TOEFL Exercise 9 Almost negative expressions

(W) Do you expect a lot of rain this month?

(M) It hardly ever rains in July.

What does the man mean?

• It never rains in July.

• It is possible to rain in July.

(M) Were all three students accepted to the university?

(W) Only John was accepted.

What does the woman mean?

• John wasn't accepted.

• John was accepted.

(M) Did Mark do well in Professor Frank's class?

(W) Mark barely passed the history exam that Professor Frank gave.

What does the woman mean?

• Mark passed.

• Mark didn't pass.

(W) I can't believe how long we've been here.

(M) Dr. Roberts almost never keeps his patients waiting long.

What does the man mean?

• Dr. Roberts always keeps his patients waiting.

• Dr. Roberts doesn't usually keep his patients waiting.

(M) I can't believe Betty isn't at work this week!

(W) Only rarely does Betty take a vacation in winter.

What does the woman mean?

• Betty doesn't usually take a vacation in winter.

• Betty never takes a vacation in winter.

(M) Does Steve study very much?

(W) He hardly ever opens a book.

What does the woman say about Steve?

• Steve studies well.

• Steve doesn't usually study.

(W) Was the philosophy exam very long?

(M) I scarcely had time to finish it.

What does the man mean?

• The exam was long.

• There is not enough time to finish the exam.

(M) I was so bored at the staff meeting!

(W) Seldom have staff meetings lasted this long.

What does the woman mean?

• The meeting was took a long time this time.

• The meeting always takes a long time.

(W) Are you enjoying the barbecue?

(M) Only rarely have I tasted such delicious meat.

What does the man mean?

• The man has never tasted delicious meat.

• The man seldom tastes delicious meat.

(W) Does your broken arm hurt very much?

(M) Only if I try to move.

What does the man mean?

• His arm hurts when he moves.

• His arm hurts when he isn't moving.