Joy English
Joy English

B2 Vocabulary

B2Opinions15 min

Expressing opinions and arguments

Learn words and linking phrases for discussions and essays, such as claim, evidence, whereas and admittedly.

In discussions and essays, it is not enough to say I think. You need to present a point of view, support it with reasons, compare it with other views and recognise its weaknesses. These words help you build a clear and balanced argument.

argueverb
give reasons why you think something is trueSome teachers argue that homework should be optional.
claimverb
say that something is true, often without giving proofThe advert claims that the cream removes wrinkles in a week.
point of viewnoun
a particular way of thinking about a situationFrom a parent's point of view, the new timetable is more convenient.
in favour ofphrase
supporting an idea or planMost students were in favour of a longer lunch break.
evidencenoun
facts or information that show whether something is trueThere is little evidence that the new diet works.
convincingadjective
making you believe that something is trueShe gave a convincing explanation for the delay.
validadjective
based on good reasons and therefore worth acceptingYou make a valid point about the cost.
biasedadjective
unfairly supporting one side more than anotherThe survey was biased because it only asked people who already agreed.
persuadeverb
make someone agree to do something by giving reasonsAiko persuaded her parents to let her study abroad.
on the other handlinking phrase
used to introduce a contrasting pointCity life is exciting. On the other hand, it can be very expensive.
whereasconjunction
used to compare two facts that are differentKofi works best early in the morning, whereas his sister prefers to work at night.
admittedlyadverb
used when you accept that something is true, even though it weakens your argumentAdmittedly, the plan is expensive, but it will save money in the long term.

Exercise 1 of 2

Choose the best word or phrase

Choose the best answer.

  1. Online courses are flexible. _____, it can be hard to stay motivated without a teacher.

  2. There is no scientific _____ that this tea helps you sleep.

  3. A biased article _____.

  4. Most residents are _____ the new park; only a few are against it.

  5. Ravi likes quiet holidays in the mountains, _____ his brother prefers busy cities.

  6. Her argument was so _____ that everyone in the room changed their mind.

  7. What does a writer show by starting a sentence with Admittedly?

  8. We finally _____ Dad to take a day off work and come to the beach.

0 of 8 answered

Exercise 2 of 2

Complete the argument

Type the missing word or phrase. Use each one once and change the form if needed. Use: admittedly, claim, evidence, persuade, point of view, valid, whereas.

  1. The seller that the battery lasts a week, but most users say it is closer to three days.

  2. Can you give me any to support that idea, such as figures or research?

  3. From an environmental , cycling is clearly better than driving.

  4. , the new system took a long time to learn, but it has made our work much faster.

  5. Mina enjoys team sports, her twin brother prefers running alone.

  6. That's a point. I hadn't thought about the cost of transport.

  7. I tried to my friend to join the debate club, but she said she was too busy.

0 of 7 answered

Source

Original lesson by Joy English.

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