Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions

A personal belief or judgement.

“In my opinion, the plan needs more detail.”

Often used: in my opinion · a strong opinion

The regular journey between home and work.

“My daily commute takes about an hour each way.”

Often used: daily commute · long commute · commute to work

Absolutely necessary; extremely important.

“Good communication is essential for teamwork.”

Often used: absolutely essential · essential for

Comments about how well something is done.

“My manager gave me helpful feedback.”

Often used: give feedback · positive feedback

The state of being physically healthy.

“Swimming improves overall fitness.”

Often used: physical fitness · fitness level

Harmful substances that damage the environment.

“Air pollution is worse in large cities.”

Often used: air pollution · reduce pollution

The protection of nature and natural resources.

“The park is a model of successful wildlife conservation.”

Often used: wildlife conservation · water conservation

The subjects and content taught in a course or school.

“The new curriculum includes more hands-on science projects.”

Often used: design a curriculum · core curriculum

Money that you owe to someone.

“She worked hard to pay off her student debt.”

Often used: pay off debt · in debt

A disadvantage or negative feature.

“The main drawback of the plan is the cost.”

Often used: major drawback · main drawback · only drawback

Facts that show whether something is true.

“There is strong evidence for the claim.”

Often used: scientific evidence · clear evidence

A test done to learn something.

“The experiment confirmed their theory.”

Often used: run an experiment · controlled experiment

One thing that helps cause a result.

“Cost was the deciding factor in our choice.”

Often used: a key factor · an important factor

Traditions and culture passed down.

“The festival celebrates local heritage.”

Often used: cultural heritage · preserve heritage

Free time for relaxation and fun.

“He reads in his leisure time.”

Often used: leisure time · leisure activities

A substance in food that the body needs to grow and stay healthy.

“Vegetables are full of important nutrients.”

Often used: essential nutrients · rich in nutrients

Full of substances that keep you healthy.

“A nutritious lunch keeps me focused.”

Often used: nutritious meal

A return to health after illness.

“Rest is important for a full recovery.”

Often used: full recovery · speedy recovery

Large or important enough to have an effect.

“There has been a significant improvement in sales.”

Often used: significant impact · significant increase

Worth the time, money, or effort spent.

“The course was difficult but worthwhile.”

Often used: worthwhile investment · well worthwhile

To make a process work by machines, not people.

“They automated the entire billing process.”

Often used: automate a task · fully automate

A gas or substance sent into the air.

“Cars produce harmful carbon emissions.”

Often used: carbon emission · reduce emissions

The ability to act and decide independently.

“She showed initiative by solving it herself.”

Often used: take the initiative · show initiative

Introducing new ideas or methods.

“The startup created an innovative app.”

Often used: innovative approach · innovative design

To become part of a group or society.

“Newcomers work hard to integrate into society.”

Often used: integrate into · fully integrate

Not too much or too little; reasonable.

“Moderate exercise improves your mood.”

Often used: moderate exercise · in moderation

Highly skilled and competent at something.

“She is proficient in three programming languages.”

Often used: proficient in · highly proficient · become proficient

Responsible and required to explain actions.

“Managers are accountable for their teams.”

Often used: hold accountable · accountable for

To publicly support a cause; a supporter.

“She advocates for better public transport.”

Often used: advocate for · strong advocate

Careful with money; not wasteful.

“Living a frugal lifestyle helped them save.”

Often used: frugal lifestyle · frugal spending

No longer used because something newer exists.

“That technology is now completely obsolete.”

Often used: become obsolete · obsolete technology

Involving a lot of sitting; not active.

“A sedentary lifestyle can harm your health.”

Often used: sedentary lifestyle · sedentary work

To weaken or damage something gradually.

“Constant criticism can undermine confidence.”

Often used: undermine confidence · undermine efforts

finish something by the required time

“The entire team worked overtime to meet the deadline for the product launch.”

deal with or respond to a problem directly

“The HR department acted quickly to address the issue of workplace harassment.”

perform required tasks or responsibilities

“All employees are expected to carry out their duties with professionalism.”

accept or begin handling new duties

“She was willing to take on additional responsibilities after her colleague resigned.”

present a convincing argument or justification

“She made a compelling case for hiring two additional staff members.”

discuss and agree on the terms of a formal agreement

“The sales director spent three weeks negotiating a contract with the overseas supplier.”

come to an agreement that everyone accepts

“After two hours of discussion, the board finally reached a consensus on the budget.”

actively deal with global warming problems

“World leaders met to discuss new policies to tackle climate change.”

generate or increase income for a business

“The marketing campaign was designed to drive revenue during the slow season.”

encourage and build a supportive workplace culture

“Leadership training helps managers foster a positive work environment for their teams.”

make something clearer or easier to understand

“This new study sheds light on the causes of urban poverty.”

make business processes more efficient

“The new software helped the company streamline its operations and reduce costs.”

Used to introduce the first point.

“Firstly, let me explain the background.”

Often used: sequence

Used to introduce a contrasting idea.

“The plan is costly; however, it is effective.”

Often used: contrast

As well as; besides.

“In addition to English, she speaks French.”

Often used: addition

Used to introduce a final summary.

“In conclusion, the benefits are clear.”

Often used: conclusion

Said in a simpler or clearer way.

“It failed; in other words, we start over.”

Often used: clarification

Especially; specifically.

“I enjoy sports, in particular tennis.”

Often used: emphasis

For that reason; as a result.

“The data is incomplete; therefore, we must wait.”

Often used: result

As a result.

“He missed the train and consequently was late.”

Often used: result

Simple to suggest but hard to do.

“Saving money is easier said than done.”

Over a long period; eventually.

“Saving now pays off in the long run.”

The most important fact or point.

“The bottom line is that we need more time.”

To describe something exactly right.

“You hit the nail on the head with that idea.”