Speaking: Interactive Communication B1 - Lesson 3
Function: Asking for & Giving Opinions with Reasons
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use a variety of B1-level phrases to ask for someone's opinion and to give your own opinion with a clear reason.
Conversation Scenario: Discussing a Topic
Having a good conversation is not just about stating facts; it's also about sharing ideas and opinions. Let's look at how two friends discuss the topic of social media.
Dara: I just read an interesting article about social media. What are your thoughts on it?1
Vanna: Hmm. Well, from my perspective,3 it has both good and bad sides.
Dara: How do you mean?
Vanna: On the one hand, it helps people stay connected with family. But on the other hand, it seems to me that4 it can be bad for mental health.
Dara: That's a good point. Why do you say that?5
Vanna: Mainly because6 people often compare their 'perfect' online life to others and feel anxious or sad.
Dara: I completely agree. That's a real problem.
Your Interaction Toolkit
Function: Asking for an Opinion
- What are your thoughts on...?: A great way to ask for a detailed opinion: តើអ្នកមានគំនិតយ៉ាងណាចំពោះ...? ↩
- How do you feel about...?: Use this to ask for an opinion that is based more on feelings: តើអ្នកមានអារម្មណ៍យ៉ាងណាចំពោះ...?
Function: Giving Your Opinion
- From my perspective...: A smart, formal way to introduce your opinion: តាមទស្សនៈរបស់ខ្ញុំ... ↩
- It seems to me that...: A slightly softer way to give your opinion: វាហាក់ដូចជាខ្ញុំថា... ↩
- The way I see it...: An informal but confident way to state your view: តាមដែលខ្ញុំឃើញ...
Function: Asking for & Giving Reasons
- Why do you say that?: A polite question to ask someone to explain their reason: ហេតុអ្វីបានជាអ្នកនិយាយអញ្ចឹង? ↩
- Mainly because...: Use this to introduce your most important reason: ហេតុផលចម្បងគឺដោយសារ... ↩
Intonation of Opinion Phrases
When you use a phrase to introduce your opinion, there is usually a clear pause after it. The intonation on the introductory phrase is typically falling, which sounds confident and thoughtful.
- "From my perspective, ↘ [pause] the city needs more parks."
- "The way I see it, ↘ [pause] learning English is essential for finding a good job."
The "Opinion + Reason" Structure
A B1-level speaker doesn't just give an opinion; they support it with a reason. This makes your argument much stronger and more convincing. Always try to follow this simple structure.
Step 1: State your opinion clearly.
Use a phrase like "I believe that..." or "It seems to me that...".
Step 2: Support it with a reason.
Use a connector like "because..." or "The main reason is...".
Example: "It seems to me that Battambang is a great city for young people, because there are many good universities and cafés to study in."
Practice Sharing Opinions
Activity 1: Match the Function
Match the phrase to its primary function in a conversation.
- The way I see it...
- Why do you say that?
- How do you feel about...?
- A. Asking for a reason
- B. Asking for an opinion
- C. Giving an opinion
(Answers: 1 -> C, 2 -> A, 3 -> B)
Activity 2: Give Your Opinion (with a reason!)
Work with a partner. Ask your partner for their opinion on one of the topics below. Your partner must answer using an opinion phrase from the toolkit and give at least one reason for their opinion.
Topics: Online games, Fast food (like fried chicken or pizza), Learning online vs. in a classroom.
Your Communication Mission
This week in Battambang, your mission is to ask for and give a well-supported opinion.
First, ask a friend for their opinion on something using "What are your thoughts on...?". Then, when it is your turn to speak, give your own opinion using the "Opinion + Reason" structure. For example: "In my opinion, this coffee is delicious, because it's not too sweet."