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.

Preparation

Speaking B2: Discussing advantages and disadvantages – preparation

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

When and where do you have your best ideas?

Download

Worksheet87.11 KB

Language level

B2 Upper intermediate

I have my best ideas when I'm just lying in silence and watching to ceiling.

I have my best ideas when I'm relaxed, it could be by meditating in my bedroom or watching my favorite movie.

when i busy with something i come up with best ideas but when i only think about best ideas i can't found them

Hello

I would i have best ideas when I'm sleeping at night and if i don't wright all those ideas down i going to forget and to comeback to remember is going to be difficult, so i have down them down to remember.

I always get my best ideas when I’m at the gym

Hello to everyone.

I have my best ideas when i am fully awake in early mornings.

Also, I am working from home and I feel most confident and relaxed in front of my computer and at my desk. So i guess that's where I get many new ideas.

Bye !

Hello,

I have my best ideas when I'm well rested and when I'm in a quiet place (like a garden or a forest) or in a quiet room, sometimes with smooth music. I let my thoughts go on and ideas occur in my mind.

But, I can also have great ideas by discussing with friends or family. Discussions can be a good source of different ideas, and the best one is the result of exchanges between several minds.