GIVING AN OPINIONGIVING AN OPINION

AGREEING WITH AN OPINIONAGREEING WITH AN OPINION

DISAGREEING WITH AN OPINIONDISAGREEING WITH AN OPINION

PRACTICEPRACTICE

For the gifted class

GIVING AN OPINIONGIVING AN OPINION

Here are some ways to express what you

think about something or someone

MAKE A DIRECT STATEMENT, FOR EXAMPLE ABOUT

HOW GOOD/ BAD SOMETHING IS

EX:

No one should have to work more than 35 hours a week.

This city has terrible weather.

Paris has the best restaurant in the world.

YOU CAN PUT A PHRASE WHICH INTRODUCES THE OPINION BEFORE YOUR DIRECT STATEMENT

Ex: In my opinion, you cook very well.

In my opinion,…

The way I see it…

Personally, I think / hope/ assume that…

From my point of view, I….

If you ask me, I…

The point is….

USING AN OPINION VERB

believe

think

feel

Ex:

I hold the view that students should wear uniforms.

I think teachers should be paid more.

I feel it’s wrong to use animals in medical tests.

hold (formal)

insist (formal and strong)

maintain (formal)

YOU CAN EXPRESS YOUR OPINION IN A WAY THAT TRIES TO GET THE OTHER PERSON’S

AGREEMENT

a. by using a question tag and falling intonation:

→ Those machines make a terrible noise, don’t they?

→ The food in this restaurant is delicious, isn’t it?

b. by asking a negative question about the situation:

→Aren’t the people here friendly?

→ Isn’t the weather terrible these days?

c. By asking a negative question about whatthe person thinks:

→ Don’t you feel that everyone should speak at least 2 languages?

→ Don’t you hate these expensive shops?

AGREEING WITH AN OPINIONAGREEING WITH AN OPINION

Here are some ways to say you

agree with someone’s opinion

USE A SIMPLE STATEMENT TO AGREE WITH AN OPINION

Using a simple statement to agree with an opinion:

A: Tom Cruise is a great actor.

B: I don’t think so. He’s not very good in his new film.

USE A SIMPLE STATEMENT TO AGREE WITH AN OPINION

Using an expression that mean Yes, I agree:

A: The weather is terrible at this time of year.

B: That’s for sure.

Right.

That’s right.

It sure is.

That’s for sure.

You bet. ( very informal)

Yep. (very informal)

Uh-huh (very informal)I share your point.

I have the same idea.

I couldn’t agree more.

That’s just what I think.

I think so.

You have a point there.

USE A SIMPLE STATEMENT TO AGREE WITH AN OPINION

Using a question tag with falling intonation:

The new city hall building is beautiful.

Isn’t it?

Movie stars earn too much money.Don’t they?

New cars are very expensive around here. Aren’t they?

USE A SIMPLE STATEMENT TO AGREE WITH AN OPINION

After you agree you can add further information:

A: The weather’s really nice.

B: That’s for sure. Not too hot and not too cold.

A: I hate the new city hall building.

B: Right. It’s one of the ugliest buildings in town.

It’s important to know how to disagree withan opinion in a politeway. Here are some

ways.

DISAGREEING WITH AN OPINIONDISAGREEING WITH AN OPINION

DISAGREEING DIRECTLY

a. Say you partly agree and then add your own opinion:

Note that you can use a signal like but, though or then again to show the difference between your opinion and the other person’s opinion.

I can see that, but…Up to a point, but…To some extent, but…Maybe you’re right but…I partly agree with you but…

DISAGREEING INDIRECTLY

b. Use a phrase, which introsuces the opinion, to indicate a different point of view:

In my opinion,…The way I see it,…From my point of view,…As far as I’m concerned…It seems to me…Personally, I think…That’s just what you think…I couldn’t agree more. I think…

DISAGREEING INDIRECTLY

a. Use an opinion verb:

A: Cell phones should be banned in all theaters and restaurants.

B:Hmm. I believe people should be able to use them when they want to.

A: The food in this cafeteria is pretty bad.

B:Well, I think it’s good value for money

C: I feel it is as good as we can expect.

DISAGREEING INDIRECTLY

b. To disagree strongly, use disagree, don’t agree, don’t think so:

I can’t agree with you on that.That’s not how I see it.I’m afraid I have to disagree.I don’t know about that.Not the way I see it.I don’t think so.Don’t be silly.Come off it.Forget your idea.

very informal

It’s time for practising!

Please, download the practice powerpoint!