Communication
25 free practice questions with explanations
PassNova has 25 free Functional Skills English L1 practice questions on Communication, each with a clear explanation. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback — 100% free, no sign-up, on any device. Updated for 2026.
Communication: example questions & answers
25 worked examples with answers and explanations below. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback on every answer.
What is the most important aspect of listening?
- AInterrupting to add your view
- BWaiting your turn to speak
- CFocusing on what others are saying✓
- DPlanning your reply in advance
Answer: Active listening means focusing on the speaker's words and ideas.
How should you address someone in a formal context?
- ABy their first name straight away
- BBy their title and surname✓
- CIn a relaxed and informal way
- DBy a nickname you have made up
Answer: Formal situations require using titles and surnames (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.).
What should you do if you don't understand someone?
- APretend that you have understood
- BChange the subject to avoid asking
- CStay quiet and nod
- DAsk for clarification politely✓
Answer: Asking questions shows engagement and ensures clear communication.
How should you respond to a compliment?
- ABrag about your other successes
- BShrug it off
- CInsist that it is not true
- DSay thank you graciously✓
Answer: A simple 'thank you' is the appropriate response to a compliment.
What is important when giving instructions?
- AUse long, technical, unfamiliar words
- BAssume they know, skip steps, and rush
- CBe clear, organised, and check for understanding✓
- DSpeak quickly, jump between steps, and finish early
Answer: Clear instructions include steps in order and confirmation of understanding.
How should you handle a disagreement professionally?
- ARaise your voice, argue, and leave
- BListen, stay calm, and discuss respectfully✓
- CInsult them, sulk, and complain
- DIgnore them, give in, move on
Answer: Professional disagreement involves calm discussion and respect.
What is the purpose of body language in communication?
- AIt always confuses and misleads the listener
- BIt replaces the need for spoken words
- CIt conveys feelings and attitudes✓
- DIt matters in writing but not in speech
Answer: Body language communicates feelings and attitude alongside words.
How should you prepare for a presentation?
- ASkim, guess, and hope
- BResearch, organise, and practise✓
- CRelax, chat, and improvise
- DCopy, paste, read aloud
Answer: Good presentations require research, organisation, and rehearsal.
What should you avoid in workplace communication?
- AHonest, polite, timely replies
- BClear emails, notes, and agendas
- CGossip, rumours, and inappropriate language✓
- DFollowing the rules, policies, and codes of conduct
Answer: Professional communication avoids gossip and maintains professionalism.
How should you start a professional phone call?
- ABegin with demands, complaints, and long questions
- BStart talking without giving your own name
- CState your name and purpose clearly✓
- DAsk about their weekend
Answer: Professional calls begin with proper introduction and statement of purpose.
What does nonverbal communication include?
- ATone, body language, facial expressions✓
- BEmails, letters, and written reports
- CWords, sentences, and spoken phrases
- DSpelling, grammar, and punctuation in writing
Answer: Nonverbal communication includes tone of voice, gestures, and expressions.
How should you respond to feedback?
- AListen, consider it, and thank the person✓
- BGet defensive, explain yourself, and blame other people
- CArgue back, deny it, and list their faults
- DIgnore it, change the subject, and carry on
Answer: Good responses to feedback involve listening and considering the input.
What is an important element of effective communication?
- AComplicated wording
- BLong, rambling answers
- CClear and concise messaging✓
- DA loud voice
Answer: Effective communication is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
What should you do when you make a mistake in communication?
- AApologise and clarify✓
- BChange the subject
- CDeny it happened
- DBlame someone else
Answer: Admitting mistakes and clarifying builds trust and credibility.
What should you consider when communicating across cultures?
- ATreating everyone the same way
- BStereotypes about other countries
- CSpeaking much louder and more slowly than usual
- DDifferent customs and ways of communicating✓
Answer: Cultural awareness includes respecting different communication styles.
How should you handle an angry customer?
- AInterrupt, argue, and hang up
- BDismiss the complaint, blame the customer, and end the call
- CIgnore them, wait, and hope they give up
- DListen, empathise, and find a solution✓
Answer: Handling upset customers requires patience, empathy, and problem-solving.
What is the importance of asking questions in conversation?
- AShows interest and helps understanding✓
- BShows that you were not paying attention
- CIs rude and interrupts the other speaker
- DWastes time that could be spent talking
Answer: Questions demonstrate engagement and clarify understanding.
How should you conclude a professional meeting?
- ASlip out quietly
- BOpen a new topic, then a second, then a third
- CHurry out before there is time for questions
- DSummarise decisions and confirm next steps✓
Answer: Good conclusions summarise what was decided and clarify next steps.
What is active listening?
- AFocusing, processing, and responding to what's said✓
- BHearing the words, nodding along, and planning a reply
- CNodding, smiling, and missing the speaker's point
- DWaiting quietly, ready to speak, and interrupting
Answer: Active listening involves full engagement with the speaker's message.
How should you prepare for a job interview?
- AExaggerate, improvise, and hope
- BResearch company, practise answers, dress appropriately✓
- CArrive late, unprepared, and flustered
- DTurn up with no preparation, no questions, and no research
Answer: Interview success requires research, practice, and professional appearance.
What should emails have for clear communication?
- AText speak, emojis, blank subject
- BA long chain of forwards, no subject, and no summary
- CClear subject, organised content, professional tone✓
- DA missing subject line, slang, and a casual sign-off
Answer: Professional emails need structure: clear subject, greeting, content, closing.
How should you provide constructive criticism?
- AAvoid the problem, change the subject, and then move on
- BBe vague, criticise the person, and raise your voice
- CCorrect them loudly, in public, in front of the team
- DBe specific, focus on improvement, deliver kindly✓
Answer: Constructive feedback is specific, helpful, and delivered respectfully.
What is important when speaking in a group?
- AMumble into your notes
- BTalk over other speakers
- CMake eye contact and speak clearly✓
- DStare at the floor and read from your notes
Answer: Group speaking requires clear voice and connection with audience.
How can you ensure your message is understood?
- AUse technical words every time you speak
- BSay it once, quickly, and then move to the next point
- CCheck for understanding and be open to questions✓
- DAssume that people have understood what you really meant
Answer: Verify understanding by asking questions and encouraging feedback.
What is the value of networking in communication?
- AIt is just a false way of making friends for personal gain
- BCollecting business cards helps salespeople more than others
- CBuilding professional relationships benefits everyone✓
- DIt matters at work but has no place outside the office
Answer: Networking builds professional relationships that benefit career development.