Opinions, agreeing and disagreeing Asking someone for their opinion What do you think of his new book/girlfriend? (= asking about a specific person/thing) What do you think about cosmetic surgery? (= asking about a general topic) How do you feel about working with the others? Introducing your own opinion (Personally) I think Paula was probably right. (Personally) | don’t think it’s a good idea. (NOT | think-it’s-not a good idea) In my opinion we need to change the direction of the company. {This is more formal. Having strong opinions These adjectives are common when we give opinions. I thought it was a brilliant idea. (= a fantastic idea) She thought the pictures were disgusting. (= terrible, very unpleasant, not acceptable) His plan is just ridiculous. (= absurd and stupid) I think it’s a really original book. (= new and different from anything else) Giving the opinion of others According to the newspaper (= in the opinion of the paper), she knew nothing about it. The newspaper says the President knew weeks ago. (NOT Itis-sritter- in the newspaper.) Agreeing with someone If we want to show we agree with someone, we can do it like this: a: think we should put the money in the bank. &: Yes, Lagree (with you). or Yes, I think you're (absolutely) right. Disagreeing with someone It is common to begin by agreeing before you give a different opinion. possibly, but don’t you think ... Yes, perhaps/maybe, but I'm not sure that ... you could be right, but don’t forget ... If we disagree bur not completely, we often use these expressions: Yes, I sec what you mean, bur ... Yes, I take your point, but ... Strong disagreement I totally disagree (with you). V'm afraid I don't agree (with you) at all. 38 English Vocabulary in Use (pre-intermediate & intermediate)18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 Exercises Complete these questions in three different ways to ask people their opinion. a these shoes? Do they look OK? ot. the plan to change the examination system? 3 having more responsibility? Fill the gaps with a suitable word from the opposite page. 1 A: What did you think... the film? 8: Well 1 didn’t like i De __ to the radio this morning, we won't know the result until tomorrow. 3 Yes, I take your . , but I still think the book was too long. 4i. su disagreed with her, which is unusual. 5 know she has very strong — _...on this subject ~ she talks about it all the time. Rewrite these sentences using the words on the right. The meaning must stay the same. 1 I think you're right. AGREE | agree Ath, 2 think the club needs new players. OPINION 3 Ttotally disagree with you. AT ALL 4. The newspaper says terrorists started the fire. ACCORDING 5 Yes, I take your point, but I’m not sure I agree. MEAN Yes, 1 a 6 How do you feel about giving children more freedom? THINK Match the words on the left with the correct definition on the right. 1 disgusting a absurd and stupid 2 ridiculous b fantastic 3 original ¢ terrible and very unpleasant 4 brilliant d_ new and different Continue these conversations. You can agrce and add another reason, or disagree and add a different point of view. Remember, if you disagree, start with a short expression of agreement first. If possible, compare your answers with someone else. IA: A loc of women are very happy to stay at home and be housewives. 8: 2. Aa: The state shouldn't give money to people who don’t want to work. 3a: People from developing countries need all the help we can give them. English Vocabulary in Use (presintermediate & intermediate) 39