Agreeing and disagreeing

In this video, Emir and Paul discuss a design for a client. Listen to the language they use for agreeing and disagreeing and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Preparation

Speaking B1: Agreeing and disagreeing – preparation

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say!

Do you know what to say when you agree and disagree? Listen out for useful language for agreeing and disagreeing. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

Paul: So?

Emir: I'm not convinced by that idea.

Paul: Why?

Emir: Well, this design is just too simple.

Paul: It's not simple, it's minimal. Plus, it's what the client asked for.

Emir: I'm not so sure. Look … Look at these designs here. I think this is the style that the client wants.

Paul: Hmmm … I think I disagree. They said they wanted it clean and minimal.

Emir: These designs are clean and minimal.

Paul: Look, don't get me wrong, Emir. I like them, but I don't think they fit the brief. For example, here, there's just a bit too much going on.

Emir: OK, I see what you mean, but without all the colour, it would look a bit … empty.

Paul: True. OK, how about taking that and that away? So it still looks interesting, but less busy.

Emir: OK … maybe you've got a point there. Actually, that has given me an idea.

…

Emir: So we remove the blue. I think that creates a nice balance.

Paul: Yeah, yeah. I think you're right. Changing the circles helped too.

Emir: I agree. So we're happy with this now?

Paul: Yes, definitely.

Emir: So it looks like we can agree!

Paul: Occasionally.

Ana: Hello again! I'm pleased that Paul and Emir agreed with each other in the end. So, did you notice the useful phrases used for agreeing and disagreeing? Listen to me and then repeat.

I'm not convinced by that idea.

I'm not so sure.

I think I disagree.

Don't get me wrong, but I don't think they fit.

I see what you mean, but it looks a bit empty.

OK, maybe you've got a point there.

I think you're right.

Yes, definitely.

I agree.

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you agree and disagree in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

When was the last time you disagreed with someone?

Download

Worksheet92.5 KB

Language level

B1 - Intermediate

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yes same here ! i can understand what people talk about and also i can read text and realize it completely but i have main problem with my speaking! (also writing!)

Hello maede99,

Speaking can be difficult, but we can offer you some tips on how to improve.

The first thing to do is of course to practise speaking with other people. It doesn't really matter who you speak with, though good speakers of English are best. When I was learning a language, I used to practise with my cat. Of course, the cat didn't answer back so it was rather a one-way conversation, but he was very patient and I was able to build confidence and fluency in that way.

It's also a good idea to keep records of useful sentences you can use when you're speaking. A lot of conversational interaction is quite formulaic so having a range of sentences to use when you are introducing yourself, asking for help, explaining what you mean etc.

You can use audio materials to help improve your pronunciation. After you listen to a text, try listening again and speaking along with the audio (using the audioscript). This will help you develop rhythm and cadence, as well as speed and fluidity in your speech.

Good luck!

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

I remember about an argument with my friend when we disagreed with each other. The discussion was about who is better sports person between Mr. A and Mr. B. We both put forth our supporting points to defend our side of the argument. But ended in not agreeing with each other.

I disagreed with my neighbour about the UCL final 2 days ago. He said PSG will win the trophy and I said FC Bayern will be the champions. I was right and today he said you got a point there.

The last two days, I disagreed with my mom about travelling. I want to travel but she disagreed. Now I think this is not the time to travel. So I'm not argue her disagreement.

It was the last week when I disagreed with one of my English speaking partners at a social app. the app we were using is a platform for English learners to practice speaking. We were having very smooth conservation when he suddenly asked me about my experience of using the app, and I told him that it was good for me. But a lot of people here spend too much time speaking English and pay less attention to listening and learning new phrases which, in my opinion, was not an excellent way to learn English. He was not convinced by that and disagreed with me. He was saying that speaking is the most important thing to improve fluency. To support his point, he gave me an example of himself that how spending a lot of time speaking improved his confidence to speak English.

I disagreed with my coworkers on how to progress a project recently.

Last time we disagreed with my wife about watching TV in a late evening. I wanted to watch the football match to the end while she insisted on going sleep together.

Honestly, I'm not the "often disagreeable" person. I don't like arguing or something. And I definitely try not to push someone very often. The main reason for my occasional disagreement is my kids. They always have their opinion in every case. They don't like to clean their teeth and room as well. Always want to watch "another 5 minutes of cartoons" and, of course, they prefer sweets to soup or salad. And don't mention about homework. It's our almost everyday fight. So, I have to face these permanent fights and trying to convince them in my rightness. Telling the truth, it's not so easy as it could be. They know I love them so much that I can't be angry at them for long, no matter what they have done. I think that's how all these things work in the families. Kids are noisy and obstinate, parents are strict but forgiving.

Last week with my partner, he had a meeting at country side and I suggested him to take public transport and he disagreed and took his own car for the trip

Agreeing and disagreeing

Preparation

Transcript

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

Language level

Online courses