Listening for Opinion Matching Flashcards

An APTIS listening task asks you to match speakers to opinions about a new airport expansion. Speaker 1 focuses on economic growth; Speaker 2 highlights noise pollution; Speaker 3 says economic benefits outweigh environmental costs. Which two speakers most likely support the expansion?

Answer: Speakers 1 and 3

Speakers 1 (economic growth) and 3 (benefits outweigh costs) both adopt a pro-expansion stance.

You hear the phrase: 'I can see why some people would argue that, but personally I feel differently.' What kind of opinion transition does this signal?

Answer: Contrast — the speaker is about to state an opposing view

'But personally I feel differently' signals that the speaker is about to contrast with the view just acknowledged.

In an APTIS opinion-matching task, Speaker A says 'the plan is fundamentally flawed' and Speaker B says 'while imperfect, the plan has real potential.' Which statement best compares their views?

Answer: A is negative; B is overall positive

'Fundamentally flawed' is strongly negative, whereas 'real potential' despite imperfection is an overall positive assessment.

You must decide which of five speakers opposes a proposed tax on sugary drinks. Speaker statements: (1) 'Great idea for public health', (2) 'It punishes low-income consumers', (3) 'I support it wholeheartedly', (4) 'The evidence is mixed', (5) 'It's an unfair burden on families.' Which two speakers oppose the tax?

Answer: Speakers 2 and 5

Speakers 2 and 5 both frame the tax as unfair or harmful to consumers, indicating opposition.

A speaker in an APTIS task says: 'I'm torn — I love the creativity it encourages, but the lack of structure worries me.' This opinion is best described as:

Answer: Conflicted — positive and negative aspects both felt strongly

'I'm torn' followed by equal positive and negative feelings signals genuine internal conflict.

In an opinion-matching exercise, three people discuss compulsory voting. Speaker X: 'It is undemocratic to force people to vote.' Speaker Y: 'Turnout would improve dramatically.' Speaker Z: 'It depends on how penalties are enforced.' Who holds a clearly negative opinion of compulsory voting?

Answer: Speaker X

Speaker X explicitly labels compulsory voting 'undemocratic', indicating clear opposition.

During APTIS listening practice, a speaker ends a comment with 'so, all things considered, I'd say it's worth trying.' What does 'all things considered' tell you about the opinion structure?

Answer: The speaker reached a positive conclusion after weighing pros and cons

'All things considered' signals a balanced evaluation process that leads to the final conclusion 'worth trying' — an overall positive view.