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PEIC Level 4 (C1) study materials
PEIC Level 4 (C1) study resources

PEIC Level 4 (C1) practice questions

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Question 1Listening

A speaker says: "The figures I'm quoting are provisional, so please don't circulate them outside the team." What is the speaker's main purpose?

  1. To apologise for a delay in the report
  2. To ask the team to double-check the figures
  3. To restrict how the information is shared Correct answer.
  4. To announce that the figures are final

Explanation

The instruction 'don't circulate them outside the team' is a restriction on distribution. The word 'provisional' explains why the restriction exists but does not change the purpose, which is to control who sees the data.

Question 2Listening

In a lecture, the speaker says: "Let me park that question and come back to it after the case study." What does the speaker intend to do?

  1. Answer the question later in the talk Correct answer.
  2. Ask the audience to leave the room
  3. Repeat the case study twice
  4. Reject the question as irrelevant

Explanation

The phrasal verb 'park' in a discussion means to set something aside temporarily with the intention of returning to it. 'Come back to it after the case study' confirms the deferred answer.

Question 3Listening

A colleague says: "I'd rather you didn't copy me in on every email." What is being expressed?

  1. A refusal to read emails
  2. An offer to send more updates
  3. A polite request to reduce email copying Correct answer.
  4. A complaint about missing emails

Explanation

'I'd rather you didn't' is a softened way of making a request, and 'copy me in' means include someone on an email. Together they ask the listener to send fewer copied messages.

Question 4Listening

Announcement: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 14:20 service will terminate at Ashford instead of continuing to Dover." What must passengers travelling to Dover do?

  1. Return to their original station
  2. Board a replacement bus at 14:20
  3. Wait for the same train to resume
  4. Change trains at Ashford Correct answer.

Explanation

'Terminate at Ashford' means the train ends its journey there, so Dover passengers must continue by other means, which in rail announcements means changing at that station. The reason given is unrelated to the practical instruction.

Question 5Listening

A speaker says: "Honestly, the second half of the report was a bit of a slog." What does the speaker imply?

  1. The second half was the best part
  2. The later section was hard work to get through Correct answer.
  3. The report was too short overall
  4. The report was never finished

Explanation

'A slog' is informal for something tiring and laborious. 'A bit of' softens the criticism, but the meaning remains that reading or writing that part was heavy going.

Question 6Listening

A tutor says: "Bear in mind the deadline falls on a bank holiday, so submit early." What is the practical consequence for students?

  1. They can submit after the holiday without penalty
  2. The deadline has been cancelled
  3. They must request an extension
  4. They should hand in work before the holiday Correct answer.

Explanation

'Bear in mind' introduces a factor to consider, and the consequence drawn is 'submit early'. The tutor is warning that the holiday may disrupt submission, so earlier hand-in is advised.

Question 7Listening

Speaker: "We're looking at roughly a fifteen per cent shortfall against target." Which statement best reflects the message?

  1. Results are about fifteen per cent below the goal Correct answer.
  2. Results exceed the goal by fifteen per cent
  3. Results are exactly fifteen per cent of the goal
  4. The target has been raised by fifteen per cent

Explanation

'Shortfall against target' means a deficit relative to the planned figure, and 'roughly' signals approximation. So performance is approximately fifteen per cent under the goal, not over it.

Question 8Listening

A guide says: "The exhibition is on the second floor, but the lift is out of order, I'm afraid." What information is the listener given?

  1. The exhibition has been moved downstairs
  2. The exhibition is closed today
  3. The lift is working but slow
  4. The display is upstairs and stairs must be used Correct answer.

Explanation

The exhibition is on the second floor, and the broken lift ('out of order') means visitors must use the stairs. 'I'm afraid' marks the inconvenience politely rather than adding new information.

Question 9Listening

In a seminar, a student says: "That's a fair point, though I'd push back on the assumption behind it." What is the student doing?

  1. Changing the subject completely
  2. Asking for the point to be repeated
  3. Rejecting the point as entirely wrong
  4. Partly agreeing while challenging an underlying premise Correct answer.

Explanation

'That's a fair point' concedes value, while 'push back' signals disagreement. The disagreement targets 'the assumption behind it', so the student accepts the point but questions its premise.

Question 10Listening

Speaker: "It's not that the plan is unworkable; it's that we simply haven't got the staff to deliver it." What is the speaker's position?

  1. The plan should be abandoned immediately
  2. The staff are unwilling to help
  3. The plan is fundamentally flawed
  4. The plan is sound but resources are lacking Correct answer.

Explanation

The 'not that... it's that...' construction redirects the objection from the plan's viability to resourcing. The speaker therefore rates the plan as workable while identifying a staffing obstacle.

Question 11Listening

A manager says: "Had we known about the supplier issue earlier, we could have avoided the delay." What does the manager convey?

  1. The delay was unavoidable in any case
  2. The supplier caused the delay deliberately
  3. The delay might have been prevented with earlier information Correct answer.
  4. The information arrived in good time

Explanation

This is a third conditional with inversion ('Had we known'), describing an unreal past situation. It implies the information did not arrive early, and that earlier knowledge could have prevented the delay.

Question 12Listening

Lecturer: "This isn't the final word on the matter, but it's the best evidence we have at present." How should the evidence be understood?

  1. It is the weakest evidence available
  2. It is currently the strongest available but may be revised Correct answer.
  3. It has been withdrawn by the researchers
  4. It is conclusive and will not change

Explanation

'Not the final word' signals that conclusions remain open, while 'best evidence at present' gives it provisional authority. The listener should treat it as the strongest current view, subject to revision.

Question 13Listening

A speaker says: "We've had to scale back the launch, not cancel it." What is the key distinction being made?

  1. The launch is reduced in scope but still happening Correct answer.
  2. The launch has been cancelled entirely
  3. The launch has been postponed indefinitely
  4. The launch will be expanded instead

Explanation

The 'not... but...' contrast clarifies that 'scale back' means reduce in size, not abolish. The launch continues, but with fewer elements than originally planned.

Question 14Listening

Overheard: "She's been given a lot of latitude on the project, which is unusual for someone so new." What does 'latitude' mean here?

  1. Freedom to make her own decisions Correct answer.
  2. Extra training sessions
  3. A formal warning about performance
  4. Precise instructions from managers

Explanation

'Latitude' in a professional context means scope for independent judgement. The remark that this is 'unusual for someone so new' confirms it refers to autonomy granted despite inexperience.

Question 15Listening

A radio report says: "The council has come under fire for its handling of the housing scheme." What does this mean?

  1. The council has been strongly criticised Correct answer.
  2. The council has withdrawn the scheme
  3. The council has received an award
  4. The council has increased funding

Explanation

'Come under fire' is an idiom meaning to be criticised heavily. The phrase 'for its handling' identifies the target of the criticism, not a change in the scheme itself.

Question 16Listening

In a meeting, a colleague says: "By all means take the lead on this, but keep me in the loop." What two things is the colleague doing?

  1. Refusing responsibility and ending the project
  2. Granting responsibility and requesting updates Correct answer.
  3. Taking over the task and cancelling meetings
  4. Delegating the task and closing communication

Explanation

'By all means' grants permission, and 'take the lead' assigns responsibility. 'Keep me in the loop' asks to be kept informed, so two functions are combined in one turn.

Question 17Listening

Speaker: "I'm not saying it's a done deal, but the signs are encouraging." What stage is the situation at?

  1. The deal has collapsed
  2. The agreement has been signed
  3. Progress is promising but nothing is confirmed Correct answer.
  4. No progress has been made at all

Explanation

'Not a done deal' denies completion, while 'signs are encouraging' points to positive indicators. The situation is therefore in progress, with a favourable but unconfirmed outlook.

Question 18Listening

A podcast host says: "That's a whole other conversation, and one we'll save for another episode." What is the host doing?

  1. Repeating an earlier episode
  2. Deferring a related topic to a later programme Correct answer.
  3. Refusing to discuss the topic ever
  4. Ending the podcast series

Explanation

The host acknowledges the topic as related ('a whole other conversation') but postpones it ('save for another episode'). Deferral, not refusal, is the function of the remark.

Question 19Listening

A speaker says: "The survey was self-selecting, so we should treat the findings with a pinch of salt." What is being advised?

  1. Viewing the results with caution Correct answer.
  2. Adding salt to the sample
  3. Repeating the survey immediately
  4. Discarding the survey completely

Explanation

'With a pinch of salt' means with scepticism or caution. The reason given, a self-selecting sample, is a recognised source of bias, which justifies caution rather than outright dismissal.

Question 20Listening

Announcement at a conference: "The 11 o'clock keynote has been brought forward by half an hour." When does it now start?

  1. 11:30
  2. 10:30 Correct answer.
  3. 10:00
  4. 11:00

Explanation

'Brought forward' means moved to an earlier time. Thirty minutes before 11:00 is 10:30, so the keynote now begins half an hour sooner than originally scheduled.

Question 21Listening

In a negotiation, one party says: "We could meet you halfway on the price, provided the contract length stays as it is." What is being offered?

  1. A longer contract in exchange for a higher price
  2. An unconditional price reduction
  3. A price concession conditional on unchanged contract length Correct answer.
  4. A complete withdrawal from the deal

Explanation

'Meet you halfway' signals a compromise on price, and 'provided' introduces a condition. The concession applies only if the contract length remains unchanged, so the offer is conditional.

Question 22Listening

A lecturer says: "Far from resolving the dispute, the new policy appears to have deepened it." What is the lecturer's evaluation?

  1. The policy was never implemented
  2. The policy resolved the dispute successfully
  3. The policy worsened the dispute rather than solving it Correct answer.
  4. The policy had no effect on the dispute

Explanation

'Far from' introduces a contrast that negates the expected outcome. The lecturer asserts the opposite of resolution: the policy has intensified the disagreement.

Question 23Listening

Two speakers discuss a proposal. Speaker A: "In principle, I'm with you." Speaker B: "But in practice?" A: "Well, the funding isn't there." What does A ultimately mean?

  1. Support in theory is blocked by a practical obstacle Correct answer.
  2. Indifference to the funding question
  3. Full support with no reservations
  4. Total opposition to the proposal's aims

Explanation

'In principle' grants agreement at the level of aims or theory. The funding objection supplies the practical barrier, so A supports the idea conceptually but cannot back it in reality.

Question 24Listening

Speaker: "You'd have thought the committee would have consulted residents before signing off the plans, wouldn't you?" What is the speaker's implied criticism?

  1. The plans were rejected by residents
  2. Residents should have been consulted earlier Correct answer.
  3. The committee consulted too many residents
  4. The committee delayed signing off

Explanation

The rhetorical question with 'you'd have thought' expresses an expectation that was not met. The implied criticism is that consultation should have happened before approval, not after.

Question 25Listening

A researcher says: "The correlation is robust, but I'd hesitate to call it causal." What is the researcher's stance?

  1. The link is weak and likely coincidental
  2. The data should be disregarded entirely
  3. Causation has been firmly established
  4. The statistical link is strong but causation is unproven Correct answer.

Explanation

'Robust' endorses the strength of the correlation, while 'hesitate to call it causal' withholds a causal claim. The stance separates a reliable association from an unproven causal explanation.

Question 26Listening

A tour guide says: 'The museum closes at five, but the last entry is at half past four.' What does this mean for visitors?

  1. They cannot enter after 5:00.
  2. They must leave by 4:30.
  3. They can enter at any time before 5:00.
  4. They can enter until 4:30 and stay until 5:00. Correct answer.

Explanation

The guide distinguishes between closing time (5:00) and last entry (4:30). Therefore, visitors may enter until 4:30 but can remain inside until the museum closes at 5:00.

Question 27Listening

In a voicemail, a colleague says: 'I'm tied up until three, but I can call you back after that.' What is the colleague explaining?

  1. They will be busy after 3 p.m.
  2. They are unable to call at all today.
  3. They want the other person to call at 3 p.m.
  4. They will be available to call after 3 p.m. Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase 'tied up until three' means the colleague is busy until 3 p.m. The offer to 'call you back after that' indicates they will be free to return the call after 3 p.m.

Question 28Listening

A weather forecast says: 'Tomorrow will start bright, but cloud will build by midday, bringing scattered showers.' What should you expect in the afternoon?

  1. Heavy snow.
  2. Clear skies all day.
  3. Strong winds only.
  4. Some rain in places. Correct answer.

Explanation

The forecast mentions 'scattered showers' developing by midday, which means some rain in some areas during the afternoon. The morning starts bright, but conditions change.

Question 29Listening

A shop assistant says: 'I'm afraid we're out of stock, but I can order it for you.' What is the assistant offering?

  1. To sell the last item to the customer.
  2. To give a refund.
  3. To order the item for the customer. Correct answer.
  4. To repair the customer's item.

Explanation

The assistant states they are out of stock, meaning the item is not currently available, and then offers to order it. This is a common retail offer when an item is unavailable.

Question 30Listening

A recorded message says: 'Please note that the 8:15 service to Bristol has been cancelled. The next service will be at 9:00.' What should passengers do?

  1. Board the 8:15 service.
  2. Travel to a different destination.
  3. Ask for a refund immediately.
  4. Wait for the 9:00 service. Correct answer.

Explanation

The message states the 8:15 is cancelled and gives the next service time as 9:00. Therefore, passengers should wait for the 9:00 service.

Question 31Listening

A friend says: 'I'd love to come to the party, but I'm snowed under with work.' What does the friend mean?

  1. They are excited about the party.
  2. They dislike parties.
  3. They are very busy with work. Correct answer.
  4. They have finished their work.

Explanation

'Snowed under' is an idiom meaning overwhelmed with a large amount of work. The friend is expressing that they cannot attend because they have too much work to do.

Question 32Listening

A lecturer says: 'Turn to page 42. We'll look at the first two paragraphs, then discuss the questions at the end.' What are students expected to do first?

  1. Read the first two paragraphs. Correct answer.
  2. Turn to a different page.
  3. Discuss the whole chapter.
  4. Answer the questions at the end.

Explanation

The lecturer gives a sequence: first look at the first two paragraphs, then discuss the questions. The word 'then' indicates the order, so reading comes first.

Question 33Listening

A hotel receptionist says: 'Breakfast is served from 7 to 10 in the dining room on the ground floor.' What information is given?

  1. The cost of breakfast.
  2. The type of food available.
  3. The time and place of breakfast. Correct answer.
  4. The check-out time.

Explanation

The receptionist states the breakfast times (7 to 10) and the location (dining room on the ground floor). No other details are provided.

Question 34Listening

In a meeting, a manager says: 'We need to prioritise the client's request, so let's put the other tasks on the back burner.' What does the manager want the team to do?

  1. Complete all tasks immediately.
  2. Ignore the client's request.
  3. Delegate the client's request to another team.
  4. Focus on the client's request and delay other tasks. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Put on the back burner' means to postpone or give lower priority to something. The manager is instructing the team to prioritise the client's request and delay other tasks.

Question 35Listening

A news report says: 'The company has denied rumours of impending redundancies.' What is the company's position?

  1. It has confirmed that redundancies will happen.
  2. It refuses to comment on the rumours.
  3. It says the redundancy rumours are untrue. Correct answer.
  4. It is planning to hire more staff.

Explanation

To 'deny' means to state that something is not true. The company denies rumours of redundancies, so it is saying the rumours are false.

Question 36Listening

A colleague says: 'I'll draft the report, and you can cast an eye over it before we send it.' What does the colleague want you to do?

  1. Send the report immediately.
  2. Review the report briefly. Correct answer.
  3. Ignore the report.
  4. Write the report yourself.

Explanation

To 'cast an eye over' something means to look at it quickly or review it briefly. The colleague will draft the report and wants you to check it before sending.

Question 37Listening

A professor says: 'Your argument is compelling, but it rests on an assumption that needs unpacking.' What is the professor's feedback?

  1. The argument is completely wrong.
  2. The argument is too long.
  3. The argument is well supported by evidence.
  4. The argument is good but has an unexamined assumption. Correct answer.

Explanation

The professor praises the argument as 'compelling' but points out that it relies on an assumption that needs 'unpacking', meaning the assumption requires closer examination. This is constructive criticism, not total rejection.

Question 38Listening

A radio interviewer says: 'Let's park that for now and return to it after the break.' What does the interviewer want to do?

  1. End the interview immediately.
  2. Discuss the topic in more detail now.
  3. Change the subject permanently.
  4. Postpone the topic until later. Correct answer.

Explanation

To 'park' a topic means to postpone or set it aside temporarily. The interviewer intends to return to it after the break, so it is not permanently dropped.

Question 39Listening

A speaker says: 'The proposal was met with a lukewarm response.' What does this mean?

  1. The response was not very enthusiastic. Correct answer.
  2. The response was very positive.
  3. The response was angry.
  4. The response was confusing.

Explanation

'Lukewarm' literally means mildly warm and figuratively means lacking enthusiasm. A lukewarm response is therefore unenthusiastic or indifferent.

Question 40Listening

A guide says: 'The path is steep in places, so stout footwear is advisable.' What are walkers advised to do?

  1. Carry a walking stick.
  2. Wear strong, comfortable shoes. Correct answer.
  3. Walk quickly to finish early.
  4. Avoid the path entirely.

Explanation

'Stout footwear' means sturdy shoes that provide support. The advice is given because the path is steep in places, so walkers should wear strong shoes.

Question 41Listening

A customer says: 'I was under the impression that the warranty covered accidental damage.' What is the customer doing?

  1. Questioning the warranty terms. Correct answer.
  2. Accepting the warranty terms.
  3. Praising the warranty.
  4. Cancelling the warranty.

Explanation

The phrase 'I was under the impression' signals that the customer's understanding may be incorrect. They are implicitly questioning whether accidental damage is covered by the warranty.

Question 42Listening

A lecturer says: 'The data are suggestive, but we should be wary of overinterpreting them.' What is the lecturer's advice?

  1. The data are conclusive.
  2. The data should be discarded.
  3. Be cautious about drawing strong conclusions. Correct answer.
  4. Ignore the data completely.

Explanation

'Suggestive' means the data hint at something, but 'wary of overinterpreting' advises caution against drawing conclusions that are too strong. The lecturer is recommending careful interpretation.

Question 43Listening

A colleague says: 'I'll be with you in a moment, I just need to tie up a few loose ends.' What does the colleague mean?

  1. They are leaving for the day.
  2. They need to finish some small remaining tasks. Correct answer.
  3. They are going to tie their shoelaces.
  4. They want you to finish their tasks.

Explanation

The idiom 'tie up loose ends' means to complete small, remaining details. The colleague is asking for a moment to finish these tasks before attending to you.

Question 44Listening

A podcast host says: 'That's a can of worms we probably shouldn't open on air.' What does the host mean?

  1. They are not interested in the topic.
  2. The topic is complicated and potentially problematic. Correct answer.
  3. They have a can of worms to show.
  4. They want to discuss the topic in depth.

Explanation

A 'can of worms' is an idiom for a complicated and contentious issue. The host is suggesting that discussing it on air could lead to difficulties.

Question 45Listening

A manager says: 'We're not out of the woods yet, but we're certainly on the right track.' What is the manager's assessment?

  1. The situation is getting worse.
  2. Progress has been made, but problems remain. Correct answer.
  3. The project has failed.
  4. The situation is completely resolved.

Explanation

The idiom 'not out of the woods' means still in difficulty, while 'on the right track' indicates progress. The manager is saying that while there are still challenges, the direction is positive.

Question 46Listening

A speaker says: 'The scheme has been a resounding success, with take-up far exceeding expectations.' What does this mean?

  1. The scheme was much more successful than anticipated. Correct answer.
  2. The scheme met expectations exactly.
  3. The scheme was cancelled.
  4. The scheme failed to attract participants.

Explanation

'Resounding success' means a very great success, and 'take-up far exceeding expectations' means that participation was much higher than predicted. The scheme performed better than expected.

Question 47Listening

A lecturer says: 'The evidence, such as it is, points to a decline in population.' What does the lecturer imply about the evidence?

  1. The evidence is fabricated.
  2. The evidence is limited or inadequate. Correct answer.
  3. The evidence is abundant and strong.
  4. The evidence is irrelevant.

Explanation

The phrase 'such as it is' is a hedging expression that implies the evidence is of poor quality or limited. The lecturer is suggesting that the evidence is not strong, even though it indicates a decline.

Question 48Listening

A politician says: 'I would not go so far as to say the policy has failed, but it has certainly not delivered as intended.' What is the politician's stance?

  1. The policy has not been implemented.
  2. The policy has not achieved its goals, but it is not a total failure. Correct answer.
  3. The policy has been a total failure.
  4. The policy has been a complete success.

Explanation

The politician hedges by saying they 'would not go so far as to say' it failed, but admits it has 'not delivered as intended'. This means the policy fell short of its goals without being labelled a complete failure.

Question 49Listening

A researcher says: 'The findings are consistent with previous studies, but the sample size was small, so we should treat them as provisional.' What is the researcher's conclusion?

  1. The findings are tentative and require further confirmation. Correct answer.
  2. The findings are based on a large sample.
  3. The findings are definitive and should be accepted.
  4. The findings contradict previous studies.

Explanation

The researcher notes consistency with previous work but highlights the small sample size and advises treating the findings as 'provisional'. This means the results are tentative and need confirmation.

Question 50Listening

A mediator says: 'We've made progress on the easier issues, but the thorny ones remain unresolved.' What does the mediator mean?

  1. Difficult issues are still not settled. Correct answer.
  2. The thorny issues have been resolved.
  3. The easy issues are still unresolved.
  4. All issues have been resolved.

Explanation

'Thorny' means difficult or problematic, and 'unresolved' means not settled. The mediator is saying that while progress was made on easier issues, the difficult ones are still outstanding.