Situation 1 (Request —Professor)

You are a junior student, and your professor，who is a native English speaker from the United States, has asked you to help organize an academic conference next weekend. You have already promised to visit your parents, who live in another city.

Professor: This conference is very important for our department. I was wondering if you could help with the registration desk next Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. I believe you would do an excellent job.

How challenging do you find "Situation 1" to employ polite or euphemistic English expressions when refusing the person in this specific scenario?

Situation 2 (Request —Classmate)

A freshman student  from an English-speaking country who is attending the same course with you asks for your help practicing for an important oral Chinese exam. However, you are very busy with your own coursework and have no extra time to assist.

Junior student: Excuse me, I heard you're really good at spoken Chinese. Could you spare two hours each week to practice with me for the upcoming exam? I will pay for your tutoring. Please, I really need your help.

How challenging do you find "Situation 2" to employ polite or euphemistic English expressions when refusing the person in this specific scenario?

Situation 3 (Suggestion — Academic Advisor)

Your academic advisor, who is a British professor, suggests that you apply for a mater’s degree program at a university you are not interested in, believing it to be a safe choice. However, you prefer to apply elsewhere.

Advisor: I think you should apply to State University for your master’s degree. It's a good fit for your background, and I have connections there. What do you think?

How challenging do you find "Situation 3" to employ polite or euphemistic English expressions when refusing the person in this specific scenario?

Situation 4 (Suggestion —Best Friend)

Your best friend, who grew up in Australia, suggests that you should break up with your current partner because they believe the relationship is unhealthy. However, you disagree and prefer to keep the relationship private.

Best friend: I've seen how they treat you. Honestly, I think you should end it. You deserve better. Just my two cents.

How challenging do you find "Situation 4" to employ polite or euphemistic English expressions when refusing the person in this specific scenario?

Situation 5 (Invitation — Boss at Part-Time Job)

Your boss at your part-time job, who is a native English speaker, invites you to an after-work dinner with the team, but you have a family commitment and cannot attend.

Boss: We're all going out for dinner after work today to celebrate finishing the project. I'd love for you to join us. It'll be fun!

How challenging do you find "Situation 5" to employ polite or euphemistic English expressions when refusing the person in this specific scenario?

Situation 6 (Invitation — Acquaintance)

An acquaintance from your dormitory building , who is an exchange student from New Zealand, has invited you to a housewarming party at their new apartment. You are not close to them and have other plans.

Acquaintance: Hey, I’m having a housewarming party this Friday night at my new place. Nothing fancy, just some snacks and music. Would you like to come?

How challenging do you find "Situation 6" to employ polite or euphemistic English expressions when refusing the person in this specific scenario?

Situation 7 (Offer — Host family grandparents)

You are a Chinese student studying abroad and living with a host family. The host grandparents, who are around the same age as your own grandparents, are very kind and treat you like their own grandchild. One evening, they offer to drive you to a nearby city for a sightseeing trip over the weekend. However, you have already promised your classmates to work on a group project that weekend.

Host grandparent: We’re planning to take you to the lakeside city this Saturday. It’s beautiful there, and we’d love to show you around. What do you think?

How challenging do you find "Situation 7" to employ polite or euphemistic English expressions when refusing the person in this specific scenario?

Situation 8 (Offer — Junior Student)

A junior student you have never met, who is an international student, offers to help you carry your heavy bags across campus. You prefer to manage on your own and do not require assistance.

Junior student: Excuse me, those bags look really heavy. May I help you carry them? I'm heading that way.

How challenging do you find "Situation 8" to employ polite or euphemistic English expressions when refusing the person in this specific scenario?

Year of Study:

English Proficiency (please check all that apply):

Overseas Experience (Studying or Living in an English-Speaking Country for More Than Three Months):

How often do you actively learn new ways to say “no” politely in English outside of class (e.g., from movies, TV shows, social media, or conversations with English speakers)?