Asking and Giving Opinions

Example:
It seems to me that the government should reduce trade tariffs. (Formal)
What do you reckon to these shoes? (Informal)
Giving opinions can be weak or strong:
Weak
I think….
I don’t think…
I’m fairly certain that….
I’m quite certain that….
I would have thought that….
Medium
I believe….
I don’t doubt that….
I feel certain that…
My impression is that….
As I see it..
It seems to me that…
It strikes me that…..
Strong
I’m absolutely certain that….
I’m convinced that….
I strongly believe that…
Examples:
I think it’s a good movie
I don’t doubt that smoking is bad for you
I’m convinced that it’s the best decision we could make for the company
Asking for an opinion:
What do you think about this brand, Tom?
What do you reckon to these shoes, Pam?
Mum, how do you feel about buying me a new smart phone?
What do you think about this?
Do you have any strong feelings on this, John?
Any comments, anybody?
What are your views on nuclear power?
Giving reasons:
Sometimes when we give opinions we may want to give a reason.
Firstly…
Secondly….
One reason is….
Another is….
To start with….
Added to that….
For one thing….
Example:
It seems to me that weak gun laws lead to more crime. For one thing, it’s too easy to get a weapon these days.
Interrupting:
Sometimes, if we are exchanging opinions with other people we may want to interrupt them politely.
Excuse me. Can I just say….?
Could I come in here…?
Sorry to interrupt but….
Yes, but….
Stopping someone from interrupting you:
If you’d let me finish…
Just a minute…
Hang on…(informal)
Try to use some of the language to ask for and give opinions. Choose any topic such as: energy conservation, obesity in the West, marriage, the price of branded sports shoes, the dangers of the internet for children, the best Star Wars film etc.Practise with a friend or write out some dialogues like this:
A: What do you think about marriage?
B: I don’t think it’s for everyone. To start with, the cost of a wedding these days is ridiculous!
A: Well, I don’t doubt that but I believe it’s better for society and…
B: Sorry to interrupt but, as I see it, marriage only leads to divorce!
A: Oh…!
A:Ok, so as you know we have a deadline to get this work finished. How do you feel about staying late tonight?
A: Any comments, Peter, Anne?
B: Well, it seems to me that we don’t have a choice.
C: I feel sure that if we get our heads down, we can finish by 6pm.
Writing letters or send emails expressing our opinions about something: