Core English 1
Speaking Task 2:
Independent Opinion
P 259
1
Requires an opinionated or
argumentative response.
Support or oppose an argument
or plan with logically defended
reasons.
15 seconds plan,
45 seconds to speak.
2
Strategy 1: p 259-260. Be familiar
with the possible topics.
Topics must be familiar to most
college-age students.
Only need your own experience
to defend your position.
Possible topics must be limited
to a range of common
experience.
3
Practice by defending positions
for or against a variety of familiar
topics.
Practice a range of vocabulary.
4
5
Strategy 2: p 360 Organize your
ideas before you speak.
Organized as a paragraph.
Thesis: opinion + two reasons
First reason + detail
Second reason + detail
6
Strategy 3: p 260 -261 Give a clear,
definite opinion.
It is easier to defend a position if
you choose only one side.
The purpose is to test your
ability to defend an opinion in
speech.
7
No neutral or mixed opinions,
like ''I'm not sure one way or the
other” or "Both sides seem good
to me."
A strong opinion is easier to
defend and easier to understand.
8
Strategy 4: p 261 Use recognizable
language of opinion.
9
I believe/think/feel/argue that. ..
It's my strong/firm opinion that. ..
It's impossible to deny that. ..
It's clear that..
From my point of view,...
There's no doubt that. ..
I have no doubt that. ..
What I think/believe is that. ..
I'd have to say that...
I agree/disagree that. ..
I oppose/support ...
10
Don't overuse these expressions.
Don't say "It's impossible to
deny that I firmly believe ... " or
"There's no doubt I strongly
think that ... "
These statements are redundant
and sound awkward.
11
Strategy 5: p 261 Organize your reasons
with cohesive devices.
First.../One reason is.. ./My first reason
is...
The best thing about X is.. ./The worst
part of X is... /The most important issue
is...
Second.. ./Another reason is.. ./My
second reason is.. ./Another
advantage/benefit is...
This is because...
That is why I...
Etc.
12
Strategy 6: p 261 – 262 Be specific.
Answer should not be
completely general or vague, →
give at least a few examples.
Recognize when ideas are
general and examples are
needed.
→ learn vocabulary.
13
Be able to categorize or rate words
on a scale of general to specific.
One quality of specificity is the
number of possible types of a word.
Eg, the word equipment can have
many types: construction equipment,
exercise equipment, medical
equipment, camping equipment. →
equipment is a very general noun
that needs example.
14
Strategy 7: p 262 Defend your opinion
logically and objectively.
Unlike a preference, an opinion must
be defended objectively.
Reasons should not be based on
your own tastes or preferences.
Discuss more than just what you like
or don't like.
Too subjective, or based on
personal tastes, is weak.
15
Look at the following thesis:
The city should build a new movie
theater in my area because I enjoy
movies and I don't like to travel far.
16
The eg is reasonable and makes
sense, but it is a weak argument
because it is based only on what the
speaker likes.
The fact that the speaker likes
movies but not travel isn't enough to
defend the position.
Mention the economy, traffic,
environment, children, or other
citizens.
17
Better eg:
The city should build a new movie
theater in my area because
everyone needs more activities
and children will be safer if they
don't have to travel far.
More objective
Focuses on the benefits to other
people
18
Develop objectivity
Practice
Read the topic
Choose whether you agree or
disagree
Argue the opposite way
Note: this is only to practice
objectivity.
19
Question Forms
Asks for your personal opinion
about a topic of general interest
and experience.
You will hear the narrator's
question as well as read it on the
screen.
20
Example qs:
Do you agree or disagree that
[opinion]?
Do you agree or disagree with
the following: [opinion]
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Some people think [opinion X].
Others believe [opinion Y]. Which
opinion do you agree with/Which
side do you support/What do you
think?
[Opinion] Do you agree or disagree?
X plans/wants/intends/hopes to
[proposed action] ... Do you agree or
disagree with [proposed action]?
22
Practice
CD 2, Track 38
In many countries, the government
practices censorship of television
programs. Do you support this
practice or not? Give specific
reasons and examples to support
your answer.
23
Other examples
http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/t
oefl-speaking-q2.html
http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/t
oefl-speaking-q2b.html
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z
jS74bf2v3A&feature=related )
24
More speaking practice q1:
http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/t
oefl-speaking-q1.html
http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/t
oefl-speaking-q1b.html
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U
x2Q0upiD_0&feature=player_embed
ded )
25