SELT Expressing Opinions Clearly 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which response shows polite disagreement without dismissing the other person's view?
- That's completely wrong and makes no sense.
- I see your point, but I'd argue that the evidence suggests otherwise. (Correct answer)
- You're entitled to your wrong opinion.
- I couldn't disagree more — end of discussion.
Correct answer: I see your point, but I'd argue that the evidence suggests otherwise.
Polite disagreement acknowledges the other person's perspective before presenting a contrasting view.
Question 2: A colleague says, 'Deadlines motivate people.' You partly agree. Which response best expresses partial agreement?
- Yes, you're absolutely right in every way.
- No, deadlines are completely demotivating.
- I agree to some extent — they help some people but can cause stress for others. (Correct answer)
- That's an interesting point, but I have no opinion.
Correct answer: I agree to some extent — they help some people but can cause stress for others.
Partial agreement uses phrases like 'to some extent' and then qualifies the agreement with a contrasting observation.
Question 3: Which phrase signals that you are adding your opinion to support what someone else said?
- On the other hand, I disagree with that view.
- Furthermore, I share the opinion that investment in education is critical. (Correct answer)
- However, I cannot agree with this assessment.
- In contrast, my view differs significantly.
Correct answer: Furthermore, I share the opinion that investment in education is critical.
'Furthermore' adds to a previous point, and 'I share the opinion' signals agreement and support.
Question 4: You want to respectfully challenge a colleague's opinion in a meeting. Which opener is most professional?
- That's a terrible idea and here's why.
- I wonder if we might also consider an alternative perspective. (Correct answer)
- You clearly haven't thought this through.
- Let me tell you why you're mistaken.
Correct answer: I wonder if we might also consider an alternative perspective.
Using 'I wonder if we might consider' softens the challenge and keeps the tone collaborative and professional.
Question 5: Which sentence expresses complete agreement in a formal register?
- Yeah, totally, I'm with you on that one.
- I wholeheartedly concur with the view presented. (Correct answer)
- Sure, sounds good to me.
- I guess I agree, kind of.
Correct answer: I wholeheartedly concur with the view presented.
'Wholeheartedly concur' is a formal expression of complete agreement appropriate for professional or academic contexts.
Question 6: In a debate, a speaker says 'I take your point, however...' What is this speaker doing?
- Fully accepting the other person's argument.
- Acknowledging the other side before introducing a counter-opinion. (Correct answer)
- Refusing to engage with the topic.
- Asking for clarification about the other person's view.
Correct answer: Acknowledging the other side before introducing a counter-opinion.
'I take your point' concedes partial validity before 'however' signals an opposing view — a classic concession-contrast structure.
Question 7: Which phrase best introduces a counter-opinion in a formal essay?
- But wait, there's another side to this.
- Opponents of this view, however, argue that... (Correct answer)
- Some people are wrong because...
- I personally hate this idea.
Correct answer: Opponents of this view, however, argue that...
'Opponents of this view, however, argue that' is the standard academic structure for introducing a counter-opinion.
SELT Expressing Opinions Clearly 3
Which response shows polite disagreement without dismissing the other person's view?