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  3. B2 speaking
  4. Discussing advantages and disadvantages

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!

Task 1

Speaking B2: Discussing advantages and disadvantages – 1

Task 2

Speaking B2: Discussing advantages and disadvantages – 2

Task 3

Speaking B2: Discussing advantages and disadvantages – 3

Discussion

When and where do you have your best ideas?

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Worksheet87.11 KB

Language level

B2 Upper intermediate
Average: 4.5 (37 votes)
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Profile picture for user vsanchez75

Submitted by vsanchez75 on Wed, 28/10/2020 - 02:35

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The best ideas or thoughts come to me when I am washing the dishes because I free my mind...
Profile picture for user danisep

Submitted by danisep on Fri, 16/10/2020 - 22:30

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To me best ideas come when I'm relaxing listening music laying on my bed or when I'm taking a shower, sometimes I think that it's like a rollercoaster you start to work a little unfocuse and in the middle you're totally focus and later when you have a lot time working your start to get stuck and then you need to change for a while the activity that let you take a breath and relax.

Submitted by habibao.medo on Fri, 16/10/2020 - 13:10

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when i am playing or watching movies

Submitted by Cami on Thu, 08/10/2020 - 12:26

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I think that also I have the best ideas when I’m doing something that it’s different from the ambit related to the idea that I have. For example, often I had good ideas simply walking from one place to another or driving. I had good ideas also making sport.

Submitted by cittàutopica on Fri, 25/09/2020 - 18:16

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I usually have my best ideas not in my place of work, but in other location, as in my home (especially in my kitchen), or when I'm doing some things totally unrelated to my job.

Submitted by Asina9 on Tue, 01/09/2020 - 11:52

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Hi, I just winderin what does " I see where you're coming from" mean? Thanks..☺
Profile picture for user Kirk Moore

Submitted by Kirk Moore on Tue, 01/09/2020 - 13:55

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Hello Asina9,

It means 'I see your point' or 'I understand your opinion/point of view'.

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by melflor on Sun, 02/01/2022 - 20:44

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To say that you understand someone's attitude or point of view.