Q.1.
You are shortly going to meet a friend-of-a-friend, whom you have discovered to have a hobby in common with you. The mutual friend 'in the middle' ~ who has made the connection / introduction ~ offers you a word of warning before you go in to meet his other friend: 'He knows his stuff all right, but it's only fair to tell you that he's no oil painting'. What are you supposed to understand by this?
Q.2.
You are about to be introduced to another friend-of-a-friend: this time, a lively-mannered man who is clearly full of interest and experience ('the life and soul of the party'). Your friend tells you quietly, just beforehand, ' ... But do be a little careful; sometimes he can't keep his hands to himself'. What are you supposed to be careful of, as you go to meet him?
Q.3.
You are re-visiting old friends and ask about their neighbour, whom you remember as 'a bit of a character'. Your friends pause a moment, look at each other slightly mysteriously, then one of them tells you: 'Ah yes, Mr Snodgrass: well, let's just say he's gone away for a while.' What do they probably mean?
Q.4.
'Good evening; Mrs Hugh? I'm Inspector Dominick from Whitchurch Police. I'm so sorry to disturb you, but may we come in for a moment please? Perhaps there's somewhere we could sit down ... ' What is the most likely implication of this developing conversation?
Q.5.
You have tried some particular British food that was new to you, and it has upset your digestion. The following day you are aware that you might need to go to the bathroom/toilet at fairly short notice and at any moment, so it won't be practical to go off on an outing with your friends. How do you best explain this to them?
Q.6.
'Bob will be along in a moment; he's just nipped out for some fresh air, as he wasn't feeling very well.' This may well be a polite understatement: what's actually going on? Pick what you believe may be the truth.
Q.7.
'Where's Andy this morning?' 'Dunno; but he came back plastered after midnight, so I doubt he'll be moving before lunchtime at the soonest.' What's been happening to Andy, then?
Q.8.
There are plenty of conversational clues about a woman being pregnant (presumably in the more delicate earlier stages, where you would not be able to tell by looking quietly at the shape of her). ONE of these is NOT relevant or appropriate here; which one?
Q.9.
You ask a friend about her parents and what they do in life. She tells you, 'My father's been pushing up daisies for the past five years'. What is she trying to tell you?
Q.10.
'Hello, is that Gemma? This is Susie. Listen, I don't want to be a nuisance, but I've got a terrible headache this morning and I don't think I'm going to be able to drive into work. Can I call you again at lunchtime and let you know if I'm up to it for this afternoon?' Which is the LEAST likely explanation for such a phone call?