For the teacher:

Guide learners through the four rule cards in about four minutes and read the examples aloud.

Let students complete the twelve practice tasks alone or in pairs, then check answers together.

For the learner:

Read each rule carefully first and look at how the underlined phrases start each sentence.

Next, solve the twelve practice questions step by step and check the hints in brackets if you get stuck.

Giving your own view

Start with In my opinion, put a comma, and write a full sentence. You can also use I think or I believe before a full sentence. You can keep or drop the word that.

• In my opinion, a good zoo gives its animals a lot of space.

• I believe wild animals need room to roam freely.

Sounding less strong

To speak more gently, use I'm not sure that or I don't think that with a positive statement. Put the negative word on think, not at the end. This pattern sounds much softer and more natural.

• I'm not sure that a big enclosure is enough for a lion.

• I don't think that keeping wild birds in cages is cruel.

Agreeing with someone

Use short answers like That's true or You're right, and add a reason with because. You can say I agree with a person or I agree that before a sentence. Never say I am agree.

• I agree with you because keepers look after the animals every day.

• You're right, wildlife parks educate children about nature.

Disagreeing politely

First accept a small part of their idea with That's true or I see your point. Next, connect with but and share your view. This is much kinder than saying someone is wrong.

• I see your point, but a small zoo can still be a good home for some animals.

• That's true, but an aquarium can protect an endangered reptile species.