Enhance your English language functions and boost up your Linguaskill (Bulats) score.
Language Functions refer to the different situations where we use language. Often, the meaning of expressions we use is not easy to understand from the words of the sentence. For example, a person could say ‘I see what you mean but …’ and the meaning of the sentence is understand what you are saying but my opinion is different.’
In BULATS, your knowledge of Language Functions will be tested. You will see examples of Language Functions in the Reading texts and you will hear people use them in the Listening audios. They are also important in the Writing Test and the Speaking Test. If you can understand the different nuances of meaning, you will improve your score.
This exercise will give you examples of typical expressions that are used to express your opinion effectively.
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Giving your opinion |
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Elementary |
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I think the price is too high. |
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I don’t think the price is right. |
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In my opinion, that’s a good price. |
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Intermediate |
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If I were you, I’d say yes. |
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From his point of view, the price is too high. |
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The way I see it is we have to change the price. |
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I feel the price is too high. |
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I really don’t think the price is right. |
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Advanced |
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I assume that’s your best price? |
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Am I right to think that’s your best price? |
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I’m not sure, it could be OK. |
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This could well be the best price on the market. |
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As far as I’m concerned, this is a good price. |
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I can’t help thinking that this is a good price. |
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Is it a good price? It is and it isn’t (then explain). |
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Is it a good price? Yes and no (then explain). |
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Expressing certainty |
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Elementary |
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I believe this is a good price. |
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In my opinion, this is a good price. |
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I really think this is a good price. |
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Intermediate |
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I’m certain this is a good price. |
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I strongly believe this is a good price. |
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Personally, my opinion is that this is a good price. |
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To be honest, this is a good price. |
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Advanced |
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I could be wrong but I think this is a good price. |
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I may be wrong but I think this is a good price. |
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There’s no doubt that this is a good price. |
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I’m absolutely sure that this is a good price. |
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Obviously, this is a good price. |
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Expressing Approval & Disapproval |
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Elementary |
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It was good/great/super! |
It was bad/awful/rubbish! |
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I liked it. |
I disliked it. |
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Intermediate |
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I rather enjoyed that. |
I didn’t really enjoy that. |
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I was impressed with ( + output or deed of a person)/by (+ person’s doing or deed) … |
I wasn’t really impressed with ( + output or deed of a person)/by (+ person’s doing or deed) … |
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Advanced |
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What stood out for me was … |
What I didn’t get was … |
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It was really worthwhile. |
It was a waste of time. |
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Elementary |
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Agreeing |
Disagreeing |
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I agree. |
I disagree/I don’t agree. |
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You’re right. |
You’re not right. |
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I think so, too. |
I don’t think so. |
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So do I./So am I. |
Neither do I./Neither am I. |
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I think you’re right. |
I’m sorry but I think you’re wrong. |
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Intermediate |
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I see what you mean, yes … |
I see what you mean, but … |
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That’s just what I was thinking. |
I was thinking of something else |
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I totally agree. |
I totally disagree. |
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That’s a good point. |
I’m not sure that’s a good point. |
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That’s brilliant! |
That’s ridiculous! |
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Advanced |
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I suppose so. |
I rather doubt that. |
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I take your point (formal). |
I beg to differ (formal). |
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That’s so true! |
That’s so untrue! |
