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Linguaskill Business study materials
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Linguaskill Business practice questions

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Question 1Speaking

In Part 1 of the Linguaskill Business Speaking test, you are asked about your work or studies. Which response is most appropriate for this task?

  1. Yes, I quite agree with that proposal.
  2. I work as a logistics coordinator for a small export company. Correct answer.
  3. Could you repeat the question more slowly, please?
  4. That depends entirely on the quarterly budget review.

Explanation

Part 1 checks whether you can give short, personal, factual answers about familiar topics such as your job, company or studies. A direct statement naming your role and workplace fits that brief. The other options either request repetition, respond to an opinion, or overcomplicate a simple personal question.

Question 2Speaking

The examiner asks: 'What do you enjoy most about your job?' Which reply best fulfils the task?

  1. It is located in the city centre near the station.
  2. I usually start at half past eight in the morning.
  3. I have been working there since 2019.
  4. My favourite part is meeting clients and solving their problems. Correct answer.

Explanation

The question asks for a preference, so the answer must name something you enjoy. Only the option stating a favourite part responds to 'what do you enjoy'. The others supply a duration, a location and a schedule, which answer different questions.

Question 3Speaking

In Part 2 of Linguaskill Business Speaking, you talk about a topic for about one minute. Which approach best meets the requirement?

  1. Ask the examiner what they would say about the topic.
  2. Give one short sentence and wait for the next question.
  3. Speak for the full time, covering several points with reasons. Correct answer.
  4. Read a prepared script word for word from notes.

Explanation

Part 2 rewards sustained, coherent speech, so you should keep talking for the allotted time and develop more than one point with reasons or examples. A single sentence or a question back to the examiner leaves the task incomplete. Reading a script aloud also fails to demonstrate spontaneous fluency.

Question 4Speaking

You are asked in Part 2 to describe a business event you attended. Which opening best structures a one-minute talk?

  1. Sorry, I didn't catch what you said.
  2. In conclusion, it was a very valuable experience overall.
  3. Last year I attended a trade fair in Frankfurt, and I'd like to describe three things about it. Correct answer.
  4. Trade fairs are generally quite useful for companies.

Explanation

A strong long turn opens by naming the event and signalling the structure you will follow. This gives the examiner a clear roadmap and helps you keep speaking. Generic statements, requests for repetition, or jumping straight to a conclusion do not set up a developed answer.

Question 5Speaking

Which phrase is the most natural way to gain thinking time during a Linguaskill Business Speaking response without losing fluency?

  1. I refuse to answer that.
  2. Stop. I need a pen.
  3. Hmm, let me think about that for a moment. Correct answer.
  4. What was the question again, sorry, sorry?

Explanation

Filling a pause with a natural hesitation phrase keeps the flow of speech and signals that an answer is coming. This is a recognised fluency strategy. Repeated confused questions or abrupt refusals break communication and are penalised.

Question 6Speaking

In Part 3 of Linguaskill Business Speaking, you respond to questions based on a written prompt. What is the key skill being assessed?

  1. Spelling business words correctly
  2. Responding relevantly to the prompt's question with developed ideas Correct answer.
  3. Translating the prompt into your first language
  4. Reading the prompt aloud accurately

Explanation

Part 3 provides a short written stimulus and asks you to respond to it orally, so relevance to the prompt plus developed ideas are central. Reading aloud, spelling and translation are not the assessed behaviours in a speaking test. The examiner is judging your spoken response to the prompt's content.

Question 7Speaking

A Part 3 prompt asks whether companies should allow staff to work from home. Which response best demonstrates the required skill?

  1. Home is where you live, usually with your family.
  2. Working from home is a phrase in English.
  3. Yes, I think so, because it saves commuting time and can improve focus. Correct answer.
  4. I don't know anything about offices.

Explanation

A good Part 3 answer takes a clear position and supports it with a reason. This option does both, giving a stance and two benefits. Defining words or declaring ignorance does not engage with the prompt's question about company policy.

Question 8Speaking

In Part 4 of Linguaskill Business Speaking, you discuss topics in more depth. Which feature most distinguishes a strong Part 4 answer?

  1. Speaking as quickly as possible without pauses
  2. Using only very short yes/no answers
  3. Extending ideas with justification, examples and counterpoints Correct answer.
  4. Repeating the examiner's question word for word

Explanation

Part 4 rewards extended, abstract discussion, so a strong answer develops a position with reasons, examples and awareness of other views. Brief answers, sheer speed and verbatim repetition do not show the depth of reasoning the task targets.

Question 9Speaking

The examiner asks: 'Some people say remote meetings are less effective than face-to-face ones. What do you think?' Which reply best fits the Part 4 discussion task?

  1. I have never used a computer for meetings.
  2. Face-to-face means people are in the same room.
  3. I think it depends: remote meetings save travel costs, though they can make relationship-building harder. Correct answer.
  4. Remote meetings are meetings held online.

Explanation

The prompt invites an opinion on a debatable claim, so the best answer states a nuanced view and supports it with advantages and drawbacks. Merely defining terms or denying experience does not engage with the argument being discussed.

Question 10Speaking

Which sentence uses the most appropriate business register for a formal spoken presentation at a Linguaskill Business Speaking task?

  1. So, yeah, the policy's kinda good, right?
  2. The policy, it is good, very good, you know.
  3. I'd like to outline three key benefits of the new policy. Correct answer.
  4. Policy good. Benefits many. Questions later.

Explanation

Formal spoken business English uses complete clauses, polite framing such as 'I'd like to' and precise vocabulary. This option signals structure and maintains professional register. The others rely on slang, vague fillers or telegraphic fragments unsuitable for a presentation.

Question 11Speaking

You are asked in a business speaking task to recommend a supplier to a colleague. Which utterance best conveys a polite recommendation?

  1. Supplier good, use it.
  2. Why would anyone choose that supplier?
  3. You must use this supplier. No choice.
  4. I'd suggest going with this supplier because their delivery times are reliable. Correct answer.

Explanation

Polite recommendation in business English typically uses a softener such as 'I'd suggest' plus a supporting reason. This option achieves both. Commands, telegraphic fragments and aggressive rhetorical questions are inappropriate in a professional recommendation.

Question 12Speaking

Which response best demonstrates the business speaking function of politely disagreeing in a meeting?

  1. No. Next question.
  2. I see your point, but I'm not sure the figures support that conclusion. Correct answer.
  3. I agree completely with everything you said.
  4. You're wrong and everyone knows it.

Explanation

Polite disagreement acknowledges the other view before presenting a reasoned objection, often using 'I see your point, but'. This option does exactly that. Blunt contradiction or flat refusal damages the professional relationship, and full agreement is not disagreement at all.

Question 13Speaking

In a business speaking task you need to interrupt a colleague politely to add information. Which phrase is most appropriate?

  1. Shut up, I want to speak.
  2. Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to add something about the budget. Correct answer.
  3. You are talking too much.
  4. Hey! Listen to me now.

Explanation

Polite interruption uses an apologetic opener such as 'Sorry to interrupt' followed by a clear reason for speaking. This maintains professional rapport. Commands to be quiet or accusations about talking too much are rude and inappropriate in a business setting.

Question 14Speaking

Which utterance best performs the function of checking understanding in a business phone call?

  1. Send it whenever you feel like it.
  2. Friday is a day of the week.
  3. So, just to confirm, you'd like delivery by Friday the twelfth? Correct answer.
  4. I don't care when it arrives.

Explanation

Checking understanding involves restating the key detail in a confirmatory question, often with 'just to confirm'. This option repeats the specific delivery date for verification. The other options give irrelevant information or dismiss the arrangement entirely.

Question 15Speaking

Which sentence uses the correct tense to describe a completed action with a clear present result in a business update?

  1. I will send the report yesterday.
  2. I am sending the report yesterday.
  3. I sent the report yesterday, so the client has the figures now. Correct answer.
  4. I have sent the report yesterday.

Explanation

A finished action at a definite past time takes the past simple ('sent yesterday'), and a present result can be expressed separately. Mixing the present perfect with a definite past time adverb is incorrect. Progressive and future forms cannot refer to a completed past event with 'yesterday'.

Question 16Speaking

Choose the option that correctly completes this spoken business statement: 'If we ______ the deadline, we would lose the contract.'

  1. have missed
  2. miss
  3. missed Correct answer.
  4. will miss

Explanation

This is a second conditional: an unreal or hypothetical present situation uses past simple in the if-clause with 'would' in the main clause. 'Missed' is therefore required. Present simple, future and present perfect forms do not fit the hypothetical 'would lose' structure.

Question 17Speaking

Which sentence best uses a modal verb to express a strong business obligation?

  1. You must submit the invoice by Friday. Correct answer.
  2. You may submit the invoice by Friday.
  3. You might submit the invoice by Friday.
  4. You could submit the invoice by Friday.

Explanation

'Must' conveys strong obligation or necessity, which matches a firm deadline requirement. The other modals express weaker meanings: possibility, suggestion or permission. In a business instruction about a deadline, only 'must' carries the required force.

Question 18Speaking

Which sentence correctly uses a comparative structure to compare two suppliers in a spoken recommendation?

  1. This supplier is most reliable than the other one.
  2. This supplier is more reliable that the other one.
  3. This supplier is reliable more than the other one.
  4. This supplier is more reliable than the other one. Correct answer.

Explanation

Comparing two items requires the comparative form 'more reliable' followed by 'than'. The conjunction 'than', not 'that', introduces the second item, and the superlative 'most' cannot be used with 'than'. Word order must keep 'more' before the adjective.

Question 19Speaking

Which utterance best demonstrates the use of signposting language to structure a spoken business presentation?

  1. It's a problem, it's a solution, it's a summary.
  2. Problem. Solution. Summary. Done.
  3. I'll talk and you'll listen, okay?
  4. Firstly, I'll outline the problem; secondly, I'll propose a solution; finally, I'll summarise. Correct answer.

Explanation

Signposting uses sequencing markers such as 'firstly', 'secondly' and 'finally' to guide listeners through a presentation's structure. This option clearly maps the talk. Repetitive fragments or a blunt command give the audience no structural guidance.

Question 20Speaking

In a business speaking task you must summarise a discussion. Which phrase most clearly signals a summary?

  1. What were we talking about?
  2. Budget, launch, yes.
  3. To sum up, we agreed on the budget and postponed the launch. Correct answer.
  4. Let's start again from the beginning.

Explanation

A summary is signalled by a marker such as 'to sum up' and then states the key outcomes concisely. This option names both decisions reached. Fragments, confusion about the topic or restarting the discussion do not summarise anything.

Question 21Speaking

Which sentence uses the passive voice most appropriately in a formal spoken business report?

  1. The figures were checked before the meeting. Correct answer.
  2. The figures checked before the meeting.
  3. Checking figures before meeting good.
  4. Somebody checked the figures, I think, before the meeting, maybe.

Explanation

The passive is appropriate in formal reporting when the action matters more than the doer, and it is formed with 'be' plus past participle. 'Were checked' is correctly formed. The other options are vague, grammatically incomplete or telegraphic.

Question 22Speaking

A candidate speaking in Part 4 says: 'Remote work, it reduces costs, but, um, also it, er, isolates people, so, yeah.' Which analysis best describes the main weakness?

  1. The vocabulary is too technical for the level.
  2. The grammar is entirely accurate and fluent.
  3. The candidate gave no opinion at all.
  4. Frequent fillers and false starts disrupt cohesion despite relevant content. Correct answer.

Explanation

The content is relevant and an opinion is present, but repeated fillers, hesitations and false starts interrupt the flow and reduce coherence. Cohesion and fluency are assessed separately from the quality of ideas. The vocabulary is not overly technical, and the delivery is clearly not fully fluent.

Question 23Speaking

A candidate answers a Part 2 long turn with: 'I went to a conference. It was good. There were people. It was in a hotel. It was big.' Which analysis best describes the issue?

  1. The answer is too long for the time allowed.
  2. The answer uses excellent linking and varied vocabulary.
  3. The answer is irrelevant to the prompt.
  4. The answer lacks development, linking devices and lexical variety. Correct answer.

Explanation

The response is on topic but consists of short, unconnected simple sentences with repetitive vocabulary such as 'good' and 'big'. This limits range and coherence. It is not too long, and the content does relate to the prompt about a business event.

Question 24Speaking

Which remark best demonstrates appropriate turn-taking when two colleagues are speaking in a business discussion task?

  1. Excuse me, could I come in here briefly? Correct answer.
  2. I'll talk over you until you stop.
  3. Nobody speak except me.
  4. Silence. I am thinking.

Explanation

Turn-taking in a professional discussion uses a polite request such as 'could I come in here briefly' to claim the floor. This respects the other speakers. Talking over others, monopolising the floor or demanding silence all disrupt the interaction.

Question 25Speaking

Which utterance best demonstrates hedging language appropriate for cautious business forecasting in a spoken report?

  1. Sales will definitely double next quarter, guaranteed.
  2. Sales may rise slightly next quarter, though it's too early to be certain. Correct answer.
  3. Sales are bad and always will be.
  4. Sales double. Certain.

Explanation

Cautious forecasting uses hedges such as 'may', 'slightly' and 'too early to be certain' to avoid overclaiming. This option forecasts tentatively and acknowledges uncertainty. Absolute guarantees or unfounded certainty misrepresent the reliability of a forecast.

Question 26Speaking

In Linguaskill Business Speaking Part 1, the examiner asks short personal and work-related questions. Which answer style best suits this part?

  1. Two or three connected sentences that answer the question and add one supporting detail. Correct answer.
  2. A single word or short phrase, so the examiner can move on quickly.
  3. A prepared script recited from memory regardless of the question asked.
  4. A long two-minute monologue covering every aspect of your career.

Explanation

Part 1 checks fluency on familiar work topics, so candidates should answer directly and extend briefly with a reason or example. Short expansions show range without dominating the exchange, and the answer must respond to the actual question rather than a rehearsed text.

Question 27Speaking

A candidate in Part 2 has 40 seconds to prepare a one-minute talk on a work-related topic. Which preparation strategy is most effective?

  1. Memorise a generic talk that could fit many topics.
  2. Jot down three or four key points or headings to prompt ideas during the talk. Correct answer.
  3. Write the full talk word for word and read it aloud.
  4. Skip preparation and start speaking immediately to seem natural.

Explanation

Brief notes act as memory prompts while allowing natural delivery and flexible wording. Writing a full script or memorising generic material prevents the candidate from responding to the specific prompt and often leads to flat, recited delivery.

Question 28Speaking

In Part 2, a candidate is asked to talk about a business topic for one minute. Which approach best shows organisational skill?

  1. Repeat the same idea in different words to fill the time.
  2. List as many unconnected facts as possible within the minute.
  3. Speak only about personal feelings and avoid any structure.
  4. Introduce the topic, give two main points with brief examples, then close with a short conclusion. Correct answer.

Explanation

A clear opening, two developed points and a closing give the long turn a logical shape that examiners reward. Coherent structure is assessed, so signposting main ideas and supporting them with examples is more effective than volume or repetition.

Question 29Speaking

During Part 2, a candidate realises they have nothing left to say with 15 seconds remaining. Which strategy is most appropriate?

  1. Stop speaking immediately and wait for the examiner.
  2. Expand the last point with a brief example or consequence to use the remaining time. Correct answer.
  3. Ask the examiner whether they can stop early.
  4. Repeat the opening sentence verbatim.

Explanation

Extending a point with an example or consequence keeps the talk coherent and uses the allotted time productively. Stopping early or asking to finish reduces the sample of language the examiner can assess.

Question 30Speaking

In Part 3, the candidate reads a written prompt and answers follow-up questions. Which behaviour best demonstrates the required skill?

  1. Refer explicitly to the ideas in the prompt and develop them with reasons. Correct answer.
  2. Give yes or no answers and let the examiner prompt further.
  3. Read the prompt aloud word for word before answering.
  4. Ignore the prompt and talk about a different topic you know well.

Explanation

Part 3 assesses the ability to engage with the written prompt and discuss its ideas. Referring to the prompt and justifying opinions shows comprehension and productive discussion, while ignoring or merely reading it fails to demonstrate that skill.

Question 31Speaking

A Part 3 prompt states that a company plans to cut its training budget. A candidate replies: 'That might save money now, but I'd worry about skills gaps later.' Which skill does this response best illustrate?

  1. Weighing short-term benefits against longer-term risks. Correct answer.
  2. Correcting the examiner's pronunciation.
  3. Describing a personal hobby unrelated to business.
  4. Asking the examiner for the correct answer.

Explanation

The response balances an immediate advantage against a future risk, which is a core discussion skill in Part 3. This evaluative move shows the candidate can analyse a business decision rather than merely state an opinion.

Question 32Speaking

In Part 4, candidates discuss business topics at greater length. Which contribution best shows extended discourse?

  1. A one-sentence opinion with no development.
  2. A response that states a position, justifies it with an example and acknowledges an alternative view. Correct answer.
  3. A question back to the examiner about their own opinion.
  4. A list of memorised vocabulary unrelated to the question.

Explanation

Part 4 rewards the ability to sustain and develop an argument. Stating a position, supporting it and acknowledging another perspective produces extended, balanced discourse of the kind examiners look for.

Question 33Speaking

A candidate in Part 4 says: 'I think, er, it's maybe, sort of, quite important, you know, to, um, train staff.' Which feature most weakens this response?

  1. The reference to staff training as a topic.
  2. Excessive fillers and vague modifiers that reduce clarity and fluency. Correct answer.
  3. The use of the first person 'I think'.
  4. The use of a modal verb to express opinion.

Explanation

Frequent fillers and vague qualifiers such as 'sort of' and 'quite' obscure the message and signal hesitant delivery. Fluency assessment penalises this kind of pausing and imprecision, whereas 'I think' and modals are normal in opinion statements.

Question 34Speaking

In Part 4, the examiner asks: 'Should companies monitor employees' emails?' Which opening best signals a balanced discussion?

  1. 'That's a stupid idea and nobody agrees with it.'
  2. 'There are arguments on both sides, but on balance I'd say...' Correct answer.
  3. 'I don't know anything about that, sorry.'
  4. 'Emails are electronic messages sent between people.'

Explanation

A phrase acknowledging both sides and signalling a conclusion prepares the listener for a balanced argument. This signposting is valued in Part 4 because it frames extended discourse clearly.

Question 35Speaking

A candidate wants to buy time to think during a Part 4 discussion without sounding lost. Which strategy works best?

  1. Use a natural filler such as 'That's an interesting question - let me think for a second.' Correct answer.
  2. Stay silent for ten seconds until an idea comes.
  3. Say 'What?' to the examiner to gain time.
  4. Start speaking about a different topic while thinking.

Explanation

A brief, natural formula buys thinking time while maintaining interaction and appropriate register. Long silences or topic shifts disrupt communication and are penalised in fluency assessment.

Question 36Speaking

In a business speaking task you must present quarterly results to managers. Which opening best suits a formal spoken report?

  1. 'So, yeah, numbers went up, which is cool.'
  2. 'You all know the figures, so I won't bother explaining.'
  3. 'Right, let's just get this over with quickly.'
  4. 'I'd like to begin by summarising the key figures for the third quarter.' Correct answer.

Explanation

A formal report opening should signpost purpose and content in neutral, professional language. 'I'd like to begin by summarising' performs this function and sets an appropriate register for a management audience.

Question 37Speaking

A candidate must describe a downward trend in sales during a spoken business presentation. Which formulation is most precise?

  1. 'Sales went down a lot at some point last year.'
  2. 'Sales were bad, very bad, really bad.'
  3. 'Sales did a thing and then stopped doing it.'
  4. 'Sales fell sharply by 12 per cent in the second quarter before levelling off.' Correct answer.

Explanation

Precise trend language combines a verb of change, an adverb of degree and a figure with a time reference. This gives the audience measurable information, which vague or repetitive descriptions cannot do.

Question 38Speaking

A candidate wants to recommend a supplier in a business speaking task. Which utterance best combines a recommendation with a justification?

  1. 'Maybe Delton, maybe not, who knows.'
  2. 'I'd suggest going with Delton, mainly because their delivery times are the most reliable.' Correct answer.
  3. 'Delton is a company, and companies supply things.'
  4. 'You should definitely choose Delton because I said so.'

Explanation

A strong recommendation names the choice and supports it with a concrete reason. The structure 'I'd suggest... mainly because...' performs both functions in a single, professional utterance.

Question 39Speaking

During a business meeting task, a colleague proposes a plan you consider risky. Which utterance politely disagrees while preserving the relationship?

  1. 'Fine, whatever you want.'
  2. 'I see your point, but I'm concerned about the cost implications.' Correct answer.
  3. 'I refuse to discuss this any further.'
  4. 'That's completely wrong and you should know better.'

Explanation

Polite disagreement acknowledges the other view before introducing a concern. This softens the challenge and keeps the discussion constructive, which is the register expected in professional meetings.

Question 40Speaking

A candidate needs to interrupt a colleague during a business discussion task to add a relevant figure. Which phrase is most appropriate?

  1. 'Sorry to interrupt, but I have a figure that might be relevant here.' Correct answer.
  2. 'Excuse me, I am talking.'
  3. 'Stop talking, it's my turn now.'
  4. 'Shut up, I want to say something.'

Explanation

A polite interruption apologises briefly and states the value of the contribution. This justifies the interruption and maintains professional register, unlike commands or accusations.

Question 41Speaking

In a business telephone call task, a candidate wants to confirm they have understood a delivery date. Which utterance best performs this function?

  1. 'So, just to confirm, the delivery is scheduled for Thursday the 14th?' Correct answer.
  2. 'I heard something about a date, yes.'
  3. 'Thursday, 14th, whatever.'
  4. 'Can you repeat everything from the beginning?'

Explanation

Checking understanding involves restating the key information in a question form so the other speaker can confirm or correct it. This prevents misunderstandings and is a standard telephone skill.

Question 42Speaking

A candidate wants to hedge a forecast in a spoken business report. Which sentence best demonstrates appropriate caution?

  1. 'Sales might go up or down or stay the same, I have no idea.'
  2. 'Sales will definitely double by Friday, guaranteed.'
  3. 'Sales are going to explode beyond all imagination.'
  4. 'We expect sales to rise, although this will depend largely on market conditions.' Correct answer.

Explanation

Hedging uses tentative verbs and conditional clauses to present a forecast as probable rather than certain. This is appropriate when outcomes depend on external factors, and it protects the speaker from overcommitting.

Question 43Speaking

A candidate must summarise a discussion at the end of a meeting task. Which phrase most clearly signals the summary?

  1. 'By the way, did anyone see the news today?'
  2. 'Anyway, that's enough from me, goodbye.'
  3. 'Before I forget, my train was late this morning.'
  4. 'To sum up, we've agreed on the budget and postponed the launch.' Correct answer.

Explanation

Signals such as 'to sum up' explicitly announce that key points will be consolidated. Pairing this with the actual decisions makes the summary clear and actionable for the listeners.

Question 44Speaking

A candidate says: 'If we had invested in staff training last year, we would have avoided the skills shortage.' Which function does this utterance perform in a business discussion?

  1. Giving a direct order to a colleague.
  2. Reflecting on a past decision and its hypothetical alternative outcome. Correct answer.
  3. Describing a current routine.
  4. Making a prediction about the future with certainty.

Explanation

The third conditional describes an unreal past situation and its hypothetical result. In business discussion this structure is used to evaluate past decisions and draw lessons, which is exactly what the utterance does.

Question 45Speaking

In a spoken business report, a candidate wants to report a decision without naming who made it. Which sentence uses the passive appropriately?

  1. 'Approving the new policy, the board was last week.'
  2. 'The board approved the new policy last week.'
  3. 'The new policy was approved by the board last week.' Correct answer.
  4. 'The new policy approved the board last week.'

Explanation

The passive places the policy, the topic of the report, in the subject position and adds the agent with 'by' where relevant. This foregrounds the decision itself, which suits formal reporting.

Question 46Speaking

A candidate uses the phrase 'Let me walk you through the figures' during a presentation. Which function does this phrase serve?

  1. Asking the audience to leave the room.
  2. Closing the presentation and inviting questions.
  3. Apologising for a mistake in the data.
  4. Signposting that the speaker will guide the audience step by step through data. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Walk you through' is a signposting expression that announces a guided explanation of information. It helps listeners follow the structure, which is a key presentation skill.

Question 47Speaking

A candidate must ask a colleague for a favour in a business speaking task. Which request is both polite and appropriately indirect?

  1. 'You must check the invoice immediately.'
  2. 'Check the invoice by Friday.'
  3. 'Would you mind checking the invoice before Friday, if you have time?' Correct answer.
  4. 'Invoice. Friday. Do it.'

Explanation

Indirect requests with 'Would you mind...' plus a conditional 'if you have time' soften the imposition and show consideration. This is the expected register when asking colleagues for help.

Question 48Speaking

A candidate is asked in Part 4 to compare two working practices. Which response best demonstrates comparative analysis rather than mere description?

  1. 'Working practices are things companies have.'
  2. 'I once worked in an office with a coffee machine.'
  3. 'Flexible hours are good. Fixed shifts are good too. Both are good.'
  4. 'Flexible hours tend to raise satisfaction, whereas fixed shifts make coordination easier.' Correct answer.

Explanation

Comparative analysis explicitly contrasts the effects of two options using linking words such as 'whereas'. This shows the candidate can evaluate trade-offs rather than simply listing items.

Question 49Speaking

A candidate in Part 4 supports an argument with the words: 'Research consistently shows that diverse teams make better decisions.' Which strength does this contribution demonstrate?

  1. Repeating the examiner's words without adding content.
  2. Avoiding the question by changing the subject.
  3. Supporting a claim with evidence rather than unsupported opinion. Correct answer.
  4. Using informal slang to build rapport.

Explanation

Citing research gives the argument evidential backing, which strengthens persuasion and shows higher-level discussion skills. Unsupported opinion is weaker because it relies only on personal assertion.

Question 50Speaking

A candidate must handle a Part 4 question on a topic they know little about. Which approach best maintains communicative competence?

  1. Speak fluently about an unrelated topic you know well.
  2. Invent detailed statistics to sound authoritative.
  3. Refuse to answer and ask for a different question.
  4. Acknowledge limited knowledge, then reason from general business principles and give a tentative view. Correct answer.

Explanation

Admitting limited knowledge while still reasoning from general principles keeps the discussion going and shows strategic competence. Fabricating data or changing topic undermines credibility and fails the task.