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!
Well, I have my best ideas when I'm relaxing on my bed without any noise or interruption.
Thank you
I have so many good and brilliant ideas while I'm running every morning. That's when I solve my problems ha ha ha.
At night time when I go in my bed for sleeping, before sleeping in quite moments there, my best ideas are created.
Hi,
Yuna said: "What if someone hurts themselves?" (2:20 in the video)
Is this grammatically correct? I taught it should be (him/her)self.
Thank you.
Hi Konti,
Yes, it is correct! In modern usage, it's common to use themselves (and also they, them and their) to refer to a single person if we don't know the person's gender, or their gender is irrelevant.
Jonathan
The LearnEnglish Team
I'm always creative in my job. Whenever I have an idea, about how to deal with customers then I discuss it with my boss. One year ago I had a great idea. I applied and discuss it with my boss. It would be an amazing experience.
My best ideas appear while I'm on my way to somewhere
when i go to sleep on my bed, it's crazy right!