Expressing Opinions

 

Lesson plans- Opinions                           

Lesson plans- Agreeing          Activities          Work Sheets

 

At times, hotel staff may be asked about their opinion of some topic, such as a good place to
go shopping or the what they think of a particular tour company. The situation may also
occur when a staff may want a guest’s opinion about something, such as the quality of
service at the hotel or whether a particular shop had good prices for their merchandise.

Look at the expression below that can be used to give or elicit an opinion.

 

Expressions- Opinions

Asking for opinions Giving opinions

What do you think of (…. The Night Club for live  entertainment?)                         
I think (… it’s one of the best places in town).

What is your opinion of (… the pizza at Pizza Hut?)                   
In my opinion (…it’s not that good.)

What is your attitude toward (… all the recent development  in Thailand?)                            
My attitude toward that is ( … I think it’s  being over done.)

Do you agree that (… Phuket is one of the best vacation spots in the world)?                         
No, not really, (…it’s too hot most of  the time).

Are you in favor of (… legalized gambling)?                                
Yes, I am.

Do you oppose or favor (…a global currency)?                             
I (…oppose it because…)

 

Dialogue- Opinions

Guest: What did you think of the Saxophone Restaurant in Patong?
Staff: If you like jazz, it’s a very good place and the food is pretty good.

Guest: In your opinion, do you think that my kids would like to go elephant trekking?
Staff: Well, most children seem to enjoy it.

Guest: Do you agree that Thailand should legalize gambling?
Staff: Actually I do, I think it would generate more tourist dollars and income for the
             government.

Staff: Even though Thai boxing is a Thai national sport, I personally think it’s savage
            and brutal.
Guest: Really, I kind of like it.

 

Conversation Activities- Opinions

1. Practice using the above expressions by having a dialogue similar to the ones above with
      a partner,  one partner taking the role of the guest and the other the role of the staff. For
      additional practice, switch roles. Practice the dialogue several times, trying to use all
      of the expressions noted above.

 

2. What are you and your partner’s opinions about these topics? Discuss them. Give detailed
      reasons for your opinions.

 

The acting skills of Tom Hanks                                   The movie Titanic

Your partner’s hair style                                              The U.N.

The honesty of politicians in your country                     Madonna

Plays by Shakespeare                                                The death penalty

Exploration of space– worth while or not                       Your partner’s attire

Using cell phones while driving                                     Your English teacher (don’t be rude)