Day 5

DAY 5: EXPRESS AN OPINION
SAMPLE QUESTION: With the bad economy, many university graduates are finding it very difficult to get a job, especially if they don’t have the skills or experience needed. Which do you think is more important in finding a job: a university degree or skills through technical college?
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 your answer by rephrasing the question: A lot depends on what type of job you’re actually applying for and the type of major you study in, but I still firmly believe that having a university degree is more beneficial in the long run even if you fail to get a job from lack of experience.
Step 2 First point: I think that having that degree gives you the edge over others who bypassed university in favor of experience.
Step 3 Supporting reason: Even though many companies value technical experience, those with a university degree statistically still make more money than those with only a high school degree or technical training.
Step 4 Second point: Furthermore if two job applicants are fairly equal, but one has a university degree and the other doesn’t,chances are, the company will choose the candidate with the degree.
Step 5 Re-state your stand and conclusion: So, therefore I believe having a university degree is more important.
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