Exercises

1. Read the dialogues in parts, pay attention how people express their opinion, approval and disapproval. Then learn one of them and reproduce it with other students in class.

1.

– What do you think about Esperanto?

– I don't believe it will ever become a world language.

– Why? Lots of people are learning it.

– Not compared with those who are learning "real" languages. It's too artificial.

– You've got a point there. But on the other hand, Esperanto is much easier to learn than other languages, much more systematic.

– That's certainly an advantage, of course, but there's no reason to learn it as long as so few people speak it.

– I think it should be taught in schools.

– Do you really? To my mind there are quite enough subjects on the school curriculum already.

2.

– I think Iris Murdoch is one of the best modern English novelists.

– So do I. Her books are really fascinating.

– They're certainly clever, but I find them too far-fetched. I mean the plots.

– But she doesn't try to be realistic. In my opinion the plots are brilliantly constructed. And the characters are always interesting.

– I agree.

– But they're all so strange, not all like real people.

– They aren't supposed to be realistic. Besides, there's a lot of symbolism in her books.

– If you ask me, most of it is just pretentious rubbish.

– Well, you're quite entitled to your own opinion, but I still think she's a very good writer.

3.

– Well, are you pleased with your new job?

– I think so, even though it seems hard. But it can't be helped. I reckon I'll be more at ease with it as soon as I get used to it.

– I say, Susan, you did well to apply for it. You are paid well and there are chances of promotion, too.

2. Compile the sentences:

I`m afraid I can`t approve (of) your plans.

the way she treats the matter.

his conduct.

what they've done to him.

the terms of the offer.

the job they promise.

the way the task was carried out.

In my opinion he deserves the prize.

To my mind health is the most important thing in life.

smoking and health are incompatible.

men should do more in the house.

doing crosswords is a waste of time.

life is what you make of it.

education is the responsibility of parents.

3. Ask someone's opinion on the following, using proper names. The person asked then replies.

1. a well-known writer;

2. a film or television programme;

3. a dress / sweater /jacket, etc. which a fellow-student is wearing;

4. an artist;

5. somebody's cooking;

6. somebody's English;

7. a pop group.

4. Express your opinion on the questions discussed in an informal style.

1. What do you think of the living conditions of students in dormitories?

2. What do you feel about your new suite of furniture?

3. How would you react to your roommate's misconduct?

4. Do you have any particular view on the problem of homelessness?

5. Argue the following statements. Say whether they have a positive or negative connotation.

1. Housing problem is very important nowadays. The housing construction is very limited and many people feel homeless.

2. There are no "ideal homes". It is only how people see themselves and allow others to see them.

3. I think many cities have really improved over the last twenty years. They used to be very boring places to live, but nowadays many things have changed.

4. I never watch TV because it's not worth it. Most of the programmes are a real waste of time.

5. I refuse to buy a home computer. Most people only use them for playing computer games, so what's the point? I'm perfectly happy with my typewriter.

6. I think it's cruel to keep animals in a zoo. Most of the time the animals are kept in small cages, and they don't have anything to do. Animals need to have space to run around.

7. Oh, these portable stereos in public! I hate having to listen to other people's music when I'm at the beach or in transport.