Exercises B2 : Expressing a nuanced opinion in English (answers)

These exercises are based on the course ‘Expressing a nuanced opinion in English’. Practice using hedging language, concessions, and degree adverbs to go beyond simple yes-or-no statements.

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Exercise 1 : Fill in the Gaps: Hedging and Degree Adverbs

Complete each sentence with the most appropriate hedging expression or degree adverb from the course. Write the full sentence in your answer.

1. The new policy is ___ effective, but it still needs some adjustments. (use a degree adverb showing partial agreement)
2. I ___ think remote work is always more productive than working in an office. (use a hedging verb to avoid a strong claim)
3. She made some valid points; ___, I still have a few reservations about her conclusion. (use a concession connector)
4. This approach ___ works in theory, but the practical challenges are significant. (use a degree adverb to sound balanced)

Correction

1. The new policy is fairly effective, but it still needs some adjustments.
2. I tend to think remote work is always more productive than working in an office.
3. She made some valid points; nevertheless, I still have a few reservations about her conclusion.
4. This approach largely works in theory, but the practical challenges are significant.

Exercise 2 : Spot and Correct the Errors

Each sentence contains one error related to expressing a nuanced opinion (hedging, concessions, or degree adverbs). Rewrite the full corrected sentence.

1. Although I see your point, but I am not fully convinced by your argument.
2. The results are rather positively, even if more research is needed.
3. I would tend to thinking that stricter regulations could help reduce pollution.
4. Despite the cost is high, the benefits of the programme seem to outweigh the drawbacks.

Correction

1. Although I see your point, I am not fully convinced by your argument.
2. The results are rather positive, even if more research is needed.
3. I would tend to think that stricter regulations could help reduce pollution.
4. Despite the high cost, the benefits of the programme seem to outweigh the drawbacks.

Exercise 3 : Multiple Choice: Choosing the Right Nuanced Expression

Choose the option that best expresses a nuanced opinion in context. Select the full sentence that sounds most natural and balanced at B2 level.

1. You want to agree partially with a colleague's idea while signalling doubt. Which sentence is best?
   • A. That is completely right and there is nothing more to say.
   • B. I would say that is broadly correct, though a few aspects remain uncertain.
   • C. No, I do not agree with that at all.
   • D. That seems very wrong to me, without a doubt.
2. You want to make a concession before stating your main opinion. Which sentence is best?
   • A. Social media is bad and that is the end of the discussion.
   • B. I completely refuse to see any positive side of social media.
   • C. While social media has clear benefits, it also raises serious concerns about privacy.
   • D. Social media is totally fine and has no problems whatsoever.
3. You want to express an opinion without sounding too assertive. Which sentence is best?
   • A. It seems to me that investing in public transport is a worthwhile priority.
   • B. Investing in public transport is absolutely the only solution.
   • C. Nobody could ever disagree that public transport must be funded.
   • D. I know for a fact that public transport is always better than private cars.
4. You want to soften a critical opinion about a proposal. Which sentence is best?
   • A. That proposal is entirely useless and should be rejected immediately.
   • B. I tend to feel that the proposal is somewhat flawed, although it does have merit in certain areas.
   • C. The proposal is perfect and I have no criticism to offer.
   • D. I absolutely hate this proposal and find it deeply offensive.

Correction

1. B. I would say that is broadly correct, though a few aspects remain uncertain.
2. C. While social media has clear benefits, it also raises serious concerns about privacy.
3. A. It seems to me that investing in public transport is a worthwhile priority.
4. B. I tend to feel that the proposal is somewhat flawed, although it does have merit in certain areas.