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Old 30-Nov-2008, 05:24
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Default word order for choice

Hi,everyone. When we ask others what their preference is, we ask, "Which do you like better, A or B?" My question is: Can we change reorganize the sentence and say "A or B, which do you like better?" Are these two variations both allowed in English?I mean, Can they be used interchangeably?
This morning I came up with this question when I was proofreading the final test papers set by my colleague. She wrote in the directions for the last part of the test:

Education should be equally devoted to enriching the personal lives of students and to training students to be productive workers.” Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Personal enrichment or job preparation, which do you think is more important? Write an essay of about 350 words to explain your position. You should supply an appropriate title for your essay. (40%)

Personally, I don't think the underlined sentence reads well. Besides, I reckon that "Do you agree with the statement" suffices and there is no need to add"or disagree" to the question.
I would appreciate it if you could give me your views on these questions.

Thanks.
Richard

Last edited by ohmyrichard; 30-Nov-2008 at 05:40.
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Old 30-Nov-2008, 10:44
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Default Re: word order for choice

1. "Which do you like better, A or B?"
2. "A or B, which do you like better?"

3. "Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Personal enrichment or job preparation, which do you think is more important?

It serves to clarify the question.
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