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General English · Speaking · A2

Expressing opinions and preferences

State a preference, give a reason and ask for another view.

Lesson 11 · About 18 minutes

Learn: your objectives

  • Separate a personal preference from a fact about everyone.
  • Support a simple opinion politely.

Warm-up

Think about these questions. Say a short answer aloud.

  • Do you prefer reading at home or in a library?
  • Can two friends prefer different things?

Useful language

Your view

I prefer … because …

Give a preference and a reason.

I prefer morning classes because I feel more awake.

For me, …

Mark a personal view rather than a universal fact.

For me, a quiet place is best for reading.

What do you think?

Invite another view.

I'd choose a small group. What do you think?

Notice: model speaking

Read aloud. Notice how the speakers use the phrases and respond to each other.

Rob: Would you rather study alone or with a group?

Zarina: I prefer a small group because I can ask questions. What about you?

Rob: I usually study alone. For me, it's easier to concentrate.

Zarina: I see. Maybe we can study separately first and discuss the hard questions later.

Rob: That sounds useful.

Speaking strategy

Give your opinion, one reason and space for a different answer. A different preference does not need to become an argument.

Pronunciation & fluency focus

Use a gentle pause before because to organise your reason. Practise ‘I prefer … / because …’ with three different everyday choices.

Teaching guidance, not an analysis of your voice.

Use: controlled practice

Choose a useful response for each situation. Check when all questions are answered. These are phrase exercises, not a speaking assessment.

1. Which statement clearly marks a personal preference?
2. Add a relevant reason for preferring a library.
3. Invite a different view after your opinion.
4. Your partner prefers a different activity. Respond politely.
5. Which answer is best supported?

Build your answer

Write a few keywords. Then look away and speak. Notes stay on this page only.

Speak: your challenge

Speak for one minute about whether you prefer eating at home or in a café. Give a reason and example, then acknowledge one reason someone might choose differently.

There is no correct preference. Aim for a clear, respectful explanation.

Speak aloud. This page does not record, listen to or assess your speech. There is no automatic speaking score.

Self-check

Open to everyone. Answers, notes and checklists are not saved to an account. These original lessons use level labels to organize learning; completion is not official CEFR certification or proof of a level.