Function: Disagreeing and Presenting an Opposing Opinion or Argument

Polite Statement (give face)

1. Thats a valid point,
2. You have a good point,
3. You brought up a point
4. That is true,
5. I see what youre saying,
6. That makes sense,
7. Very true,
8. I hate to disagree with you
9. I wish I could agree with you,

Contradiction
A. but
B. however
C. on the other hand

D. but don't forget that

Opposing Opinion or Argument

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

I disagree because
Im not so sure I agree because
we must also consider
I'm afraid I have to disagree with you because
I wouldn't say that. I would

Step 1 | Practice Disagreeing and Presenting an Opposing Opinion or Argument

Work with your partner. Look at the example below, then read through statements 1-3. Can you use different pattern
from the function to make similar statements?
EXAMPLE

Opening Statement:
A: You should risk everything for your dreams.
Polite Statement
Contradiction
B: I see what youre saying,

however,

Opposing Opinion or Argument

Im not so sure I agree, because not all dreams are
the right kind of dream.

Destiny is a matter of chance.

1

You have a good point

but

I disagree because I believe that destiny can be a

matter of choice. You shouldnt wait for it, you must
achieve it.

You dont really need to have written goals.

2

I wish I could agree with you

but dont forget that

people with clear written goals accomplish far more

in a shorter time than people without them could
ever imagine.

Average people have wishes and hopes.

Thats a valid point,

on the other hand

we must also consider that confident people have

goals and plans.

Step 2 | Do You Really Agree?

Work with your partner. Look at the following statements
and see in which ways you disagree with them. Find one
opposing argument for each, then choose one of the patterns
from the function to express your disagreement.

You can achieve great things without effort.

The man on top of the mountain just fell there.

Trying new things is dangerous because unforeseen

things can happen and you can get into trouble.

Step 3 | Small Group Discussion

Get together in groups of three. Look at the following
statements and find opposing arguments. Then share your
arguments with the other members in the group, using the
function.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Work is the most important thing in life.

Everyone should have written goals.
Men are more successful than women.
Theres no point in trying hard; some people will
never achieve anything.
How much you can achieve in life depends only on
your own choices.

The roots of true achievement

lie in the will to become the best
you can become.
Harold Taylor