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SLTES Open practice questions

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Question 1Language Proficiency and Communication

In a workplace email, which sentence uses the most appropriate register for a message to a new client you have never met?

  1. Hey, did you get my file?
  2. Just checking you got the thing I attached.
  3. We would be grateful if you could confirm receipt of the attached proposal. Correct answer.
  4. Confirm receipt of the attached proposal now.

Explanation

A first-contact client email calls for formal, courteous phrasing with a modal softener such as 'would be grateful' and a polite request form. The other options are either too casual for an unknown recipient or so blunt that they read as a command. Register must match the relationship and the purpose of the message.

Question 2Language Proficiency and Communication

Which option best describes the communicative purpose of an executive summary in a professional report?

  1. To present raw data tables for independent verification
  2. To give busy readers the key findings and recommendations without reading the full document Correct answer.
  3. To record informal notes taken during meetings
  4. To list every source consulted during the research

Explanation

An executive summary condenses the report's purpose, main findings and recommendations so a decision-maker can act on it alone. It is not a bibliography, a data appendix, or a meeting log. Its defining feature is that it stands independently of the full text.

Question 3Language Proficiency and Communication

A speaker says 'The project is finished' while shaking their head and frowning. In communication theory, what does the head shake illustrate?

  1. Nonverbal signals always repeat the spoken words
  2. Nonverbal signals can contradict and override the verbal message Correct answer.
  3. Gesture is irrelevant when words are clear
  4. Facial expression carries meaning only in public speaking

Explanation

When verbal and nonverbal channels conflict, listeners tend to trust the nonverbal signal, producing a mixed message. This is a classic illustration of how paralanguage and body language modulate meaning. The head shake does not merely repeat the words; it reverses them.

Question 4Language Proficiency and Communication

Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly in a professional document?

  1. The team's report was sent to all department heads. Correct answer.
  2. The team's reports was sent to all department heads.
  3. The teams report was sent to all department heads.
  4. The teams' report was sent to all department heads.

Explanation

A singular possessor takes an apostrophe before the s, so 'the team's report' is correct. The plural possessive 'teams'' would require more than one team, which the sentence does not establish. Apostrophe placement must agree with the number of the possessor.

Question 5Language Proficiency and Communication

In a customer-service context, which response best demonstrates active listening?

  1. Paraphrasing the customer's concern and confirming your understanding before responding Correct answer.
  2. Repeating the customer's words verbatim without comment
  3. Changing the subject to move the call along quickly
  4. Preparing your reply while the customer is still speaking

Explanation

Active listening involves paraphrasing or summarizing the speaker's message and checking that your interpretation is accurate. Verbatim repetition without comprehension, rehearsing a reply, and topic switching all signal inattention. Confirmation closes the loop before a solution is offered.

Question 6Language Proficiency and Communication

Which word is the most precise choice for a formal report describing a small, gradual improvement in performance?

  1. Awesome
  2. Marginal Correct answer.
  3. Massive
  4. Huge

Explanation

'Marginal' denotes a small or slight change and suits measured, formal reporting. The other options are informal intensifiers that overstate the size of the change. Precision in word choice keeps technical writing credible.

Question 7Language Proficiency and Communication

A message is written in passive voice: 'The deadline was missed by the team.' What is the main communicative effect of this construction?

  1. It makes the sentence ungrammatical
  2. It converts the sentence into a question
  3. It foregrounds the deadline and backgrounds the agent Correct answer.
  4. It emphasizes who is responsible

Explanation

Passive voice moves the object to the subject position, so the deadline becomes the topic and the agent is placed in a by-phrase. This can soften or obscure accountability, which matters in professional writing. The construction remains grammatical and declarative.

Question 8Language Proficiency and Communication

Which element is essential to a well-formed meeting agenda circulated before a professional meeting?

  1. A list of unrelated future projects
  2. A transcript of the previous meeting
  3. Each item with its allotted time and the person responsible Correct answer.
  4. Personal opinions about attendees

Explanation

An agenda functions as a planning and time-management tool, so each item needs a time allocation and an owner. Transcripts, opinions and unrelated projects do not help participants prepare. Clear ownership and timing keep the meeting focused.

Question 9Language Proficiency and Communication

A manager writes: 'Please ensure the figures are reconciled by Friday.' Which speech act does this sentence primarily perform?

  1. Expressive
  2. Declarative
  3. Commissive
  4. Directive Correct answer.

Explanation

A directive attempts to get the hearer to do something, and polite imperatives with 'please ensure' are typical directives. Commissives commit the speaker to future action, expressives convey feelings, and declaratives change reality by being uttered. The sentence requests action from the recipient.

Question 10Language Proficiency and Communication

Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?

  1. After reviewing the budget, the plan was approved.
  2. After reviewing the budget, the director approved the plan. Correct answer.
  3. Having reviewed the budget, approval of the plan followed.
  4. Reviewed the budget, the plan was approved.

Explanation

A participial phrase must attach to the subject that performs the action; here the director reviews and approves. In the faulty versions, the plan or approval appears to review itself. Matching the modifier's implied subject to the main clause subject fixes the error.

Question 11Language Proficiency and Communication

In a cross-cultural business exchange, a colleague from a high-context culture repeatedly implies a concern instead of stating it directly. What is the most appropriate communication strategy?

  1. Attend to tone and context, and ask open, non-threatening questions to surface the concern Correct answer.
  2. Demand an explicit statement immediately
  3. Ignore the hints and proceed with the decision
  4. Assume the concern is unimportant because it was not stated

Explanation

High-context communication relies on shared situation, tone and implication rather than explicit wording. Listening for indirect cues and inviting elaboration respectfully bridges the gap without causing loss of face. Demanding directness or ignoring cues risks misunderstanding and damaged relationships.

Question 12Language Proficiency and Communication

Which revision best removes ambiguity from this sentence: 'The manager told the assistant that her proposal was late'?

  1. The manager told her that her proposal was late.
  2. The manager told the assistant, 'Your proposal is late.' Correct answer.
  3. The manager told the assistant that her proposal was late, obviously.
  4. The manager informed the assistant about the lateness.

Explanation

The pronoun 'her' can refer to either the manager or the assistant, creating referential ambiguity. Quoting the manager's words assigns the possessive to the assistant unambiguously. Replacing a vague pronoun with a clear attribution is the standard remedy.

Question 13Language Proficiency and Communication

A report states: 'Sales rose 12 percent; however, customer complaints also increased.' What is the function of 'however' in this sentence?

  1. It marks a sequence in time
  2. It signals a causal relationship
  3. It signals contrast between two independent clauses Correct answer.
  4. It introduces an example

Explanation

'However' is a conjunctive adverb marking contrast or concession between two ideas. It does not express cause, exemplification, or temporal order. Recognizing such connectors helps readers follow the logic of an argument.

Question 14Language Proficiency and Communication

Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement in a professional context?

  1. The list of approved suppliers is posted on the intranet. Correct answer.
  2. The list of approved suppliers were posted on the intranet.
  3. The list of approved suppliers have been posted on the intranet.
  4. The list of approved suppliers are posted on the intranet.

Explanation

The subject is 'the list', which is singular; the prepositional phrase 'of approved suppliers' does not change the number. The verb must therefore be singular 'is'. Intervening plural nouns are a common source of agreement errors.

Question 15Language Proficiency and Communication

In a presentation, a speaker summarizes the main point, pauses, then states the next section heading. Which delivery technique is being used?

  1. Reading directly from slides
  2. Using jargon to establish expertise
  3. Speaking without notes
  4. Signposting to guide the audience through the structure Correct answer.

Explanation

Signposting uses verbal cues and pauses to show listeners where the talk is going and how sections connect. It supports comprehension and retention in oral delivery. It is unrelated to reading from slides or to jargon.

Question 16Language Proficiency and Communication

Which option correctly converts 'The committee will review the proposal' into passive voice without changing the tense?

  1. The proposal is reviewed by the committee.
  2. The proposal will be reviewed by the committee. Correct answer.
  3. The proposal has been reviewed by the committee.
  4. The proposal was reviewed by the committee.

Explanation

The original uses future 'will review', so the passive requires 'will be' plus the past participle: 'will be reviewed'. Changing to 'is', 'was' or 'has been' shifts the tense. Passive conversion must preserve both tense and aspect.

Question 17Language Proficiency and Communication

A team member writes an email that is accurate but so long and dense that recipients miss the action required. Which principle of effective professional writing is being violated?

  1. Correctness of grammar
  2. Completeness of supporting evidence
  3. Consideration of the reader, including clarity and conciseness Correct answer.
  4. Accuracy of factual content

Explanation

The seven Cs of professional communication include consideration, clarity and conciseness, which require adapting the message to the reader's needs. A message that buries the action fails this principle even if its facts and grammar are sound. Length without structure undermines the message's purpose.

Question 18Language Proficiency and Communication

In a negotiation meeting, one party says, 'I hear that cost is your priority, and reliability is ours. Where can we meet?' Which strategy does this exemplify?

  1. Reframing positions around shared interests to find common ground Correct answer.
  2. Making a unilateral concession
  3. Avoiding the issue entirely
  4. Escalating the conflict

Explanation

The speaker acknowledges both parties' priorities and invites a joint search for a solution, which is interest-based reframing. It is neither a concession nor an avoidance move. This approach supports integrative rather than distributive negotiation.

Question 19Language Proficiency and Communication

Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly in a list of responsibilities?

  1. The role involves drafting reports, coordination of meetings and to liaise with clients.
  2. The role involves drafting reports, coordinating meetings and liaising with clients. Correct answer.
  3. The role involves to draft reports, coordinating meetings and client liaison.
  4. The role involves reports drafting, meetings coordination and liaise with clients.

Explanation

Items in a series should share the same grammatical form; here all three are gerund phrases. Mixing gerunds, nouns and infinitives breaks parallelism and slows reading. Consistent form signals a well-edited professional document.

Question 20Language Proficiency and Communication

A speaker uses rising intonation on a declarative sentence such as 'You're coming to the briefing.' What is the most likely communicative effect?

  1. It turns the statement into a question or a check for confirmation Correct answer.
  2. It makes the statement a command
  3. It indicates the sentence is ungrammatical
  4. It signals that the speaker is angry

Explanation

Intonation is a prosodic feature that can change illocutionary force; rising pitch on a declarative typically seeks confirmation. The grammar remains declarative, but the function shifts toward a question. This illustrates the role of paralanguage in spoken meaning.

Question 21Language Proficiency and Communication

In a formal proposal, which sentence most effectively hedges a claim that is not yet fully supported by data?

  1. The new process is the best ever invented.
  2. Everybody knows the new process is faster.
  3. The new process definitely cuts turnaround time.
  4. The available evidence suggests that the new process may reduce turnaround time. Correct answer.

Explanation

Hedging uses modal verbs and cautious framing such as 'suggests' and 'may' to match the strength of a claim to the evidence. Overstated claims and appeals to popular opinion weaken credibility in formal writing. Precise hedging protects the writer's professional standing.

Question 22Language Proficiency and Communication

A message contains the sentence 'The decision, which was reached after lengthy debate, was unanimous.' What is the grammatical function of the clause set off by commas?

  1. An adverbial clause of reason
  2. A non-restrictive relative clause adding supplementary information Correct answer.
  3. A restrictive relative clause identifying which decision
  4. An appositive renaming the subject

Explanation

Commas mark the clause as non-restrictive, meaning it adds extra information rather than identifying the noun. A restrictive clause would appear without commas and would be essential to identifying the referent. Recognizing this distinction guides correct comma use.

Question 23Language Proficiency and Communication

During a facilitated workshop, two colleagues talk over each other and the discussion stalls. Which intervention best reflects effective group communication management?

  1. End the meeting immediately without explanation
  2. Acknowledge both contributions, restate each position briefly, and invite one speaker at a time Correct answer.
  3. Record the disagreement and move on without discussion
  4. Raise your voice to be heard over both

Explanation

Effective facilitation restates and acknowledges contributions so speakers feel heard, then structures turn-taking to restore order. This preserves relationships and keeps the group on task. Shouting, abrupt termination or silent avoidance damages trust and leaves the issue unresolved.

Question 24Language Proficiency and Communication

A writer must report that a project failed without alienating the team. Which framing best combines accountability with constructive tone?

  1. The project failed because the team was careless.
  2. The project was a disaster, though lessons may exist.
  3. Mistakes were made and the matter is closed.
  4. The project did not meet its targets; the review identifies three process changes for the next cycle. Correct answer.

Explanation

Constructive framing states the outcome factually and pairs it with specific, forward-looking remedies, which supports accountability without blame. Personal accusations, vague agentless passives and catastrophic labels undermine trust and learning. The balanced option keeps the focus on process improvement.

Question 25Language Proficiency and Communication

A speaker must adapt a technical briefing for a non-specialist audience without losing accuracy. Which approach best achieves this?

  1. Remove all technical content to simplify the message
  2. Speak faster to cover more material in the time
  3. Increase the density of acronyms to sound authoritative
  4. Replace unnecessary jargon with plain terms, define essential technical terms, and use concrete examples Correct answer.

Explanation

Audience adaptation preserves the substance while adjusting vocabulary, defining unavoidable terms and grounding abstractions in examples. Removing content sacrifices accuracy, while speed and acronym density increase cognitive load. The goal is accessible accuracy, not simplification by omission.

Question 26Language Proficiency and Communication

In a workplace message, which term best names the intended effect a sender wants a message to have on its recipient, as distinguished from the literal content of the words?

  1. Orthographic convention
  2. Morphological agreement
  3. Phonological register
  4. Perlocutionary effect Correct answer.

Explanation

Speech-act theory distinguishes the locution (what is said), the illocution (the act performed, such as a request), and the perlocution (the effect produced on the hearer, such as persuasion or reassurance). The perlocutionary effect is therefore the intended impact on the recipient rather than the literal wording.

Question 27Language Proficiency and Communication

A colleague writes 'Can you send the draft by Thursday?' In speech-act terms, which category does this utterance most clearly belong to, given that it seeks information while also functioning as a request?

  1. Commissive
  2. Directive Correct answer.
  3. Expressive
  4. Declarative

Explanation

Directives are utterances that attempt to get the hearer to do something, and requests and questions both fall in this category. Although the surface form is a question, its function of prompting action makes it a directive.

Question 28Language Proficiency and Communication

Which feature most reliably distinguishes a formal written register from a casual conversational one in professional English?

  1. Reliance on rising intonation
  2. Use of contractions and slang
  3. Frequent use of tag questions
  4. Greater lexical density and nominalisation Correct answer.

Explanation

Formal written registers tend to pack more meaning into fewer clauses through nominalisation and higher lexical density, for example 'implementation' instead of 'we implemented it'. Contractions, slang, tag questions, and intonation patterns are markers of informal or spoken style.

Question 29Language Proficiency and Communication

A writer must address a senior external client while keeping a firm boundary on a deadline. Which sentence best maintains a formal register while still being direct?

  1. We can't budge on the date, sorry.
  2. Yeah, the date's locked, no way around it.
  3. The deadline is fixed, so we cannot accommodate a later submission. Correct answer.
  4. We would appreciate it if the date could perhaps not be changed, maybe.

Explanation

Formal register pairs standard vocabulary and full forms with a clear statement of the constraint, which the second option does. It avoids both slang and excessive hedging while remaining polite.

Question 30Language Proficiency and Communication

In a team message, the phrase 'as discussed' most commonly functions to do which of the following?

  1. Mark the sentence as a question requiring a reply
  2. Introduce new information the reader has never seen
  3. Presuppose shared background and reduce the need for explanation Correct answer.
  4. Signal that the message is informal and can be ignored

Explanation

Formulations like 'as discussed' and 'as you know' presuppose shared knowledge, treating prior context as given and allowing the writer to move quickly to new content. They manage common ground rather than introduce fresh facts.

Question 31Language Proficiency and Communication

A speaker says 'Some of the figures still need checking' when in fact most figures are unverified. Which pragmatic phenomenon does this most clearly illustrate?

  1. Scalar implicature Correct answer.
  2. Cataphora
  3. Code-switching
  4. Assimilation

Explanation

Choosing a weaker term on a scale ('some') while a stronger one ('most' or 'all') is true generates a scalar implicature that the stronger term does not apply. Listeners infer that only some need checking, which understates the real situation.

Question 32Language Proficiency and Communication

Which cohesive device is used when a writer replaces 'the marketing team' with 'they' in the following sentence: 'The marketing team finished early because they had planned well'?

  1. Reference Correct answer.
  2. Substitution
  3. Ellipsis
  4. Conjunction

Explanation

Reference is cohesion achieved by pointing back to an entity already mentioned, and pronouns such as 'they' are the classic case. Ellipsis omits material, conjunction links clauses with connectors, and substitution replaces one item with another such as 'one' or 'do'.

Question 33Language Proficiency and Communication

Read the short passage: 'The pilot ran for six weeks. It reduced processing errors by a third. The team has now adopted it permanently.' Which feature most contributes to the passage's cohesion?

  1. Absence of any logical connectors
  2. Pronoun chains linking each sentence to the previous one Correct answer.
  3. Use of passive voice throughout
  4. Repeated use of the same noun in every sentence

Explanation

The pronouns 'It' and 'it' refer back to 'the pilot', creating a chain of reference that ties the sentences together. Cohesion here comes from anaphoric reference rather than from repetition or passive constructions.

Question 34Language Proficiency and Communication

Which sentence uses a concessive connector correctly to signal contrast between an expectation and a result?

  1. Although the budget was cut, the project met its milestones. Correct answer.
  2. The budget was cut, so the project met its milestones.
  3. Because the budget was cut, the project met its milestones.
  4. The budget was cut, therefore the project met its milestones.

Explanation

'Although' introduces a concessive clause, presenting one fact as an obstacle or contrast to the main clause. The other options use causal connectors, which wrongly present the cut budget as the reason the milestones were met.

Question 35Language Proficiency and Communication

A writer wants to signal that a conclusion follows logically from the evidence just presented. Which connector best fits that function at the start of the concluding sentence?

  1. Nevertheless
  2. Consequently Correct answer.
  3. Incidentally
  4. Alternatively

Explanation

'Consequently' marks a result or inference drawn from what precedes, which matches a logical conclusion. 'Nevertheless' marks concession, 'incidentally' adds a side remark, and 'alternatively' offers an option.

Question 36Language Proficiency and Communication

Which sentence maintains a consistent tense in a project status update?

  1. We tested the module, find two defects, and will be fixing them by Friday.
  2. We had tested the module, find two defects, and fix them by Friday.
  3. We tested the module, found two defects, and will fix them by Friday. Correct answer.
  4. We test the module, found two defects, and fixed them by Friday.

Explanation

The first sentence sequences past actions in the simple past ('tested', 'found') and then uses a future form for a future action, which is coherent. The others shift between past, present, and future forms within a single sequence of related events, producing an inconsistent timeline.

Question 37Language Proficiency and Communication

Which sentence correctly uses the present perfect to describe a situation that began in the past and continues now?

  1. She works here since 2019.
  2. She worked here since 2019.
  3. She is working here since 2019.
  4. She has worked here since 2019. Correct answer.

Explanation

The present perfect with 'since' expresses an action or state that started in the past and continues into the present. Simple present, simple past, and present progressive do not carry that continuing-to-now meaning with 'since'.

Question 38Language Proficiency and Communication

Which sentence uses a modal verb to express the lowest level of obligation?

  1. You will submit the form today.
  2. You must submit the form today.
  3. You might submit the form today. Correct answer.
  4. You should submit the form today.

Explanation

'Might' expresses possibility rather than obligation, making it the weakest on a scale from requirement to option. 'Must' is strong obligation, 'should' is recommendation, and 'will' expresses prediction or firm intention.

Question 39Language Proficiency and Communication

A policy document states: 'Staff may work remotely two days per week.' Which meaning does 'may' carry here?

  1. Prohibition
  2. Permission Correct answer.
  3. Past ability
  4. Logical necessity

Explanation

In policy statements, 'may' grants permission, indicating that something is allowed rather than required or forbidden. It does not express necessity, prohibition, or past ability in this context.

Question 40Language Proficiency and Communication

Which sentence contains a genuine ambiguity caused by pronoun reference rather than by lexical choice?

  1. The director requested a meeting with the auditor.
  2. The auditor met the director because she requested the meeting. Correct answer.
  3. A meeting between the auditor and the director was requested.
  4. The auditor requested a meeting with the director.

Explanation

The pronoun 'she' can refer to either the auditor or the director, so the sentence has two possible readings. The other sentences name the requester explicitly or use a passive construction that removes the ambiguity.

Question 41Language Proficiency and Communication

Which revision best removes the structural ambiguity in 'Visiting clients can be stressful for new account managers'?

  1. New account managers who visit clients can find it stressful. Correct answer.
  2. Visiting clients is stressful for new account managers.
  3. For new account managers, visiting clients can be stressful.
  4. Stress can be caused for new account managers visiting clients.

Explanation

The original allows 'visiting' to be read either as a gerund subject (the activity of visiting) or as a participle modifying 'clients'. Adding a relative clause, 'who visit clients', makes the intended reading explicit and removes the structural ambiguity.

Question 42Language Proficiency and Communication

Which sentence places the modifier so that it clearly describes the intended noun?

  1. The technician stored the boxes covered in dust quickly.
  2. Storing the archive boxes, the dust covered the technician.
  3. Covered in dust, the technician stored the archive boxes.
  4. The technician stored the archive boxes, which were covered in dust. Correct answer.

Explanation

A modifier should sit next to the element it describes, and the relative clause 'which were covered in dust' directly follows 'the archive boxes'. The other sentences attach the modifier to the wrong noun or create a dangling construction.

Question 43Language Proficiency and Communication

A report sentence reads: 'The team completed the migration, the client approved the result.' Which description of the punctuation problem is most accurate?

  1. A comma splice joins two independent clauses. Correct answer.
  2. The sentence contains a dangling modifier.
  3. A semicolon is missing before a dependent clause.
  4. A colon is required before a list.

Explanation

Both clauses have their own subject and verb and could stand alone, so joining them with only a comma creates a comma splice. The fix is a semicolon, a full stop, or a coordinating conjunction.

Question 44Language Proficiency and Communication

Which sentence uses the colon correctly in a professional document?

  1. The findings were clear; for example: costs had fallen.
  2. The findings: were clear because costs had fallen and quality had improved.
  3. The findings were clear: costs had fallen and quality had improved. Correct answer.
  4. The findings were clear, costs had fallen: and quality had improved.

Explanation

A colon may follow a complete independent clause to introduce an explanation or expansion, which is exactly its role here. It should not separate a subject from its verb or be combined with a semicolon in the same position.

Question 45Language Proficiency and Communication

In a presentation, a speaker says 'First, the process was manual. Second, errors were frequent. Third, automation changed both.' Which structural device is the speaker using to aid comprehension?

  1. Code-switching
  2. Rhetorical questioning
  3. Signposting with ordinal markers Correct answer.
  4. Backchannelling

Explanation

Ordinal markers such as 'first', 'second', and 'third' signpost the structure of a talk, helping listeners track the sequence of points. They are explicit organisational cues rather than questions, language switching, or listener responses.

Question 46Language Proficiency and Communication

A speaker wants an audience to retain three recommendations after a briefing. Which delivery choice best supports retention without adding new content?

  1. Adding several new examples at the end
  2. Repeating the three points in a short closing summary Correct answer.
  3. Reading the full report aloud verbatim
  4. Speaking faster to cover more material

Explanation

A concise recap at the close reinforces the key points through repetition and gives the audience a clear takeaway. Reading verbatim, adding new material late, or speeding up all increase cognitive load rather than aiding retention.

Question 47Language Proficiency and Communication

A non-specialist audience looks confused during a technical briefing. Which adjustment best preserves accuracy while restoring understanding?

  1. Read directly from the technical specification
  2. Remove all technical detail so no precise terms remain
  3. Replace technical terms with everyday analogies and define each key term once Correct answer.
  4. Increase the speaking rate to finish before questions

Explanation

Analogy plus a single clear definition makes technical content accessible without distorting it, since the precise terms are still introduced and explained. Stripping all detail, rushing, or reading dense text sacrifices either accuracy or comprehension.

Question 48Language Proficiency and Communication

A writer must report a missed target to a client. Which opening best combines accountability with a constructive orientation?

  1. You will be pleased to hear the target was almost met.
  2. Mistakes happen, and this one was unavoidable.
  3. The target was missed, though not really our fault.
  4. We missed the target by two days; here is the cause and the recovery plan. Correct answer.

Explanation

Naming the shortfall directly and immediately linking it to cause and recovery shows accountability while keeping the message forward-looking. Deflection, excuse-making, or reframing a miss as a success undermines trust.

Question 49Language Proficiency and Communication

In a difficult feedback conversation, a manager says 'The report went out with three unverified figures.' Which feature makes this feedback most usable by the recipient?

  1. It uses a passive construction to hide who acted
  2. It specifies observable behaviour rather than labelling the person Correct answer.
  3. It generalises across all of the recipient's work
  4. It pairs the criticism with an unrelated compliment

Explanation

Describing specific observable behaviour gives the recipient something concrete to act on and avoids personal attack. Hiding the actor, overgeneralising, or padding with unrelated praise makes the feedback harder to use.

Question 50Language Proficiency and Communication

A negotiator says 'If we extend the delivery window by a week, we can hold the current price.' Which move does this utterance represent?

  1. A refusal to negotiate
  2. A summary of agreed terms
  3. A conditional offer linking two variables Correct answer.
  4. An unconditional concession

Explanation

The 'if...then' structure trades one variable (time) against another (price), which is a conditional offer. It is not a free concession, a refusal, or a recap of terms already settled.