Listening for Opinion Matching Flashcards

In an APTIS opinion-matching task, you hear five speakers on university tuition fees. Two think fees should be abolished, two think fees motivate students, and one says fees hurt low-income families. Which group shares the most similar concern?

Answer: The two who want fees abolished and the one who mentions low-income families

Both the abolitionists and the speaker concerned about low-income families share a worry about fees being a barrier.

Speaker P says 'Eating less meat is one of the best things we can do for the environment.' Speaker Q says 'Reducing meat consumption has some environmental benefit, but agriculture reform matters more.' How do their views compare?

Answer: P is stronger in favour of reducing meat than Q

Both acknowledge reducing meat has environmental benefit, but P rates it more highly than Q who sees wider reforms as more important.

During an APTIS listening section, a speaker says: 'While I see the appeal, I can't support it unconditionally.' What is the best label for this opinion?

Answer: Mixed — sees appeal but cannot fully endorse

Acknowledging appeal while refusing unconditional support describes a mixed, qualified stance.

Four speakers discuss online privacy laws. Speakers 1 and 3 think stricter laws are needed; Speaker 2 thinks current laws are adequate; Speaker 4 thinks laws are already too restrictive for businesses. A new strict privacy bill is proposed. Who would most likely oppose it?

Answer: Speakers 2 and 4

Speaker 2 (satisfied with current laws) and Speaker 4 (laws already too strict) both have reasons to oppose stricter regulation.

In an opinion-matching task you hear: 'I've always been sceptical about standardised testing.' What listening skill does identifying this phrase primarily require?

Answer: Recognising attitude through hedging language

'Sceptical' is an attitude marker that signals a negative personal stance toward standardised testing.

Speaker A says she finds the new office layout 'refreshing', while Speaker B calls it 'disruptive to concentration.' Speaker C says it depends on the type of work. Which speaker gives a wholly negative assessment?

Answer: Speaker B

Speaker B's word 'disruptive' expresses a clear negative impact with no positive qualifier.

In an APTIS opinion-matching exercise, you must decide whether two speakers 'agree', 'disagree', or 'partially agree.' Speaker 1: 'Cycling to work is healthier and cheaper.' Speaker 2: 'Cycling is healthy, but it's not practical in every city.' The correct label is:

Answer: Partially agree

Both accept that cycling is healthy, but Speaker 2 disputes its universal practicality, making the relationship a partial agreement.