SELT Expressing Opinions Clearly 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which phrase uses hedging language to soften an opinion?
- I am absolutely certain that exercise is beneficial.
- It would seem that exercise has many benefits. (Correct answer)
- Exercise is definitely the best way to stay healthy.
- Everyone knows that exercise is essential.
Correct answer: It would seem that exercise has many benefits.
Hedging phrases like 'it would seem' soften a claim by showing it is not presented as absolute fact.
Question 2: You want to express a tentative opinion in a formal discussion. Which is most appropriate?
- I guess maybe the policy could work.
- The policy might be effective, though further evidence is needed. (Correct answer)
- I dunno, the policy seems okay I suppose.
- The policy is totally going to work, no doubt.
Correct answer: The policy might be effective, though further evidence is needed.
Formal hedging combines a modal verb ('might') with an acknowledgment of uncertainty to express a measured opinion.
Question 3: Which sentence expresses a strong, confident opinion?
- It appears the plan may have some merit.
- There is every reason to believe the plan will succeed. (Correct answer)
- The plan could possibly have certain advantages.
- I'm not entirely sure, but the plan might work.
Correct answer: There is every reason to believe the plan will succeed.
'There is every reason to believe' signals high confidence without being overly casual or absolute.
Question 4: A student writes: 'People should, in my humble opinion, reconsider this policy.' What does 'in my humble opinion' signal?
- The writer has no real opinion on the topic.
- The writer is sharing a personal view while remaining modest. (Correct answer)
- The writer is stating a proven fact.
- The writer disagrees with everyone else.
Correct answer: The writer is sharing a personal view while remaining modest.
'In my humble opinion' (IMHO) signals a personal perspective while adding a tone of modesty to avoid seeming arrogant.
Question 5: Which phrase is best for signaling that your opinion may differ from the majority view?
- As everyone agrees, remote work is productive.
- Contrary to popular belief, I find remote work less productive. (Correct answer)
- It is a well-known fact that remote work is productive.
- Studies confirm that remote work increases productivity.
Correct answer: Contrary to popular belief, I find remote work less productive.
'Contrary to popular belief' explicitly signals that the speaker's opinion diverges from the common view.
Question 6: In which context is 'I tend to think' most appropriate?
- When stating a scientific law or proven result.
- When sharing a personal view that is not absolute. (Correct answer)
- When quoting another person's position.
- When giving a direct command or instruction.
Correct answer: When sharing a personal view that is not absolute.
'I tend to think' is a hedging phrase that signals a personal, non-absolute opinion rather than established fact.
Question 7: Choose the best way to express a qualified opinion about a controversial topic in an academic essay.
- This policy is obviously wrong and everyone can see it.
- While there are merits to this policy, I believe the drawbacks outweigh them. (Correct answer)
- I hate this policy and think it should be scrapped immediately.
- Nobody really knows if this policy is good or bad.
Correct answer: While there are merits to this policy, I believe the drawbacks outweigh them.
Acknowledging merits before stating a contrary view demonstrates balanced, qualified academic opinion.
