Discussing advantages and disadvantages

In this video, Noelia and Yuna talk about how to encourage creativity in the office. Listen to the language they use to discuss advantages and disadvantages 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 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!

Discussion

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Average: 4.5 (27 votes)

Submitted by Zakzak on Thu, 30/03/2023 - 09:39

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Where do I find the videos for these exercises? I've searched every where.

Hello Zakzak,

The video should display under the Preparation task and above the Transcript. I've just checked and it appears to be working fine. I can see it.

If you cannot, I'd suggest trying a different browser or device.

If you still can't see it after that, please let us know what browser and browser version you're using, and where you are located. We might be able to figure out what's happening with those details.

Sorry for the inconvenience!

All the best,
Kirk
LearnEnglish team

Submitted by Rica Trần on Mon, 20/03/2023 - 13:39

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I usually have my best ideas in the state where I'm not fully asleep but also not fully awake. That is why sometimes I go to sleep but end up not actually sleeping

Submitted by LS_022 on Wed, 08/03/2023 - 19:13

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I get my best ideas before I go to sleep, but unfortunately I don't remember them when I wake up.

Submitted by RuiYa on Sun, 05/03/2023 - 12:42

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I have my best ideas when I am in the gym or walking, cooking or in the bathroom like @amirarsi_1382

Submitted by inaki07 on Mon, 27/02/2023 - 17:14

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I have my best ideas when I am reflective in my desk.

Submitted by malisaxx on Fri, 17/02/2023 - 12:09

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I get my best ideas during shower, speaking to myself and pretending that I am on a stage presenting my ideas to an audience. It is very productive for me, but is so bad for the environment, because I used to waste a lot of water doing that. I tried making a bath in the bathtub instead, but it didn't work. Maybe because the feeling of rushing the water through my hair causes the context for the coming of brilliant ideas in my mind.

Submitted by amirarsi_1382 on Tue, 03/01/2023 - 14:13

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I know it may seems rude, but i often have my best ideas, when i`m in bathroom.

Submitted by Bali777 on Fri, 04/11/2022 - 14:51

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I often have my best ideas during my sleep. At that time, I usually woke up suddenly and think one of my current problems. On the one hand, I really annoyed that I woke up at the middle of the night. But on the other hand, I am sleeping back happily as the best solution is just come up in my head. Does anyone have a similar experience?