M6 1st semester Final Exam - PSC 2025

What is the purpose of using back-channeling in a conversation about technology?

• To interrupt the speaker with your own opinion.

• To show you are actively listening and engaged.

• To correct the speaker's grammar mistakes.

• To change the subject to something else.

When a native speaker says "I gotta go," they are using a common pronunciation rule. What is this an example of?

• A sentence stress rule

• A weak vowel sound

• A linking sound

• A grammatical error

If you are in a conversation about a new smartphone app and you nod your head, what kind of back-channeling are you using?

• A verbal back-channel

• A vocal back-channel

• A visual back-channel

• An audible back-channel

The phrase "What's it about?" can often sound like "Whatsitabout?" This is an example of which speaking phenomenon?

• Weak vowel reduction

• A stressed syllable

• A linking sound

• A consonant cluster

When someone asks, "Did you use your new laptop yet?" and you hear "Didja," what is happening to the sounds?

• The /d/ and /j/ sounds are being separated.

• The /d/ and /j/ sounds are blending together.

• The /d/ sound is being omitted completely.

• The /j/ sound is being replaced by a /t/ sound.

"I use my cell phone for everything!" The word "everything" is a key part of this statement. What does it imply about the speaker's habits?

• They only use their phone for calls.

• They use their phone for a very small number of tasks.

• They use their phone for a wide range of different activities.

• They do not use their phone for important tasks.

Which of the following phrases is an example of a common linking sound in English?

• "The big dog"

• "Go away"

• "Eat lunch"

• "The small car"

In a conversation, what does say "uh-huh" or "yeah" at the right moments signal to the speaker?

• That you are ready to stop the conversation.

• That you are confused about the topic.

• That you are listening and encouraging them to continue.

• That you do not care about what they are saying.

When discussing "lifestyle," what kind of topics would be included?

• Only your favorite movies and music.

• Your job, hobbies, daily habits, and interests.

• The weather and recent news events.

• Your opinion on current political issues.

What is a "vocalic" back-channel?

• A physical gesture like a nod or head shake.

• Words like "right" or "exactly" to show agreement.

• Sounds like "um" or "ah" when you are unsure.

• Short utterances like "uh-huh" or "mm-hmm."