giving opinions

AGREEING WITH AN OPINION DISAGREEING WITH AN OPINION GIVING AN OPINION AGREEING WITH AN OPINION For the gifted class DISAGREEING WITH AN OPINION PRACTICE

GIVING 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 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.

Personally, I think / hope/ assume that… From my point of view, I…. 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….

insist (formal and strong) maintain (formal) USING AN OPINION VERB believe think feel hold (formal) insist (formal and strong) maintain (formal) 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.

YOU CAN EXPRESS YOUR OPINION IN A WAY THAT TRIES TO GET THE OTHER PERSON’S AGREEMENT c. By asking a negative question about what the person thinks: → Don’t you feel that everyone should speak at least 2 languages? → Don’t you hate these expensive shops? 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?

AGREEING 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: Right. That’s right. It sure is. That’s for sure. A: The weather is terrible at this time of year. B: 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.

DISAGREEING WITH AN OPINION It’s important to know how to disagree with an opinion in a polite way. Here are some ways.

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!