EXPRESSION FOR DISCUSSION

GIVING AND ASKING FOR OPINIONS

ASKING FOR AN OPINION: GIVING AN OPINION:

How do you feel about ...? I think...

What's your opinion about ...? If you ask me, ...

What do you think of ...? From my point of view,...

What do you reckon? (informal) I find it...

What's your view? Personally,...

AGREEING AND DISAGREEING

AGREEING PARTIALLY AGREEING DISAGREEING

Absolutely! That might be true, but ... That's not true.

I totally agree with you. You're right to a certain I'm afraid, I don't
extent, but ... really agree.

I'd go along with that. You're right up to a point, I'm not sure
but ... about that.

Yes, you're right. You must be

joking! (strong)

I suppose so. I absolutely

disagree. (strong)

I guess you're right. No way! (strong)

Examples:

A: From my point of view, social networking sites such as Facebook are a waste of time.
B: I'm not sure about that. I find them rather useful.

A: What do you think of classical music?

B: Personally it's not my favourite music.

A: It's very important to exercise every day.

B: Absolutely!

A: The best way to learn a language is to live in the country where it's spoken.
What do you reckon ?
B: I suppose so. But most people don't have the choice.

A: I think the best films are made in Hollywood.

B: No way!

A: If you ask me, there's too much violence on television.

B: I'd go along with that.
CONNECTING IDEAS

FUNCTION EXPRESSION

Introducing a new As regards... (formal)

topic: As regards our previous discussion, I think you were right, we
should definitely redecorate the living room.

Regarding... (formal)
Regarding very serious crimes, I think that we should keep
criminals in jail for the maximum period of time.

If we're talking...
If we're talking cost of living, I think that London is very
expensive.

Giving or adding In the first place...

a new point: I prefer living in the city than in the countryside. In the first place, there
are more shops.

What's more...
What's more, there is more work .

In addition...
In addition, there are more places of entertainment.

Describing a On the whole...

general situation: On the whole, the system doesn't work.

Giving an For example...

example: There are many ways you can save money. For example, you can stop
eating in fancy restaurants and start cooking meals at home.

For instance...
For instance, you can take the bus instead of taxis.

Introducing a However...
contrasting idea: Living in the city is more interesting than living in the
countryside. However, it is also more stressful.

Although...
Although studies show that most ex-prisoners continue to commit crimes
after they are released, more and more people are being imprisoned.
Modifying a In fact...
previous I used to get up at 7am. In fact, it was more like 6.30am.
statement:

Simplifying a In other words...

previous point: In big cities, there are more offices and shops. In other words, there is
more work.

Supporting a After all...

previous point: We should ask our neighbours to help us move out. After all, we do have
very good relationships with them, and this year we even went on holiday
together.

Introducing the Therefore... (formal) / So ...

logical result of a A big city has lots of advantages.
situation: Therefore / So, I’d prefer to live there.