Speaking task 7

Expressing Opinions
Preparation: 30 sec Talk Time: 90 sec

In task 7, you are required to provide an

opinion on Canadian related social issue. As
the task performance deals with social
issues, your opinion should be logical,
reasonable and orderly. This is the second
of CELPIP SPEAKING TASKS which
requires a 90 second respond.
TIP 1: You should avoid over thinking in
whether to agree or disagree and right or
wrong.
TIP 2: You should present your reasons
convincingly and state them with clear
affirmation such as “I personally feel that....”, “I
strongly believe that....”
TIP 3: Use correct connectives grammar
“Moreover...”, “Furthermore....” to link ideas and
reasons. To better use connectives, please
contact CELPIP TESTPREP TEAM for details.
 STRUCTURE FOR
EXPRESSING OPINIONS
1.CLEARLY STATE YOUR OPINION
(Do not concern with right or
wrong)
2.ORDERLY EXPRESS YOUR
REASON(S)
3.EXPLAIN REASON(S) – BE
LOGICAL
4.CLOSING STATEMENT
TIP: TRY TO READ MORE
ARTICLES ON ANY SOCIAL ISSUE
RELATED TO CANADIAN LIFE TO
HAVE BETTER UNDERSTANDING
AND IDEAS FOR TASK 7
 CLEARLY STATE YOUR OPINION:
Start by paraphrasing question
AGREE:
●There has been quite a debate over whether…..and I am in
full support.
●I believe most people would agree that…….and I am one of
the solid supporters.
●The majority of people are in favour of …….and I
wholeheartedly support the notion.
DISAGREE:
●Probably a number of people would say that…..but I
disagree completely.
●Contrary to popular opinion/belief, I cannot support to…..
●I hold an opposition to the idea that…….
 START OPINION LEAD IN

●If you ask my opinion, I would say…..

●Personally, I believe/feel/think that….
●I tend to believe/think that….
●Speaking on behalf of myself, I
believe/think/ that….
●As far as I’m concerned, I believe/
think/that…
TIP: PARAPHRASE AS BEST YOU
CAN USING A RANGE OF IDEAS
AND VOCABULARY TO MAKE
OPINION MORE CONVINCING.
HIGHER MARK WILL BE
REWARDED.
 EXPLAIN REASON(S)
●Firstly, ………….Furthermore,……….
●To begin with,……….. In addition,………….
●First and foremost,………… We should
also examine the fact that…….
CAUSE AND EFFECT TO STRENGTH
REASON
●If……. Then……
●Provided that/as long as
●Given the fact that….
TIP: ONE TO TWO REASONS
SHOULD BE ADEQUATE TO
PERFORM TASK EFFECTIVELY.
AVOID TOO MANY REASONS AS IT
MIGHT BE UNRELATED. INSTEAD,
FOCUS ON PROVIDING SOLID
REASONS WITH EXPLANATION.
 CLOSING STATEMENT
FIRST DRAW CONCLUSION WITH
OPPOSITION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
●I understand that……, but…….
●Although/Even though…….., I still firmly
believe that……..

RESTATE YOUR OPINION AND ADD SOME

EXPECTATION WHAT OTHERS SHOULD
DO
●I hope that/It is my hope that…..
●With all said and done, I hope that…..
• Mandatory

• compulsory
 SAMPLE QUESTION

Do you think schools should enforce

mandatory school uniforms? Explain
your reasons.
mandatory= compulsory
Yes: save money; focus on studies
No: show their individuality;
 SAMPLE ANSWER
In recent days, there has been a debate over whether schools, especially
public funded, should enforce compulsory school uniform into policy for
students. I am fully supportive of this notion. //I totally agree/disagree with
this idea/policy/statement.
As far as I am concerned, this proposal has been a long time in the making
and there is no better time to finally implement now. To begin with (the
obvious), students no longer need to bother with what to wear every day, what
accessories to look different or even what hairstyle to look fashionable.
Instead, their focus will only be on academics/studies/school. One uniform
policy according to past surveys from private schools, portray respect and
school spirit.
Moreover, the school logo will appear in the uniform requiring students to be
at best behaviour at all times regardless of in or out school premises. School, I
believe, is much more than just education, it is personality development,
character building and positive peer influence. These are just a few of the
attributes that mandatory school uniform would install into the mind of students.
Although some might disagree with me (and this is expected). Once
the initial phase of schools adopt the policy and the grade performance speaks
for itself, I can foresee others soon follow in latter stages with open arms.
• In recent days, there has been a debate over whether
schools should enforce mandatory uniforms/whether
students should wear uniforms. I totally/absolutely/
definitely/certainly agree with this idea.

• As far as I am concerned. //To begin with, students don’t

have to worry about what to wear everyday. Instead, they
can spend more time on their school work.

• In addition, when students wear uniforms, they can be

easily recognized/identified. So they will behave or they
will show their best in public.

• Although some people might disagree with me, but once

students perform better academically/in school, they will
welcome this idea with open arms.
• Point 1:…

• Explain:

• Example:

• Effect:
 Introduction

In recent days, there has been quite

a debate over whether schools,
especially public funded, should
enforce compulsory school uniform
into policy for students. I am fully
supportive of this notion.
 Reason 1

As far as I am concerned, …; I
think…; I believe…;
To begin with, … ; First of all, First
and foremost; To start with,
 Reason 2

Moreover, the school logo will appear

in the uniform requiring students to be
at best behaviour at all times
regardless of in or out school
premises.
Moreover, In addition, Besides,
 Conclusion
Although some might oppose at
first and this is expected. Once the
initial phase of schools adopt the
policy and the grade performance
speaks for itself, I can foresee others
soon follow in latter stages with open
arms.
 Exercise 1
Do you think government forms should
include an “other” section in the
gender column? Explain your reasons.
Yes: no one should be discriminated.
everyone should be respected. The
society should be more tolerant.
No:
 Exercise 2
Should governments consider paperless
currency? Discuss your reasons why or
why not.
Yes: more convenient; environmentally
friendly/eco-friendly; money laundering;
stop crimes
No: elderly people/senior citizens; in case
the internet crashes.
 Exercise 3

Should schools include gender neutral

washrooms? Express your opinions
and perspectives.
 Exercise 4

Should universities place equal or

more emphasis on extracurricular
activities instead of grades? State
your reasons why or why not.
 Exercise 5

Do you think Canada should spend

money on preserving its historical sites
or spend money on scientific research
and advances? Explain your reasons.
• In recent days, there has been a debate over whether the canadian
government should protect historical sites or invest in scientific
research and development. I agree that canada should do everything
they can to preserve the historical sites.

• To begin with, the heritage sites/the historical buildings and

architectures can serve as/can be an education tool. Children/
Students can learn about their past/history/culture by visiting those
sites/places.

• In addition, those places can attract a lot of/many/a great number of

tourists/visitors/travelers. For example/To be more specific/To
illustrate/Take the pyramids/the Great Wall for example. Annually/
every year/On an annual basis, millions of visitors from all over the
world flock/come to the Great Wall just to see the wonder of the
world. This brings a huge/great revenue/amount of money to the
local area.

• Although some people might disagree with me, but once they see
the benefits of protecting the historical sites, they will welcome the
idea with open arms.
Economy $, health, environment,
society/family, education

• Historical sites: education (learn about culture and

history), attract tourists=> local economy

• Scientific research: environment, soceity,

 Exercise 6

Do you think people should be forced

to retire (leave work) at age 65?
Explain your reasons.