Let’s talk: opinions and polite disagreement
To give an opinion we say In my opinion … or I think … . Then we add a reason with because and an example with For example: In my opinion, reading is relaxing because it is quiet. For example, I read before bed. When you disagree, do not say You are wrong. Be polite: first accept part of the other idea, then say your own. Use That’s true, but … , I get it, but … or I understand, but … : That’s true, but I think we also need time to talk. Use a calm voice and listen to the whole sentence before you answer. Remember that an opinion is not a fact: you can have a different opinion and still be friends. In a role-play, each speaker gives an opinion, a reason, and then the partner answers politely. Use short sentences, and keep the speaking pattern: opinion, reason, example.
| Skill | Phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | In my opinion … / I think … | I think homework should be short. |
| Reason | because … | because we also need rest |
| Example | For example, … | For example, I like sport after school. |
| Polite disagreement | That’s true, but … / I get it, but … / I understand, but … | I get it, but I prefer paper books. |
In my opinion, it is better to read a paper book because it is quiet.
That’s true, but I think a tablet is useful, because I can carry many books in one bag.
I get it, but my eyes get tired when I look at a screen for a long time.
I understand, but I can make the letters bigger. For example, I read before bed with a small light.
Maybe we can use both: a tablet for travel and a paper book at home.
That sounds fair. Let’s do that!
What is your ___ about walking to school?
I think it is healthy. For ___, I wake up and feel fresh.
That’s ___, but it takes a long time when it is hot.
I ___ , but I leave early. Maybe I can take a bus in summer.
Good idea. We can use ___ ways!
Two corners. Make up two opinions, for example: Short videos are fun. A grown-up and the child sit in two corners and take turns to agree or disagree politely. Give a reason each time. After five minutes tell each other one thing you learned from the other person.