Expressing Opinions - How to agree, disagree or show doubts

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Expressing agreement, disagreement and reservations

EXPRESSING PERSONAL OPINIONS


This lesson focuses on:

• Language for agreeing,

• Language for disagreeing,

• Language of doubts and reservations.

We will also learn:

• How NOT to give your opinion,

• How to ask people about their opinions.


First, study the slides and decide which answer best matches your own view on the topic.

Then think which of the expressions are used to express agreeing, disagreeing and talking about reservations.

At the end try to remember some expressions for not giving opinions and learn a few ways of asking about opinions.


1/8 All modern architecture is absolutely awful

• I couldn’t agree more

• I couldn’t agree less

• I agree to some extent

Which statement best expresses your view on the topic?


2/8 Smoking should be banned from all public places.

• I think that’s going a bit too far

• That’s a ridiculous idea

• I quite agree


3/8 Computers cause unemployment, in my opinion.

• I’m afraid I don’t agree at all

• I agree up to a point

• That’s exactly how I feel


4/8 Everyone knows that sweets are bad for your teeth, so they should be taxed much more heavily.

• I’m not so sure about that

• That’s true

• I can’t accept that


5/8 Doctors earn far too much money, if you ask me.

• I completely agree with you.

• Nonsense. That’s not true at all.

• Possibly, but …


6/8 It’s a waste of money trying to explore space. Here on earth is where we should be spending it.

• I don’t think it’s as simple as that

• Come on, you don’t really think that, do you?

• Exactly. I couldn’t have put it better myself.


7/8 Going and lying on a beach all day is not my idea of a holiday.

• No, nor mine

• Really? That’s just what I like

• Well, it’s not exactly unpleasant, is it?


8/8 We should work /study six days a week.

• That’s total rubbish

• Well, I agree to some extent.

• Yes, you have a point there.


Now study the lists of expressions on the following slides.

EXPRESSING AGREEMENT

• Yes, I agree completely.

• I’d go along with that.

• Yes, you have a point there.

• I couldn’t agree more.

• That’s exactly how I feel.

• I entirely agree with you.

• Exactly. I couldn’t have put it better myself.

• Basically, I think it’s right.

• I’m not really surprised about.

Which expressions are your favourite?

EXPRESSING DISAGREEMENT

• In my opinion that’s out of the question.

• I’m afraid I disagree completely.

• I’m afraid I can’t agree with that idea.

• I’m afraid that’s not how I see it.

• Nonsense. That’s not true at all.

• That’s a ridiculous idea.

• I couldn’t agree less.

• It’s total rubbish!

• I think it misses the point


EXPRESSING DOUBTS

• Possibly, but …

• I agree up to a point.

• I agree to some extent.

• I think that’s going a bit too far.

• I don’t think it’s as simple as that.

• You could be right but …

• It’s a bit one sided.

• On the other hand.

• I’m in two minds about that, actually.


WITHHOLDING YOUR OPINION

Here are a few expressions you can use when you do NOT want to share your opinions:

• How would I know.

• I don’t have an opinion, really.

• I have never thought about that.

• I haven’t made up my mind yet.

ASKING ABOUT OPINIONS

• Don’t you think …?

• What’s your attitude to …?

• What’s your opinion on …?

• Are you in favour of …?

• Could you comment on …?

• What’s your point of view as regards …?

• You don’t support …, do you?

• Where do you stand on this?

• Would you like to contribute anything to our discussion?

Watch out for the prepositions in these expressions. They can be pretty tricky.

CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENTS

Practise giving and asking opinions on these controversial statements.

It is wrong to inherit money.

It’s foolish to give money to beggars.

Christmas should be abolished.

Life begins at forty.

The customer is always right.

It’s impossible to have too much money.

Mariusz Mirecki

Polecany Nauczyciel Angielskiego

+48 693 151 938

[email protected]

www.polecanynauczycielangielskiego.pl

Expressing Opinions - How to agree, disagree or show doubts

Education

Transcript of Expressing Opinions - How to agree, disagree or show doubts