의견을 뒷받침해요Supporting an Opinion
Chapter Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Use vocabulary for stating an opinion, giving a reason, and supporting a position with evidence.
- State a personal stance clearly using expressions such as 제 생각에는 and -다고 생각하다.
- Give a reason for an opinion using 왜냐하면 ~ 때문이다 and 그 이유는 ~이다, building on the reason/result systems from Chapter 3.
- Use -지만 and -는데 in their expanded, argumentative function — acknowledging an opposing point before returning to your own position — rather than only their earlier simple-contrast and backgrounding functions.
- Recognize and use basic concessive language (물론 ~지만) to show that you have considered another viewpoint before disagreeing with it.
- Read a short opinion paragraph and identify its stance, its reasons, and any concession it makes.
- Write a short, organized opinion paragraph that states a position, gives at least one reason, and acknowledges a counterpoint before restating the position.
- Discuss an opinion aloud with a partner, stating a stance and responding respectfully to a differing view.
This chapter opens Unit III. It introduces stance-marking and evidence-marking vocabulary as new productive systems, and it expands the already-activated connectors -지만 and -는데 (first introduced in Chapter 3 and recycled since) into their argumentative, concession-marking function. It does not introduce new sentence-final speech levels or new honorific systems.
Opening Scenario
Since the district office's new online system in Chapter 10, 지영, 민준, 라일라, and 수아 have kept talking about it — but now the conversation has turned into a real disagreement. 민준 thinks the online system should completely replace paper applications, since it is faster and more convenient. 지영 agrees that it is convenient, but she worries that older residents who are not comfortable with computers will be left behind. Their instructor asks them to write and discuss their own opinions on the issue, making sure each person gives at least one clear reason and acknowledges the other side before returning to their own position.
- You will build vocabulary for stating an opinion and supporting it with a reason.
- You will learn to state a personal stance and to introduce a reason using new expressions built on familiar grammar.
- You will expand -지만 and -는데 into their concessive, argumentative use — acknowledging one side of an issue before stating your own view.
Core Vocabulary
The following items support this chapter's opinion-and-evidence domain. All items below are productive at the level indicated.
| Korean | Meaning | Category / Note |
|---|---|---|
| 의견 | opinion | noun |
| 생각 | thought, idea | noun; recycled |
| 제 생각에는 | in my opinion | fixed stance-marking expression |
| -다고 생각하다 | to think that ~ | quotative-adjacent stance pattern; formulaic at this stage |
| 찬성하다 | to be in favor (of), to agree (with a proposal) | action verb |
| 반대하다 | to be opposed (to), to disagree (with a proposal) | action verb |
| 근거 | basis, grounds, evidence | noun |
| 이유 | reason | noun; recycled from Ch. 3 |
| 그 이유는 ~이다 | the reason is that ~ | fixed reason-marking expression |
| 왜냐하면 ~ 때문이다 | this is because ~ | fixed reason-marking frame; recycled 때문에 pattern |
| 장점 | advantage, strong point | noun |
| 단점 | disadvantage, weak point | noun |
| 문제점 | problem, issue (with something) | noun |
| 고려하다 | to consider, to take into account | action verb |
| 물론 | of course, certainly | adverb; concessive discourse marker |
| 하지만 | however, but | sentence connector; recycled |
| 그래도 | even so, still | adverb; concessive connector |
| 동의하다 | to agree (with an opinion or person) | action verb |
| 동의하지 않다 | to disagree | expression; negated action verb |
| 입장 | position, stance | noun |
| 주장하다 | to argue, to assert (a position) | action verb |
| 불편하다 | to be inconvenient, uncomfortable | descriptive verb |
| 편리하다 | to be convenient | descriptive verb |
| 익숙하다 | to be familiar, accustomed (to something) | descriptive verb |
| 소외되다 | to be left out, excluded | passive-form verb; recognition |
| 전면적으로 | completely, across the board | adverb; formal register |
| 단계적으로 | gradually, in stages | adverb; formal register |
Productive lexical load: approximately 26 items above, within the Volume III range of 35–60 once recycled cumulative items from Chapters 6 through 10 are included.
Pronunciation Focus
When a sentence acknowledges a counterpoint before disagreeing, such as 편리하지만 문제가 있어요, the clause before -지만 is typically spoken with a slight rise and a brief pause, signaling that more is coming. The clause after -지만 then carries the main point and receives stronger stress. Practice this rise-pause-emphasis pattern with the example sentences in this chapter before moving to your own opinions.
Also practice the rhythm of 물론 ~ 지만 sentences, where 물론 is read with a falling, matter-of-fact tone that signals genuine acknowledgment rather than sarcasm.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
This chapter introduces stance-marking and reason-marking expressions as new productive systems, and it expands the already-familiar connectors -지만 and -는데 into an argumentative, concessive function used to support an opinion.
1. Stating a Stance
제 생각에는 ("in my opinion") is a fixed expression that opens a sentence stating a personal view. It is typically followed by a full sentence ending in -아요/어요, -ㄴ/는 것 같아요 (recognition, recycled receptively), or -습니다 in more formal contexts.
-다고 생각하다 ("to think that ~") attaches to a full sentence and is treated as a formulaic pattern at this stage: learners should be able to use it with familiar sentence types (-다, -ㄴ다, 이다 → -이라고) without a full analysis of Korean's indirect quotation system, which is introduced formally in Chapter 4 and developed further in later volumes.
- Descriptive verb: 편리하다 → 편리하다고 생각해요.
- Action verb (present): 필요하다 → 필요하다고 생각해요.
- Copula: 문제이다 → 문제라고 생각해요.
- 제 생각에는 온라인 시스템이 아주 편리해요. In my opinion, the online system is very convenient. 제 생각에는 (stance marker) + 편리하다 (descriptive verb) + -아요/어요
- 저는 종이 신청서가 아직 필요하다고 생각해요. I think that paper applications are still necessary. 필요하다 + -다고 생각하다 (formulaic stance pattern)
2. Giving a Reason
왜냐하면 ~ 때문이다 ("this is because ~") builds directly on the 때문에 pattern already familiar from earlier chapters, but frames it as a second sentence that explains the sentence before it, rather than a subordinate clause within one sentence. 왜냐하면 opens the explanation, and 때문이다 (or the polite 때문이에요) closes it.
그 이유는 ~이다 ("the reason is that ~") is a second common frame for introducing a reason, often used in slightly more formal or written opinion paragraphs.
- 저는 온라인 시스템에 반대해요. 왜냐하면 나이 든 주민들이 컴퓨터에 익숙하지 않기 때문이에요. I am opposed to the online system. This is because older residents are not familiar with computers. 반대하다 + -아요/어요; 왜냐하면 ~ 때문이에요 (reason frame)
- 저는 이 정책에 찬성해요. 그 이유는 시간이 많이 절약되기 때문이에요. I am in favor of this policy. The reason is that a lot of time is saved. 찬성하다 + -아요/어요; 그 이유는 ~ 때문이에요
3. Expanding -지만 and -는데 into Concession
-지만 and -는데 were first introduced in Chapter 3 for simple contrast and background information. In this chapter, they take on an argumentative function: the first clause concedes a point the reader or listener might make, and the second clause states the writer's actual position. 물론 ("of course") often opens the concessive clause to make the acknowledgment explicit and genuine rather than dismissive.
- 물론 [concession] -지만, [main position].
- [concession] -는데, [main position]. (slightly softer, more conversational than -지만)
This is the same connector, used for a new communicative purpose: earlier chapters used it to contrast two facts; this chapter uses it to build a persuasive argument that treats an opposing view fairly before responding to it.
- 물론 온라인 시스템이 편리하지만, 모든 사람에게 편리한 것은 아니에요. Of course the online system is convenient, but it isn't convenient for everyone. 물론 (concessive marker) + 편리하다 + -지만 (concession); main position follows
- 종이 신청서가 시간이 더 걸리는데, 나이 든 분들에게는 더 편해요. Paper applications do take more time, but they are more comfortable for older people. 걸리다 + -는데 (concession, conversational); main position follows
[stance: 제 생각에는 ~ / 저는 ~다고 생각해요] + [reason: 왜냐하면 ~ 때문이에요 / 그 이유는 ~이에요] + [concession: 물론 ~지만 / ~는데] + [restated position]
This frame gives a reliable structure for a short opinion paragraph: state your view, support it with a reason, acknowledge a counterpoint, and return to your position.
| Function | Chapter 3 use (simple contrast) | Chapter 11 use (concession) |
|---|---|---|
| -지만 | 날씨가 춥지만 나갔어요. | 편리하지만 문제가 있어요. |
| -는데 | 배가 고픈데 시간이 없어요. | 빠른데 모두에게 좋은 건 아니에요. |
You are expected to produce the stance expressions, reason-giving frames, and concessive use of -지만/-는데 above, all within this chapter's controlled tasks.
Practice — Recognizing stance, reason, and concession
- Read the Model Dialogue and underline every stance expression, circle every reason-marking expression, and put a box around every concessive clause.
- For each speaker's turn, state in English whether they are agreeing, disagreeing, or partly agreeing.
- Identify one sentence that uses -지만 concessively and explain what point is being acknowledged before the speaker's real position.
Model Dialogue
지영 and 민준 continue their conversation about the district office's new online application system, each supporting their opinion with a reason.
Context: 지영's apartment, after class. Everyday polite style, informal but respectful discussion between friends.
내용 이해 — Comprehension questions:
- What is 민준's opinion about the online system, and what reason does he give?
- What concession does 지영 make before stating her own concern?
- What compromise position does the dialogue end with?
- Identify one use of -는데 in the dialogue and explain whether it is functioning concessively or as simple background.
Guided Practice
- Complete five sentences using 제 생각에는 ~, each stating a different opinion about a familiar topic (school, food, technology, city life, etc.).
- Rewrite three of your sentences above using -다고 생각해요 instead of 제 생각에는, adjusting the sentence-final form as needed.
- For each opinion above, add a reason using either 왜냐하면 ~ 때문이에요 or 그 이유는 ~이에요.
- Combine one opinion and its opposite into a single concessive sentence using 물론 ~지만.
Listening Practice
Ask your instructor, a language partner, or a text-to-speech tool to read the following passage aloud at a measured pace. Listen twice without reading, then complete the tasks below.
라디오 의견 코너: 온라인 신청 시스템에 대해
오늘은 청취자 두 분의 의견을 소개하겠습니다. 첫 번째 청취자는 온라인 시스템에 찬성한다고 밝혔습니다. 그 이유는 시간을 절약할 수 있고 방문하지 않아도 되기 때문이라고 말했습니다. 두 번째 청취자는 물론 편리한 점이 있지만, 나이 든 가족들이 이용하기 어렵다는 문제점을 지적했습니다. 그래서 단계적으로 바꾸는 것이 좋겠다는 의견을 주셨습니다.
듣기 과제 — Listening task: Listen and answer in English.
| 질문 | 답 |
|---|---|
| What is the first listener's opinion, and what reason do they give? | ______ |
| What concession does the second listener make? | ______ |
| What problem does the second listener point out? | ______ |
| What solution does the second listener suggest? | ______ |
Reading Practice
Read the short opinion paragraph below, written by 수아 for a class discussion board, then answer the questions that follow.
수아의 의견: 온라인 신청 시스템에 대하여
저는 온라인 신청 시스템의 도입에 찬성해요. 왜냐하면 이 시스템 덕분에 많은 사람들이 시간을 절약할 수 있기 때문이에요. 예전에는 서류를 내려고 직접 구청에 가야 했는데, 이제는 집에서도 신청할 수 있어요. 물론 나이 든 주민들에게는 조금 어려울 수 있지만, 구청에서 도움을 준다면 이 문제는 해결될 수 있다고 생각해요. 그래서 저는 이 시스템이 계속 발전하기를 바라요.
내용 이해 — Comprehension questions:
- What is 수아's stance on the new system?
- What reason does she give for her opinion?
- What counterpoint does she acknowledge, and how does she respond to it?
- Identify the stance expression, the reason-marking expression, and the concessive clause in the paragraph.
Writing Workshop
This chapter's writing task asks you to write a short, organized opinion paragraph that states a position, gives at least one reason, acknowledges a counterpoint, and restates your position.
- Choose a topic. Pick a familiar issue with two reasonable sides — for example, whether all applications should move online, whether class attendance should be required, or a similar everyday topic.
- State your stance. Open with 제 생각에는 ~ or a sentence using -다고 생각해요.
- Give a reason. Use 왜냐하면 ~ 때문이에요 or 그 이유는 ~이에요.
- Acknowledge a counterpoint. Use 물론 ~지만 or ~는데 to fairly state a reasonable objection.
- Restate your position. Close with a sentence that returns clearly to your stance.
- Revise. Check your draft against the checklist below.
체크리스트 — Editing checklist:
- The paragraph follows the supported-opinion frame: stance, reason, concession, restated position.
- A stance expression (제 생각에는 or -다고 생각하다) is used correctly.
- A reason-marking expression (왜냐하면 ~ 때문이다 or 그 이유는 ~이다) is used correctly.
- A concessive use of -지만 or -는데 fairly acknowledges an opposing point.
- Speech level is consistent throughout (everyday polite, unless your instructor assigns formal style).
- Only Hangeul is used; no romanization appears.
- Spacing and particles are accurate throughout.
- No grammar or vocabulary beyond Volume III, Chapters 1–11, appears productively.
Speaking Practice
통제 연습 — Controlled practice: 의견 문장 말하기
Take turns with a partner stating an opinion aloud using 제 생각에는 ~, then adding a reason with 왜냐하면 ~ 때문이에요. Your partner should respond with a short concessive sentence using 물론 ~지만.
의사소통 과제 — Communicative task: 짝과 함께 의견 나누기
With a partner, discuss the topic you chose for the Writing Workshop. Each person should state a stance, give a reason, and acknowledge the other person's point before restating their own position. Try to reach a compromise position by the end, as 민준 and 지영 do in the Model Dialogue.
혼자 하는 연습 — Solo alternative
Record yourself stating both sides of your Writing Workshop topic: first the opinion you wrote, and then a reasonable opposing view, using a concessive sentence to connect the two.
Culture and Communication
In many Korean conversational and written contexts, directly contradicting someone without first acknowledging their point can come across as abrupt or dismissive, even among friends discussing an everyday topic. Opening a disagreement with 물론 ~지만 ("of course ~, but ~") signals that the speaker has genuinely considered the other view before offering a different one, and this pattern is common well beyond formal debate.
In everyday Korean discussion, a conversation that ends in an explicit compromise, such as 민준 and 지영's agreement on a gradual rollout, is often considered a successful and satisfying outcome in itself, rather than a sign that neither party won the argument.
The stance and reason expressions in this chapter (제 생각에는, 왜냐하면 ~ 때문이에요) work well in everyday polite conversation and informal writing. In more formal or academic contexts, later volumes will introduce more formal equivalents; for now, keep these expressions in the everyday polite register modeled in this chapter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Error: Writing only 저는 온라인 시스템이 좋다고 생각해요. and stopping there.
Correction: Add a reason: 저는 온라인 시스템이 좋다고 생각해요. 왜냐하면 시간을 절약할 수 있기 때문이에요. A supported opinion always includes at least one reason in this chapter's tasks.
Error: Writing 편리하지만 그건 틀렸어요. ("It's convenient, but that's wrong"), which dismisses the point rather than genuinely acknowledging it.
Correction: Use -지만 to fairly state the other side before responding with your own reasoning: 물론 편리하지만, 모든 사람에게 편리한 것은 아니에요.
Error: Writing 저는 찬성해요. 그 이유는 시간이 절약되기 때문입니다., mixing -아요/어요 and -습니다 style in the same paragraph.
Correction: Choose one speech level for the whole paragraph: 저는 찬성해요. 그 이유는 시간이 절약되기 때문이에요., unless your instructor specifically assigns formal style throughout.
Chapter Review
Section A — 어휘 (Vocabulary)
1. Give the meaning of 찬성하다, 반대하다, and 근거, and use each in a short original sentence.
Section B — 문법 (Grammar)
1. Write one sentence using 제 생각에는 and one sentence using -다고 생각해요, each stating a different opinion.
2. Write one sentence combining a reason (왜냐하면 ~ 때문이에요) and one sentence combining a concession (물론 ~지만).
3. Explain, in English, how the use of -지만 in this chapter differs from its use in Chapter 3.
Section C — 독해 이해 (Reading Comprehension)
1. Summarize 수아's opinion paragraph in three to four English sentences, naming her stance, her reason, and her concession.
Section D — 쓰기 (Writing)
1. Write your own supported-opinion paragraph following the Writing Workshop steps and checklist.
Section E — 말하기 (Speaking)
1. Perform the paired opinion discussion with a partner or record both sides yourself, following the Speaking Practice guidance above.
누적 복습 — Cumulative review
This chapter recycles the reason/result systems from Chapter 3 (때문에), the indirect-quotation-adjacent pattern introduced formulaically in Chapter 4, and the connectors -지만 and -는데 first introduced in Chapter 3. It introduces stance-marking and reason-marking expressions as new productive systems and expands -지만/-는데 into their concessive, argumentative function.
Practical Performance Task
수행 과제
의견 쓰고 토론하기 — Writing and Discussing an Opinion
You will write a short supported-opinion paragraph, then discuss it aloud with a partner, using a stance expression, a reason, and a concessive acknowledgment of the other side.
- Reading: Read 수아's opinion paragraph and identify her stance, reason, and concession.
- Written pair: Write a complete supported-opinion paragraph following the supported-opinion frame: stance, reason, concession, restated position.
- Spoken restatement: Discuss your opinion aloud with a partner, responding to their counterpoint with a concessive sentence of your own.
- Reflection: Write one to two English sentences identifying the reason you used and explaining why it supports your stance.
| Criterion | What is evaluated |
|---|---|
| Reading comprehension | Stance, reason, and concession in the model paragraph are correctly identified |
| Stance marking | A stance expression is used correctly and clearly |
| Reason marking | A reason-marking expression is used correctly and logically supports the stance |
| Concession control | -지만 or -는데 is used to fairly acknowledge a counterpoint, not to dismiss it |
| Paragraph organization | The paragraph follows the stance–reason–concession–restated position frame |
| Register discipline | Consistent speech level maintained throughout |
| Spoken discussion | Partner discussion includes a stance, a response to a counterpoint, and a restated position |
| Hangeul and spacing accuracy | Accurate spelling and level-appropriate spacing throughout, no romanization |
| Scope discipline | No structures used productively beyond Volume III, Chapters 1–11 |
Answer Key
Model Dialogue — Comprehension
- 민준 thinks the online system is good because residents no longer need to go to the district office in person.
- 지영 concedes that the system is convenient before raising her concern that older residents may find it more difficult.
- The dialogue ends with both agreeing that a gradual (단계적) change would be a good approach.
- Sample answer: 이해가 되는데 uses -는데 concessively — 민준 acknowledges that 지영's reason makes sense before stating that he still holds his own position.
Listening comprehension
- The first listener favors the online system because it saves time and removes the need to visit in person.
- The second listener concedes that the system has convenient points.
- The second listener points out that it is difficult for older family members to use.
- The second listener suggests changing the system gradually rather than all at once.
Reading comprehension
- 수아 is in favor of the introduction of the online system.
- She says it allows many people to save time compared to visiting the district office in person.
- She acknowledges that the system may be somewhat difficult for older residents, but responds that this problem can be solved if the district office provides help.
- Stance expression: 저는 ~에 찬성해요; reason-marking expression: 왜냐하면 ~ 때문이에요; concessive clause: 물론 나이 든 주민들에게는 조금 어려울 수 있지만.
Chapter Review — Section B
1. Sample answer: 제 생각에는 아침 식사가 중요해요. / 저는 운동이 건강에 좋다고 생각해요.
2. Sample answer: 저는 이 정책에 찬성해요. 왜냐하면 시간이 절약되기 때문이에요. / 물론 편리하지만, 모든 사람에게 편리한 것은 아니에요.
3. Sample answer: In Chapter 3, -지만 simply joined two contrasting facts within one sentence. In this chapter, it introduces a concession — a point the writer agrees is true — before the writer's own argued position, giving it a persuasive, argumentative function rather than a purely descriptive one.
Section D — Sample response
제 생각에는 수업 출석이 꼭 필요해요. 왜냐하면 직접 들으면 더 잘 이해할 수 있기 때문이에요. 물론 온라인 수업도 편리하지만, 질문을 바로바로 하기가 더 어려워요. 그래서 저는 출석이 여전히 중요하다고 생각해요.
Check that: the paragraph follows the stance–reason–concession–restated position frame, uses a correct stance expression and reason-marking expression, and uses -지만 or -는데 concessively rather than dismissively.
Looking Ahead
지금 할 수 있는 것 — What you can do now
You can state a personal stance, support it with a reason, acknowledge a counterpoint fairly, and restate your position, both in writing and in spoken discussion. These skills prepare you for Chapter 12, where you will extend argumentative language into comparison and preference, using 보다 and 가장/제일 to explain why one option is better than another.