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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Submitted by gratos on Thu, 24/10/2024 - 21:21

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Ideas come to me when I am about to sleep ,my brain become more creative and sharp to details. I remembered once I was solving a physics exercise and I had been struglling with a question all the night, when I am about to sleep a spark ignited inside my brain ,all my neurons respond and quickly figure out the method of the solution ,then I felt satisfied ,glad.

I noticed that this phenomenon is repeated when you enter the flow mode, when you are super concentrated on a task and tried your best to solve it 

Submitted by chicca70 on Wed, 12/06/2024 - 11:32

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I'm perfectly aware of the various moments during the day when I perceive to have found new solutions to a specific issue or at least I have my best ideas... It's when I first wake up in the morning but not yet ready to get up, when I'm driving to work (so commute is a known one) and when I'm having a shower!

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Submitted by Libra23 on Fri, 07/06/2024 - 15:42

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To be honest, I don’t know if ideas come to me when I realise a specific activity. 

I think ideas get when you aren’t too concentrated on the problem; our brain needs its own time to views the issue and after to elaborate a solution. It’s an automatic process which goes on even without our aware. 

Submitted by mari03 on Mon, 20/05/2024 - 18:41

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I often have my best ideas when I just feel relax and I'm alone(can be when I driving, walking or taking a shower). For instance, when I'm about to sleep my mind is more creative and I ending dreaming solutions for my problems, lol. This is my top moment of the day when I made crazy plans.

Submitted by mari03 on Mon, 20/05/2024 - 18:23

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Usually I get best ideas when I'm taking a bath or walking.

Submitted by Toan3002 on Tue, 19/12/2023 - 01:46

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Honestly, I usually think up my best ideas when I go to church to attend mass.

Submitted by noura-elkhwanky on Sun, 03/12/2023 - 01:26

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Obviously I have my best ideas when I do my workout that’s the perfect time my vision being clear . And also when I communicate with others at this time my mind works well.

I see where you are coming from, but for me, it works after the exercises, it helps to be away from the problem you are struggling with. So, after a while, ideas come to my head. There are lots of advantages to exercises both physically and mentally. 

Submitted by marriita on Wed, 16/08/2023 - 21:09

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I have my best ideas when I walk

Submitted by Nermin Ragaai on Mon, 03/07/2023 - 09:10

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good training