Think about these questions, or answer them aloud.
Many speaking tasks ask what you think:
In all three, the listener wants a clear opinion and support that fits the question. You don't need clever ideas. Simple, clear reasons are enough.
In lesson 2 you used A-R-E for personal questions. For opinions, the steps are the same, but the answer is your opinion:
How much you say depends on the time:
| Step | Simple and correct |
|---|---|
| Give an opinion | I think… / I don't think… / In my opinion,… / For me,… |
| Agree or disagree | I agree that… / I don't agree that… / I partly agree. |
| Choose one option | I prefer… / I'd choose… / …is better for me. |
| Give reasons | …because… / The main reason is that… / Another reason is that… |
| Give examples | For example,… / For instance,… / …like… |
| Finish | So… / That's why I think… |
| Don't say | Say | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I'm agree. | I agree. | Agree is a verb, so you don't need am. |
| I think no. / I don't think. | I don't think so. | Use so to stand for the idea. |
| In my opinion, I think… | In my opinion,… or I think… | Use one of them, not both. |
| According to me,… | In my opinion,… / I think… | According to is for other people's ideas: according to the news. |
| I think it will not help. | I don't think it will help. | With think, English usually makes think negative. |
TOEIC Respond to questions. Imagine that a local newspaper is writing an article about food and cooking. You have agreed to answer some questions in a telephone interview. You have 15 seconds for questions 1 and 2, and 30 seconds for question 3.
A good reason supports the opinion directly. Match each opinion to the best reason. There is one extra reason that you do not need.
Listen and repeat. Stress the important words (great, don't, best, main) and keep your voice falling at the end, so you sound sure.
Listen to each sentence, then record yourself saying it the same way. Copy the rhythm, stress and intonation.
1.I think it's a great idea, because it saves time.
2.I don't think so. It's too expensive for most people.
3.For me, the best way to relax is to go for a walk.
4.I agree that children should learn to cook.
5.The main reason is that it's good for your health.
6.For example, last year I started cycling to work.
7.That's why I prefer working in a small team.
Imagine a company is doing research about people's jobs, and you have agreed to answer some questions. This is the last question, so you have 30 seconds. As in the real test, you have only 3 seconds before you start. Choose one option, then give a reason and an example.
When you choose a job, which is more important to you: a short journey to work or a high salary? Why?
3 s preparation · 0:30 speaking
| Don't say | Say | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I'm agree. | I agree. | Agree is a verb, so you don't need am. |
| I think no. / I don't think. | I don't think so. | Use so to stand for the idea. |
| In my opinion, I think… | In my opinion,… or I think… | Use one of them, not both. |
| According to me,… | In my opinion,… / I think… | According to is for other people's ideas: according to the news. |
| I think it will not help. | I don't think it will help. | With think, English usually makes think negative. |
You have 45 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. In your preparation time, choose your side and two reasons. Use the 60-second plan: opinion, two reasons (one with an example), final sentence.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Companies should let employees choose their own working hours.” Give reasons or examples to support your opinion.
45 s preparation · 1:00 speaking
Save words to review them later with flashcards.
“In my opinion, the city needs more bike lanes.”
“I agree with you about the new timetable.”
“Many people disagree with the new parking rules.”
“The main reason I moved was the job.”
“My job has flexible hours, so I can start at ten.”
“Online banking is very convenient.”
“Free time is valuable when you work long hours.”
“I'm more focused in the morning.”
“I always feel stressed before exams.”
“Do you agree or disagree with this statement?”
“Support your opinion with a real example.”
