Exercises B2 : justify a position in English (answers)

These exercises are based on the course ‘Justifying a position in English’. Practice expressing opinions, giving reasons, and acknowledging other viewpoints with confidence.

→ See the course : Justifying a position in English : complete course

Exercice 1 — Choose the Best Expression

Choose the option that best completes each sentence for justifying a position in English.

1. You want to introduce your personal opinion in a formal argument. Which sentence is most appropriate?
2. You want to give a reason to support your claim that public transport should be free. Which sentence is most effective?
3. You want to acknowledge an opposing viewpoint before reinforcing your own position. Which sentence is most appropriate?
4. You want to conclude your argument and restate your position clearly. Which sentence is most suitable?

Correction

1. B) From my perspective, remote work significantly boosts employee productivity.
2. C) Since free public transport reduces car usage, it directly contributes to lower carbon emissions in urban areas.
3. B) While it is true that online learning offers flexibility, it cannot fully replace the social dimension of classroom interaction.
4. C) For all these reasons, I firmly believe that stricter environmental regulations are essential to address climate change.

Exercice 2 — Complete the Argument

Complete each turn of the dialogue with a suitable sentence that justifies the speaker's position. Write a full, natural sentence using appropriate expressions from the course.

1. Speaker A: 'Do you think university education should be free for everyone?' Speaker B: [Give your opinion and one reason to support it.]
2. Speaker A: 'But wouldn't free university education be too expensive for governments?' Speaker B: [Acknowledge the concern, then counter it.]
3. Speaker A: 'Some people argue that students value their education more when they pay for it.' Speaker B: [Concede partially, then reinforce your position.]
4. Speaker A: 'So what is your final stance on this issue?' Speaker B: [Restate your position clearly and conclusively.]

Correction

1. In my view, university education should be free for everyone, as it would ensure that all students, regardless of their financial background, have equal access to higher education.
2. That is a fair point, and I understand the financial concerns, but investing in education ultimately leads to a more skilled workforce, which generates greater economic growth in the long run.
3. There may be some truth in that argument; however, it is important to note that motivation to learn should not depend on financial pressure, and many students already work extremely hard despite receiving scholarships.
4. Taking everything into account, I strongly believe that free university education is a worthwhile investment for society, as it promotes equality, reduces social inequality, and strengthens the economy over time.

Exercice 3 — Reformulate to Justify

Reformulate each sentence using a more precise or formal expression to justify a position, as practised in the course. Write a complete sentence.

1. Reformulate this sentence to make it sound more convincing and structured: 'I think social media is bad for young people.'
2. Reformulate this sentence to acknowledge an opposing view before defending your position: 'Working from home is always better than going to the office.'
3. Reformulate this sentence to provide a clearer cause-and-effect justification: 'We should use less plastic because it is bad.'
4. Reformulate this sentence to make it a stronger conclusion that restates a position: 'So that is why I think animals should not be used for testing.'

Correction

1. From my perspective, social media has a detrimental effect on young people's mental health, as excessive use has been linked to increased levels of anxiety and reduced self-esteem.
2. Although some people argue that office work fosters better collaboration, I would contend that working from home allows employees to focus more effectively and achieve a healthier work-life balance.
3. We should drastically reduce our use of plastic because it takes hundreds of years to decompose and releases harmful chemicals that contaminate both marine ecosystems and the food chain.
4. In conclusion, for all the ethical and scientific reasons outlined above, I am firmly convinced that animal testing should be abolished and replaced with more humane and reliable alternative methods.