Politeness and Everyday Culture · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.
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Polite Words for Every Listener

Languages · Texts, Media & Translation · ages 12-14
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. In a story, your household waves hello. At a friend's home, visitors greet with a small bow. Which custom differs?

    • The action used to greet a visitor
    • The words used when thanking a dinner guest
    • The moment when guests begin eating a meal

  2. At a French-language appointment, the official uses vous and formal address is expected. No other preference is known. Which form fits when you address this one official?

    • vous for this appointment
    • tu because every official prefers closeness
    • tu because shorter forms are always politer

  3. A familiar form will always please a stranger, whatever the setting.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. A host asks visitors to greet quietly. You use polite words but shout them across the room. Which change follows the host's request?

    • Keep shouting and add the host's formal title
    • Keep shouting and use a longer greeting phrase
    • Use polite words at a quieter volume

  5. A German-speaking coach asks you to use du. A neighbour asks you to use Sie. You greet them separately. Which pair follows their requests?

    • du to the coach; du to the neighbour
    • Sie to the coach; Sie to the neighbour
    • du to the coach; Sie to the neighbour

  6. Someone asks you to use a familiar form. Following that request can be respectful, even if you first used formal address.

    Circle one:   True   False

  7. Ms Lee asks pupils to open emails to her with 'Dear Ms Lee'. A friend says 'Yo' is always better because it is shorter. Which opening follows Ms Lee's request?

    • Hello there, teacher Lee
    • Dear Ms Lee
    • Yo, can you help me?

  8. Your grammar was accurate, but a listener seems quiet after your greeting. You do not know why. Which response gathers useful information without assuming offence?

    • Decide their quiet response proves offence
    • Ask what greeting they prefer
    • Decide accurate grammar proves they liked it
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Polite Words for Every Listener W1-mt_p44544zHZH-s1

  1. The action used to greet a visitor · The story contrasts a wave with a small bow. Both are greeting actions; it gives no difference in thanks or meal timing.
  2. vous for this appointment · The stated convention is formal address. For this exchange with one person, vous fits that convention.
  3. False · Familiar address may be welcome, but it can also seem too personal. Its effect depends on the listener and setting.
  4. Use polite words at a quieter volume · The host requested a quiet greeting. Adding a title or longer wording does not change the loud volume.
  5. du to the coach; Sie to the neighbour · Use the form each person requested: du with the coach and Sie with the neighbour.
  6. True · The person has invited familiar address. Following their preference can show consideration; formal address is not always the best fit.
  7. Dear Ms Lee · Dear Ms Lee is the opening she requested. A general claim about short greetings does not override that stated preference.
  8. Ask what greeting they prefer · Quietness alone does not explain the listener's reaction. Asking their preference gives information without treating silence or accurate grammar as proof.
Worksheet · LightMySky