In IELTS Writing Task 2, it is crucial that you are able to articulate opinions effectively, showcasing a diverse range of vocabulary rather than relying on basic patterns such as 'I think...', 'I feel...', or 'I like/dislike...'. In this article, we are going to provide you with some words and phrases you can use to demonstrate your lexical resource and impress the examiner.

Expressions for Giving Opinions

As I see it

Use: Introduces an opinion.

Example: As I see it, reducing bus fares will significantly alleviate traffic congestion.

To be in favour of

Use: Indicates support.

Example: I am in favour of restricting the use of private cars in city centres.

Be of the opinion

Use: Variant of 'my opinion is...'.

Example: I am of the opinion that more subways need to be built in order to reduce congestion on the roads.

Convince/be convinced

Use: Expresses strong conviction.

Example: I am convinced that more efforts should be made to promote the use of public transport.

Consider

Use: A formal alternative to 'think'.

Example: I consider the government's transport policy to be seriously mistaken.

Doubt

Use: Indicates disbelief.

Example: Many people doubt that driverless cars will become a common sight on our roads in the near future.

Hold (an opinion/view)

Use: Signifies a strong belief.

Example: I hold the view that people caught drunk driving should lose their licences.

Idea

Use: Refers to thoughts on a possible course of action.

Example: One idea that could be trialled is to make Sundays 'no-car' days in city centres.

Impersonal 'It' Expressions

Use: To provide a more objective tone, suitable for academic writing.

Examples:

It is my opinion that more cities are realising the need to curb transport levels.

It is my belief that there will be a resurgence in the use of bicycles.

Maintain (verb)

Use: Asserts a persistent belief.

Example: I maintain that in fifty years' time, there will be no private cars.

Position

Use: Formal synonym for 'opinion'.

Example: My position on this matter is that local authorities need to enforce parking restrictions more strictly.

Put forward (a view/suggestion)

Use: Offers ideas or suggestions formally.

Example: I'd like to put forward the view that four-wheel-drive cars should be banned from cities.

Way of thinking

Use: Reflects the attitude of an individual or group.

Example: People's way of thinking about public transport varies depending on their location.

Exercises

Now that you have learnt some useful expressions for giving an opinion, test your understanding by having a go at the following exercises.

Exercise 1

Rewrite the following sentences using the given words in brackets.

1) I think that introducing more single sex schools will not improve exam results. (be of the opinion)

2) My view is that boys and girls should be educated together in mixed sex schools. (hold)

3) It is my belief that single sex schools offer a much higher standard of education. (maintain)

Exercise 2

Match the sentence beginnings in A with the endings in B.

A

1. My position

2. I would like to put forward

3. I am very much in favour of

   
   

B

changing this law.

a different viewpoint on this matter.

on this topic ha not changed.

Exercise 3

Rearrange the following words to form sentences expressing opinions.

1) parents / that / I / long working hours / convinced / a breakdown in communication / am / between / are leading to / and / their children.

2) has developed / of family life / over / by the culture of long working hours / is being / the last few decades. / that / in many countries / undermined / The whole notion

3) is adversely / that children’s emotional development / affected / It is / only see / my belief / for a short time / when parents / during the week./ their children

Answers

Exercise 1

1) I am of the opinion that introducing more single sex schools will not improve exam results.

2) I hold the view that boys and girls should be educated together in mixed sex schools.

3) I maintain that single sex schools offer a much higher standard of education.

Exercise 2

1) My position on this topic has not changed.

2) I would like to put forward a different viewpoint on this matter.

3) I am very much in favour of changing the law.

Exercise 3

1) I am convinced that long working hours are leading to a breakdown in communication between parents and their children.

2) The whole notion of family life is being undermined by the culture of long working hours that has developed in many countries over the last few decades.

3) It is my belief that children's emotional development is adversely affected when parents only see their children for a short time during the week.

Ensure you're proficient in using various expressions accurately to achieve a band score 7, demonstrating a breadth of vocabulary and precision in your language use.