Task 7: Expressing Opinions
Format
- 30 seconds to prepare, 90 seconds to speak.
- A question asks for your opinion on a topic.
- Express a clear position and support it with reasons and examples.
Strategies
Example
Answer the following question.
Do you think schools should adopt a year-round schedule with shorter breaks, or should they maintain the traditional schedule with a long summer break? Explain your reasons.
I firmly believe that schools should adopt a year-round schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks, and I have several compelling reasons for this position.
My primary argument is that the traditional long summer break leads to significant learning loss. Research consistently shows that students forget a substantial portion of what they learned during a two-month absence from school. Teachers then spend the first several weeks of each fall semester reviewing material from the previous year, which is an inefficient use of valuable instructional time. With shorter breaks distributed throughout the year, this problem would be dramatically reduced.
Additionally, a year-round schedule provides more consistent support for working families. Many parents struggle to arrange affordable childcare during the lengthy summer vacation, which creates both financial stress and inequality. Families with fewer resources are disproportionately affected by this challenge.
While some might argue that children need the long summer break for rest and recreation, I would counter that shorter, more regular breaks actually provide better opportunities for meaningful rest. Students can recharge every few months without the boredom and loss of routine that often accompanies an extended summer vacation.
In conclusion, adopting a year-round schedule would improve academic outcomes, support families more effectively, and still provide students with adequate time for rest and recreation. It is, in my view, the clear choice for modern education.
- Strategy #1 (Clear position): Takes an unambiguous stance from the outset with "I firmly believe."
- Strategy #2 (2-3 distinct reasons): Two well-developed reasons are provided: reduced learning loss and better support for working families, each with specific evidence.
- Strategy #3 (Use extra time wisely): The third paragraph addresses and counters the opposing viewpoint: "While some might argue...I would counter that..."
- Strategy #4 (Opinion language): Uses "in my view," "I firmly believe," and "I would counter" consistently throughout.
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