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.

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

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Average: 4.5 (159 votes)

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?
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

Submitted by Saish on Mon, 24/08/2020 - 11:18

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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.

Submitted by Sai Minn on Mon, 24/08/2020 - 10:31

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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.