Tactful Agreement and Disagreement

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.

Practice level

C1. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.

Question formats

Multiple choice

How to approach this practice

Read the complete context. Check both the meaning and the grammar, including word forms, collocations and links between sentences.

1. Question 1 · Multiple choice

   Choose all the correct answers.

   Choose TWO responses that match the stated situation and requirements. You cannot attend a meeting because of an existing commitment. Decline politely, leave future contact possible and do not promise another date.

   1. I am afraid I have a prior commitment, but I would welcome another opportunity to discuss this.
   2. I would be delighted to attend, provided we can discuss the matter afterwards.
   3. I regret that I cannot attend, but I guarantee I will be available next Tuesday.
   4. Unfortunately, I cannot make that meeting; perhaps we could discuss the matter on another occasion.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   I am afraid I have a prior commitment, but I would welcome another opportunity to discuss this.; Unfortunately, I cannot make that meeting; perhaps we could discuss the matter on another occasion.

   Both correct replies decline the present invitation while leaving future contact open. Neither accepts the meeting nor guarantees a new date.

   I am afraid I have a prior commitment, but I would welcome another opportunity to discuss this.: Both correct replies decline the present invitation while leaving future contact open. Neither accepts the meeting nor guarantees a new date.

   I would be delighted to attend, provided we can discuss the matter afterwards.: This conditionally accepts the invitation instead of declining it.

   I regret that I cannot attend, but I guarantee I will be available next Tuesday.: This promises another date, which the instruction excludes.

   Unfortunately, I cannot make that meeting; perhaps we could discuss the matter on another occasion.: Both correct replies decline the present invitation while leaving future contact open. Neither accepts the meeting nor guarantees a new date.

2. Question 2 · Multiple choice

   Choose all the correct answers.

   Choose TWO responses that match the stated situation and requirements. A colleague predicts a large saving. You think the estimate is too confident, although some saving is possible. Express that reservation without ruling out a benefit.

   1. I take your point, although the proposal cannot produce any saving at all.
   2. There may be a saving, although I am not convinced it will be as substantial as suggested.
   3. I would be cautious about that estimate; a benefit is possible, but its scale remains uncertain.
   4. I appreciate the caution, but the full saving is beyond doubt.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   There may be a saving, although I am not convinced it will be as substantial as suggested.; I would be cautious about that estimate; a benefit is possible, but its scale remains uncertain.

   The correct replies preserve possibility while questioning the size or certainty of the predicted saving.

   I take your point, although the proposal cannot produce any saving at all.: This rules out every saving, which is stronger than the stated reservation.

   There may be a saving, although I am not convinced it will be as substantial as suggested.: The correct replies preserve possibility while questioning the size or certainty of the predicted saving.

   I would be cautious about that estimate; a benefit is possible, but its scale remains uncertain.: The correct replies preserve possibility while questioning the size or certainty of the predicted saving.

   I appreciate the caution, but the full saving is beyond doubt.: This treats the disputed estimate as certain.

3. Question 3 · Multiple choice

   Choose all the correct answers.

   Choose TWO responses that match the stated situation and requirements. You support the proposal in general but need the staffing arrangements clarified before endorsing the details.

   1. I can endorse every detail, although staffing remains to be discussed.
   2. I support the proposal in principle, subject to clarification of the staffing arrangements.
   3. The general direction seems sound, though I would reserve judgement on the details until staffing is clearer.
   4. I would welcome clarification, as the proposal is unacceptable in principle.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   I support the proposal in principle, subject to clarification of the staffing arrangements.; The general direction seems sound, though I would reserve judgement on the details until staffing is clearer.

   In principle marks general support. Subject to and reserve judgement retain the unresolved staffing condition.

   I can endorse every detail, although staffing remains to be discussed.: Endorsing every detail removes the reservation.

   I support the proposal in principle, subject to clarification of the staffing arrangements.: In principle marks general support. Subject to and reserve judgement retain the unresolved staffing condition.

   The general direction seems sound, though I would reserve judgement on the details until staffing is clearer.: In principle marks general support. Subject to and reserve judgement retain the unresolved staffing condition.

   I would welcome clarification, as the proposal is unacceptable in principle.: This rejects the general proposal, which the speaker supports.

4. Question 4 · Multiple choice

   Choose all the correct answers.

   Choose TWO responses that match the stated situation and requirements. An explanation is unclear. Request clarification without implying that the speaker has made an error.

   1. Would you mind correcting the mistake in your explanation?
   2. Could you clarify what you mean by the final qualification?
   3. I understand the distinction fully and would prefer not to discuss it further.
   4. I am not sure I have understood that distinction; would you mind elaborating?
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   Could you clarify what you mean by the final qualification?; I am not sure I have understood that distinction; would you mind elaborating?

   The correct requests place the uncertainty with the listener and ask for elaboration without asserting that the explanation is wrong.

   Would you mind correcting the mistake in your explanation?: This presupposes a mistake instead of asking neutrally for clarification.

   Could you clarify what you mean by the final qualification?: The correct requests place the uncertainty with the listener and ask for elaboration without asserting that the explanation is wrong.

   I understand the distinction fully and would prefer not to discuss it further.: This neither acknowledges uncertainty nor requests clarification.

   I am not sure I have understood that distinction; would you mind elaborating?: The correct requests place the uncertainty with the listener and ask for elaboration without asserting that the explanation is wrong.

5. Question 5 · Multiple choice

   Choose all the correct answers.

   Choose TWO responses that match the stated situation and requirements. A deadline can be met only if the client supplies the missing files by Friday. Offer qualified reassurance without guaranteeing an unconditional result.

   1. We should be able to meet the deadline, provided the missing files arrive by Friday.
   2. The schedule remains achievable on condition that we receive the outstanding files by Friday.
   3. I can assure you that the deadline will be met whether or not the files arrive.
   4. We appreciate the urgency, but receiving the files by Friday would make the deadline impossible.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   We should be able to meet the deadline, provided the missing files arrive by Friday.; The schedule remains achievable on condition that we receive the outstanding files by Friday.

   Provided and on condition that attach the necessary requirement to the positive assessment.

   We should be able to meet the deadline, provided the missing files arrive by Friday.: Provided and on condition that attach the necessary requirement to the positive assessment.

   The schedule remains achievable on condition that we receive the outstanding files by Friday.: Provided and on condition that attach the necessary requirement to the positive assessment.

   I can assure you that the deadline will be met whether or not the files arrive.: This removes the necessary condition.

   We appreciate the urgency, but receiving the files by Friday would make the deadline impossible.: This reverses the effect of receiving the files.

6. Question 6 · Multiple choice

   Choose all the correct answers.

   Choose TWO responses that match the stated situation and requirements. You need to refuse a request because it lies outside your authority, while making clear that the request itself is reasonable.

   1. I am authorised to approve the request, but I consider it unreasonable.
   2. The request seems reasonable, but I am not authorised to approve it.
   3. I can see the merits of the request; unfortunately, approval falls outside my remit.
   4. The request is reasonable, so I can approve it on behalf of the director.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   The request seems reasonable, but I am not authorised to approve it.; I can see the merits of the request; unfortunately, approval falls outside my remit.

   The correct replies distinguish a favourable judgement from the separate question of authority.

   I am authorised to approve the request, but I consider it unreasonable.: This reverses both the judgement and the limit on authority.

   The request seems reasonable, but I am not authorised to approve it.: The correct replies distinguish a favourable judgement from the separate question of authority.

   I can see the merits of the request; unfortunately, approval falls outside my remit.: The correct replies distinguish a favourable judgement from the separate question of authority.

   The request is reasonable, so I can approve it on behalf of the director.: This claims authority that the speaker does not have.

7. Question 7 · Multiple choice

   Choose all the correct answers.

   Choose TWO responses that match the stated situation and requirements. You disagree with a conclusion because the evidence is incomplete. Leave open the possibility that further evidence could support it.

   1. The evidence is incomplete, which proves that the conclusion must be false.
   2. I would hesitate to draw that conclusion on the evidence currently available.
   3. The conclusion may prove sound, but the present evidence does not seem sufficient to justify it.
   4. I agree that the conclusion is fully justified despite the missing evidence.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   I would hesitate to draw that conclusion on the evidence currently available.; The conclusion may prove sound, but the present evidence does not seem sufficient to justify it.

   The correct formulations question present justification without claiming that the conclusion can never be supported.

   The evidence is incomplete, which proves that the conclusion must be false.: Insufficient support does not establish falsity.

   I would hesitate to draw that conclusion on the evidence currently available.: The correct formulations question present justification without claiming that the conclusion can never be supported.

   The conclusion may prove sound, but the present evidence does not seem sufficient to justify it.: The correct formulations question present justification without claiming that the conclusion can never be supported.

   I agree that the conclusion is fully justified despite the missing evidence.: This endorses the conclusion instead of reserving judgement.

8. Question 8 · Multiple choice

   Choose all the correct answers.

   Choose TWO responses that match the stated situation and requirements. A colleague has overlooked a relevant detail. Draw attention to it without suggesting deliberate concealment.

   1. There is one further detail that may be worth taking into account.
   2. May I draw attention to a point that appears to have been overlooked?
   3. May I ask why you deliberately concealed that detail?
   4. The detail is irrelevant, so there is no reason to mention it.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   There is one further detail that may be worth taking into account.; May I draw attention to a point that appears to have been overlooked?

   Overlooked suggests an omission without attributing dishonest intent. Both correct replies invite consideration of the detail.

   There is one further detail that may be worth taking into account.: Overlooked suggests an omission without attributing dishonest intent. Both correct replies invite consideration of the detail.

   May I draw attention to a point that appears to have been overlooked?: Overlooked suggests an omission without attributing dishonest intent. Both correct replies invite consideration of the detail.

   May I ask why you deliberately concealed that detail?: This alleges intentional concealment.

   The detail is irrelevant, so there is no reason to mention it.: This contradicts its stated relevance.

9. Question 9 · Multiple choice

   Choose all the correct answers.

   Choose TWO responses that match the stated situation and requirements. You accept a criticism of the wording but continue to defend the substance of your argument.

   1. I accept that the wording is unclear and therefore withdraw the entire argument.
   2. I defend the argument because there is nothing to improve in the wording.
   3. I take the point about the wording, although I stand by the underlying argument.
   4. That phrase could have been clearer; the substantive claim, however, remains one I would defend.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   I take the point about the wording, although I stand by the underlying argument.; That phrase could have been clearer; the substantive claim, however, remains one I would defend.

   The correct concessions concern wording only; they do not withdraw the substantive position.

   I accept that the wording is unclear and therefore withdraw the entire argument.: This abandons the substance, which the speaker still defends.

   I defend the argument because there is nothing to improve in the wording.: This refuses the criticism that the speaker accepts.

   I take the point about the wording, although I stand by the underlying argument.: The correct concessions concern wording only; they do not withdraw the substantive position.

   That phrase could have been clearer; the substantive claim, however, remains one I would defend.: The correct concessions concern wording only; they do not withdraw the substantive position.

10. Question 10 · Multiple choice

    Choose all the correct answers.

    Choose TWO responses that match the stated situation and requirements. A suggestion deserves consideration, but you cannot commit to implementing it before a cost review.

    1. The suggestion merits consideration, though any commitment would have to await the cost review.
    2. The idea deserves consideration, so we are committed to implementing it immediately.
    3. I would welcome exploring the idea, without committing us to implementation at this stage.
    4. We cannot commit yet, which means the suggestion is not worth considering.
    Check answers and explanations

    Answer

    The suggestion merits consideration, though any commitment would have to await the cost review.; I would welcome exploring the idea, without committing us to implementation at this stage.

    The correct replies separate willingness to consider an idea from a commitment to implement it.

    The suggestion merits consideration, though any commitment would have to await the cost review.: The correct replies separate willingness to consider an idea from a commitment to implement it.

    The idea deserves consideration, so we are committed to implementing it immediately.: This turns interest into an immediate commitment.

    I would welcome exploring the idea, without committing us to implementation at this stage.: The correct replies separate willingness to consider an idea from a commitment to implement it.

    We cannot commit yet, which means the suggestion is not worth considering.: This wrongly equates lack of commitment with rejection of consideration.

What to review next

Explain why each answer fits the meaning and structure. Record useful phrases and write a new example using each pattern you found difficult.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.