Group discussion – WJECExpressing an opinion

Being able to present ideas and opinions in an organised manner in a group discussion involves thorough planning, research and organisation. Consider which language patterns and vocabulary to use.

Part ofWelsh Second Language (WJEC)Speaking and listening

Expressing an opinion

You should always express an opinion during the discussion. There are a variety of ways you could do this.

Question

There are a number of expressions that can be used when giving your opinion. Match the following expressions with the correct English translation.

WelshEnglish
Yn fy marn iI think that
Dw i’n credu bodIn my opinion
Dw i’n meddwl bodI prefer
Dw i’n cytunoI like
Dw i’n anghytunoI believe that
Mae’n well gen iI disagree
Dw i’n hoffiI don’t like
Dydw i ddim yn hoffiI agree
WelshYn fy marn i
EnglishI think that
WelshDw i’n credu bod
EnglishIn my opinion
WelshDw i’n meddwl bod
EnglishI prefer
WelshDw i’n cytuno
EnglishI like
WelshDw i’n anghytuno
EnglishI believe that
WelshMae’n well gen i
EnglishI disagree
WelshDw i’n hoffi
EnglishI don’t like
WelshDydw i ddim yn hoffi
EnglishI agree

You could also use the conditional and future tense when expressing opinions.

Here are some examples.

  • Yn fy marn i, dylai pobl ifanc wneud mwy o i .
  • Yn fy marn i, dylen ni wneud ymarfer corff .
  • Yn fy marn i, gallen ni fwyta llai o siwgr.
  • Dw i’n credu dylech chi fwyta mwy o a ffrwythau.

Look at Various tenses for more information on the conditional tense.

Question

Look at these statements, where young people express their opinions about eating healthily.

  1. Dw i’n meddwl dylai pawb fwyta mwy o ffrwythau a llysiau er mwyn bod yn fwy iach.
  2. Yn fy marn i, mae'n bwysig cael diet achos mae'n helpu i .
  3. Dw i'n bwyta’n iach ond mae'n well gen i fwyta achos mae'n fwy .
  4. Dw i'n credu dylai pawb gadw'n heini.

What are the Welsh expressions for...?

  • I prefer
  • I believe
  • In my opinion
  • I think

Read again. In which sentences are these expressions seen?

Presenting your opinion is a good opportunity to show off your vocabulary.

Here are some useful words and expressions to help you.

  • hefyd – also
  • chwaith – neither
  • felly – so/therefore
  • wedyn – then
  • nesaf – next
  • efallai – perhaps
  • weithiau – sometimes
  • fel – such as
  • yn arbennig – especially
  • yn ffodus – fortunately
  • yn anffodus - unfortunately

Here are some examples of idioms you could use.

ar hyn o brydat the moment

a dweud y gwirto be honest

wrth gwrsof course

yn awr ac yn y mannow and again

o dro i drofrom time to time

fel arferusually

erbyn hynby now

ar y llaw arallon the other hand

trwy’r amserall the time