Discussing advantages and disadvantages

In this video, Noelia and Yuna talk about how to encourage creativity in the office. Listen to the language they use to discuss advantages and disadvantages 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.

Transcript

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

Do you know what to say when you discuss advantages and disadvantages? Listen out for useful language for discussing advantages and disadvantages. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Noelia: So, table tennis, bean bags, board games, video games! Hey, how about a trampoline?

Yuna: Stop right there. I love your ideas, Noelia, but a trampoline? Really?

Noelia: Absolutely. When do you have your best ideas?

Yuna: I don't know. Usually when I'm cooking, I suppose.

Noelia: Exactly. We often have our best ideas when we are away from our desks. The other day I was on a trampoline and the vision for the creativity room came to me.

Yuna: Why were you on a trampo…? Never mind. Look, on the one hand it's a lovely idea and it fits with our brand, but on the other hand it could be noisy and chaotic and maybe too much fun!

Noelia: But having fun helps you be creative, and being creative is vital to our business! 

Yuna: I see what you mean, but I'm just not sure if a trampoline is necessary. Also, there could be an issue with the clients arriving at the office and seeing us all jumping around.

Noelia: I see where you're coming from, but I think our clients will love it! And there are lots of advantages to trampolining. It's good for the body and the mind.

Yuna: Maybe, but I can also see the disadvantages. What if someone hurts themselves?

Noelia: But we're all adults. And we can get extra insurance. Come on! It's a great idea!

Yuna: OK, I'll think about it. 

Noelia: Perfect. I'll email you some links!

Yuna: I haven't said yes! Oh, Noelia! 

 

Ana: Hello again! A trampoline in the office? Well, there's an idea! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for discussing advantages and disadvantages? Listen to me and then repeat. 

 

On the one hand …, but on the other hand …

I see what you mean, but I'm just not sure.

There could be an issue with that. 

I see where you're coming from, but I think they'll love it. 

There are lots of advantages.

Maybe, but I can also see the disadvantages.

 

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

Discussion

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Average: 4.5 (27 votes)
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Submitted by Jacek_Poland on Tue, 13/02/2024 - 08:08

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Why does British Council teach us non-British pronounciation? Students will learn this wrong accent from Spanish people.

Hello Jacek,

Thanks for your comment. The main reason we chose non-native speakers for some of these roles is that English has become a lingua franca. 

It's been estimated that every day around the world, more than 90% of communication in English involves non-native speakers. 

We wanted the communicative situations in our videos to reflect this reality.

And by the way, all of the people in our videos have excellent pronunciation!

Best wishes,
Kirk
LearnEnglish team

Submitted by Toan3002 on Tue, 19/12/2023 - 01:46

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Honestly, I usually think up my best ideas when I go to church to attend mass.

Profile picture for user noura-elkhwanky

Submitted by noura-elkhwanky on Sun, 03/12/2023 - 01:26

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Obviously I have my best ideas when I do my workout that’s the perfect time my vision being clear . And also when I communicate with others at this time my mind works well.

Submitted by marriita on Wed, 16/08/2023 - 21:09

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I have my best ideas when I walk

Submitted by Nermin Ragaai on Mon, 03/07/2023 - 09:10

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good training

Submitted by ilonagurina on Fri, 19/05/2023 - 20:20

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I have my best ideas when I speak with people. Communication inspires me for thinking about everything

Submitted by Thinsuaung on Fri, 14/04/2023 - 07:44

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May be that is bad habit. I usually have best ideas or solutions when I am talking to someone or explaining the others. Explaining to the others help me generate my new ideas and solutions. But to be honest , I don't let others know my new upcoming ideas.

Submitted by dove on Sun, 09/04/2023 - 17:16

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I get best idea when I'm learning and taking a bath.