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 fahri,
'I don't agree' and 'I disagree' are both polite, but 'I disagree' is more formal. If it's a normal speaking situation, 'I don't agree' is probably the best form to use.
All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello fahri,
In this context, a 'brief' is a set of instructions. Paul is telling Emir that he thinks Emir's design doesn't follow the instructions they received from the client.
All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team