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Institute of English Speech and Drama Sri Lanka crest
Institute of English Speech
and Drama Sri Lanka

Expressing opinions: separate answers

Complete the student work first. Open tasks have model answers; other natural, relevant answers may be correct.

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Worksheet 1: answers and reasons

A. Choose the respectful reply

  1. A
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  2. B
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  3. A
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  4. B
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  5. A
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  6. B
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  7. A
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  8. B
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  9. A
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  10. B
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.

B. Connect your ideas

  1. because
    Because introduces a reason.
  2. However
    However introduces a contrasting point.
  3. In
    The fixed expression is in my view.
  4. with
    Use agree with a person or opinion.
  5. Although
    Although introduces a concession.
  6. therefore
    Therefore introduces a result.
  7. of
    Use one advantage of something.
  8. For
    The fixed phrase is for example.
  9. that
    That introduces the clause after convinced.
  10. up
    The expression to sum up introduces a conclusion.

C. Soften a strong opinion

  1. Model: In my view, students should read every day.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  2. Model: In my view, online lessons are useful.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  3. Model: In my view, group work helps learners.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  4. Model: In my view, schools should have more sport.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  5. Model: In my view, public transport needs improvement.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  6. Model: In my view, homework should be shorter.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  7. Model: In my view, libraries deserve more support.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  8. Model: In my view, learning a language takes regular practice.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  9. Model: In my view, students should learn to cook.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  10. Model: In my view, parks are important for towns.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.

D. Add a supporting reason

  1. Model: I support this idea. Reading every day can help students build vocabulary.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  2. Model: I support this idea. Online lessons save travel time and give flexible access.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  3. Model: I support this idea. Learners can share ideas and practise speaking.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  4. Model: I support this idea. Sport can support fitness and teamwork.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  5. Model: I support this idea. Reliable buses can reduce waiting time.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  6. Model: I support this idea. Shorter focused tasks may leave time for rest.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  7. Model: I support this idea. Libraries give people access to books and study spaces.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  8. Model: I support this idea. Frequent practice helps learners remember and use new language.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  9. Model: I support this idea. Cooking builds a useful everyday skill.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  10. Model: I support this idea. Parks provide places to walk, play and relax.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.

E. Acknowledge another view

  1. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because reading every day can help students build vocabulary.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  2. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because online lessons save travel time and give flexible access.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  3. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because learners can share ideas and practise speaking.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  4. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because sport can support fitness and teamwork.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  5. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because reliable buses can reduce waiting time.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  6. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because shorter focused tasks may leave time for rest.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  7. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because libraries give people access to books and study spaces.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  8. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because frequent practice helps learners remember and use new language.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  9. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because cooking builds a useful everyday skill.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  10. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because parks provide places to walk, play and relax.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.

Worksheet 2: answers and reasons

A. Choose the respectful reply

  1. A
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  2. B
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  3. A
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  4. B
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  5. A
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  6. B
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  7. A
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  8. B
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  9. A
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.
  10. B
    The respectful reply responds to the idea without insulting the person.

B. Connect your ideas

  1. because
    Because introduces the reason.
  2. However
    However introduces a limitation.
  3. In
    The fixed expression is in my opinion.
  4. with
    Use agree with a person.
  5. Although
    Although introduces a concession.
  6. therefore
    Therefore introduces the result.
  7. of
    Use a benefit of something.
  8. For
    The fixed phrase is for instance.
  9. that
    That introduces the argument clause.
  10. into
    The fixed expression is take something into account.

C. Soften a strong opinion

  1. Model: In my view, school uniforms are useful.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  2. Model: In my view, recorded lessons help students.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  3. Model: In my view, exams should include speaking.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  4. Model: In my view, young people should volunteer.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  5. Model: In my view, cities should have safer cycle routes.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  6. Model: In my view, students need breaks between lessons.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  7. Model: In my view, schools should teach digital safety.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  8. Model: In my view, reading fiction is valuable.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  9. Model: In my view, workplaces should offer English practice.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.
  10. Model: In my view, local events bring communities together.
    Model only. Keep the meaning and make clear that this is a viewpoint.

D. Add a supporting reason

  1. Model: I support this idea. They can reduce pressure to buy different clothes.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  2. Model: I support this idea. Students can replay difficult parts.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  3. Model: I support this idea. Speaking tasks can show practical communication skills.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  4. Model: I support this idea. Volunteering can build useful skills and support the community.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  5. Model: I support this idea. Safer routes may encourage more people to cycle.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  6. Model: I support this idea. Short breaks can help students return with better focus.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  7. Model: I support this idea. Students need to recognise online scams and protect information.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  8. Model: I support this idea. Stories can develop imagination and introduce new language.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  9. Model: I support this idea. Practical language skills can improve workplace communication.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.
  10. Model: I support this idea. Events give neighbours chances to meet and cooperate.
    Model only. A different viewpoint is acceptable if its reason is relevant and clearly expressed.

E. Acknowledge another view

  1. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because they can reduce pressure to buy different clothes.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  2. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because students can replay difficult parts.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  3. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because speaking tasks can show practical communication skills.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  4. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because volunteering can build useful skills and support the community.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  5. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because safer routes may encourage more people to cycle.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  6. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because short breaks can help students return with better focus.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  7. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because students need to recognise online scams and protect information.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  8. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because stories can develop imagination and introduce new language.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  9. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because practical language skills can improve workplace communication.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.
  10. Model: I can see why some people disagree. However, I support this idea because events give neighbours chances to meet and cooperate.
    Model only. Assess relevance, respectful wording and a clear reason; do not require agreement.