Join a Forum Discussion: Agree and Disagree

The key idea

Choose a clear view, support it with reasons, answer another person's point, and finish with a question.

What is it for?

Learn to join an online discussion by sharing your view, giving reasons, and responding politely to other people.

What you need to know

Name the topic and state your view clearly.
Give a reason or an example to support your opinion.
Refer to another person's point before agreeing or disagreeing.
Use polite phrases, even when you have a different opinion.
Finish with a question that invites other people to reply.

1. Give your view and support it

A forum post joins a discussion about one topic. Readers want to know your view and why you hold it. Start with your opinion, then give a reason or an example. This helps readers follow your ideas.

Name the topic if your post needs more context.
State your view in one clear sentence.
Add a reason using because, since, or as.
Use an example to make your reason clearer.

I prefer online classes because I can study at home.

The writer gives a clear view and a reason.

For example, I can review recorded lessons after work.

The example shows why online classes can help.

2. Answer another person's point

A forum discussion has several views. Show that you have read another person's point. You can agree, disagree, or agree with only part of it. Then explain your own view.

Repeat the main point in your own words.
Use a polite phrase before giving your response.
Explain why you agree or disagree.
Answer the idea, not the person.

I agree with Sara because online lessons save travel time.

The writer agrees and gives a clear reason.

I see your point, but some students need classroom support.

The writer disagrees politely and explains a concern.

That's true; however, recorded lessons are easier to review.

The writer accepts one point and adds another.

3. Keep the discussion respectful

People may have different experiences. Do not attack someone or call their ideas stupid. Explain your reasons instead. This makes it easier for others to answer you.

Use I think or In my experience to show your view.
Avoid insults and comments about someone's intelligence.
Use could or might when suggesting another possibility.
Ask a real question to invite another reply.

I understand your concern, but I have had a different experience.

The writer respects the other person's view.

What about students who have a slow internet connection?

The question adds a new point to the discussion.

4. Organise the post for readers

A forum post is usually shorter than an essay. Use short paragraphs with clear jobs. You do not need a letter greeting or a formal sign-off. Make your post clear enough for someone who has not read every earlier message.

Start with the topic or your main view.
Use the middle paragraph to explain your reason and answer another point.
End with a question or a useful new idea.
Use names or brief references when readers need them.
Check that each paragraph connects to the discussion.

I prefer studying at home. It saves time, especially on busy weekdays.

The opening gives the view and its main reason.

What do the rest of you think about this?

The final question invites other readers to respond.

How to do it, step by step

Introduce the topic or state your main view.
Give a reason or a useful example.
Refer to another person's point.
Agree or disagree politely and explain why.
Finish with a question that invites further discussion.

Formulas and key language

Use it for	Example	Another example
I think ... because ...	I think online classes are useful because they save time.	I think school libraries matter because students need quiet places.
In my experience, ...	In my experience, group work helps students share ideas.	In my experience, morning classes are easier to follow.
I agree with ... because ...	I agree with Leo because recorded lessons help students review.	I agree with Nina because school clubs help students make friends.
I see your point, but ...	I see your point, but some students learn better in class.	I see your point, but not every family has a quiet room.
That's true; however, ...	That's true; however, online lessons can feel lonely.	That's true; however, school travel can take a long time.
For example, ...	For example, I can replay a lesson before a test.	For example, classmates can explain a difficult question.
What about ...?	What about students who share one computer at home?	What about people who learn better in groups?
How do you feel about ...?	How do you feel about homework at weekends?	How do you feel about longer school breaks?

UK / US: British English often uses 'at school'. American English also commonly uses 'in school'. Both forms can be correct, depending on the meaning.

Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B1 upgrades page.

Model text

Forum thread: Online classes or classroom lessons?

Original post

I think online classes are useful because students can study from home. They also save travel time, which matters to people who live far from school. However, I find it harder to concentrate when my phone is nearby. In my opinion, online lessons work best when students have a quiet place to study. What do you think is the main advantage of learning online?

The writer states a view, gives reasons, and ends with a question.

Reply 1

I agree with your point about travel time. My cousin spends an hour on the bus each morning, so online lessons would save her time. Still, I prefer classroom lessons because I can ask my teacher questions immediately. I also enjoy working with classmates, especially during science projects. For me, the social side of school is just as important as the lessons.

The reply agrees with one point and explains a different preference.

Reply 2

I see both sides, but I think a mix of online and classroom lessons could work best. Students could study theory at home, then meet teachers for practice. For example, they could watch a short video before doing an experiment together. This might save time without losing contact with classmates. Would you support this mixed approach at your school?

The writer considers both views, offers a solution, and invites more replies.

Common mistakes

✗ Your idea is stupid because online classes are better.

✓ I disagree because online classes suit my schedule better.

Criticise the idea politely, not the person.

✗ I agree you because online lessons save time.

✓ I agree with you because online lessons save time.

Use 'agree with' before a person.

✗ I prefer online lessons. They save time. They save money. They help me study.

✓ I prefer online lessons because they save time and money.

Join closely related ideas to avoid a list of short sentences.

✗ What you think about online classes?

✓ What do you think about online classes?

Use 'do' before the subject in this present simple question.

✗ I see your point but, classroom lessons help me focus.

✓ I see your point, but classroom lessons help me focus.

Put the comma before 'but', not after it.

✗ Dear classmates, I think online lessons are useful.

✓ I think online lessons are useful.

A forum post normally starts with the topic or opinion, not a letter greeting.

Plan it, then check it

Plan

Read the earlier post and identify its main point.
Decide whether you agree, disagree, or agree partly.
Write your view and one clear reason.
Add an example or answer another person's point.
Choose a final question that invites a useful reply.

Check

Can a new reader understand the topic?
Have I explained why I hold this view?
Have I answered another person's point?
Is my wording polite, even where I disagree?
Does my final question help the discussion continue?

Practice

EXERCISE:

Choose the best forum reply

Choose the phrase that best fits each situation.

1.Someone says online classes save travel time. You agree.

The reply agrees and gives a reason.

2.Someone prefers online classes. You prefer classroom lessons.

The first phrase shows polite disagreement.

3.You want other readers to share their views.

An open question invites other people to reply.

4.You want to support your opinion with an example.

'For example' introduces a detail that supports your point.

5.Someone says school lessons help students make friends. You partly agree.

The phrase accepts one point and adds another view.

6.You want to refer to another person's idea politely.

This phrase shows that you have understood the other point.

Now write

Your task

Read this forum post: "Online classes are better than classes at school." Write a reply of 80-110 words. State whether you agree, disagree, or agree partly. Give at least two reasons or one reason and an example. Refer to the original opinion politely. Finish with a question for other readers. Use this fictional situation if you need ideas: Alex studies online three days a week. Alex saves travel time but misses working with classmates. You can use these details or invent other everyday details.

Target: 80-110 words

Word bank

in my opinionI agree withI see your pointhoweverfor examplebecauseas a resultsave travel timestudy at homestay focusedshare ideasclassroom supportin my experiencewhat aboutdo you think

Sentence starters

In my opinion, online classes ...
I agree with this view because ...
I see your point, but ...
For example, students can ...
In my experience, ...
What do you think about ...?

Use made-up details. Do not share your real name, school, address, or private information.

Instant feedback on your own text is part of Premium.

Check your writing

Can readers understand the topic from my post?
Have I stated my view and supported it with a reason?
Have I answered another person's point politely?
Have I used a clear example or useful detail?
Does my final question invite other people to reply?

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