1/ Identifying attitudes and opinions

In Listening Sections 1 and 3, the speakers are often trying to make a decision or reach an agreement. Identifying the speakers’ opinions can help you to answer the questions correctly.

1.1 Listen to eight extracts. What does each speaker show?

a strong agreement

b neither complete agreement nor complete disagreement

c complete disagreement

1.2 Listen again and complete the extracts.

1 Well, I …………………………………………………….. .

2 I think that’s a ……………………………………… .

3 Well, I’m ………………… about that.

4 I think you’re ……………………………. .

5 Hmm, that’s a bit …………………………. .

6 I think that’s ……………………………. .

7 That seems ………………………. to me.

8 I have to admit I don’t like the …………………………. .

1.3 In Listening Sections 3 and 4, you may be asked to identify a speaker’s attitude. Match words 1-7 with synonyms a-g.

1.4 Listen to an extract from a Listening Section 3 task. What aspect of the research did the students find surprising? Choose the correct answer (A, B or C).

A The amount of time it took to achieve results.

B The reaction of the public to the research.

C The findings that the research produced.

1.5 Listen again and write down all the words/phrases the speakers use to mean ‘surprising’ or ‘unsurprising’.