

'May' here grants permission, and the permission is limited to the group named: those travelling with young children. Other passengers must wait for the general call.

Question 16Listening

Speaker: "Honestly, the film was nowhere near as good as the book." What does the speaker think of the film?

  1. It was excellent.
  2. It was much worse than the book. Correct answer.
  3. It was exactly like the book.
  4. It was slightly better than the book.

Explanation

'Nowhere near as good as' is a strong comparative of inequality meaning far less good. The speaker rates the film considerably lower than the book, not merely a little lower.

Question 17Listening

You hear: "The gallery's main exhibition is free, but you'll need to book a timed slot online in advance." What must visitors do?

  1. Pay an entrance fee
  2. Arrive without booking
  3. Reserve a time online beforehand Correct answer.
  4. Buy a catalogue

Explanation

The sentence separates cost from procedure: entry is free, yet a timed slot must be reserved online before the visit. Candidates must catch both halves rather than stopping at the word 'free'.

Question 18Listening

In a phone message: "Hi, it's Dan. Sorry to mess you about, but could we push our meeting back to four?" What does Dan want?

  1. To move the meeting later Correct answer.
  2. To change the location
  3. To meet earlier
  4. To cancel the meeting

Explanation

'Push back' in scheduling means to move something to a later time, here four o'clock. The apology 'sorry to mess you about' signals a change of arrangement, not a cancellation.

Question 19Listening

You hear: "Had I known the deadline was today, I would have started sooner." What is true about the speaker?

  1. They finished on time.
  2. They started early.
  3. They did not know the deadline was today. Correct answer.
  4. They were told about the deadline.

Explanation

Inverted conditionals ('Had I known...') carry the same meaning as 'If I had known...' and describe a past situation that did not happen. The speaker was unaware of the deadline and therefore began late.

Question 20Listening

A tour guide says: "Keep your bags in front of you at all times, as pickpockets often work the crowded areas near the cathedral." Why does the guide give this instruction?

  1. To warn about theft Correct answer.
  2. To sell bags
  3. To describe the cathedral
  4. To speed up the tour

Explanation

The reason clause introduced by 'as' explains the purpose of the instruction: crowded places attract pickpockets. The guide is giving a safety warning rather than a commercial or historical comment.

Question 21Listening

Speaker A: "You didn't tell me the office had moved." Speaker B: "Well, you didn't ask." What is B's tone?

  1. Defensive Correct answer.
  2. Sympathetic
  3. Confused
  4. Apologetic

Explanation

B's reply shifts responsibility back to A rather than accepting blame, which is a defensive move. The informal 'Well' plus the counter-accusation signals that B feels the criticism is unfair.

Question 22Listening

You hear: "The course runs for twelve weeks, with classes twice a week, and there's a final assessment in the last session." How many classes are there in total?

  1. Twelve
  2. Twenty-six
  3. Twenty-four Correct answer.
  4. Two

Explanation

The total is calculated by multiplying the length of the course by the weekly frequency: twelve weeks times two classes each week gives twenty-four. This is a straightforward numerical inference question.

Question 23Listening

In a news report: "The company has denied reports that it plans to close the factory, insisting the site will remain open." What is the company's position?

  1. It has already sold the site.
  2. It says the factory will stay open. Correct answer.
  3. It refuses to comment.
  4. It confirms the closure.

Explanation

The verb 'denied' plus the participle clause 'insisting the site will remain open' makes the company's stance clear. Listeners must follow the reporting verbs to separate the rumour from the official response.

Question 24Listening

You hear: "I'd rather you didn't mention the party to Sam - it's meant to be a surprise." What does the speaker want?

  1. To keep the party secret from Sam Correct answer.
  2. To invite Sam to the party
  3. To move the party to another day
  4. To cancel the party

Explanation

'I'd rather you didn't...' expresses a polite but firm preference about someone else's behaviour. The reason given, that the party is a surprise, confirms the aim is to keep Sam uninformed.

Question 25Listening

A lecturer says: "So the experiment failed twice before succeeding, which underlines how much persistence matters in research." What is the lecturer's point?

  1. Perseverance is essential in research. Correct answer.
  2. The results were never published.
  3. Failure is common and should be avoided.
  4. The experiment was badly designed.

Explanation

The relative clause beginning 'which underlines' draws a general lesson from the example. The lecturer uses the repeated failure to emphasise the value of persistence rather than to criticise the method.

Question 26Listening

You hear: "The workshop's been moved from Room 12 to the annexe, and we've pushed the start back by half an hour." What are listeners told about the workshop?

  1. It will now take place in Room 12 as planned.
  2. It has a new location and a later start time. Correct answer.
  3. It has been cancelled and will be rearranged.
  4. It will begin earlier but in a different room.

Explanation

Two separate changes are announced: the room changes from Room 12 to the annexe, and the start is delayed by thirty minutes. A correct answer must capture both pieces of information, since each one alone is incomplete.

Question 27Listening

A receptionist says: "I can book you in for Thursday, but the only slots left are first thing in the morning." What is she telling the caller?

  1. The caller must choose a different day entirely.
  2. Thursday is fully booked all day.
  3. She cannot offer any appointment this week.
  4. Only early appointments remain on Thursday. Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase "first thing in the morning" means very early, and "the only slots left" signals limited availability. Together they indicate that Thursday is possible but only at early times.

Question 28Listening

You hear: "Could you give me a ring once you've spoken to the landlord?" What does the speaker want the listener to do?

  1. Write a letter to the landlord.
  2. Visit the landlord in person.
  3. Telephone after contacting the landlord. Correct answer.
  4. Send an email before calling the landlord.

Explanation

In British English, "give me a ring" is an informal idiom meaning to phone someone. The call should happen after the conversation with the landlord, which is marked by "once".

Question 29Listening

In a shop you hear: "These are reduced to clear, so I'm afraid they can't be returned." What does the assistant mean?

  1. The items must be ordered in advance.
  2. The items are cheap because they are faulty.
  3. The items are discounted and non-refundable. Correct answer.
  4. The items can be exchanged but not refunded.

Explanation

"Reduced to clear" means discounted to sell off remaining stock, and "can't be returned" removes the option of bringing them back. The assistant is warning that low prices come without a returns policy.

Question 30Listening

You hear: "I was going to drive, but with the roadworks on the ring road I think I'll take the bus after all." Why has the speaker changed plans?

  1. Parking near the office is unavailable.
  2. The bus is cheaper than fuel.
  3. The car has broken down.
  4. Roadworks make driving inconvenient. Correct answer.

Explanation

The speaker names the roadworks on the ring road as the reason for abandoning the original plan to drive. "After all" signals a change of mind caused by that obstacle.

Question 31Listening

A colleague says: "I've copied in the whole team so everyone's in the picture." What does she mean?

  1. She has invited the team to a meeting.
  2. She has asked the team for their opinions.
  3. She has made sure everyone is informed. Correct answer.
  4. She has sent the team a photograph.

Explanation

"In the picture" is an idiom meaning aware of or informed about a situation. Copying everyone into the message ensures all recipients know what is happening.

Question 32Listening

In a voicemail you hear: "Sorry to be a nuisance, but the figures you sent don't quite add up - could you run through them with me?" What does the caller want?

  1. A completely new set of figures by email.
  2. An explanation of figures that seem inconsistent. Correct answer.
  3. A copy of the figures sent to a colleague.
  4. A written apology for the mistake.

Explanation

"Don't add up" means the numbers appear inconsistent or wrong, and "run through" means to explain step by step. The caller is politely asking for a walkthrough, not for new documents.

Question 33Listening

You hear: "The museum's free on the first Sunday of the month, but you still have to reserve a place online." What must visitors do on that day?

  1. Arrive before a set opening time.
  2. Book a place on the website. Correct answer.
  3. Pay a reduced entrance fee.
  4. Join a guided tour to enter.

Explanation

Entry is free, but the speaker adds a condition: a place must still be reserved online. The word "but" marks the requirement that remains despite the lack of a ticket price.

Question 34Listening

A trainer says: "Don't worry about writing everything down - the slides will be emailed to you afterwards." What is the trainer advising?

  1. That handouts are available at reception.
  2. That the slides contain errors.
  3. That note-taking is unnecessary. Correct answer.
  4. That the session will be repeated.

Explanation

The trainer reassures the group that they need not record every detail because the slides will follow by email. The advice is therefore to relax about taking notes rather than to stop listening.

Question 35Listening

You hear: "The flat itself is lovely, but the landlord wants three months' rent up front." What is the speaker's concern?

  1. The size of the flat is too small.
  2. The location is inconvenient.
  3. The decoration is poor.
  4. The upfront payment is demanding. Correct answer.

Explanation

The speaker praises the flat first, then introduces a drawback with "but". The drawback is the requirement to pay three months' rent in advance, which is the source of concern.

Question 36Listening

A guide says: "We'll break for lunch at the harbour, where there are several cafés, and reconvene by the fountain at two." What should the group do at two o'clock?

  1. Order lunch at a café.
  2. Return to the hotel independently.
  3. Board the coach at the harbour.
  4. Meet again beside the fountain. Correct answer.

Explanation

"Reconvene" means to gather again after a break, and the meeting point is given as the fountain. Two o'clock is therefore the reassembly time, not the lunch time.

Question 37Listening

You hear: "I'd have thought the earlier train would be quieter, given it's before the rush hour." What is the speaker doing?

  1. Complaining about a delayed train.
  2. Suggesting a reason to travel earlier. Correct answer.
  3. Confirming a timetable change.
  4. Refusing to travel by train.

Explanation

"I'd have thought" introduces a tentative opinion, and the reason given is that the earlier service avoids the rush hour. The speaker is putting forward an argument for choosing the earlier train.

Question 38Listening

In a news bulletin: "The strike, now in its third week, has left shelves empty in many stores, and talks are said to be at a standstill." What does the report say about the talks?

  1. They have reached a settlement.
  2. They have not yet begun.
  3. They are making steady progress.
  4. They have stopped making progress. Correct answer.

Explanation

"At a standstill" means no movement or progress is being made. The report therefore indicates that negotiations are stalled, which explains the continuing empty shelves.

Question 39Listening

A manager says: "Feel free to take the afternoon off, provided the report is on my desk by Friday." What is the condition attached to the offer?

  1. The afternoon off must be worked later.
  2. The manager must approve the report first.
  3. The report must be sent to the whole team.
  4. The report must be finished by Friday. Correct answer.

Explanation

"Provided" introduces a condition that must be met for the offer to stand. The condition is that the report reaches the manager's desk by Friday, while the time off itself is unconditional otherwise.

Question 40Listening

You hear: "It's not that the pay is bad - it's more that there's no chance of moving up." What is the speaker's main reason for dissatisfaction?

  1. The salary is too low.
  2. The colleagues are unfriendly.
  3. The hours are too long.
  4. Promotion prospects are limited. Correct answer.

Explanation

The "not that... it's more that" structure moves the emphasis onto the second point. The speaker downplays pay and identifies the lack of opportunity to move up as the real problem.

Question 41Listening

A recorded message says: "Due to essential maintenance, the swimming pool will be closed from Monday until further notice." What does "until further notice" tell you?

  1. The reopening date is not yet known. Correct answer.
  2. The pool reopens next Monday.
  3. The closure lasts exactly one week.
  4. The pool will close permanently.

Explanation

"Until further notice" is a fixed phrase meaning no end date has been set and people will be told later. It signals an indefinite closure rather than a dated one.

Question 42Listening

You hear: "She's been off sick for a fortnight, so we've had to bring in a temp." What has happened?

  1. A colleague is unwell and cover has been arranged. Correct answer.
  2. A colleague has resigned from her post.
  3. A colleague is on holiday for two weeks.
  4. A colleague has been promoted.

Explanation

"Off sick" means absent through illness, and a "fortnight" is two weeks. A temp has been brought in to cover the work, so the key facts are illness plus temporary replacement.

Question 43Listening

A librarian says: "You can renew the book twice online, but after that you'll have to bring it back to the desk." What happens after two renewals?

  1. The loan becomes permanent.
  2. The book is automatically reserved.
  3. The borrower must pay a fine.
  4. The book must be returned in person. Correct answer.

Explanation

The speaker sets a limit of two online renewals, after which the item must be taken to the desk. "Bring it back" indicates a physical return rather than another extension.

Question 44Listening

In an interview you hear: "I cut my teeth in a small family firm, which meant I got to do a bit of everything." What does the speaker mean?

  1. He set up his own family business.
  2. He gained his early experience in a small firm. Correct answer.
  3. He found the small firm badly organised.
  4. He left the firm after a disagreement.

Explanation

"Cut my teeth" is an idiom meaning to gain one's first experience of something. The speaker adds that the small firm gave him broad experience, which supports that reading.

Question 45Listening

A weather forecast says: "Showers will clear by mid-morning, leaving a bright afternoon, though it will feel chilly in the breeze." What does the forecast predict for the afternoon?

  1. Sunny but cool in the wind. Correct answer.
  2. Warm and completely still.
  3. Heavy rain throughout.
  4. Cloudy with no wind at all.

Explanation

"Bright" indicates sunshine and "chilly in the breeze" indicates cool air with some wind. The forecast combines clear conditions with a cold feel, so the correct option must include both.

Question 46Listening

You hear: "I only mentioned the extra cost because I assumed you'd want to know before signing." Why did the speaker raise the cost?

  1. To complain about the price.
  2. To delay the signing.
  3. To cancel the agreement.
  4. To warn the listener in advance. Correct answer.

Explanation

The speaker explains the motive: the information was shared so the listener would know before committing. "Before signing" shows the purpose is a timely warning, not a complaint.

Question 47Listening

A safety briefing says: "In the unlikely event of an evacuation, leave by the nearest exit and do not stop to collect belongings." What are people told to do?

  1. Take their valuables with them.
  2. Use the main entrance only.
  3. Wait for staff to lead them out.
  4. Exit quickly without gathering possessions. Correct answer.

Explanation

The instruction combines two points: use the nearest exit and do not pause for belongings. The emphasis on not stopping indicates speed matters more than collecting personal items.

Question 48Listening

You hear: "The restaurant got my order wrong twice, and then had the nerve to add a service charge." What is the speaker's attitude?

  1. Indignant about the charge. Correct answer.
  2. Amused by the mistake.
  3. Satisfied with the service.
  4. Indifferent to the whole visit.

Explanation

"Had the nerve" expresses outrage at something seen as unacceptable. The speaker is angered that a service charge was added after poor service, so the attitude is one of indignation.

Question 49Listening

A course tutor says: "Hand in a draft by week six; the final version isn't due until week ten." What is due in week six?

  1. The final version.
  2. A draft of the assignment. Correct answer.
  3. A presentation to the class.
  4. A written exam.

Explanation

Two deadlines are contrasted: a draft in week six and the final version in week ten. The word "draft" makes clear that the week-six submission is a preliminary version.

Question 50Listening

You hear: "There's been a mix-up with the seating, so I'm afraid you and your colleague have been split up." What does the speaker mean?

  1. The two people are no longer sitting together. Correct answer.
  2. The event has been postponed.
  3. The seats were more expensive than expected.
  4. The venue has been changed at short notice.

Explanation

A "mix-up" is a confusion or error, and "split up" here means separated. The result is that the two colleagues will sit in different places, not that the event has changed.