What do you think?

When someone asks you to give your opinion, what should you say, and how should you say it?

In tests like the TOEFL iBT, or in your English classroom, you may be asked what you think about some topic. A common question is whether you agree or disagree with something. For example, do you agree or disagree that children should start school when they are three years old?

First of all, be sure to start your response confidently, using proper English.

Some people begin with phrases like Personally speaking (which sounds a bit unnatural) or, even worse, According to me (which native English speakers never say!). Try In my opinion or From my point of view instead. But really, you don’t need these “filler” phrases. Especially in tests like the TOEFL, you don’t have much time to express your opinion, so don’t waste it on empty words.

Try to use good grammar. Don’t say, I am agree (or I am disagree). Instead, say, I agree or I disagree (or I don’t agree). If you want to add some emphasis, use words like strongly or definitely. For example, I strongly disagree that children should start school when they are three years old. Or, I definitely agree that children should start school when they are three years old. Other popular word choices (which are sometimes overused) are totally, completely, and absolutely. Never use greatly or exactly.

What if you don’t completely agree or totally disagree with something? What if you see two sides to the issue? There are some common English expressions that can help you express this point of view. And, actually, using phrases like these can make you sound much more fluent.

For example:

I both agree and disagree with this statement (point of view, opinion).

I think this issue is not black and white. (Or, I don’t think this matter is black and white.)

I believe it’s important to strike a balance.

I really think there’s a happy medium.

Perhaps it’s best to find some middle ground.

It depends.

Or, the popular duo, On the one hand …. on the other hand.

Of course, after you state your main belief, you will usually be expected to offer one or more reasons to support it. The number of reasons you need and the amount of elaboration you give will depend on the amount of time you are given to speak. In a test like the TOEFL, when you have only 45 seconds, it’s not necessary or even desirable to provide more than one reason. Instead of struggling to come up with two or more reasons, focus on developing your one reason with specific details and examples. You can start out your sentences with phrases like:

I think that …

I believe that …

It seems to me that …

In my experience, I have found that …

So, here are some examples of responses you might make to the question about children’s schooling.

I agree (one extended reason):

I definitely agree that children should start school when they are three years old. In my country, most women go back to work after having a baby. They take about three years off after the baby and then they have to return to their job. So, in my country, most children go to schools at that time. If there are schools for children that age, then the parents know that their children are in a safe place, with trained people to take care of them. Of course, when they are only three, children don’t have to sit at desks and do school assignments, but they can play with other children and learn social skills. They can learn the alphabet and how to count, and they’ll also learn valuable lessons about obeying the teacher and respecting other people. So I think if children start school at age three, it’s definitely better for the parents, because their children are taken care of, and it’s also better for the kids themselves, because they’ll be learning lots of things.

I agree (two reasons):

I strongly agree that children should start school when they are three years old. First of all, in my country, most mothers and fathers work full-time, so it’s good for children to have a place to go where they can be with responsible adults and play with other children. For example, I started school when I was very young and my parents felt I was safe and cared for there. Also, I think that in today’s world, it’s important for children to get an education as soon as possible. In countries where children don’t go to school until they are six or seven, I don’t think they get enough education. I learned to read before I was five years old and I think that was a real advantage for me. This is why I think school is good for children, even when they are only three years old.

I disagree (two reasons):

I strongly disagree that children should start school when they are three years old. First of all, I think children are safer and more loved when they are living in their own home. For example, my sister’s child went to school when she was very young and she was always getting sick. Also, she didn’t see her mother and father as much, and I think that had a bad effect on her. Also, I think that children learn lots of things at home; they don’t need school when they are that young. For example, my mother taught me numbers and letters while I was very young. But I also had a chance to play with my brothers and sisters and not to feel pressured to start learning. This is why I think it is better for children to go to school when they are older, maybe at age five or six.

I can see both sides of the issue:

I think whether children start school when they are three years old depends on the situation. On the one hand, if both of the parents work, then I think it’s probably a good idea for children to be in school, rather than home with someone who might not take good care of them. In school, they can be with other children and they can start learning things at a young age. On the other hand, if a mother or father stays home with their child, then I think it’s good for children to go to school later on. Nobody loves their child as much as a parent, so I think it is good for children to be with their parent. Also, they can be with their brothers and sisters, which makes their relationships stronger. So I don’t think it’s a black and white issue. Sometimes it’s better for children to go to school when they are very young, and sometimes it’s better that they stay home longer.

You can find more discussion about discussing your “mixed feelings” here.