EXPRESSINGOPINION

Teacher: Fedwa Ben Abid levels: 8th year basic & 1st year secondary

I) Expressing opinion or idea:

t:

• I think…

Examples: - I’m convinced that global warming will be a big

problem in the future. - I honestly feel that if we didn’t have wars, the

world would be a better place. - I strongly believe that exercising is very important

to keep your body fit. And I’m pretty sure that you’re getting healthier because you take enough exercise.

- I suspect that you can’t get on well with others because you get on their nerves. Without a doubt, you should change your behavior.

• In my opinion… • I’d like to… • I’d rather…

* I’d prefer.. • The way I see it… • As far as I’m

concerned… • If it were up to me… • I suppose… • I suspect that… • I’m pretty sure that… • It’s fairly certain that… • I’m convinced that… • I honestly feel that… • I strongly believe that.. • Without a doubt…

II) Expressing disagreemen

• I don’t think that … • Don’t you think it would be better.. •  I don’t agree, I’d prefer.. • Shouldn’t we consider.. • But what about… • I’m afraid I don’t agree… • Frankly, ii doubt if… • Let’s face it, the truth of the matter is … • The problem with your point of view is

that…

Examples: - Let’s face it, the truth of the matter is

children shouldn’t be in school for more than 5 hours a day.

- The problem with your point of view is that children wouldn’t have enough time to learn.

III) Giving reasons and offering explanations: Examples:

- The reason why I believe all people are intelligent is because everybody can be gifted in doing certain skills. Considering that we can be successful at many levels: emotional, artistic, social, mechanical…, or even at one level, I think this is the best proof for our intelligence.

- When you consider that friendship is vital, you’ll try to keep in touch with as many friends as you can. To start with, friends are important because they’re always there to give you a hand, to cheer you up and to comfort you.

• To start with… • The reason why… • That’s the reason why… • Many people think… • Considering… • Allowing for

the fact that… • When you

consider that…

• MORE USEFUL EXPRESSIONS:

A- Showing Total Agreement

- Absolutely. / Exactly / Indeed! / You’re right! - That's for sure. / I totally agree with you. - I agree with you a hundred percent. - I couldn't agree with you more. - Can't argue with that. - Couldn't have said it better. - We see eye to eye on this. (idiom) (Meaning: we agree

totally on this)

B- Showing Partial Agreement

- You may be right. / You might have a point there. - Well, perhaps (you're right).

C- Showing Mild Disagreement

- It may be so, but ... - I'm not sure if I agree with you totally

there.

D- Showing Strong Disagreement

- I'm afraid I disagree with you. - I'm afraid I can't agree with you. - I couldn't disagree (with you) more. - I disagree completely. - You've got that wrong. (informal) - You're dead wrong. (informal)

Example: between 2 friends:

- Ann: Guess what? I've made an appointment to have a nose job next week. - Liz: A nose job? Are you for real? - Ann: Yeah! What's wrong with that? If I look better, I'll feel better. - Liz: I'm not sure if I agree with you totally there. Looks is not that important. What's important is your

personality. - Ann: You're dead wrong, Liz! Looks is everything for a woman. - Liz: Well, I'm afraid we don't see eye to eye on this. (*a nose job = cosmetic surgery on the nose