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Positive vs Negative Politeness Worksheet - Solution
Name: ______________________________________________________
Scenario 1:
You are meeting your new neighbor for the first time. You want to welcome them to the neighborhood and introduce yourself.
1. Positive politeness strategies:
a. Compliment their home or yard
b. Offer to help with any moving or settling in
c. Ask them questions about themselves and their interests
2. Negative politeness strategies:
a. Apologize for any noise or inconvenience you may cause
b. Express concern for their privacy and comfort
c. Offer them an out or escape from the conversation
3. I would be more likely to use positive politeness strategies in this situation because it is a friendly introduction and I want to establish a positive relationship with my neighbor.
Scenario 2:
You are running late for a meeting with your boss. You know that they are very busy and have a lot of work to do.
1. Positive politeness strategies:
a. Apologize for being late
b. Express gratitude for their time and understanding
c. Acknowledge their importance and expertise
2. Negative politeness strategies:
a. Use indirect language to soften the blow (e.g. "I'm afraid I'm going to be a bit late")
b. Show deference and respect for their position and authority
c. Offer to reschedule the meeting if necessary
3. I would be more likely to use negative politeness strategies in this situation because it is a professional setting and I want to avoid disrupting my boss's schedule or causing any additional stress.
Scenario 3:
You are at a restaurant and the waiter brings you the wrong order. You don't want to make a scene or hurt the waiter's feelings.
1. Positive politeness strategies:
a. Thank the waiter for their service
b. Express appreciation for their effort
c. Show empathy and understanding for any mistakes or miscommunications
2. Negative politeness strategies:
a. Use hedging language to downplay the mistake (e.g. "I think there may have been a mix-up with the order")
b. Use indirect language to avoid placing blame or making accusations
c. Offer a solution or suggestion rather than a direct request
3. I would be more likely to use positive politeness strategies in this situation because it is a service encounter and I want to maintain a pleasant and respectful atmosphere while resolving the issue.
Scenario 4:
You are hosting a dinner party and one of your guests brings up a controversial political topic that you strongly disagree with.
1. Positive politeness strategies:
a. Acknowledge their opinion and perspective
b. Redirect the conversation to a more neutral or pleasant topic
c. Find common ground or areas of agreement to focus on
2. Negative politeness strategies:
a. Use hedging language to downplay the disagreement (e.g. "I see where you're coming from, but...")
b. Show deference and respect for their opinion and right to express it
c. Suggest a compromise or alternative solution rather than outright disagreement
3. I would be more likely to use a combination of positive and negative politeness strategies in this situation, depending on the guest and the context of the conversation. My goal would be to maintain a pleasant and respectful atmosphere while also expressing my own views and beliefs.
Scenario 5:
You need to ask a coworker for a favor, but you don't want to come across as demanding or rude.
1. Positive politeness strategies:
a. Express gratitude and appreciation for their time and effort
b. Offer to reciprocate the favor or do something in return
c. Show empathy and understanding for any inconvenience or burden
2. Negative politeness strategies:
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