General English Level 3 GELEV3 Unit 04 Topic 05.doc LANGUAGE FOCUS 02 Written opinions Do you have strong feelings about something? Find out how to write about your opinion. Jo Hiller and Keith Walker write: Keith Walker: I think they should spend less time at parties and with their friends and more time studying to prepare for their future. Jo Hiller: I don't think they should get so much money. Jo Hiller: …I feel that CEOs who have too much money should help these people. Jo Hiller: I believe that CEOs should give some of the company's profits back to the community. We use I think (that), I don't think (that), I feel (that), I don't feel (that), I believe (that), I don't believe (that) when we talk or write about our opinions. We often use should in the clause that follows these verbs. LOOK think feel believe (that) they should spend less time at parties. CEOs should help these people. I don't think don't feel don't believe (that) they should get so much money. people should pay more tax. Examples 1. I think the government should help poor people. 2. I don't think that people should have to pay for education. 3. I don't think money makes people happy. 4. I feel that we should spend more money on education. 5. I believe people should pay less tax. Jo Hiller and Keith Walker write: Jo Hiller: I'm writing to complain that we pay CEOs of companies too much. Keith Walker: In my opinion, young people should study harder and think about the future. Jo Hiller: Personally, I believe that CEOs should give some of the company's profits back to the community. Sometimes when we write our opinion, we begin by writing I'm writing to… + our reason for writing. We can also use Personally and In my opinion to begin a sentence. 149 QUESTLANGUAGE