How to Pass the CASAS STEPS Listening Test: Level E

If you are aiming to learn how to pass the CASAS STEPS Listening test at the highest level (NRS Level 6), you must become an expert at “reading between the lines.” While lower test levels focus purely on what is said, Level E challenges you to go deeper and identify the Speaker’s Tone, Attitude, or Outlook.

This advanced skill requires you to listen intently to the subtle inflection in a speaker’s voice, their level of certainty, and the specific “pivot words” they use to hide their true feelings. These questions are designed to separate proficient speakers from truly advanced ones, so mastering this technique is vital for achieving a top score. You can review the full range of skills required on the Official CASAS Blueprint.

Mastering the “Attitude Patterns” with Full Examples

In the advanced practice materials on esolsteps.com, we see three specific recurring patterns that test your ability to handle the emotional subtext of professional conversations.

1. The “Conditional Approval” (Cautious Optimism)

The Setup: A supervisor or manager hears a new idea. They say something positive, but immediately follow it with a requirement or a worry. You need to identify their final position.

Dialogue Example: “I like the idea of the new software, but we need to ensure the staff is fully trained before we switch over. If we can do that, I’m all for it.”
The Question: What is the manager’s attitude toward the new software?

Multiple Choice Options:

A. Completely Indifferent

B. Thoroughly Disappointed

C. Supportive with reservations

Analysis: The correct answer is C. The manager gives a positive opening (“I like the idea”) but then pivots to a condition (“but we need to ensure…”). The final phrase (“If we can do that, I’m all for it”) confirms their support but only with that important qualification. They are Supportive with reservations.

2. The “Reluctant Agreement” (Hesitation)

The Setup: A coworker is asked to help with a project or take on an extra task. They don’t say a direct “no,” but they use “stalling” words and mention their own problems to show they aren’t truly happy about the extra work.

Dialogue Example: “Well… I suppose I could help with the inventory, but I’m already behind on my own reports. I’ll try to make it work, though.”
The Question: How does the man feel about helping with the inventory?

Multiple Choice Options:

A. Very enthusiastic and ready to help

B. Helpful and accommodating

C. Hesitant or Reluctant

Analysis: The correct answer is C. The man starts with a stalled word (“Well…“), uses a weak word for agreement (“I suppose“), and immediately pivots to his problem (“but I’m already behind…”). His final statement (“I’ll try to make it work, though”) is a reluctant commitment. He is clearly Hesitant or Reluctant.

3. The “Professional Skepticism” (Doubt)

The Setup: This occurs when a speaker is presented with a “perfect” solution but sounds doubtful about whether it will actually work based on their past experience. They focus on potential risks or a wait-and-see attitude.

Dialogue Example: “That sounds good on paper, but we’ve tried similar strategies before without much luck. We’ll see if this time is any different.”
The Question: What is the woman’s outlook on the new strategy?

Multiple Choice Options:

A. Optimistic and Confident

B. Completely indifferent and does not care

C. Skeptical or Doubtful

Analysis: The correct answer is C. The woman’s first phrase (“That sounds good on paper”) is polite, but she quickly pivots to the reality (“but we’ve tried…”). Her final statement (“We’ll see if this time is any different“) is the definition of Skeptical or Doubtful. Options A is opposite; option B misses her negative focus.

The “Pivot Word” Strategy for Emotional Tracking

To truly master how to pass the CASAS STEPS Listening test, you must learn to listen for subtle emotional “pivots.” Most speakers in Level E will start with a polite, neutral, or even positive opening statement before revealing their true attitude or final decision immediately after a specific word:

“But…” (Signals a shift from positive/neutral to concerned, conditional, or skeptical).
“However…” (Signals a professional disagreement, a condition, or a counter-argument).
“Actually…” (Signals a correction, a shift in certainty, or a differing opinion).
“Well…” (Signals a hesitation, a stalling for time, or an unenthusiastic agreement).

Listen to how the inflection in their voice changes immediately following these words. The key information for identifying the correct tone almost always follows these “pivot” words.

Watch Out for “Vocabulary Overload”

The CASAS STEPS Listening test uses advanced academic vocabulary, particularly adjectives, to describe tone and attitude. You must familiarize yourself with these common Level 6 terms to answer accurately:

Tentative: (adj.) Not certain or fixed; hesitant to commit to a specific decision or course of action.
Unbiased: (adj.) Not taking sides; showing no prejudice or personal feelings in a workplace or professional dispute.
Apprehensive: (adj.) Feeling anxious, worried, or nervous about a future outcome.
Objective: (adj.) Focusing purely on facts and observable evidence, rather than personal feelings or opinions.

Final Success Checklist for Tone and Attitude

Focus on the End: The question almost always asks for the speaker’s final attitude or position. Don’t get tricked by their polite opening!
Identify the Pitch: Pay attention to their tone of voice. High pitch often signals excitement, while a slower “Well…” signals hesitation.
Review the Standards: Always stay aligned with the NRS Level 6 Educational Standards to ensure you are practicing at the correct difficulty.

Ready to master the nuances of professional English? Visit our advanced practice center at esolsteps.com and try our Level E Tone and Attitude practice quiz today!