Conversation Lesson 12: Expressing Your Opinion

Jack: Hey, Janet, do you know where Tony is? I haven’t seen him all day and he has some lab reports I need in a big hurry. Janet: Didn’t you hear? Tony is sick. I was hoping to see him myself to talk about that new project we’re both working on. Jack: Well… I don’t know what to do. He must have those reports at home. I wonder if I should drive over to his house and get them. What do you think? Janet: Oh, I don’t think that’s such a good idea. If he’s sick, you shouldn’t disturb him. Can’t you wait at least one more day? Jack: I suppose you’re right. But, if we haven’t heard anything by tomorrow at lunch time, I’m going to give him a call. Janet: Tony is a pretty responsible person. I’m sure he’ll find a way to get those reports to you on time. Don’t worry!

Culture Note

• When Americans disagree with someone’s opinion, they usually add a reason or an explanation of why they disagree, so as not to sound rude and abrupt.

A: Mike wants to buy a motorcycle with the money he’s saved. I think that’s a good idea. B: I disagree with you, because I think motorcycles are very dangerous.

• It’s important to disagree politely. If you do so, very often people will accept your opinion.

Another way to disagree politely with someone: state the opposite

A: This a boring city to live in. There’s nothing to do at night.

B: But I think there’s lots to do. It takes time to learn about all the things to do in a new place.

To express your opinion, you can say

I’d like to point out that . . . As far as I’m concerned . . . Speaking for myself . . . In my opinion . . . I believe/think that . . . If you ask me, . . . It seems to me that . . . As I see it, . . .

To agree with an opinion, you can say

I couldn’t agree (with you) more. I agree (with you entirely).You are (absolutely) right. That’s just what I was thinking. (That’s) true. (That’s a) good point. I feel the same way. I think so, too. Right. That’s for sure.

To partly agree with an opinion, you can say

It/That sounds great, but . . .

Yes, that may be true, but . . .

Yes, but what about . . .

Yes, but (the problem is) . . .

Mmm, possibly but . . .

Maybe so but . . .

To disagree with an opinion, you can say

I can’t agree with you.

I’m afraid I disagree (with you).

I disagree (with you) because . . .

No, I don’t (really) think so.

I see what you mean, but . . .

Well, it depends.

No, I don’t agree.

+ reason/explanation

To ask for an opinion, you can say

What do you think (of) . . . ?

Do you think that . . . ?

How do you feel about . . . ?

What’s you opinion of/about . . . ?

How do you like . . . ?

To present both sides of an argument, you can say

On the one hand . . .; (but) on the other hand . . .

Although it’s true that . . ., it’s also true that…

I agree to some extent, but . . .

Yes . . ., but also . . .

To show surprise about an opinion, you can say

I’m surprised you feel that way.

Oh?

Really?

Are you kidding?

You must be kidding/joking!

Practice Expressing Your Opinion

• Work in pairs.

• Read each of the following situations and practice expressing your opinion.

Expressing Your Opinion - Situation 1

You and your classmate.

One day, your classmate tells you he/she thinks that one of your classes is a bit boring and he/she isn’t learning much from the teacher. You are surprised to hear that because you think the class is quite interesting. You can’t agree with each other and you both explain why.

Expressing Your Opinion - Situation 2

You and your classmate.

A spacious room in one of your university buildings has become available. But, when it comes to how the room should be best used, two different proposals have been made: 1) a computer room for students to use, 2) a student common room for socializing and relaxing. You prefer the former opinion, but your classmate is in favor of the latter one. You can’t agree with one another and you both explain why.

Expressing Your Opinion - Situation 3

You and your colleague.

You and your colleague are in charge of the funds to be used in the city’s development. You have a discussion about whether a piece of land should be used to make a parking lot or made into a park. You prefer the former opinion, but your colleague is in favor of the latter one. You can’t agree with one another and you both explain why.

Expressing Your Opinion - Situation 4You and your boss.

You and your boss work for a large company. Recently, the company has needed some extra work done. You are discussing how to do it properly. Your boss believes the company needs to hire ten new employees, but you disagree. You think you have a better idea. Your boss may agree or disagree with your idea.