#12. Task 7: Expressing Opinions & Templates

What this task is: You answer a “Do you think…?” question with your view. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak. The goal is a clear position, two developed reasons, short examples, and a clean finish.

The POINT plan (your 90-second map)

P — Position (1 line): say your view right away.
O — Outline (1 line): promise two reasons.
I — Ideas (two reasons): give Reason A + quick example, then Reason B + quick example.
N — Nod (optional, 1 line): admit one small benefit of the other side.
T — Tie-up (1 line): short conclusion that repeats your view.

Skeleton you can fill:

“I support / don’t support [topic]. I’ll share two reasons.
First, [reason + tiny example].
Second, [reason + tiny example].
Although [other side] helps with [small point], it doesn’t fix [main issue].
In short, [repeat your view].”

Timing you can trust (watch your 90s)

• 0–10s: Position + Outline
• 10–40s: Reason A + tiny example
• 40–70s: Reason B + tiny example
• 70–90s: Nod (optional) + Tie-up

If time is tight, skip the Nod and go straight to the Tie-up.

Language that fits Task 7

Openers (Position)

• “I support this idea because it solves the main problem.”
• “I don’t agree with this plan since it creates new costs.”

Reason builders

• because · so · therefore · as a result · this means · this prevents

Examples

• “For example, last month…”
• “For instance, on weekdays after 6 p.m.…”

Soft contrast (Nod)

• although · while · it’s true that · even though

Closers (Tie-up)

• “In short, this choice helps more people every day.”
• “Overall, the costs outweigh the benefits.”

Quick prep (30 seconds you can manage)

• Write 4 cues: [Position] / [A + example] / [B + example] / [Wrap].
• Choose two angles from: time, cost, access, reliability, safety, fairness, learning.
• Pick tiny facts: a time, a place, or a small number.

Phrase banks (plug-and-play)

Useful verbs: reduce, improve, prevent, allow, support, require, limit, extend, post, enforce
Common nouns: wait time, schedule update, access, fee, safety rule, program, staff, route, notice
Safe qualifiers: usually, often, in most cases, likely, practical, affordable

Complete templates (fill the brackets)

Template A — General policy

“I support / don’t support [policy]. I’ll share two reasons.
First, it [benefit / problem], so [result]. For example, [tiny detail].
Second, it [benefit / problem], which [result].
Although [other side] helps with [small point], it doesn’t fix [main issue].
In short, [repeat your view].”

Template B — Community services (access focus)

“I prefer [option] because access matters most.
First, [option] adds [hours / location], so people who [work evenings / live far] can attend.
Second, updates post online, so visitors avoid long lines.
While the other choice has [nice extra], it doesn’t improve access.
Overall, [option] is the better choice.”

Template C — Cost vs. time

“I don’t support [idea] because time is the key issue.
First, it doesn’t reduce delays, so people still arrive late.
Second, the small savings are lost when trips double during rush hour.
Although it’s cheaper, it fails on time.
In short, we should focus on the faster option.”

Sample answers (about 90 seconds each)

A) Should the city extend library hours?

“I support extending library hours. I’ll share two reasons.
First, later hours help people who finish work at 6 p.m., so they can study and print after shifts. For example, many adult learners only have time after 7 p.m.
Second, longer hours spread visitors across the evening, which reduces computer crowding and wait times.
Although adding more computers helps, it doesn’t solve peak-hour lines without more time.
In short, extending hours improves access and makes the library more useful.”

B) Should the city add bus-only lanes?

“I support bus-only lanes because time is the real problem.
First, lanes keep buses moving during rush hour, so a 20-minute ride doesn’t become 40. For example, my evening route often doubles when traffic stalls.
Second, reliable trips prevent missed transfers, which lowers stress for workers and students.
While a small fare cut saves a little, it doesn’t fix delays.
Overall, lanes help more riders every day.”

C) Should parks spend on benches or washrooms?

“I prefer washrooms.
First, they reduce long lines during weekend events, so families can stay longer.
Second, year-round facilities keep parks usable in winter and for seniors.
Although benches are nice, they don’t solve the urgent need.
In short, washrooms improve access for the most people.”

Before → After (tighten your opinion)

No position → clear position

• Before: “Both sides are interesting.”
• After: “I support extending hours because it improves access.”

Vague reasons → reasons with a result

• Before: “It’s better for people.”
• After: “It reduces wait times, so visitors finish tasks on one trip.”

Long story → one tiny example

• Before: “I once had a big problem with… (45 seconds later)”
• After: “For example, after 6 p.m. the computer area is full.”

Common mistakes (and fast fixes)

• Hiding your view → Put your position in line 1.
• Listing features → Add so / as a result to show the outcome.
• Repeating the same word → Swap in reduce / improve / prevent / allow.
• Finishing early → Add one tiny example (time/place/number).
• Harsh tone → Use polite, firm language; avoid attacking the other side.

Two short drills

Drill 1 — 30-second outline: Write [Position / A / B / Wrap] for any opinion prompt.
Drill 2 — 90-second speak: Use POINT. On replay, check: two reasons, two tiny examples, clean wrap.

Micro-checklist before you speak

• Position in the first line
• Two different reasons
• One small example for each reason
• Optional one-line nod to the other side
• Clear, short wrap; steady pace