Transitions 11 確信ある意見を述べる

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Transitions 7では、強い意見を裏付けるための重要なエビデンスの提示の仕方について学びました。このレッスンでは、確信ある意見をはっきり述べることに焦点を当てます。トピックは多様性です。

Introduction

In Transitions lesson 9, you worked on adding emphasis, so try to use that language with the new phrases in this lesson to give strong opinions.

Students will be well aware that they are expected to express their opinions on a variety of issues in speaking tests such as the G.B.C. The object of this lesson is to encourage them to offer decisive opinions which indicate a high degree of certainty that they are right (whether or not they actually are). Adding evidence to back up their opinions makes them more likely to score higher on the 'could not defend positions effectively' part in the Communication of Information category in the G.B.C. test.

The topic area here may be a contentious one, and students certainly shouldn't be penalized for expressing perhaps dubious opinions. The point is to encourage them to use a variety of phrases. Stress again that this lends flexibility and authenticity to their language use.

You can change the topics and questions if you like. The real focus here is on using transitions.

Warm Up

Do you think there is a good balance between men and women in your company? Why or why not?

It is very likely that students won't have much to say in this part (unless they feel strongly about the issue), but in any case, limit the discussion to 2–3 minutes. Don't ask them to offer solutions to the under-representation of women in their company as we will cover that later in the lesson.

Before looking at the phrases for expressing strong opinions in the Language section, review some of the ways of expressing opinions.

Elicit ways of giving opinions from the student. The student will probably come up with:

I think, or
I believe or
In my opinion.
(Offer praise for more sophisticated phrases.)

Extra note:

Here's an anecdote to spice up your lesson. One of the most talented people in America is Donald Glover. He's been a writer on 30 Rock, a successful standup comedian, a Grammy award-winning rapper (as Childish Gambino), a star TV actor on the sitcom Community and star film actor as Lando in the Solo film, and he's created and directed his own Emmy-winning TV show Atlanta.

He was originally hired as a "diversity hire," meaning he was first hired as a writer because he's African American. So, it is undeniable that "diversity hires" can bring a lot to an organization.

Language

Work with your teacher and define each phrase, then give an example of it, and use it to give a very quick answer to a cultural question.

Clearly,... — Everyone can see this.
There is no question in my mind that... — I'm convinced that what I'm about to say is true.
It goes without saying that... — This is obvious, and everyone knows it.
There can be no doubt whatsoever that... — This is 100% true.
It is undeniable that... — It is certain.
Nothing could be further from the truth. — What I said previously is what some people think, but here are the real facts.

In some speaking tests, giving strong opinions means better scores (showing enthusiasm, not seeming nervous and successfully defending positions are scored). That means you should give strong opinions, even if they are not your honest opinions.

Note: For struggling students, elicit the adjectives/sentences from the student before adding the transition phrase. For higher levels, you may be able to skip right to the question.

Guide to this lesson: Diversity can be a little tricky or touchy as it represents people's core beliefs. Here are some positive directions this can go.

Do you appreciate a diverse culinary scene? (Do people from other countries make good or interesting food?)
What do you think of:
- diversity in politics in terms of gender, socioeconomic status (rich and poor), or background (business, academia or being a professional politician)?
- diversity in the workplace in terms of work experience?
- diversity in entertainment? (Do people with different experiences make interesting TV shows, movies, or music?)
- diversity in education? (Is it beneficial to study abroad, or study with people who have a different experience than you?)

When you are sure that your student is comfortable with the meaning of these phrases, work through them using the examples below.

1. Clearly...
E.g.: It is a fact that women are often paid less than men for performing the same role. Clearly, this is a situation that needs to change.
Practice: Put "clearly" into this sentence: A media company in America was recently found to be paying women and minorities lower wages for equal work compared to white men. This is not an acceptable practice.
Question: Is there a wage gap in your country?

2. There is no question in my mind that...
E.g.: Diversity in the workplace is extremely important. There is no question in my mind that diversity brings innovation. The more input we have, the better the solution will be.
Practice: Can you think of a strong opinion about food? (E.g., There's no question that tacos are the best food. I don't mean my favorite. I mean the. best. food. No question.)
Question: What are the benefits of a diverse culinary scene? (More choice = better food, right?)

3. It goes without saying that...
E.g.: It goes without saying that when it comes to intelligence, men and women are equal.
Practice: What's another thing that is so obvious, you shouldn't even need to say it? (E.g., We shouldn't hire based on IQ alone; EQ is just as important. It goes without saying that in my company, people need to work together.)
Question: Do you think that women have better skills than men in certain areas?

4. There can be no doubt whatsoever that... / There's no doubt that...
E.g.: There can be no doubt whatsoever that we need more diversity in top positions of global companies.
Practice: Can you give me a strong, simple opinion about diversity? (E.g., There's no doubt that there is strength in diversity.)
Question: Do you agree that diversity adds creativity or variety to decisions?

5. It is undeniable that...
E.g.: It is undeniable that democratic governments should represent all people, so all types of people should be in government!
Practice: Can you give me a strong, simple opinion about the internet? (E.g., It is undeniable that the internet is changing quickly / It is undeniable that #metoo changed history.)
Question: What do you think about diversity in politics?

6. Nothing could be further from the truth
E.g.: Some people argue that men are better managers than women. Nothing could be further from the truth! Women are as good, or sometimes even better, at managing people as men are.
Practice: Tell me about a misconception about your job or industry, and correct it. "Some people think [common belief]. Nothing could be further from the truth! Actually, [real truth]."
Question 1: Some people believe it's better to work with similar people rather than on a diverse team. Do you agree?

For quick-finishers

Add more useful phrases. You can copy and paste the following into the chat and make sure the student knows their use (i.e., they are all ways of saying "I think..."').