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!
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
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