English Vocabulary in Use Pre-intermediate and Intermediate » Unit 67: Opinions, agreeing and disagreeing

Word List
  • according to
  • agree [have the same opinion]
  • at all
  • can’t stand
  • disagree
  • feel [believe]
  • How do you feel about …?
  • I see what you mean
  • in my opinion
  • my view/feeling is
  • partly
  • personally
  • point [idea]
  • say [give information in writing]
  • to some extent
  • totally
  • What do you think of/about …?
Exercises

67.1 ‣ Complete the questions in different ways to ask people their opinion.

  1. What do you think sending people to Mars?
  2. _____ these shoes? Do you like them?
  3. _____ having more responsibility?

67.2 ‣ Complete the dialogues.

  1. A: Did you think he was right in what he said?
    B: Not completely, but I agreed with him.
  2. A: What did you think _____ the film?
    B: Well, _____ I didn’t like it.
  3. A: Do you agree with her?
    B: Yes, to a certain _____.
  4. A: She feels very _____ about protecting the environment.
    B: Yes, I know, and I think she’s absolutely _____.
  5. A: _____, I think all politicians tell lies.
    B: Sorry, but I _____ completely.
  6. A: We can’t send everyone to university.
    B: Yes, that’s _____, but we should give everyone a chance to go.
  7. A: My _____ is that we should make all chocolate and sweets more expensive, and then people couldn’t afford to eat so many things that are bad for them.
    B: That’s a good _____, but it seems unfair on people who don’t eat too many sweet things.
  8. A: I see what you _____ about spending more money, but can we afford it?
    B: Well, in my _____ we have no choice.

67.3 ‣ Rewrite the sentences using the words in capitals. Keep a similar meaning.

  1. I think you’re right. AGREE
  2. I think the club needs new players. OPINION
    _____
  3. I completely disagree with you. AT ALL
    _____
  4. The newspaper says the fire was started on purpose. ACCORDING
    _____
  5. I partly agree with her. EXTENT
    _____
  6. I see what you mean, but I’m not sure I agree. POINT
    _____

67.4 ‣

Over to you

Respond to the statements with your own opinion. If possible, compare your answers with someone else.

  1. I think most women are happy to stay at home and be a mother and housewife.
    _____
  2. Personally I don’t think the government should give so much money to people who don’t work.
    _____
  3. My feeling is that we should give more money to poor countries in other parts of the world.
    _____
  4. I think we should make it more expensive to drive a car in order to reduce the number of cars.
    _____
Answer Key
A ‣ Asking someone for their opinion

What do you think of his new book / Tom’s girlfriend? (asking about a specific thing or person)

What do you think about global warming / cosmetic surgery? (asking about a general topic)

How do you feel about working with the others?

B ‣ Introducing your own opinion

Personally, I think Helena was probably right.

Personally, I feel that we should increase the price.

In my opinion [I think], we need to change the direction of the company.

My view/feeling is [my opinion is] that we need to wait a bit longer.

Common mistakes

Personally, I don’t think it’s a good idea. (NOT I think it’s not a good idea.)

In my opinion, motorbikes are dangerous. (NOT On my opinion OR In my meaning)

In most situations, it is probably easier and more natural to use personally.

C ‣ Giving the opinion of others

The newspaper says that his death was not an accident. (NOT It’s written in the newspaper)

According to the paper [the paper says], the government didn’t know about it.

D ‣ Agreeing and disagreeing (with someone)

I totally agree (with you) [agree completely, 100%].

I partly agree (with you) [agree but not completely].

I agree (with you) to a certain extent [partly agree].

Common mistakes

I agree with you. (NOT I’m agree with you.)

Do you agree? (NOT Are you agree?)

In British English, it is common to agree with someone before giving a different opinion.

That’s true, but I think …

I see what you mean, [I understand what you are saying] but …

I agree to some extent, but…

I think that’s a good point [idea or opinion], but…

I take your point [I understand and partly agree with your opinion], but...

E ‣ Giving a strong opinion

I feel very strongly about military service. I think everyone should do it.

I think you’re absolutely right / wrong [100% correct/wrong].

I don’t agree at all [I completely disagree].

I disagree completely [100% don’t agree].

Favorite Books
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary

The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for elementary level (A2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with 60 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.

Read more
English Vocabulary in Use Upper-intermediate

The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for Upper-intermediate level (B2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with over 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.

Read more
English Vocabulary in Use Advanced

The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for advanced level (C1 to C2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with over 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.

Read more
Table of Contents