TOPIC 3 DISCUSSIONS AND MEETINGS

3.1 MEETINGS
-held to enable people to exchange information, discuss ideas and
make decisions
-all participants have to contribute actively.
- Use a variety of language functions and relevant expressions to
communicate ideas clearly

EXPRESSING OPINIONS
Various ways to express opinion:
i. A forceful way;
 
ii. A neutral way; or
 
iii. A tentative way (with some hesitation or reservation).
Table 3.1: Common Phrases for Expressing Opinions

Asking for opinions Would you mind telling me what you think
of …?
What do you think about …?
What is your opinion of …?
How do you feel about …?
What are your views on … ?
Any comments ...?
Giving an opinion I think that …
I feel/believe that …
In my opinion/view, …
My opinion is that …
My point of view is …
3.3 EXPRESSING AGREEMENT / DISAGREEMENT
The expressions you use to voice your agreement will tell the listener the
strength, or degree, to which you agree
Table 3.2 : Ways of Expressing Agreement and Disagreement

Agreement

Strong Neutral

I absolutely agree. I agree.

Yes, definitely. You are right there.
I am in complete agreement. I think you are right.
Exactly. That is true.
Precisely. That is right.

Disagreement

Strong Neutral

I disagree completely. I do not agree.

That is out of the question. That is not how I see it.
On the contrary. I would not say that.
Of course not! I think you are wrong.
That is ridiculous. I disagree.
MAKING / ASKING FOR SUGGESTIONS
-to suggest ways to overcome a problem or address an important issue
-to recommend an initiative based on your past experience in a particular field

Table 3.3: Making and Asking for Suggestions

Making Suggestions Asking for Suggestions

Strong I would  like  to  hear  your

We must ... suggestions.
I would like to hear your ideas on
Neutral
this.
I think we should ...
What would you suggest?
Tentative Do you have any suggestions?
It might be good to .... What do you recommend?
I recommend that we … What are your views on this?
I think we should …
I suggest that we …
My recommendation is that we ...
 Table 3.4: Other Useful Expressions

Presenting  One possibility is to ...

alternatives  Either we ... or ...
 As I see it ...
 If we ... then... can...
 The advantage of… is that ... whereas…

Accepting proposals  I am completely in favour of that.

 I am in favour of that.
 That is a good idea.
 I have absolutely no objections.
 I am sure that is the best idea.
Rejecting ideas  I am sorry but I really do not think that… is a
good idea.
 I am afraid I cannot accept that.
 That is very interesting but ...
 I am sorry, but that is not really practical.
 I appreciate your point of view but….
 I can see why you want to do this but…

Building up  I am afraid that is not possible. Firstly ...

arguments Secondly ..
 If we put off this decision any longer it will
mean further delays. As a result ...
Balancing  I accept what you say but ...
points of view  The project may be profitable but on the other
hand it may be... If we ... it may cause ...

Summarising  If everyone is in favour of what I have

and suggested…
concluding the  If everyone is in agreement to what I have
meeting
proposed ...
 Do you all agree that ….?
 If everyone is in favour, I would like to
recommend ...
 Does anyone have anything else to add…?
 Right, then I think we can end the meeting here.
 So if that is it, we can stop here.
Try the activities on pp.46-61