APTIS Expressing and Justifying Opinions 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When asked 'What do you think about the rise of artificial intelligence?', which response demonstrates the highest level of opinion expression?
- AI is a computer thing.
- I believe AI offers incredible opportunities for efficiency, though I have reservations about job displacement and ethical concerns. (Correct answer)
- I read something about AI once.
- AI — yes or no?
Correct answer: I believe AI offers incredible opportunities for efficiency, though I have reservations about job displacement and ethical concerns.
This response presents a balanced, justified view that acknowledges both benefits and concerns, reflecting sophisticated opinion expression.
Question 2: Which phrase correctly introduces an opinion based on personal experience?
- According to scientists...
- Based on my own experience, I've found that... (Correct answer)
- The government says...
- It has been proven that...
Correct answer: Based on my own experience, I've found that...
'Based on my own experience' explicitly frames the upcoming statement as personal evidence rather than a general fact.
Question 3: A candidate says: 'I think public transport should be free. This would reduce traffic, lower pollution, and make cities more equitable.' What technique are they using?
- Listing unrelated facts.
- Stating an opinion and supporting it with three distinct reasons. (Correct answer)
- Contradicting themselves.
- Asking a rhetorical question.
Correct answer: Stating an opinion and supporting it with three distinct reasons.
The candidate states a clear opinion and immediately provides three logically connected supporting reasons.
Question 4: Which phrase best signals that you are acknowledging the opposite opinion before countering it?
- Therefore...
- I grant that some people believe..., however... (Correct answer)
- In conclusion...
- Similarly...
Correct answer: I grant that some people believe..., however...
'I grant that some people believe...' acknowledges an opposing view, and 'however' introduces the counter-argument.
Question 5: In an APTIS speaking task, you are asked to compare living in a large city versus a small town. Which strategy is most effective?
- Describe only one option and ignore the other.
- State a clear preference, explain why, and briefly acknowledge the appeal of the other option. (Correct answer)
- Say they are exactly the same.
- Refuse to choose and say both are fine.
Correct answer: State a clear preference, explain why, and briefly acknowledge the appeal of the other option.
Stating a preference with justification while acknowledging the other option shows opinion expression and balanced reasoning.
Question 6: Which sentence is an example of an unsupported opinion that would score lower in APTIS?
- I believe stricter gun laws would reduce violence, as statistics show fewer gun deaths in countries with tighter regulations.
- I think we should recycle more because it conserves natural resources and reduces landfill waste.
- I feel that coffee is better than tea. (Correct answer)
- In my view, electric vehicles are the future of transport, since they produce zero direct emissions.
Correct answer: I feel that coffee is better than tea.
'I feel that coffee is better than tea' states a preference but provides no justification or reasoning to support it.
Question 7: Which discourse marker is most appropriate for signaling the conclusion of an extended opinion?
- However
- On the other hand
- To sum up my view (Correct answer)
- For instance
Correct answer: To sum up my view
'To sum up my view' signals that the speaker is wrapping up and restating their main position at the end of a longer response.
APTIS Expressing and Justifying Opinions 5
When asked 'What do you think about the rise of artificial intelligence?', which response demonstrates the highest level of opinion expression?