To accompany FCE Examination Papers with Answers 4 (CUP 2010) Test 1
Without looking below, underline positive and negative expressions in the transcript, putting a plus sign (+) above positive expressions and a minus sign (-) above negative expressions. If a positive expression is part of a larger negative point or vice versa, underline the larger point. For example, if the positive expression “life and soul of the party” is part of “not exactly what you would call life and soul of the party”, underline that longer expressions and add a minus sign. If a positive or negative expression is part of a longer clause or sentence with the same connotation, underline the shortest part that makes the connotation clear. For example, if the expression is “He had a ceaselessly untiring attitude to his studies”, you can just underline “untiring”.
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Are these expressions positive or negative?
Question 1
to surprise her friends
spend time with her son
keep an eye on
You might well ask what… was doing…
mud-drenched
get rid of
on a one-to-one basis
be with them
give them lots of attention
get on
fighting each other
not exactly the right atmosphere for a nice, relaxing break
Question 2
frightening
boring
tiring
hard work
leave me with little energy for other things
I was surprised how interesting it was
there is so much to learn
you hear quite scary stories
getting things wrong
patients complaining
tough bosses
you don’t worry about things like that
you just get on with the job
Question 3
generally rather disappointing
surprisingly detailed
relies too heavily on…
we’ve been eagerly awaiting…
it hasn’t disappointed
Intrigued by…
a fascinating mix of…
adventure
humour
My only reservation concerns…
sketchy
… to say the least
as much as I…
… would have been welcome
Question 4
lacks…
natural talent
take running more seriously
there was no one anywhere near them when they were crossing the finishing line
isn’t complaining
came away with
a bronze medal
putting her athletics higher up her list of priorities
Question 5
She regretted that…
so short
inadequate
uninteresting
I didn’t feel comfortable
so small
trapped
we had lots of opportunities
explore
I enjoyed most
get away from
that wasn’t a problem
Question 6
lucky
concentrate on
improving
complicated
modest pay
high salary
fewer prospects
be lucky enough to
given the opportunity to
confused
Question 7
inspiration
vivid imagination
creative
Question 8
left it a bit late
get on with sorting out…
fitness
make sure we don’t clash
sorted
all right
free to take part
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PDF version for easy saving and printing: positive and negative expressions in FCE Listening Part One
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