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Useful Phrases for

Guided Discussions

M. Platonova "Materials for the


Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Introducing a Point
When beginning the discussion on the particular
subject it is relevant to introduce the key points.
You may use one of the following phrases:
 First of all I'd like to point out ...
 The main problem is ...
 The question of ...
 Speaking of ...

M. Platonova "Materials for the


Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Enumeration of points
If you are asked to provide several reasons, factors or
arguments in a row, you have to organize them in the
logical way. In order to structure your answer properly
enumerate the main points using one of the suggested
phrases:
 first of all, Id like to say ...
 in addition to that ...
 moreover, ...
 furthermore, ...
 another example of this is ...
 first, second, third ...
 Finally, ...
M. Platonova "Materials for the
Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Stating something as a fact


Do not be afraid to state some information as a well-known
fact, if it is justified by the subject of discussion. However,
you should be very careful when applying one of the
following phrases:
 As everyone knows ...
 It is generally accepted that ...
 There can be no doubt that ...
 It is a fact that ...
 Nobody will deny that ...
 Everyone knows that ...
M. Platonova "Materials for the
Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Expressing a personal opinion


In discussion the crucial thing is the ability to
express your opinion about a particular subject
or issue. You may do it in a variety of ways,
avoiding
unnecessary
repetitions
and
diversifying your speech, employing one of the
suggested phrases:

M. Platonova "Materials for the


Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

 It seems to me that ...


 I have the feeling that ...
 I feel that ...
 I'm absolutely convinced that ...
 You can take it from me that ...
 I think/don't think that ...
 In my opinion, ...
 Well, if you ask me ...
 As I see it ...
 The way I see it, ...
 Personally, I believe/suppose/ feel
 I'm

convinced that ...

(that) ...

M. Platonova "Materials for the


Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Expressing pros and cons


Basically discussing involves the act of arguing
with opponent on the particular theme. It
means that you have to be ready to provide
relevant reasons and/or arguments for or
against something.

M. Platonova "Materials for the


Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

 There

are two sides to the question.


 On the one hand ..., on the other hand ...
 An argument for/in favour of/against is ...
 While admitting that ... one should not forget that
...
 Some people think that ..., others say that ...

M. Platonova "Materials for the


Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Expressing doubt
If you are not sure about the facts your opponent
alludes to, you may express doubt.
 I'm

not sure if ...


 I'm not convinced that ...
 I wonder if you realize that ...
 I doubt that.
M. Platonova "Materials for the
Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Expressing disagreement
If you do not share opponents opinion, you may
disagree with him/her, using one of the suggested
phrases.







I don't agree with you about ...


I can't accept your view that ...
I'm of a different opinion.
I disagree.
I think you might be wrong there.
Im afraid I cant agree with you there.
M. Platonova "Materials for the
Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"








With respect, I think


To be quite frank, I dont think
(Im) Not sure I agree with you there.
Frankly, we should deal with that differently
I respect your opinion, but
Im afraid we cant / Im sorry but we cant

M. Platonova "Materials for the


Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Expressing support
Discussion is not always arguing or disagreeing with the
opponent, it may also involve situations, when you
share similar or even equal opinions about some
issue. Therefore, the discussion could be not only
argumentative, but also supportive, with the purpose
to establish a common strategy, elaborate an idea or
simply discuss some common problem.

M. Platonova "Materials for the


Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

 You're

quite right.
 That's a very important point.
 You've got a good point there.
 I couldn't agree with you more.
 You took the words right out of my mouth.

M. Platonova "Materials for the


Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Giving reasons
These standard phrases are useful in a variety of
situations, when you are asked to explain
something providing additional information or
giving the reasons.
 The

reason for this is (that) ...


 I base my argument on ...
 I tell you all this because ...
M. Platonova "Materials for the
Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Asking for comments


You may ask your opponent to make the constructive
comments regarding the content of the conversation,
using one of the suggested phrases:
 What

do you think about that?


 Would you like to make a point here?
 What is your opinion about that?
 Would you like to comment on that?
M. Platonova "Materials for the
Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Asking for Additional Information


If the subject of discussion is unclear or you are not
certain about some facts, you may ask your opponent
for additional information. Depending on the
situation you may:
Ask

for clarification;
Ask follow-up questions.
M. Platonova "Materials for the
Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Asking for clarification









Im not sure I understand what youre saying. Do you


mean that ?
Are you saying that ?
If I understand you correctly, you think that
Could you repeat that?
Sorry, I didnt quite get that.
What exactly do you mean by ?

M. Platonova "Materials for the


Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

Asking follow-up questions


 Could

you tell me more about ?


 What exactly do you mean by ?
 I wonder if you could give me an example of
 Why did you deal with the situation in that way?

M. Platonova "Materials for the


Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"

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