Day 5

DAY 5: EXPRESS AN OPINION
SAMPLE QUESTION: These days many people get plastic surgery. They say it improves their self-confidence and makes their life better. Others say that it is unnatural and dangerous. What is your opinion and why?
1. The teacher will ask the student to determine what type the given question is.
A. Which do you prefer? B. Agree or disagreeC. What is your opinion?
2. Ask the student to choose what subject that is related to the question that he or she can answer easily.
3. The teacher can give an example of an introductory sentence. There are different ways in stating your opinion and the student would need to create sentences that would answer the question using the samples given.
SAMPLES:I think / believeIf I could change one thing, I would…I agree/ disagree that…I would prefer….I would support/ oppose…I am in favor of/ I am against…My opinion (on the SUBJECT) is….I would rather… 4. The teacher will give a sample of stating reasons. Ask the student to give his or her points or reasons why that is his/her opinion. Use sequence words to introduce and order your supporting reasons. This will help keep your answer well organized. Ask the student to create sentences using the samples given.
SAMPLES TO BE USED FOR FIRST POINT OR REASON:First/ First of all/ The first reason is…Most of all..
SAMPLES TO BE USED FOR SECOND POINT OR REASON:Also,In addition,Another point is that,Another reason why is…/I also think that…./ The second reason is…
5. The teacher will give a sample of how to give supporting ideas. Ask the student to give supporting ideas to his/her reasons. The student will create a sentence and can use the following samples.
SAMPLES:For example,For instance,Generally,In most cases,Whenever,When I was,
6. The teacher will give a sample of an opposing idea then the student will create their own opposing idea by making sentences using the samples given. (This is applicable for an agree or disagree type of question)
SAMPLES:However,Nevertheless,Nonetheless,On the other hand,Although,On the contrary,
7. The teacher will give a sample of a conclusion. The student will make his/her own conclusion by creating sentences and can use the samples given.
SAMPLES:That is why,Therefore,For such reasons,Finally,The final reason is,
8. Ask the student to choose the best sentences that he/she created per task and compile it as a paragraph. After creating a paragraph, the student would need to recite his answer. (The format will depend on the type of question.)
Choosing from 2 options: Step 1 Begin your answer by rephrasing the questionStep 2 First pointStep 3 Supporting reasonStep 4 Second pointStep 5 Supporting reasonStep 6 Restate your stand and conclusion
Agree or Disagree : Step 1 Begin your answer by rephrasing the questionStep 2 First pointStep 3 Supporting reasonStep 4 Opposing pointStep 5 Re-state your stand and conclusion
State your opinion: Step 1 Begin by rephrasing the questionStep 2 Main reasonStep 3 Supporting detailsStep 4 Additional detailsStep 5 Re-State your opinion and conclusion
Test Takers Step Guide and Model Answer:
Model Answer:
Step 1 Begin by rephrasing the question: I think it is a personal choice. If a person wants plastic surgery I don’t see a problem with it. In fact, I can think of three reasons why someone might want to have plastic surgery.Step 2 Main reason: They are that having plastic surgery will improve your self confidence, it can improve your social relations and it can improve your career success. I don’t think anyone would argue that when you are confident in your appearance you show more confidence in everything you do.
Step 3 Supporting details: Confident people are happier and enjoy life more. Other people also react better to attractive people.
Step 4 Additional details: And, studies show that the more attractive a person is, the more successful people are in their careers. People want the attention of and want to impress attractive people. Step 5 Re-State your opinion and conclusion:So, as you can see plastic surgery can improve not only your self-confidence, but also improve your social relations and improve your career.
TEST TECHNIQUES:
To answer the question correctly you must first understand the task. Quickly read the question and summarize it into one single question.Decide on your answer and plan your supporting points (during the 15 sec preparation time).
Choose an opinion and stay with it. Show what it is you are agreeing to, preferring, or supporting by restating the relevant part of the question in your first sentence.
Think of reasons/ examples for each supporting points. Use sequence words to introduce and order your supporting reasons. This will help keep your answer well organized.Personalize your answers.Use language to signal your transition back to your opinion.Keep steady pace and watch your timing