LESSON 2 — Expressing Opinions Without Repeating “I Think”

Useful alternatives

• I would say... — natural, conversational opinion
• I feel that... — personal judgment or belief
• From my perspective,... — your point of view
• As far as I'm concerned,... — your personal position
• It seems to me that... — softer / less absolute
• I tend to think... — a view you generally hold
• The way I see it,... — conversational framing
• If you ask me,... — informal personal opinion

Conversation practice

• 1. Do you think people should cut down on screen time? [cut down on = reduce]
• 2. What is your view on companies that take on new employees without experience? [take on = employ/accept]
• 3. Do you think people should speak up when they disagree at work? [speak up = express an opinion openly]
• 4. What do you think makes someone stand out in a job interview? [stand out = be noticeably different]
• 5. How do you feel about people who show up late without letting anyone know? [show up = arrive/appear]
• 6. Should people always follow through on promises they make? [follow through on = complete what was promised]
• 7. What makes a restaurant worth going back to?
• 8. Do you think it's better to work things out immediately after an argument? [work things out = resolve a problem]
• 9. What helps a person fit in when they move somewhere new? [fit in = feel accepted/belong]
• 10. Do you think people should turn down opportunities that don't suit their long-term goals? [turn down = refuse]
• 11. What qualities do you look for in a close friend? [look for in = want/expect from]
• 12. Do you think social media can bring people together?