What raters reward
A clear stance held throughout (Task Fulfillment), two developed reasons with examples (Content/Coherence), opinion and topic vocabulary (Vocabulary), and fluent, well-paced delivery across a long 90 seconds (Listenability).
Your time plan
Prep (30s) — Choose the side you can support best and lock two distinct reasons, each with an example. Don't argue both sides.
Speak (90s) — State your opinion (~10s) → reason 1 + example (~35s) → reason 2 + example (~35s) → restate (~10s).
How to structure it
Fill the [slots] with your own ideas — adapt the frames, don't recite them.
1. State your opinion
— Take a clear position in the first sentence.
2. Reason 1 + example
— Your strongest reason with a concrete example.
3. Reason 2 + example
— A second, different reason and example.
4. Restate
— Sum up your position confidently.
1 State your opinion ~10s
No fence-sitting — pick yes or no and commit.
Grammar Opinion phrase + that-clause
Phrases to adapt
- This is a debated topic, but I firmly believe that [stance].
- In my view, [stance], and I'll explain why.
2 Reason 1 + example ~35s
Develop it: claim → example → why it matters.
Grammar Reason + example (for instance, because)
Phrases to adapt
- My main reason is [reason]. For instance, [example].
- To begin with, [reason], which shows that [point].
3 Reason 2 + example ~35s
Choose a fresh angle so it isn't a repeat.
Grammar Addition + result
Phrases to adapt
- Another important reason is [reason].
- A good example of this is [example].
4 Restate ~10s
Tie back to your opinion; don't add new points.
Grammar Conclusion
Phrases to adapt
- So, considering these points, I'm convinced that [stance].
- All in all, [restated opinion].
Useful vocabulary
Vocabulary is one of the four scored dimensions — weave a few in (don't force all of them).
Stating an opinion
in my viewI'm convinced thatpersonallyas far as I'm concernedI'd argue that
Supporting it
for one thinga clear example isin practicethis matters because
Emphasis
above allwhat's morethe key point isundeniably
Common mistakes to avoid
- Arguing both sides instead of taking one.
- Finishing early — 90 seconds needs two developed reasons.
- Reasons without examples.
- Drifting off the actual question.
Quick tips
- Commit to one side immediately.
- Signpost (First… Second… Finally…) so it's easy to follow.
- Use the full 90 seconds with two example-backed reasons.
Put it into practice
Try Expressing Opinions with this template
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