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How to discuss politics politely
Contributed by: Roe
  • 1. What is the MOST important foundation for a polite political discussion?
A) Mutual respect
B) Avoiding all disagreement
C) Sharing only your opinion
D) Winning the argument
  • 2. Which of these phrases is MOST likely to start a polite conversation?
A) "You're being naive if you think..."
B) "Everyone knows the truth is..."
C) "I'm interested in hearing your perspective."
D) "That's completely wrong!"
  • 3. What does 'active listening' involve?
A) Paying attention and trying to understand the speaker's viewpoint
B) Ignoring parts you disagree with
C) Thinking about your response while the speaker is talking
D) Interrupting to correct inaccuracies
  • 4. How should you respond to a statement you strongly disagree with?
A) Immediately dismiss it as foolish.
B) Acknowledge the statement and ask clarifying questions.
C) Attack the person making the statement.
D) Loudly proclaim your opposing view.
  • 5. What should you do if you feel your emotions escalating during a political discussion?
A) Become sarcastic and insulting.
B) Argue harder to prove your point.
C) Take a break or suggest changing the subject.
D) Speak louder to make your point clearer.
  • 6. When discussing politics, what is a 'straw man' argument?
A) Supporting your argument with facts and evidence.
B) Agreeing with someone's point to avoid conflict.
C) Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack.
D) Presenting a new and innovative idea.
  • 7. Which of these is a good way to frame your disagreement?
A) "I see it differently because..."
B) "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard."
C) "You clearly don't understand..."
D) "You're obviously wrong about..."
  • 8. What is the purpose of asking open-ended questions?
A) To quickly dismiss their opinion.
B) To trap the other person in a contradiction.
C) To encourage the other person to elaborate on their views.
D) To dominate the conversation.
  • 9. Why is it important to avoid personal attacks during political discussions?
A) Personal attacks are a sign of intelligence.
B) Personal attacks show you are passionate.
C) Personal attacks shut down dialogue and create hostility.
D) Personal attacks strengthen your argument.
  • 10. When is it appropriate to end a political discussion?
A) When you feel like you are losing the argument.
B) When either party becomes too emotional or disrespectful.
C) When you have convinced the other person you are right.
D) When the other person stops talking.
  • 11. What does 'agreeing to disagree' mean?
A) Continuing to argue until one person gives in.
B) Pretending to agree even though you don't.
C) Acknowledging that you have different viewpoints and ending the discussion amicably.
D) Secretly believing you are still right.
  • 12. Why is it important to understand the other person's background and experiences?
A) It doesn't matter.
B) It can help you understand why they hold certain beliefs.
C) It allows you to find weaknesses in their arguments.
D) It gives you information to use against them later.
  • 13. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a respectful political discussion?
A) Acknowledging the validity of differing opinions.
B) Interrupting frequently to make your points.
C) Listening attentively to understand different perspectives.
D) Using respectful language and tone.
  • 14. What role does empathy play in political discussions?
A) It helps you understand the emotional basis of someone's views.
B) It makes you appear weak and indecisive.
C) It weakens your own convictions.
D) It's not relevant in political discussions.
  • 15. Which of these is an example of a respectful question?
A) "Could you tell me more about why you feel that way?"
B) "Don't you know that's wrong?"
C) "Are you seriously saying that?"
D) "How can you possibly believe that?"
  • 16. What should you do if you realize you are wrong during a political discussion?
A) Admit you were mistaken and adjust your viewpoint.
B) Double down on your original statement.
C) Change the subject quickly.
D) Blame someone else for your mistake.
  • 17. What is the benefit of finding common ground during a political discussion?
A) It means you have to compromise your own beliefs.
B) It can help build a connection and foster understanding.
C) There is no benefit.
D) It proves you are right and the other person is wrong.
  • 18. Which of these is an example of using respectful language?
A) Stating your opinion without attacking the other person's character.
B) Dominating the conversation to prevent them from speaking.
C) Using sarcasm to highlight the flaws in their logic.
D) Using insults to discredit their arguments.
  • 19. What does it mean to be 'open-minded' during a political discussion?
A) Pretending to agree while secretly disagreeing.
B) Not having any strong opinions in the first place.
C) Willing to consider different perspectives and potentially change your own views.
D) Giving up your own beliefs entirely.
  • 20. Why is it important to stay informed about the issues being discussed?
A) It makes you appear arrogant and condescending.
B) It allows you to prove the other person is ignorant.
C) It's not important; opinions are all that matter.
D) It allows you to have a more nuanced and informed conversation.
  • 21. What is the difference between a debate and a discussion?
A) A discussion is more aggressive than a debate.
B) A debate aims to win, a discussion aims to understand.
C) A debate involves listening, a discussion does not.
D) They are the same thing.
  • 22. How can humor be used in a political discussion?
A) To avoid serious topics altogether.
B) To diffuse tension and create a more relaxed atmosphere, but be careful not to offend.
C) Humor should never be used in political discussions.
D) To mock the other person's beliefs.
  • 23. What is a 'confirmation bias'?
A) The ability to see both sides of an argument equally.
B) The tendency to seek out and interpret information that confirms your existing beliefs.
C) A well-reasoned argument based on facts.
D) The act of deliberately distorting information.
  • 24. Which is the best approach when someone presents misinformation?
A) Provide accurate information respectfully, citing credible sources.
B) Ignore the misinformation and continue with your argument.
C) Agree with them to avoid conflict.
D) Accuse them of spreading lies.
  • 25. What is the key to discussing sensitive topics politely?
A) Dominating the conversation to control the narrative.
B) Avoiding all sensitive topics entirely.
C) Using emotionally charged language to emphasize your points.
D) Approaching the conversation with sensitivity and respect for different viewpoints.
  • 26. What does 'tone policing' refer to?
A) Complimenting someone on their respectful tone.
B) Analyzing the underlying meaning of someone's words.
C) Criticizing someone's tone of voice instead of addressing the content of their argument.
D) Maintaining a consistent tone throughout a discussion.
  • 27. Which of these is a good way to acknowledge someone's feelings?
A) "I understand why you might feel that way."
B) "You shouldn't feel that way."
C) "Your feelings are irrelevant."
D) "You're being too emotional."
  • 28. What is the importance of considering the timing and context of a political discussion?
A) The later the discussion, the more effective it will be.
B) The more public the discussion, the better.
C) Certain times and places are not suitable for potentially contentious conversations.
D) Timing and context are irrelevant; political discussions can happen anywhere.
  • 29. How should you handle it if someone misinterprets your words?
A) Accuse them of intentionally misunderstanding you.
B) Refuse to engage with them further.
C) Insist that your original statement was perfectly clear.
D) Clarify your meaning and rephrase your statement.
  • 30. Ultimately, what is the goal of polite political discourse?
A) To avoid any conflict or disagreement whatsoever.
B) To win the argument and prove the other person wrong.
C) To foster understanding and potentially find common ground, even if you disagree.
D) To assert your dominance and demonstrate your superior knowledge.
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