Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions

To produce the opposite result from the one that was intended.

“A ban on street parking could backfire by pushing shoppers to suburban malls.”

“Strict screen-time rules sometimes backfire when teenagers just hide their phones.”

Often used: could easily backfire · backfire on someone · risk backfiring

CELPIP tip: A strong verb for predicting an unwanted result of the option you oppose. Explain the chain of cause and effect in one short sentence.

To be more important or greater than something else when both are considered.

“The health benefits of a sugar tax outweigh the small increase in grocery prices.”

“For me, the convenience of online classes outweighs the lack of face-to-face contact.”

Often used: far outweigh · the benefits outweigh the costs · clearly outweigh

CELPIP tip: Perfect for a closing sentence that weighs both sides. Name the specific benefit and cost rather than leaving them abstract.

Having a wide effect on many people or areas, often for a long time.

“Raising the minimum wage would have far-reaching effects on small businesses.”

“A four-day work week could bring far-reaching changes to family life.”

Often used: far-reaching effects · far-reaching consequences · far-reaching changes

CELPIP tip: Use it with effects or consequences, then name one or two of those effects. The adjective alone is a claim, not a reason.

A weakness or fault in a plan, system or idea that stops it from working as well as it should.

“The main shortcoming of online classes is that students rarely get to know one another.”

“I support the new recycling program, despite a few shortcomings in how bins are collected.”

Often used: a serious shortcoming · the main shortcoming of · despite its shortcomings

CELPIP tip: It is a more precise choice than problem when you criticize a policy. Mention one shortcoming, then explain whether it changes your overall opinion.

To fail to reach the level, amount or standard that was needed or expected.

“The current recycling program falls short because apartment buildings aren't included.”

“Online-only services fall short for seniors who aren't comfortable with computers.”

Often used: fall short of expectations · fall short of the target · fall well short

CELPIP tip: Use it to criticise an existing policy fairly. Say exactly where it falls short so the criticism sounds reasoned rather than emotional.

To hold an opinion with strong certainty and not expect to change it.

“I firmly believe the city should keep the outdoor rinks open all winter.”

“My neighbour firmly believes that leaf blowers should be banned before eight a.m.”

Often used: I firmly believe that · firmly believe in · still firmly believe

CELPIP tip: Firmly adds strength to a plain I think. Choose it when your position is clear, and follow it with a reason straight away.

To support a plan, rule or idea and want it to happen.

“I'm in favour of adding bike lanes on Bloor Street, even if it removes some parking.”

“Most parents at our school are in favour of a longer lunch break.”

Often used: strongly in favour of · be in favour of doing · vote in favour of

CELPIP tip: Follow it with a noun or an -ing form: in favour of building, not in favour of build. Note the Canadian spelling favour.

Introduces your personal view, making clear it is how you see the matter.

“As far as I'm concerned, free transit for seniors is money well spent.”

“As far as I'm concerned, a four-day school week would hurt working parents.”

Often used: as far as I'm concerned, the answer is · as far as I'm concerned, it's

CELPIP tip: A confident opener for your thesis. Use it once at the start and switch to different frames later to avoid sounding repetitive.

To disagree with a plan or idea and not want it to go ahead.

“I'm opposed to raising the arena fees, because families already pay a lot for hockey.”

“Many residents are opposed to cutting the evening bus routes.”

Often used: strongly opposed to · be opposed to doing · firmly opposed to

CELPIP tip: Like in favour of, it takes a noun or -ing form after to. Saying opposed to raise is a frequent error.

A specific example that clearly proves the general point you just made.

“Small towns benefit from festivals; Stratford is a case in point.”

“Remote work can boost productivity. My sister's team is a case in point.”

Often used: a perfect case in point · a good case in point

CELPIP tip: Use it right after a general claim to introduce your example. It gives a smoother link than saying for example every time.

Based on your own situation and experience, this is how things look to you.

“From where I stand, a new library matters more than another parking garage downtown.”

“From where I stand as a nurse, longer clinic hours would ease pressure on emergency rooms.”

Often used: from where I stand as a · from where I stand, it seems

CELPIP tip: Adding your role, such as as a parent or as a commuter, links your opinion to real experience and makes it more convincing.

Introduces a view held by other people, usually one you are about to answer.

“Some would argue that homework builds discipline, but I think it steals family time.”

“Some would argue that tolls punish drivers; however, they fund better roads.”

Often used: some would argue that, but · of course, some would argue that

CELPIP tip: Raise the opposing view with this frame, then answer it immediately. Leaving it unanswered can make your own case look weaker.

A compact way to signal that what follows is your own judgment.

“To my mind, community gardens do more for a neighbourhood than new benches.”

“Banning phones in class is, to my mind, overdue.”

Often used: to my mind, the key issue is · at least to my mind

CELPIP tip: Handy for restating your view mid-answer without repeating in my opinion. It can sit at the start or in the middle of a sentence.

Introduces the reason you consider strongest among the ones you are giving.

“Most importantly, a school garden teaches kids where their food comes from.”

“It saves money and reduces traffic, but most importantly, it keeps people safe.”

Often used: but most importantly · and most importantly

CELPIP tip: Place your best reason last and introduce it with this linker. Ending strong helps the listener remember your argument.

Introduces a summary judgment after you have looked at the different points together.

“All in all, I think a four-day school week would help both teachers and students.”

“There are some risks, but all in all, a bike lane on Main Street is a smart idea.”

Often used: all in all, I feel · so, all in all

CELPIP tip: It makes a smooth final sentence that restates your opinion. Keep it for the end; using it at the start sounds as if you have skipped your reasons.

Introduces the first of several reasons, suggesting more will follow.

“For one thing, a daycare at the office would cut commute stress for parents.”

“I don't support the change. For one thing, it would cost taxpayers millions.”

Often used: for one thing, and for another · well, for one thing

CELPIP tip: Pair it with for another to present two reasons in a natural spoken rhythm. It sounds less mechanical than firstly and secondly.

Shows you accept a point against your view before explaining why you still hold it.

“Admittedly, a new arena would be expensive, but the town has needed one for years.”

“Admittedly, some students prefer paper books; still, tablets save families money.”

Often used: admittedly, it's true that · admittedly, there are costs

CELPIP tip: Concede one point, then return to your side with but or still. This shows balance without weakening your position.

Introduces a point that stays true despite what you have just admitted.

“The new arena would cost a lot. Even so, I think it would bring visitors to our downtown.”

“Some parents enjoy school uniforms. Even so, I believe students should choose their own clothes.”

Often used: even so, I believe · but even so

CELPIP tip: Place it right after a concession to steer back to your own view. Follow it with a clear opinion sentence so the listener knows where you stand.