How to Give Your Opinion in IELTS Speaking | Useful Phrases & Tips

In the IELTS Speaking test, particularly in Parts 2 and 3, expressing your opinion clearly and confidently is a vital skill. The examiner wants to hear how well you can develop and justify your ideas using appropriate language. Whether you're talking about your preferences, giving reasons, or analyzing both sides of a topic, being able to give your opinion fluently and naturally can significantly boost your score.

This blog will guide you through giving your opinion, common expressions to use, strategies to expand your answers, and the types of questions where your opinion is required.

Why Giving Your Opinion is Important in IELTS Speaking?

Giving an opinion demonstrates your ability to use complex structures, IELTS Vocabulary for argumentation, and discourse markers. It’s also an opportunity to showcase fluency and coherence, two key scoring criteria. You’ll often be asked for your opinion in:

• IELTS Speaking Part 1: Personal preferences and choices (e.g., “Do you enjoy reading?”)
• IELTS Speaking Part 2: A personal experience or situation where a concluding opinion might be added
• IELTS Speaking Part 3: Broader and more abstract topics, often requiring comparison or evaluation (e.g., “Do you think technology has made our lives better?”)

How to Structure Your Opinion Effectively?

To give a strong and well-supported opinion, follow the PEEL method:

• Point – State your opinion clearly.
• Explain – Justify your opinion with reasons.
• Example – Give a relevant example from personal experience or general knowledge.
• Link – Conclude or connect to another idea, if needed.

Example:

“In my opinion, technology has improved our lives. For example, it’s much easier to stay in touch with family and friends through video calls. This makes communication faster and more accessible. So, I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.”

Updated and Useful Phrases to Express Your Opinion

Here is a list of natural and commonly used expressions for stating your views:

Basic Expressions

• In my opinion…
• I think…
• I believe…
• From my perspective…
• To me…

Advanced and Natural Phrases

• If you ask me…
• The way I see it…
• As far as I’m concerned…
• It seems to me that…
• I’m convinced that…
• I’d say that…

Expressing Agreement or Disagreement

• I absolutely/strongly/totally agree with that.
• I partially agree because…
• I’m afraid I don’t agree.
• I have to disagree here.
• I can see both sides, but…

Emphasising an Opinion

• It is my firm belief that…
• I’m 100% sure that…
• I’d like to point out that…
• What I truly believe is that…

Common IELTS Speaking Questions Requiring an Opinion

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, questions often prompt opinion-based answers. Here are a few examples and how you might answer:

Q: Do you think young people today spend too much time on their phones?

“Yes, I do think so. In my opinion, many teenagers are addicted to social media and spend several hours daily on their phones. This can affect their productivity and mental health. For instance, I know a few classmates who struggle to focus on studies due to phone distractions.”

Q: Should governments invest more in public transport?

“Absolutely. I strongly believe public transport is essential for reducing pollution and traffic congestion. For example, in cities with efficient metro systems, people tend to use private vehicles less. So yes, governments should prioritise funding in this area.”

How to Extend Your Opinion Without Repeating?

Here are some techniques to help you extend your answers:

1. Use Comparisons

“Compared to the past, I think people are more health-conscious today.”

2. Provide Examples

“For example, many of my friends now go to the gym regularly and eat organic food.”

3. Speculate About the Future

“I believe this trend will continue as people become more aware of their well-being.”

4. Give the Other Side (Then Return to Your View)

“Some people might argue that fast food is more convenient, but I think health should be the top priority.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Giving Opinions

Avoid these pitfalls during the speaking test:

• Being too brief: One-line answers won’t help. Always explain why.
• Going off-topic: Stay focused on the question.
• Using unnatural expressions: Avoid memorized, robotic phrases.
• Repeating the same word or phrase: Use a variety of opinion expressions.
• Sounding unsure: Speak confidently even if you’re making up an answer.

Pronunciation and Intonation Tips for Opinion Statements

The way you express your opinion matters just as much as the words you choose. Make sure to:

• Stress key words: Emphasize the words that carry meaning in your sentence.
• Use natural intonation: Avoid sounding flat or monotone.
• Pause appropriately: Pause after stating your opinion to let it sink in before explaining.

Practice Tips: How to Build Confidence in Giving Opinions

1. Record Yourself: Practice speaking on different topics and listen back.
2. Use Flashcards: Write different opinion phrases and randomly use them in mock answers.
3. Get Feedback: Practice with a partner or teacher who can correct and guide you.
4. Watch Sample Speaking Tests: Observe how candidates express their views and learn from their phrasing and delivery.

Giving your opinion is not just about saying “I think…” — it's about expressing yourself clearly, logically, and fluently. With the right vocabulary, structured answers, and consistent practice, you can enhance both your confidence and your  IELTS Band Score in the IELTS Speaking test.

Useful Links:

• How to Prepare a Cue Card for IELTS Speaking
• What to Do if You Forget What to Say During IELTS Speaking Test?
• Latest IELTS Speaking Vocabulary to Boost Your Score
• How to Express Your Mixed Feelings in IELTS Writing & Speaking?
• 10 Useful Structures to Express Contrasting Ideas in IELTS Speaking & Writing Task 2
• 75+ Common English Words Used in IELTS Speaking Test
• 5 Silly Things You Say To Decrease Your IELTS Speaking Band Score
• Reasons for the IELTS examiner to interrupt you in IELTS Speaking