Lesson 55 – Giving your opinion
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Why do you think people eat unhealthy food even though they know it is bad for them?
This is a typical part three question
Let’s begin with some tips and advice
- Expressing your opinion is often something you need to do in part three speaking so you should make sure you can do this.
- The examiner is not interested in your opinion per se, they are interested in how you express it.
- Unless you say something rather wild they won’t challenge your opinion but you should explain why you feel this way.
- Your opinion doesn’t have to reflect the way you really feel it has to be something that you can express well in English – obviously if it is a strong belief AND you can express it well then you will be able to speak better about it.
- Start with – I feel, In my experience, In my opinion, I think that … etc…
- Use modal verbs should, would, don’t have to, must etc…
- Try to give examples from your own experience if you can this shows the reasons that you have this opinion.
- Try not to use too many ‘writing words’ like furthermore or moreover – it is possible to use these in speaking but if you use them too much you will sound like an essay. You need to distinguish between writing an opinion and saying it.
- Try also not to be too strong in your opinion we tend to suggest things rather than state them categorically – this is true in writing as well – we call this hedging.)
- Remember again – practice is the key!
If you don’t use English every day then consider finding a speaking partner here on Gapfillers. I asked you all at the beginning if you wanted to share Skype names but only 2 people stepped forward – this is an opportunity there are people on this programme who could be a speaking partner. Let me know and I can circulate Skype names (in this group only)
Key skills to develop:
Practise
- Google giving opinions – see what you can find – try to find people on You Tube or other video or audio channels voicing opinions
- Practise giving opinions with a study partner
here are some words and phrases to use:
From the British Council some useful tips for telling the truth
https://blog.ieltspractice.com/ielts-speaking-telling-the-truth/
Some general advice about practice:
https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-practice-tests/speaking
https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-practice-tests/speaking
Don’t forget, if there is anything you don’t understand or can’t find send a message via Contact us
Now let’s listen to opinions
Here are some exercises from Gapfillers –
A private school student speaks out
Charity trekking – a different view
Where would Scotland be without the English?
Make sure that you find someone to practise speaking with THIS WEEK!
Tomorrow is catch up day – time to go over the lessons you’ve missed or relax and do something enjoyable in English!
Don’t forget, if there is anything you don’t understand or can’t find send a message via Contact us
Now you’re done!
Good luck and let’s make great progress with IELTS!