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.

Circle one:   True   False

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.

Circle one:   True   False

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.