Speaking Part 3: Politeness
In this section, we will discuss the topic of politeness. Below are some Part 3 questions along with sample answers.
1. In your country’s culture, how do you show that you are being polite?
Politeness and good manners are highly valued in the UK, and there are various ways to demonstrate politeness. From a young age, we are taught to use phrases like "please" and "thank you". As adults, we tend to avoid being too direct in our language. For instance, in a restaurant, we would not say "Bring me the bill" as it may come across as rude. Instead, a more polite way to ask would be "Could we have the bill, please?".
2. Are we less polite with members of our families than with people we don’t know?
Generally, individuals tend to be more relaxed in terms of politeness when interacting with family members. At home, people tend to use a more informal language style. In the UK, although we still use "please" and "thanks" within families, it is acceptable to use colloquial language and nicknames that would not be used with strangers.
3. Do you think that people are becoming less polite in today’s connected world?
The rise of social media platforms has unfortunately led to a decline in politeness in online communication. It has become commonplace for people to engage in arguments and insults when discussing politics or social issues online. Regrettably, impolite communication has become normalized in the online world, and this does not bode well for the expected behavior of future generations.
Additional Explanation and Examples:
1. In your country’s culture, how do you show that you are being polite?
Politeness is deeply ingrained in the culture of the UK, and there are numerous ways of expressing it. Apart from saying "please" and "thank you", another key aspect of being polite is using polite greetings and formal expressions when addressing others. For example, when entering a shop, it is customary to greet the salesperson with a polite "Good morning/afternoon" before stating your request. Likewise, it is common to address elders or authority figures with titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", or "sir/ma'am" as a mark of respect.
Furthermore, being polite also involves using indirect language to soften requests or suggestions. Instead of directly asking someone to do something, it is considered more polite to phrase it as a question or request. For instance, if you need to borrow a pen, it would be polite to say "Could I possibly borrow a pen, please?" rather than simply stating "Give me a pen."
2. Are we less polite with members of our families than with people we don’t know?
Within a family setting, people often feel more at ease and comfortable with each other, which can lead to a more relaxed approach to politeness. While basic manners like saying "please" and "thank you" are still expected, the language used among family members may be more informal and casual compared to interactions with strangers.
For example, it is not uncommon for family members to use nicknames or inside jokes to address each other, which would not be appropriate when speaking to someone unknown. Similarly, the use of colloquial expressions and informal language is more prevalent among family members. This relaxed atmosphere does not undermine the importance of being polite, but rather reflects the close and familiar relationship shared within a family.
3. Do you think that people are becoming less polite in today’s connected world?
With the advent of social media and online communication, the nature of interactions has changed significantly. Unfortunately, the digital realm has witnessed a decline in politeness, especially in discussions revolving around sensitive topics. Online platforms provide anonymity and a sense of detachment, which often leads to a lack of accountability for one's words.
It is not uncommon to witness heated debates on social media, where individuals freely express their opinions without considering the impact of their words. Disagreements can quickly escalate into insults, with individuals attacking each other's characters rather than engaging in a respectful exchange of ideas. This impoliteness on digital platforms ultimately normalizes and perpetuates rudeness and discourteous behavior.
However, it is important to note that not all online communication lacks politeness. There are still individuals who strive for civil discourse and treat others with respect and consideration. Nonetheless, the prevalence of impolite communication online is concerning, as it sets a negative example for future generations and can potentially erode the values of courtesy and respect in society.
