Speaking: Interactive Communication B1 - Lesson 3: Asking for & Giving Opinions with Reasons

Speaking: Interactive Communication B1

Asking for & Giving Opinions with Reasons

What you will learn: 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 💬

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 social media.

Dara: I just read an interesting article about social media. What are your thoughts on it?

Vanna: Hmm. Well, from my perspective, it has both good and bad sides.

Dara: How do you mean?

Vanna: On one hand, it helps people stay connected. But on the other hand, it seems to me that it can be bad for mental health.

Dara: That's a good point. Why do you say that?

Vanna: Mainly because people often compare their online life to others and feel anxious.

Dara: I completely agree. That's a real problem.

Your Interaction Toolkit 🛠️

Function: Asking for an Opinion

• What are your thoughts on...?
  តើអ្នកមានគំនិតយ៉ាងណាចំពោះ...?
• How do you feel about...?
  តើអ្នកមានអារម្មណ៍យ៉ាងណាចំពោះ...?

Function: Giving Your Opinion

• From my perspective...
  តាមទស្សនៈរបស់ខ្ញុំ...
• It seems to me that...
  វាហាក់ដូចជាខ្ញុំថា...
• The way I see it...
  តាមដែលខ្ញុំឃើញ...

Function: Asking for & Giving Reasons

• Why do you say that?
  ហេតុអ្វីបានជាអ្នកនិយាយអញ្ចឹង?
• Mainly because...
  ហេតុផលចម្បងគឺដោយសារ...

Building a Strong Opinion

A B1-level speaker doesn't just give an opinion; they support it with a reason. This makes your argument stronger. Always try to follow this 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...".

"It seems to me that Battambang is a great city for young people, because there are many good universities and cafés."

Pronunciation Tip

🗣️ 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."

Practice Sharing Opinions 🎯

Activity 1: Match the Function

Match the phrase to its primary function in a conversation.

1. The way I see it...
2. Why do you say that?
3. 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 for their opinion on one of the topics below. Your partner must answer using an opinion phrase and give at least one reason.

Topics: Online games, Fast food (like fried chicken or pizza), Learning online vs. in a classroom.

Your Communication Mission ⭐

This week, your mission is to ask for and give a well-supported opinion.

First, ask a friend for their opinion using "What are your thoughts on...?". Then, when it's your turn, give your own opinion using the "Opinion + Reason" structure. For example:

"In my opinion, this coffee is delicious, because it's not too sweet."