At the museum: opinions and a role-play
Read the dialog on page 67 of your book (a tourist and an art teacher). We practise with our own dialog in a small local museum. To share an opinion we say I think … , In my opinion … , and we give a reason with because. To ask for another person’s opinion we say What do you think? or How about you? A good conversation has a balance: I give my opinion and I listen to yours. To agree we say I agree or So do I. To disagree politely we say I see what you mean, but … . Museum words: fabric is cloth, materials are the things used to make an artwork, creativity is making original things, and an artwork that deserves a prize is worth one because of its quality.
| Job | Phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Give an opinion | I think … because … | I think the jars are amazing because they are old. |
| Ask for an opinion | What do you think? / How about you? | What do you think about the colors? |
| Agree | I agree. / So do I. | I agree. They are very bright. |
| Disagree politely | I see what you mean, but … | I see what you mean, but I prefer the drawings. |
Which room do you like best?
I like the cloth room, because the fabric is very old and the colors are bright.
I think the clay jars are amazing. Do you agree?
Yes, I do. Each jar is original, so it deserves a place here.
How about the small drawing near the door?
In my opinion, it is plain, but I appreciate the careful lines.
That’s a fair opinion. Thank you for the tour!
Museum at home. Choose five objects at home and set up a small museum on a table. One person is the guide and one the visitor. The visitor asks questions and gives opinions; the guide answers with because and asks How about you? Then swap roles.