Opinions

Being able to express opinions is an important skill. The most common phrases are ‘in my opinion’ and ‘in my view’. However, there are some alternative phrases which are useful to know. 

There are two types of opinions; a personal opinion (your opinion), and an impersonal opinion (other people’s opinion). Look at this question and see how vocabulary is used for different purposes. 

We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in business, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be for used in the future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?

Personal Opinions

I would argue that  (A more academic way of saying ‘In my opinion’)

I would argue that our dependence is generally a good thing.

I tend to believe that (not completely sure)

I tend to believe that the advantages of using computers outweigh the disadvantages. 

I am convinced that (100% sure)

I am convinced that our increasing dependence on computers cannot be stopped. 

In my experience (in your life experience)

In my experience, there are many negative psychological effects of  spending too much time online.

Impersonal Opinions

It can be argued that (presenting an argument that you may or may not agree with) 

It can be argued that our growing dependence on computers makes us more vulnerable to cyber attacks. 

It is generally accepted that (most people accept this point of view)

It is generally accepted that computers have increased our quality of life.

A common belief is that (a lot of people believe something to be true) 

A common belief is that computer systems save companies time and money.

⇨ Look at how the same opinion can be expressed in both personal and impersonal forms

Why do some people fail at school?

PO: 

I am convinced that some people fail at school because they do not work hard enough.

IO: 

It can be argued that some people fail at school because they do not work hard enough.

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