Section One

Language Devices

1. Students are expected to extend their ability to introduce their opinions, to express ideas tentatively and to ask each other to explain their points of view.
£ £ In my opinion,¡­
£ £ As far as I'm concerned¡­
£ £ I'd like to point out that¡­
£ £ The way I look at it is this¡­
£ £ I'm afraid I'm not quite clear what you mean by¡­
£ £ Excuse me, but¡­
2. Here are some topics for discussion. You're encouraged to use the above expressions.
£ £ 1. What sport is most popular in your hometown? Why?
£ £ 2. What are the favorite sports on school campus? Why?
£ £ 3. What do you know about qigong?
£ £ 4. Do you believe in qigong? Explain.
3. Functional expressions:
Permission
asking for permission
Anybody mind if I take the position?
Can I have a look at it, please?
Do you mind if I turn off the light?
I can have this one, can't I?
I was wondering if I could write her a letter.
Would it be all right if I sit here?
Would it be possible to let me in?
Would you mind if I smoke here?
All right if I speak to Mr. Ross?
Any chance of meeting the professor?
Can I have the OK?
Have I got the go-ahead to put out the fire?
You don't mind if I smoke, do you?
Let me have the photo, would you?
Mind if I move the chair aside?
OK?
OK if I call on you tomorrow?
Am I allowed to make a suggestion?
Do you have any objection if I have a day off?
I hope you don't mind, but wouldn't it be possible for me to type a letter here?
I would like to , if I may.
Is it possible to buy your car at half price?
May I borrow your pen?

giving somebody permission
As you wish.
By all means.
By all means do take it.
I don't mind, just as you like.
If you like.
Not at all, please do.
Of course.
Of course not.
Please don't hesitate to do that.
Yes, certainly.
You're welcome to use the phone.
All right.
Feel free to do that.
Fine.
Go ahead!
Go ahead and do what you like.
It's OK.
No reason why not.
No reason why you shouldn't.
OK.
Sure.
That's all right.
That's OK.
Yes, of course you can.
Yes, why not?
You may smoke, if you like.

refusing to give somebody permission
I'd rather you didn't.
I'm afraid that's not really possible.
I'm sorry, but that's not possible.
I'm sorry, you can't.
You're not really supposed to pitch the song up.
I'd like to, but my wife wouldn't.
It's not on.
No way, I'm afraid.
Out of the question, I'm afraid.
Sorry, no way.
Sorry, out of the question.