APTIS Expressing and Justifying Opinions 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence structure is most typical of a well-organized opinion statement in APTIS?
- Opinion signal + position + reason/evidence. (Correct answer)
- A list of unrelated facts.
- A question followed by silence.
- Repeating what the examiner said.
Correct answer: Opinion signal + position + reason/evidence.
The three-part structure of signal + position + reason is the foundation of effective opinion expression in English proficiency tests.
Question 2: A candidate wants to express a strong opinion without sounding aggressive. Which phrase is best?
- You have to agree that...
- I strongly feel that..., and here's why. (Correct answer)
- Everyone must accept that...
- It's obviously true that...
Correct answer: I strongly feel that..., and here's why.
'I strongly feel that' expresses conviction while keeping the opinion clearly personal and non-imposing.
Question 3: In APTIS writing Part 3, you are asked to comment on a discussion topic. Which approach earns higher marks?
- Write as little as possible.
- List both sides and state your own reasoned view. (Correct answer)
- Copy sentences from the question prompt.
- Give only facts without any personal view.
Correct answer: List both sides and state your own reasoned view.
Higher APTIS writing scores reward candidates who engage with multiple perspectives and express a supported personal view.
Question 4: Which sentence correctly uses 'as far as I'm concerned'?
- As far as I'm concerned, the weather today is 72 degrees.
- As far as I'm concerned, stricter environmental laws are absolutely necessary. (Correct answer)
- As far as I'm concerned, the capital of France is Paris.
- As far as I'm concerned, two plus two equals four.
Correct answer: As far as I'm concerned, stricter environmental laws are absolutely necessary.
'As far as I'm concerned' is used to introduce a personal opinion, not an objective fact — so it fits best with a debatable viewpoint.
Question 5: Which approach best handles a topic you are genuinely uncertain about in an APTIS speaking task?
- Stay silent until the time runs out.
- Say 'I don't know' and stop talking.
- Acknowledge uncertainty and still express a tentative view: 'I'm not entirely sure, but I tend to think...' (Correct answer)
- Make up false facts to sound confident.
Correct answer: Acknowledge uncertainty and still express a tentative view: 'I'm not entirely sure, but I tend to think...'
Expressing a tentative opinion with hedging language is better than silence and shows language flexibility.
Question 6: The phrase 'It could be argued that...' is best used to:
- State your own firm personal belief.
- Introduce a viewpoint in a neutral or distanced way. (Correct answer)
- Express strong emotional disagreement.
- Ask the examiner for clarification.
Correct answer: Introduce a viewpoint in a neutral or distanced way.
'It could be argued that' is a distancing device that presents a view without fully committing to it personally.
Question 7: Which response best addresses the prompt: 'Do you think learning a second language should be compulsory in schools?'
- Languages are interesting.
- Absolutely, in my view it should be compulsory, since bilingualism has proven cognitive and career benefits. (Correct answer)
- Some kids like languages.
- Yes.
Correct answer: Absolutely, in my view it should be compulsory, since bilingualism has proven cognitive and career benefits.
This response clearly states a position, uses an opinion signal, and justifies the view with reference to documented benefits.
APTIS Expressing and Justifying Opinions 4
Which sentence structure is most typical of a well-organized opinion statement in APTIS?