1. Skills
  2. Speaking
  3. B1 speaking
  4. Agreeing and disagreeing

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!

Task 1

Speaking B1: Agreeing and disagreeing – 1

Task 2

Speaking B1: Agreeing and disagreeing – 2

Task 3

Speaking B1: Agreeing and disagreeing – 3

Discussion

When was the last time you disagreed with someone?

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Worksheet92.5 KB

Language level

B1 - Intermediate
Average: 4.4 (95 votes)
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Hello Emir,

The Cambridge Dictionary has an English–French dictionary, but I'm not sure you will find translations of phrases such as these. I'd recommend WordReference and/or Linguee, though it's also a good idea for you to do a little searching, as you might find something even more useful.

Hope this helps.

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Hnin Ei Khing on Wed, 16/09/2020 - 05:45

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I made a discussion with my friend for English speaking practice. Then, I drew a schedule for an hour Every Saturday. But she was not convinced by that idea. I thought she disagree.

Submitted by cittàutopica on Fri, 11/09/2020 - 16:04

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In my country a constitutional referendum will happen in this month about the reduction of Members of Parliament. I disagree with those who approve this reduction.

Submitted by Bukola on Thu, 10/09/2020 - 20:17

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On Tuesday I disagreed with my colleagues at work on tools needed for our work activities. Eventually we came into agreement on the best way to use the tool which was quite helpful.

Submitted by Rosemeire Oliveira on Tue, 08/09/2020 - 02:16

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The last week my friend and I had a brief discussion because I told to my friend that ours friend usually study only 2 hours per day and she definitely disagreed with my information. She was not convinced by that. I understand her point of view cause both of us study approximately 8 hours every day but that day I was felling so tired with ours disagreement and I have decided left her to following my studies in my bedroom.

Submitted by AhmedabdElhamed on Sat, 29/08/2020 - 06:17

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are there way to practices English in this course

Hello AhmedabdElhamed,

Welcome to LearnEnglish! If you haven't already done so, please take a look at our Getting Started page for tips and suggestions:

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/getting-started

 

There are many ways to practise on the site. What kind of practice are you looking for? Perhaps we can suggest appropriate pages and activities for you.

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by IBRAHIM HAMID on Thu, 27/08/2020 - 16:30

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It's very interest and useful discussion. Two days ago, I disagree with my uncle son's about traveling program to country side to achieve some works, after discussion we change some points in plan and finally we agreeing.

Submitted by Esmail Emon on Mon, 24/08/2020 - 18:10

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I seek attention to honourable teacher. I understood this language of this video but can't speak. What should i do to speak fluently?