Learning to express opinions accurately and formally is crucial for success in IELTS. The phrase “in the opinion of” is a sophisticated way to present views, especially in academic writing and formal speaking contexts.
Use of ‘from my point of view’ for opinion is one way to express opinions, but “in the opinion of” offers a more formal alternative, particularly when referring to experts or authorities.
Structure and Usage
The basic structure is:
“In the opinion of + noun/noun phrase + clause”
Examples:
- “In the opinion of many experts, climate change poses the greatest threat to our planet.”
- “In the opinion of leading economists, digital currencies will revolutionize global trade.”
Using In the Opinion of in IELTS Writing
Applications in IELTS Writing
In my view, incorporating this phrase effectively can help achieve higher band scores. Here are specific applications:
Task 2 Essays
- Introduction: “In the opinion of many social scientists, technological advancement has both positive and negative impacts on society.”
- Body paragraphs: “In the opinion of educational researchers, traditional classroom learning still holds significant advantages over online education.”
IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Expression Examples
Speaking Test Applications
Similar to Use of ‘it seems to me that’ for opinion, this phrase can be used effectively in Part 3 discussions:
Example responses:
- “In the opinion of my generation, social media has become essential for maintaining relationships.”
- “In the opinion of local residents, the new transportation system has significantly improved urban mobility.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect preposition usage:
- ❌ “In the opinion from experts…”
- ✓ “In the opinion of experts…”
- Missing article:
- ❌ “In opinion of researcher…”
- ✓ “In the opinion of researchers…”
Use of ‘in my opinion’ for opinion shows how personal opinions can be expressed, but when citing others, maintain proper structure.
Band Score Enhancement
To achieve higher bands (7+):
- Combine with other sophisticated structures
- Use with specific referencing
Example: “In the opinion of renowned environmentalist Dr. James Smith, urban farming could transform food security in metropolitan areas.”
IELTS Band Score Improvement Techniques
Practice Exercises
- Rewrite these sentences using “in the opinion of”:
- “Doctors think exercise is essential.”
- “Scientists believe renewable energy is the future.”
- “Education experts say early learning is crucial.”
- Create complex sentences combining multiple viewpoints:
“While in the opinion of traditionalists, handwriting remains crucial, digital literacy advocates argue differently.”
Remember to practice these structures regularly and incorporate them naturally into your IELTS preparation.
