Expressing opinions

Conducting Discussion

Taking part in an academic discussion means being involved in a complex process of interaction with other people, the main purpose of which is to exchange views on the topics being studied. If you analyze some discussion you have participated in in your native language from the point of view of its rhetorical structure, you will be amazed at how many different functions you and your partners had to verbalize before you could come to some agreement. You expressed opinions, agreed and disagreed with each other on some points, asked for clarification of some ideas that, when first formulated, seemed not quite clear, etc. While all this does not cause any difficulties in your native tongue, a foreign language discussion is likely to present you with a need to brush up your arsenal of the corresponding functional language.

Task 1. [a) individually; (b) in class]

a) Look at the table below. The focus of this unit is expressing opinions about controversial topics. The table contains a number of set formulae used to give opinions. These formulae are subdivided into three categories. The subdivision is based on the degree of certainty conveyed.

Using these phrases you will achieve four important aims: You will be more effective in realizing your intentions. You will speak more smoothly and naturally You will have more confidence in you speaking ability. You will sound sociolinguistically correct

language functions
Giving Tentative Opinions It seems to me that … I’d say that… As far as I can tell … As far as I’m able to judge…	Giving Neutral Opinions I think / believe / feel / suppose … In my (personal) opinion / view… As I see it… From my point of view … As far as I know … To the best of my knowledge … As far as I’m concerned …	Giving Strong Opinions I firmly believe that … I’m certain / sure that… It’s quite obvious / clear that… I'm absolutely convinced that...

b) In chain express your opinions on the question above. Make use of the set formulae from the box. Do not repeat the ones that have been employed by the previous speakers.

Task 2. [in pairs]

The table below contains some more set formulae used to express opinions.

Read the formulae available, then think of several more to add to each category.

language functions
Asking for Opinions What do you think (of / about)…? ……………………… ……………………… ……………………… ……………………… ……………………… Asking for an Explanation of an Opinion What makes you say/think that? ……………………… ………………………	Giving the Opinion of Others According to X… X argues that... To quote X: ‘…’ …………………… …………………… …………………… Summarizing Briefly, the main points that have been made are… ………………….. …………………..

Task 3. [in groups of 4]

Discuss the following question in the group:

What do you think of the approach to

defining psychology offered by the author of

“What is psychology”?

Дата добавления: 2014-12-27