Which way of asking for action carries the highest level of politeness?

A. A polite order
B. An indirect request
C. A question
D. An order

I'm a bit confused as to what this question is asking for. However, I believe the answer may be B since asking for an indirect request is where you are being your most polite as to not offend the person to not do your request. But as I said, I'm not too sure about that. Any help is much appreciated.

I received a little help from a few of you but I am still confused as to what the answer may be. I still believe B is the answer but I still have doubts. I need a bit more guidance for this question.

User Icon for Ms. Sue Ms. Sue answered
14 years ago

I like B.

User Icon for Rain Misoa Rain Misoa answered
14 years ago

Right? I knew it had to be that. It sounds the most logical. Thank you so much Ms. Sue! I really appreciate it! ^_^

User Icon for Ms. Sue Ms. Sue answered
14 years ago

Please note, though, that since several of us disagreed on the answer, it's possible your instructor will also disagree on your answer.

User Icon for Rain Misoa Rain Misoa answered
14 years ago

Yeah. I just read that another person said that the answer is most likely C... this question is harder than it looks. XP So, I suppose that when asking a question, it contains more politeness because it's asking for someone to do something. Now that I think about it, it does make more sense. So it could be C.

User Icon for Ms. Sue Ms. Sue answered
14 years ago

It's a poorly worded question. Writeacher's point about the question is good -- but I don't know that the test author was thinking about that.

A question could be considered a polite request.

Example:
Would you please take out the garbage?
Please take out the garbage.

User Icon for Ms. Sue Ms. Sue answered
14 years ago

* a polite order

Thinking about it some more -- an indirect request may not convey a need for action.

Now I lean toward A.

User Icon for Rain Misoa Rain Misoa answered
14 years ago

Like I said, it's a confusing question. XD I will try my best in answering it. Thanks to both you and Writeacher, I seem to be understanding it a bit better now. I am now certain that I was wrong with B. It's between A and C now. I'm making progress and that's all that matters to me! Thanks for all the help. =^.^=

User Icon for Ms. Sue Ms. Sue answered
14 years ago

You've got it! The important thing is that you're thinking about it. The actual "right" answer is not important.

User Icon for Danielle Danielle answered
14 years ago

I would agree with answer A. Polite order!

User Icon for Diana Diana answered
13 years ago

So, is A the correct answer