INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

Intermediate Advanced
 I think this project is exciting.  I find the technology intriguing.
 I think this statistic is surprising.  I don’t find the technology particularly
intriguing.
 I don’t think this project is that impressive.
 I don’t find the project particularly
 I don’t think this statistic is that surprising.
newsworthy.
EVALUATING IDEAS
Good Idea
 I’d like to see a ban on smartphones in
schools near me.
 I’d welcome a ban like that.
 It’s probably not a bad idea to ban
smartphones in school.
Bad Idea
 I wouldn’t want to see limits on free
speech.
 I’m not sure it would be a great idea.
 Honestly, I wouldn’t say it’s a great idea.
INSTEAD OF “I THINK”

Weaker Expressions Stronger Expressions

 Personally, I think …  I really think that …
 I’d say …  I firmly believe that …
 I’d argue that …  There’s no doubt that…
 In my opinion, …  In my honest opinion, …
 As far as I can see, …  To be (brutally) honest, …
 The way I see it, …
 It seems to me that …
 … but maybe that’s just me.
 … but maybe I’m missing something.
 … but I could be wrong.