2. Explaining and Justifying

F

The (main)

aim reason motive etc.

for behind

DOING

is so that X is to …

Only by DOING …

can will

X DO

Taking into account factors like X, then + SENTENCE

You’ve got to take X into consideration.

The

main most important

point seems to me that + SENTENCE

It seems to me

evident obvious

that = SENTENCE

Given the circumstances All things considered, In view of X,

I think + SENTENCE

On the one hand … but on the other hand …

SENTENCE + because

I’m convinced that I consider that I’m sure that

+ SENTENCE

It’s important to

keep X in mind remember X.

Inf

Think of Look at

X this way: + SENTENCE

1. Make the following into statements explaining and justifying using the language from the box above.

E x a m p l e:

It/obvious/a campaign like ours will be successful.

It seems to me obvious that a campaign like ours will be successful.

1. The main aim/holding Women’s Conference/to attract people's attention to women’s problems.

2. On/hand/women have access to education, but on/hand they cannot find employment.

3. All/considered/the traditionalroles of women are changing.

2. Use appropriate language from the box above to make statements explaining and justifying in the following situations.

E x a m p l e:

Talking to friends:

– You think it would be a good idea for several unmarried mothers to share a flat together but your friends are not sure.

• The main reason behind doing it is that it'llbemuch cheaper and they can look after the children in turn ...

1. Talking to a group of fellow students:

– You are discussing the possibility of a UN Conference on Women to be held in your city. Your view is that it is unlikely to happen.

2. Talking at a Psychological Help Center:

– Your colleagues want to organize a Club for Divorced Women. You think it'll be useless because women will not attend it.

3. Talking to a friend:

– You have decided to foster two children. You feel that it will bolster your self-confidence and improve your relations with your husband.

Asking for and Giving Clarification

1. Asking for Clarification

F Inf	I’m afraid I'm not quite clear what you mean by X. I'm sorry, I don’t understand what you mean by X. I'm sorry, but could you explain what you mean by X? What (exactly) do you mean by X? What (exactly) are you trying to say? What (exactly) are you getting at?

2. Giving Clarification

F Inf	Well, the point I'm trying to make is that … Well, what I'm trying to say is that … What I mean is that … All I’m trying to say is that … Well, what I'm getting at is that …	+ SENTENCE