APPENDIX

1. Introducing the topic Today we are here to discuss The goal of our discussion today is 2. Bringing in other people What is your opinion, Mr. Ito? Do you agree with Mr. Itos opinion, Ms. Suzuki? Mr. Ito, what do you think we should do? Mr. Ito, what are your views regarding this point? 3. Keeping the Discussion Moving Lets go on to another point. Next, lets talk about Lets talk about that later. 4. Giving an opinion In my opinion As far as Im concerned Personally, I believe that The way I see it is 5. Getting further information Would you mind explaining that a little more, please? Could you explain that more fully?

 Could you tell us a bit more about that? 6. Restating an idea In other words, That is, What Im trying to say is I mean To put it another way 7. Persuading Convincing You must admit that Dont forget that You must remember that 8. Inquiring about Agreement or Disagreement Do/dont you agree, Ms. Suzuki? Wouldnt you agree, Mr. Ito? 9. Expressing Agreement Yes, that is right/correct. You are right/correct. I definitely agree with Ms. Suzuki. That is exactly what I think. 10. Expressing Disagreement I dont really agree with him/her.

 Im afraid I cant agree with his/her opinion. Thats not quite how I see it. I can see your point, but I dont really agree with it. 11. Expressing doubt or reservation Well, maybe, but Im not sure about that. Hmm, he may be correct but Im not sure. I can see your point, but Im not sure I agree. 12. Refuting a fact Actually, As a matter of fact, Well, Im not sure that is true/correct because 13. Dismissing an irrelevant point Im afraid youre missing the point. I dont think that has anything do with the goal of our discussion. 14. Making suggestions Why dont we/you How about I suggest that we/you 15. Agreeing with a suggestion Ok. That makes sense. Of course.

 Certainly 16. Refusing a suggestion or request Im sorry but that is out of the question Unfortunately that is not possible. 17. Capitulation Mr. Suzuki has convinced me that my opinion/suggestion/idea is not useful/practical/necessary/good. Therefore, I have changed my mind. OK. You have persuaded me to change my mind. I can agree with you. 18. Expressing similarities Those two points/suggestions are similar. Mr. Suzukis idea is about the same as Ms. Itos. My idea/suggestion is (more)....er than mine/hers. 19. Interrupting Excuse me for interrupting, but Sorry to interrupt, but 20. Getting a point into the discussion I have a point Id like to make. Id like to add something here. Id like to say something about your/her/his idea. 21. Seeking clarification What do you mean? Sorry, Im not quite sure what you mean.

 Do you mean that? Im sorry, I dont quite follow. I dont quite understand what youre saying. 22. Paraphrasing another persons idea What Ms. Ito means is that What (s)he is trying to say is that 23. Requesting Ms. Ito, I wonder if you would mind................., please? Mr. Kato, do you think you could..............., please? 24. Making comparisons Mr. Itos explanation is more/less............than hers/his. Your opinion/idea is.............-er than mine/hers. 25. Expressing Preference I think the best/worst suggestion is His idea is the............-est (best, most reasonable etc.) Her proposal is the most/least One of the most practical items is..............., so we/you should definitely take/use it. 26. Closing the Discussion In conclusion, the purpose of this discussion The goal of our discussion is to. We have concluded that