It may sometimes be necessary to explain a thought in greater detail.

Useful linking expressions for doing this include: “By this I mean…”

“Here I'm referring to…” “To be more precise…” “That is to say…”

For example:

“By spending money on confining wild animals to zoos, we are wasting resources. By this I mean there are more urgent economic problems to

deal with: hospitals and schools should be our first priority.’” Below are

some phrases that can be used to help express opinions. Some of these

phrases are more appropriate for written English such as giving your opinion in an essay whereas some can also be used in spoken English.”

Words and phrases to express a personal point of view:

“In my experience…” “As far as I'm concerned…” “Speaking for myself…” “In my opinion…” “Personally, I think…” “I'd say that…”

“I'd suggest that…” “I'd like to point out that…” “I believe that…”

“What I mean is…”

We use these words and phrases to express a point of view that is generally

thought by people:

“It is thought that...” “ Some people say that...” “It is considered...” “It

is generally accepted that...”

We use these words and phrases to agree with someone else's point of

view: “Of course.” “You're absolutely right.” “Yes, I agree.” “I think

so too.” “That's a good point.” “Exactly.” “I don't think so either.”

“So do I.” “I'd go along with that.” “That's true.” “Neither do I.” “I

agree with you entirely.” “That's just what I was thinking.” “I couldn't agree more.”

We use these words and phrases to disagree with someone else's point of

view: “That's different.” “I don't agree with you.” “However…”

“That's not entirely true.” “On the contrary…” “I'm sorry to disagree

with you, but…” “Yes, but don't you think…” “That's not the same

thing at all.” “I'm afraid I have to disagree.” “I'm not so sure about

that.” “I must take issue with you on that.” “It's unjustifiable to say

that...”

Notice: The British generally use elaborate and roundabout ways to express disagreement. And they say that in a tentative and polite way. 80

DIALOGUES

Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.

1. Ann: It’s, time for high tea.

Elisabeth: So early? Six o’clock or thereabouts is high tea time.

Anne: What? Tea, sandwiches and cakes at 6 o’clock? That’s a surely far

too late.

Elisabeth: No, no. I think you’re mixing up high tea and afternoon tea.

Anne: Aren’t they the same?

Elisabeth: No, not at all. Afternoon tea means tea, perhaps sandwiches and

definitely cakes around 4.

Anne: What’s high tea then?

Elisabeth: That’s a proper meal, often with meat or fish, but also of course

with tea to drink.

2. Eddie: What are the chances of getting a raise this year?

Janice: I’m convinced that the chances are slim.

Eddie: Wow! You haven’t got a raise for how many years now?

Janice: It’s been three years! The company keeps losing money, and they

can’t afford to give anyone a raise.

Eddie: If you ask me, I would look for another job.

3. Diane: Hey, Terry? How’s it going?

Terri: Not too great. I’m really stressed out.

Diane: Oh?

Terri: Yeah, it seems to me that school gives me hives. See?

Diane: Oh, my Gosh! Your are is full of bumps! What did the doctor say?

Terri: He said to relax and take a break.

Diane: I reckon, it’s a good recommendation. 81

4. Alicia: You look run down, Brian.

Brian: Yeah. I’ve been feeling under the weather recently. I caught a bad

cold last week, and I still haven’t gotten over it.

Alicia: I think you must take sick leave.

Brien: I’m quite agree with you. I really need a good rest.

5. Rod: You’re in great shape, Keith. Do you work out at a gym?

Keith: Yeah, I do. I guess I’m a real fitness freak.

Rod: So, how often do you work out?

Keith: Well, I do aerobics every day after work. And then I play badminton.

Rod: I like badminton, too.

Keith: In my opinion everybody should go in for sport.

Rod: It is sometimes argued that sport is helpful for everybody.

6. Janet: We never used to have weather like we have these days.

Sadie: There doesn’t seem to be any stability any more. It’s cold when you

expect it to be warm and warm when you expect it to be cold.

Janet: They say it’s a lot to do with the greenhouse effect.

Sadie: I’ve heard about that. It is thought that it comes from all the carbon

gases we’re putting into the atmosphere.

EXERCISES

I. Read the conversation and answer the questions given below.

Sally: Brian, you’ve seen “Star Wars”, haven’t you?

Brian: That’s right.

Sally: What did you think of it?

Brian: Well, I was a bit disappointed, really, I didn’t think it was a particularly good film at all. 82

Claire: Oh, I disagree, Brian! I thought it was great! It’s one of the best

films I’ve seen. Don’t you think so, Peter?

Peter: Yes, I agree up to a point. It was good … I enjoyed it … but, to be

honest, it was as good as I thought it would be …

Brian: That’s exactly how I felt. If you ask me, it was just one big publicity

stunt from start to finish.

Claire: Oh, that’s rubbish, Brian! You’re the first person I’ve met who

hasn’t enjoyed the film.

Brian: Perhaps I am … but Sally asked me for my opinion, and as far as