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.

Instructions

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!

Discussion

When was the last time you disagreed with someone?

Download

Worksheet92.5 KB

Language level

B1 - Intermediate

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I remember one day at work, a colleague of mine suggested that a certain instrument be used for making assessments. I was not convinced by the idea, however much she insisted that it would save time and reduce risks. From my experience in using it on clients, more time was spent in taking measurements than on addressing clients' urgent needs. Also, the potential for injury was high considering the fact that the instrument had to be attached on the client's body. She understood and realized that I was actually right after gathering further information on that particular instrument. Comparisons were made in relation to other available ones, clients experiences and expectations were documented and finally a decision was reached that everyone agreed to.

This is really cool and educating.

Last night, I disagree with my friend. We found two dresses online and she think pink one is prettier but I don't think so.

My friend suggested to me go to the mountain next weekend, But I disagree with his idea because the weather is not clear there are a lot of clouds and maybe its going to rain, I informed him my wish to spend the time in the home and watching a movie.

I loved this activity.

I really find this helpful. I learnt new words

Today. I disagreed with my boyfriend . He argued with me on replying exes chats although I am not convinced. In my opinion I feel that it’s not bad replying exes chats

Yesterday,I disagree with my mom.I give her some advice.But she says,it didn't do like that because it doesn't match with her.

Oh well, it’s like couple of days ago. Me and my colleague got a project to make report. So then we have some dissatisfaction with the conclusion part but at last we agreed on different conclusion.

The last time when i disagreed with someone was when i had to develop a new database in my work due to i dediced to use Oracle rather that SQL and my boss did'nt want to spend a lot of money buying an Oracle licence. Finally, i was able to convice him that Oracle was the best option because the results were gonna be given by its fantastic performance...

Agreeing and disagreeing

Instructions

Preparation

Transcript

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

Language level