language learning center · B2 · Lesson 1
Nuanced opinions
State a clear position while showing limits, exceptions, and degrees of certainty.
Understand and learn
Work from a natural example to useful language, one small pattern, a spoken attempt, and a response that is relevant to your life.
Maya
Remote work is often more flexible, although it depends on the kind of work you do.
Maya gives a position and immediately limits it.
Leo
I largely agree, but I would not say it suits everyone equally well.
Leo agrees without treating the claim as universal.
Maya
That is fair. To some extent, flexibility can also make it harder to switch off.
Maya concedes a point and adds a qualified concern.
Leo
On balance, I still prefer it, provided that expectations remain realistic.
Leo reaches a conclusion with a condition.
Notice, try, and speak
Understand a natural example and learn a small set of useful words, phrases, and patterns.
Useful words and phrases
These items were selected by the lesson curriculum for practical use—not extracted as an every-word list.
I largely agree, but…
Agree with a reservation.
I largely agree, but I would not say it suits everyone equally well.
To some extent,…
Limit the strength of a claim.
That is fair. To some extent, flexibility can also make it harder to switch off.
I would not say that…
Disagree carefully.
I largely agree, but I would not say it suits everyone equally well.
On balance,…
Give an overall judgement.
On balance, I still prefer it, provided that expectations remain realistic.
provided that…
Add a necessary condition.
On balance, I still prefer it, provided that expectations remain realistic.
Notice, try, and speak
Which response gives a clear but qualified opinion?
Make it yours
Give a nuanced opinion in English using one hedge, one contrast, and one condition.
Choose a topic on which your real opinion includes an exception or limitation.
Use it with someone
Express a qualified opinion in English
- 1. I largely agree, but…
- 2. To some extent,…
- 3. I would not say that…
- 4. On balance,…
- 5. provided that…