Expressing Opinion

IELTS Speaking Class

IELTS Preparation Programme
Leiden Institute
2019
 Questions
Examples:

1. Do you think computers are bad for your health?

2. Do you think you are a good neighbour?
3. Do you think that traditional dancing will be popular in the future?
4. Do you think that traditional dancing will be popular in the future?
5. Do you think it’s important to keep in touch with childhood
friends?
6. Do you think festivals are important for a country?
7. Do you think there is too much violence in modem movies?
8. Do you think tourism in your country will change in the future?
 General Expressions
Examples:

1. I believe (that) …
2. I think (that) …
3. In my opinion, …
4. In my view, ...
5. As far as I’m concerned …
6. It seems to me that …
7. It appears to me that …
8. This is only my opinion but …
 Specific Expressions
If you feel very strongly about the topic in
question you can use the following phrases:

1. I’m sure that …

2. I’m convinced that …
3. I’m certain that …
4. There’s no way …
 Using Adverbs for Expressions
Expression Meaning Example
Clearly / Easy to Clearly, the economy is not going to improve this
Obviously, understand or year.
see
Personally, Showing that it Personally, I don’t think the legal drinking age
is your opinion should be reduced. Others may disagree.
Generally, Usually, or in Generally, the trains are a lot more reliable than
most situations the buses in my country.
Surprisingly Unexpectedly or Surprisingly, the government prohibited smoking
in a way that is in all public places last year. I never thought this
unusual would happen.
 Using Adverbs for Expressions
Expression Meaning Example
In a way that I didn’t study much. Inevitably, I didn’t get the
Inevitably cannot be score I needed.
avoided
Predictably As expected Predictably, problems are now occurring in the city
because of overpopulation.
Frankly To be honest Frankly, I wish I’d waited before taking the IELTS
and direct test as I’m not ready!
Sadly Unhappy, sad or
Regrettably, my family could never return to their
Regrettably sorry about
country because of the civil war.
Unfortunately something
Expressions of Lacking of Opinion
There will be an instance when you
lack opinion about or completely have
no idea about the examiner’s
question. Don’t be afraid, there are
ways to manage this situation. Here
are helpful expressions you can use:
 Expressions of Lacking of Opinion
Expression Example
I’m afraid I am not keen on … I’m afraid I am not keen on the political situation in
my region.
I am sorry, I’m not familiar I’m sorry, I am not familiar with the traditional music
with … in my country.
I have not really thought I have not really thought about that but it seems to
about that … me that …
I’m afraid I do not know much I’m afraid I do not know much about art but I know a
about ... little bit about…
I’m afraid I have not been I’m afraid I have not been very interested in TV
very interested in … programmes but I will try my best to …