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Core English 1

Speaking Task 2: Independent Opinion

P 259

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Requires an opinionated or

argumentative response.

Support or oppose an argument or plan with logically defended reasons.

15 seconds plan,

45 seconds to speak.

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Strategy 1: p 259-260. Be familiar with the possible topics. Topics must be familiar to most college-age students. Only need your own experience to defend your position. Possible topics must be limited to a range of common experience.

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Practice by defending positions for or against a variety of familiar topics.

Practice a range of vocabulary.

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Strategy 2: p 360 Organize your ideas before you speak.

Organized as a paragraph.

Thesis: opinion + two reasons

First reason + detail

Second reason + detail

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Strategy 3: p 260 -261 Give a clear, definite opinion.

It is easier to defend a position if you choose only one side.

The purpose is to test your ability to defend an opinion in speech.

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No neutral or mixed opinions, like ''I'm not sure one way or the other” or "Both sides seem good to me."

A strong opinion is easier to defend and easier to understand.

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Strategy 4: p 261 Use recognizable language of opinion.

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I believe/think/feel/argue that. ..It's my strong/firm opinion that. ..It's impossible to deny that. ..It's clear that..From my point of view,...There's no doubt that. ..I have no doubt that. ..What I think/believe is that. ..I'd have to say that...I agree/disagree that. ..I oppose/support ...

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Don't overuse these expressions. Don't say "It's impossible to deny that I firmly believe ... " or "There's no doubt I strongly think that ... "

These statements are redundant and sound awkward.

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Strategy 5: p 261 Organize your reasons with cohesive devices.First.../One reason is.. ./My first reason is...The best thing about X is.. ./The worst part of X is... /The most important issue is...Second.. ./Another reason is.. ./My second reason is.. ./Another advantage/benefit is...This is because...That is why I...Etc.

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Strategy 6: p 261 – 262 Be specific.

Answer should not be completely general or vague, → give at least a few examples.

Recognize when ideas are general and examples are needed.

→ learn vocabulary.

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Be able to categorize or rate words on a scale of general to specific. One quality of specificity is the number of possible types of a word. Eg, the word equipment can have many types: construction equipment, exercise equipment, medical equipment, camping equipment. → equipment is a very general noun that needs example.

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Strategy 7: p 262 Defend your opinion logically and objectively.Unlike a preference, an opinion must be defended objectively. Reasons should not be based on your own tastes or preferences. Discuss more than just what you like or don't like. Too subjective, or based on personal tastes, is weak.

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Look at the following thesis:The city should build a new movie theater in my area because I enjoy movies and I don't like to travel far.

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The eg is reasonable and makes sense, but it is a weak argument because it is based only on what the speaker likes. The fact that the speaker likes movies but not travel isn't enough to defend the position. Mention the economy, traffic, environment, children, or other citizens.

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Better eg:The city should build a new movie theater in my area because everyone needs more activities and children will be safer if they don't have to travel far.

More objective Focuses on the benefits to other people

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Develop objectivityPracticeRead the topicChoose whether you agree or disagreeArgue the opposite way

Note: this is only to practice objectivity.

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Question Forms

Asks for your personal opinion about a topic of general interest and experience.

You will hear the narrator's question as well as read it on the screen.

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Example qs:

Do you agree or disagree that [opinion]?

Do you agree or disagree with the following: [opinion]

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Some people think [opinion X]. Others believe [opinion Y]. Which opinion do you agree with/Which side do you support/What do you think?

[Opinion] Do you agree or disagree?

X plans/wants/intends/hopes to [proposed action] ... Do you agree or disagree with [proposed action]?

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Practice

CD 2, Track 38

In many countries, the government practices censorship of television programs. Do you support this practice or not? Give specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

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Other examples

http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/toefl-speaking-q2.html

http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/toefl-speaking-q2b.html(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjS74bf2v3A&feature=related )

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More speaking practice q1:

http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/toefl-speaking-q1.html

http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/toefl-speaking-q1b.html(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux2Q0upiD_0&feature=player_embedded )