CELPIP vocabulary: opinions and persuasion

In my opinion.

CELPIP tip Vary it with "in my opinion" and "personally" so your Writing Task 2 opening doesn't repeat the same phrase.

I strongly believe that.

CELPIP tip Shows a strong position in Speaking Task 7; follow it straight away with a reason or example.

When you compare it to.

CELPIP tip Put a comma after the opening phrase: "Compared with the old system, ..." Ideal for Speaking Task 5.

A good point.

CELPIP tip Pattern: the advantage of + noun or -ing. Speaking Task 5 rewards naming one clear advantage of your choice.

A bad point.

CELPIP tip Admitting one drawback of your choice, then answering it, makes a Speaking Task 5 argument stronger.

A helpful result.

CELPIP tip Also a verb with "from": "Families would benefit from the park." Both forms suit Writing Task 2.

A balance between two things.

CELPIP tip Pattern: a trade-off between A and B. Shows mature reasoning when you weigh two options.

A result of an action.

CELPIP tip Often negative: serious consequences. Use it in Speaking Task 7 to show what would happen if a plan went ahead.

To be more important than something else.

CELPIP tip Classic Writing Task 2 sentence: "The benefits outweigh the drawbacks." The "gh" is silent.

To agree with and help an idea or plan.

CELPIP tip Writing Task 2 survey answers often start with "I support option A because...". Note the Canadian spelling of "favour".

To disagree with an idea or plan.

CELPIP tip No "to" after the verb: "oppose the plan". But "be opposed to the plan" does take "to".

To suggest something as good.

CELPIP tip Spelling: one "c", two "m"s. Pattern: recommend + -ing, or recommend that someone + verb.

To convince someone to do or believe something.

CELPIP tip Speaking Task 5 asks you to persuade someone. Pattern: persuade someone to + verb.

Over a long period of time.

CELPIP tip Pairs well with cost arguments: "It costs more now, but in the long run it saves money."

Worth the time or money.

CELPIP tip One word before a noun (a worthwhile course); "worth it" sounds more casual in Speaking.

Absolutely necessary.

CELPIP tip Already strong, so avoid "very essential". Pattern: it is essential to + verb.

Extremely important.

CELPIP tip Pattern: crucial for or to + noun. A precise upgrade from "very important" in Writing Task 2.

Good value for the money.

CELPIP tip Keep the hyphen. A formal way to argue about money in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Task 5.

Useful and sensible.

CELPIP tip Use it to justify a sensible choice: "It's more practical for a family of four."

Easy to reach or use.

CELPIP tip Often refers to wheelchair access or public transit. It ends in "-ible", not "-able".

Able to be trusted to work well.

CELPIP tip Great for comparing transit, cars or services: "more reliable than". The noun is reliability.

Able to change easily.

CELPIP tip Common pairings: flexible hours, a flexible schedule. A strong reason in Writing Task 2 surveys about work or school.

Making people believe something is true.

CELPIP tip Common pairings: a convincing argument, convincing evidence. Raters reward convincing reasons, not just more of them.

After considering everything.

CELPIP tip Signals your final decision after weighing both sides; a neat way to close Writing Task 2.

Used to admit that something is true, often before an opposing point.

CELPIP tip Follow it with "but" or "however" to answer the point: "Admittedly, it costs more, but..."