These English replies all begin with 'perhaps'. Which one checks a proposal rather than judging the person who suggested it?

• Perhaps the speaker's confidence gives us enough reason to trust the proposed plan.
• Perhaps a short trial could help us test the proposal before deciding.
• Perhaps the speaker needs more experience with planning before we can trust this proposal.

A cheaper venue is proposed for language-practice meetings. You accept the saving, but your support depends on members being able to reach it. Which response keeps that distinction?

• Accept the saving, then explain why access still limits your support for the venue.
• Accept the saving as enough reason to choose the venue, then ask how access could be improved.
• Describe the saving without accepting it, then explain your access concern.

Asking 'What evidence supports that claim?' can help examine the claim without insulting the speaker.

Your discussion rules allow questions during a turn. You accept a relevant question while presenting your case. Which response addresses the accepted question before continuing your argument?

• Listen, answer briefly, then return to your point.
• Listen to the full question, then finish the point before answering during the next speaker's turn.
• Listen, summarise your argument so far, then return to the point you were making.

A classmate says, 'All club activities should happen indoors.' Your club must also weed an outdoor garden. Which question tests the rule against this case?

• What evidence shows that indoor activities would attract more members than the club's outdoor activities?
• Which indoor room would suit a discussion about plans for the club's garden?
• How could the club carry out its outdoor weeding while keeping every club activity indoors?

A word-for-word translation of an English softener always has the same effect in another language.

A speaker accepts a survey showing students prefer longer lunches, but supports the current timetable because a later finish would disrupt buses. Which question asks how the speaker weighs those reasons, rather than seeking new survey or transport details?

• Could changing the bus routes allow a longer lunch without a later finish?
• Which questions in the survey show how strongly the students prefer a longer lunch to keeping the present timetable?
• How do you weigh the bus problem against students' lunch preference?

During a discussion in the language you are learning, you accept a cost estimate but question the plan's opening hours. A partner asks how you would change those hours. You understand the question but need time to form a reply. Which plan addresses both needs?

• Ask for clarification of the question, then repeat your opening-hours concern and acknowledge the cost estimate.
• Ask for thinking time in the language you are learning, then propose hours and explain how they address your concern.
• Summarise the cost estimate and the opening-hours concern in the language you are learning, then restate your position.