Task 7 vocabulary: Expressing Opinions
The words and phrases that lift an answer in Speaking Task 7, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this task? Read the Task 7 format and strategy.
Phrases 24
I'm convinced that
phraseCLB 7Used to express a very strong belief.
“I'm convinced that public transit should be free for students.”
SimilarI'm certain thatI firmly believeCELPIP tip Choose one side and state it clearly at the start.
As far as I'm concerned
phraseCLB 8In my opinion.
“As far as I'm concerned, remote work benefits everyone.”
Similarin my viewpersonallyCELPIP tip A fluent, natural opener.
The main reason is that
phraseCLB 6Introduces your most important reason.
“The main reason is that it saves families a lot of money.”
Similarfirst of allprimarilyCELPIP tip Signals clear structure to the examiner.
For instance
phraseCLB 5Introduces an example.
“For instance, my cousin saved two hours a day by working from home.”
Similarfor exampleto illustrateCELPIP tip Support every reason with a concrete example.
Some people argue that
phraseCLB 6Introduces the opposing view.
“Some people argue that it costs too much, but I disagree.”
Similarcritics sayothers believeCELPIP tip Acknowledging the other side, then rejecting it, shows maturity.
That's why I believe
phraseCLB 6Leads to your conclusion.
“That's why I believe the city should invest in more bike lanes.”
Similarfor these reasonsthereforeCELPIP tip Restate your opinion at the end to close the loop.
In my view
phraseCLB 5In my opinion.
“In my view, cities should invest more in parks.”
SimilarI thinkpersonallyCELPIP tip Vary your opinion phrases.
I strongly agree that
phraseCLB 6Shows strong agreement.
“I strongly agree that schools should teach cooking.”
SimilarI completely agreeCELPIP tip Choose a clear side.
I strongly disagree with
phraseCLB 6Shows strong disagreement.
“I strongly disagree with banning phones in schools.”
SimilarI'm againstCELPIP tip Equally clear on the other side.
It seems to me that
phraseCLB 7A softer way to give an opinion.
“It seems to me that people work too many hours.”
SimilarI feel thatCELPIP tip Shows variety and nuance.
To begin with
phraseCLB 6Introduces your first reason.
“To begin with, it would reduce pollution.”
Similarfirst of allfirstlyCELPIP tip Structures your answer. Introduces your first reason.
Another reason is that
phraseCLB 6Introduces another reason.
“Another reason is that it saves money.”
SimilaralsosecondlyCELPIP tip Signals your second point.
On top of that
phraseCLB 7In addition.
“On top of that, it would create jobs.”
SimilarfurthermorebesidesCELPIP tip A natural, fluent linker for adding a reason.
A good example of this is
phraseCLB 6Introduces an example.
“A good example of this is my own neighbourhood.”
Similarfor exampleCELPIP tip Examples make reasons convincing.
This is because
phraseCLB 6Introduces an explanation.
“This is because most people drive to work.”
Similarthe reason isCELPIP tip Use it to explain every claim you make.
It's true that... but
phraseCLB 7Concedes a point, then argues.
“It's true that it's expensive, but the benefits are huge.”
Similaradmittedly... howeverCELPIP tip Shows balanced thinking: concede a point, then argue your view.
In the long run
phraseCLB 7Over a long period.
“In the long run, it will save the city money.”
Similareventuallyover timeCELPIP tip Use it to explain the future benefits of your view.
To sum up
phraseCLB 6Introduces a conclusion.
“To sum up, I fully support the proposal.”
Similarin conclusionoverallCELPIP tip Always conclude clearly by restating your opinion.
There's a strong case for
phraseCLB 8There are good reasons to support something.
“There's a strong case for making public transit free for seniors.”
SimilarThere are good reasons forCELPIP tip A confident way to introduce your opinion with evidence to follow.
It's high time that
phraseCLB 8Used to say that something should have happened already.
“It's high time that cities invested more in bike lanes.”
SimilarIt's about time thatCELPIP tip Use a past-tense verb after it: "it's high time we acted".
It's undeniable that
phraseCLB 9Used to say that something is clearly true.
“It's undeniable that remote work saves commuting time.”
SimilarThere's no denying thatIt's clear thatCELPIP tip A good way to concede a fact before you make your main point.
play a pivotal role in
phraseCLB 9To be very important in deciding what happens.
“Libraries play a pivotal role in helping newcomers settle in.”
Similarbe key tobe central toCELPIP tip More precise than "be very important".
It's imperative that
phraseCLB 10Used to say that something is extremely important and must happen.
“It's imperative that we protect the parks before they are sold.”
SimilarIt's essential thatIt's crucial thatCELPIP tip Follow it with the base verb: "imperative that we act", not "acts".
on the grounds that
phraseCLB 10Because of a particular reason.
“I oppose the new fee on the grounds that it hurts low-income families.”
Similarbecausefor the reason thatCELPIP tip Formal and precise; it ties your opinion directly to a reason.
Verbs 11
support
verbCLB 5/səˈpɔːrt/To agree with and encourage an idea.
“I fully support the idea of a four-day work week.”
SimilarbackfavourendorseCELPIP tip 'I fully support...' is a confident way to state your position.
benefit
verbCLB 6/ˈbɛnɪfɪt/To help or be good for someone.
“This policy would benefit both young people and seniors.”
SimilarhelpserveimproveCELPIP tip Use it to explain who gains from your opinion.
outweigh
verbCLB 8/ˌaʊtˈweɪ/To be more important than something else.
“The long-term benefits outweigh the short-term costs.”
SimilarexceedsurpassCELPIP tip Useful for comparing pros and cons.
believe
verbCLB 5/bɪˈliːv/To think something is true.
“I believe this policy would help families.”
SimilarthinkfeelCELPIP tip Basic but essential for stating your view.
oppose
verbCLB 7/əˈpoʊz/To disagree with and be against.
“I oppose the plan to close the library.”
Similarbe againstobject toCELPIP tip Shows a clear negative stance.
encourage
verbCLB 6/ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ/To make something more likely.
“This would encourage people to exercise more.”
SimilarpromotemotivateCELPIP tip Explains effects of your opinion.
reduce
verbCLB 5/rɪˈdjuːs/To make smaller or less.
“It would reduce traffic in the downtown area.”
SimilardecreasecutCELPIP tip Common in environmental topics.
advocate
verbCLB 8/ˈædvəkeɪt/To publicly support an idea or plan.
“I'd advocate for longer library hours on weekends.”
SimilarsupportchampionbackCELPIP tip As a verb it ends in "-ate" like "late"; the noun ends in a softer "-ət".
substantiate
verbCLB 9/səbˈstænʃieɪt/To give facts or evidence that prove a claim is true.
“Studies substantiate the idea that green spaces improve mental health.”
Similarsupportback upproveCELPIP tip Shows you can back up your opinion, a key feature of a high-scoring answer.
curb
verbCLB 9/kɜːrb/To control or limit something harmful.
“A sugar tax could help curb childhood obesity.”
SimilarlimitrestrictreduceCELPIP tip Pair it with spending, pollution, crime or a habit.
underscore
verbCLB 10/ˌʌndərˈskɔːr/To show clearly that something is important or true.
“The recent heat waves underscore the need for more trees in the city.”
SimilarhighlightemphasizestressCELPIP tip Link an example to your opinion with it: the example "underscores" your point.
Nouns 3
impact
nounCLB 6/ˈɪmpækt/A strong effect on someone or something.
“This would have a positive impact on local businesses.”
SimilareffectinfluenceCELPIP tip Collocations: 'a positive/negative impact on', 'have an impact on'.
drawback
nounCLB 7/ˈdrɔːbæk/A disadvantage.
“The only real drawback is the initial cost.”
SimilardownsidedisadvantageCELPIP tip Mention a drawback briefly, then counter it.
implication
nounCLB 8/ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən/A possible effect or result of an action or decision.
“We need to think about the long-term implications for small businesses.”
SimilarconsequenceeffectresultCELPIP tip Talking about implications shows deeper reasoning than listing benefits.
Adjectives 9
essential
adjectiveCLB 7/ɪˈsɛnʃəl/Absolutely necessary.
“I think it's essential for children to learn a second language.”
SimilarvitalcrucialnecessaryCELPIP tip 'It's essential to/for...' sounds strong and academic.
significant
adjectiveCLB 7/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/Large or important enough to notice.
“This change would have a significant impact on traffic.”
SimilarconsiderablemajorCELPIP tip Higher-level than "big". Use it for important effects.
beneficial
adjectiveCLB 7/ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl/Having a good effect.
“Free transit would be beneficial for students.”
SimilarhelpfuladvantageousCELPIP tip Higher-level than "good". Use it for positive effects.
unfair
adjectiveCLB 5/ʌnˈfɛər/Not just or reasonable.
“It's unfair to charge seniors more.”
SimilarunjustCELPIP tip Useful for opposing arguments.
necessary
adjectiveCLB 5/ˈnɛsəˌsɛri/Needed.
“I don't think this change is necessary.”
SimilarneededrequiredCELPIP tip Pattern: it's (un)necessary to...
counterproductive
adjectiveCLB 8/ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv/Having the opposite effect to the one you wanted.
“Banning phones completely in schools could be counterproductive.”
Similarself-defeatingharmfulCELPIP tip A clear, strong word to reject the opposing view.
compelling
adjectiveCLB 9/kəmˈpelɪŋ/Very convincing.
“The most compelling reason is the cost savings for families.”
SimilarconvincingpersuasivepowerfulCELPIP tip Use it to introduce your strongest argument.
far-reaching
adjectiveCLB 10/ˌfɑːr ˈriːtʃɪŋ/Having a very wide influence or effect.
“A four-day work week would have far-reaching effects on family life.”
Similarwide-rangingsignificantsweepingCELPIP tip Pair it with effects, consequences or changes.
untenable
adjectiveCLB 10/ʌnˈtenəbəl/Impossible to defend or keep going.
“The current situation, with rents rising every year, is simply untenable.”
SimilarindefensibleunsustainableCELPIP tip Strong language to reject the status quo; use it once.
Adverbs 4
furthermore
adverbCLB 7/ˈfɜːrðərˌmɔːr/In addition; also.
“Furthermore, it would create jobs in our community.”
Similarmoreoverin additionalsoCELPIP tip Use it to add your second or third reason.
personally
adverbCLB 5/ˈpɜːrsənəli/Speaking for yourself.
“Personally, I think it's a great idea.”
Similarfor my partCELPIP tip A natural way to open your opinion.
definitely
adverbCLB 5/ˈdɛfɪnətli/Without doubt.
“It would definitely improve our quality of life.”
SimilarcertainlyabsolutelyCELPIP tip Adds confidence to your opinion.
therefore
adverbCLB 6/ˈðɛərfɔːr/For that reason.
“Therefore, I support this proposal.”
SimilarsoconsequentlyCELPIP tip Links reasons to conclusions.
Expressions 3
All things considered
expressionCLB 7After thinking about everything.
“All things considered, I think the benefits are clear.”
Similaroverallon balanceCELPIP tip A polished way to start your conclusion.
I'm all for it
expressionCLB 6I completely support it.
“A four-day work week? I'm all for it.”
SimilarI fully support itCELPIP tip Informal and enthusiastic support.
I'm not convinced that
expressionCLB 7Shows doubt.
“I'm not convinced that it would work in our city.”
SimilarI doubt thatCELPIP tip Polite disagreement that shows doubt.
Idioms 3
a step in the right direction
idiomCLB 8A positive move toward a goal.
“This law is a step in the right direction.”
Similarprogressan improvementCELPIP tip Natural for supporting changes.
the pros outweigh the cons
idiomCLB 8The advantages are greater than the disadvantages.
“For me, the pros clearly outweigh the cons.”
Similarbenefits exceed drawbacksCELPIP tip A strong summary statement.
at the end of the day
idiomCLB 7Ultimately; most importantly.
“At the end of the day, safety matters most.”
SimilarultimatelyCELPIP tip Good for your final point.
How to learn these words
- Start with words at or just above your target CLB: the badge on each word is our estimate of the level at which learners use it correctly. Pick a level in Any CLB level to see only those words.
- Learn five to ten words a day, not the whole list at once.
- Open Flashcards, say what each word means, then check. Words you mark I know it drop out of the To learn view.
- Use two or three new words in your next Task 7 practice answer. A word you have used yourself is the one you remember in the test.
- Save the words you keep forgetting to your own word bank, which brings each one back just before you would forget it.
More CELPIP Speaking vocabulary
- Task 1: Giving Advice (54 words)
- Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience (66 words)
- Task 3: Describing a Scene (54 words)
- Task 4: Making Predictions (50 words)
- Task 5: Comparing and Persuading (49 words)
- Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation (55 words)
- Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation (58 words)
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