Unit 4: Opinions

Introduction to Unit 4

This unit is about agreeing and disagreeing, giving advice and expressing feelings.

NOW GO TO THE FIRST SECTION: Dialogue

Dialogue

Read the following dialogue between two friends, Ben and Theo, discussing different subjects at school. Ben likes Maths and their new Maths teacher, Mr Smith, but Theo disagrees.

Ben: Hey Theo, how are you? Theo: Not great! You? Ben: I’m fine thanks. What’s wrong? Theo: I have Maths and Science today. It’s a horrible day! Ben: What’s wrong ...

Vocabulary

Now let’s look at some of the words and phrases from the conversation in more detail.

“Not great” is a common negative answer to the question “How are you?”. It means “not fine”. Other examples of negative answers to “How are you?” include, “not good”, “bad” ...

Comprehension Questions

Now go back and read the conversation again, and try to answer the following questions about it. After this, discuss your answers with a friend.

Why is Theo “not great” today? (1 mark) Why does Theo not like Mr Smith? (1 mark) What is the new method that Mr Smith taught his children? (1 mark) ...

Grammar

The following grammar points are about the past simple tense, the use of the words “can” and “could”, and conditional statements. Try the accompanying exercises to practise them.

Regular and irregular past simple tense Ben spoke in the past simple tense when he said, “He told us that funny story about his children and their Maths homework. They ...

Writing

Practise your written English by answering one of the following writing activities. Try to use new vocabulary and grammar from this unit, and practice reading it out loud – this is a great way to spot mistakes. You could also swap your piece of writing with a friend to correct it.

What do you think of maths and science? Do you agree or disagree with Theo? Explain why, and offer Theo some advice based on your own experience. Write about your ...