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Language Focus – Phrases for Agreeing and Disagreeing

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English for Journalism

University of Pennsylvania

4.8 (1,207 ratings) | 96K Students Enrolled

Welcome to English for Journalism, a course created by the University of Pennsylvania, and funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs. To enroll in this course for free, click on “Enroll now” and then select "Full Course. No certificate." This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in developing the skills needed for a career in modern journalism. In this course, you will explore print and digital media through authentic readings and video lectures, while expanding your vocabulary and increasing your ability to read, research, and develop local and global news stories. Unit 1 will provide an introduction to the history and principles of journalism. In unit 2, you will learn how to research, pitch, and interview. The next unit in the course will focus on the language needed to write newspaper and magazine articles, while unit 4 will cover the basics of broadcasting the news. In the final unit of the course, you will analyze the growth, impact, and challenges of digital news, while completing a reflection assignment that allows you to think about and discuss the recent changes to the field of journalism. Unless otherwise noted, all course materials are available for re-use, repurposing and free distribution under a Creative Commons 4.0 Attribution license. Supplemental reading materials were provided by Newsela, which publishes daily news articles at a level that's just right for each English language learner.

Skills You'll Learn

English Grammar, News Reporting, English Language, Broadcast

Reviews

4.8 (1,207 ratings)

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JR

Mar 03, 2017

One of the best courses I have finished in the last years. A very well organized and dynamic course. Teachers with a lot of experience and good expertise in the area of teaching. 100% recommended!

TG

Dec 25, 2017

This course is very essential for both professionals and non professionals. It raises essential points on the subject matter and builds english language ability. I thank the university very much!

From the lesson

Unit 1: Introduction and Principles of Journalism

In this unit, you will first learn about how the course works. Then we will explore the history of journalism, as well as important principles, or ideas, that make good journalism possible.

Principles of Journalism 1: Gathering Sources6:49

Principles of Journalism 2: Telling the Story5:31

Language Focus – Word Families6:26

Principles of Journalism 3: Impacting People6:11

Language Focus – Phrases for Agreeing and Disagreeing6:00

Taught By

John Cotton
Manager of Instructional Staff Development
Eve Litt
Language Specialist

Hello, welcome to this unit one Language Focus Video on phrases for

agreeing and disagreeing.

In this video, we'll talk about phrases you can use to express your opinion,

and to agree or disagree with someone else's opinion.

This is important as we prepare for our discussion board.

When discussing opinions, there are words and

phrases that can sound more appropriate and polite.

In most academic, professional, and even social situations,

the goal is to have a discussion, not an argument.

It's important to choose your words carefully, so that everyone feels

welcome to share their opinion and participate in the conversation.

Let's start with expressing your opinion.

Here are several phrases that signal to the listener that the speaker

is about to give an opinion.

First, in my opinion.

My point of view on this is.

In my experience.

Personally, I think, or, I strongly believe, or, I really feel that.

Here's an example of a strong opinion.

I strongly believe that governments should not control the media.

In my experience, when governments control the media,

people cannot make informed choices.

In my opinion, the press should be free to print without fear of being punished.

Now, let's talk about phrases we can use to agree with someone else's opinion.

First, what can you say if you completely agree with someone?

Absolutely, I agree with you 100%.

I see what you mean, you're right, that's a good point.

I couldn't agree with you more, exactly.

That's just what I was thinking.

These phrases are used to agree with someone's opinion, and

are usually followed by a paraphrase, the same opinion using different words.

For example, I agree with you 100%.

Newspapers cannot help people make decisions if they only

print the government's views.

I couldn't agree with you more.

When governments control the news, people start to distrust the government.

But what if you disagree with an opinion?

Let's use these phrases.

I'm sorry to disagree with you, but.

I'm afraid I must disagree.

Yes, but don't you think.

These phrases signal disagreement, but

notice they're still appropriate and polite.

In an academic setting like college or university,

you generally don't hear people say things like,

you're wrong or that's just not true.

In most public areas, schools or the press or the government,

people will disagree, but they will disagree in respectful ways.

Disagreeing doesn't always result in an argument.

For example, I'm afraid I must disagree.

The government's job is to keep its people safe.

Don't you think that if the press is allowed to write extreme

views people could get upset and become violent?

Or I’m sorry to disagree with you, but

the press shouldn't write articles that could create problems for the government.

Finally, some situations are more formal than others.

For example, if I were speaking with a member of government or

the president of the university,

I would use formal language to more softly disagree with someone else.

Here are some phrases you can use in more formal situations to softly and

politely disagree.

I see your opinion, but.

I'm not so sure about that.

I understand what you are saying, but.

Here you acknowledge what they're saying, but

also separate your thoughts from their argument.

For example, I understand what you are saying, but

the government must work with the press.

The press needs to report on events with the government.

To summarize, these phrases will help you express your opinions as well as agree or

disagree with others in academic and professional discussions.

Try to use these phrases in your next assessment,

you'll be asked to express your opinion and respond to other students opinions.

These phrases will help you communicate clearly,

appropriately, and politely.

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