Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Practice Test

According to the text, who is considered a peer?

1. A person older than you

2. A superior in a group

3. Someone of equal standing in a group

4. Anyone in your community

The correct answer is: Someone of equal standing in a group

The definition of a peer is someone who holds a similar status or position relative to others within a specific context, typically in terms of age, rank, or social standing. In this case, the correct choice emphasizes that a peer is someone who shares equal standing in a group. This can be seen in various scenarios, such as students in the same grade or colleagues at the same level within a workplace. Considering the other options, a person older than you is not considered a peer because age creates a hierarchical distinction. A superior in a group also does not fit the definition since their status is higher, signifying a lack of equality. Finally, while anyone in your community may have some shared characteristics with you, they do not necessarily share equal standing within any specific group context, so this option is too broad to satisfy the definition of a peer. Therefore, identifying a peer specifically as someone of equal standing highlights the importance of shared position or status in relation to others.