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Conversation / EVERYDAY ENGLISH /
Unit 33
Debating Opinions with Friends
B1- Intermediate Lower
Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to navigate friendly debates by expressing your opinions clearly and politely.
Exercise 1
New Words & Expressions
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor.
phrasal verb
Bring up
Similar:
similarvocab1.1
similarvocab1.2
similarvocab1.3
similarvocab1.4
/brɪŋ ʌp/
Meaning:
To start talking about a topic
- She brought up the idea of watching a new series together.
Real Life Tip:
Americans often use this phrase in casual conversations to introduce a subject.
phrasal verb
Back up
Similar:
similarvocab2.1
similarvocab2.2
similarvocab2.3
similarvocab2.4
/bæk ʌp/
Meaning:
To give reasons or evidence to support an opinion
- Can you back up your opinion with examples from the movie?
Real Life Tip:
Common in discussions, essays, and friendly debates.
verb
Agree
Similar:
similarvocab3.1
similarvocab3.2
similarvocab3.3
similarvocab3.4
/əˈɡriː/
Meaning:
To have the same opinion as someone else
- I agree with you; that movie was really exciting.
Real Life Tip:
Americans often use “I agree” or “Exactly” to show understanding in discussions.
Disagree
verb
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/ˌdɪs.əˈɡriː/
Meaning:
To have a different opinion than someone else
- I disagree with you about the book; I found it boring.
Real Life Tip:
Polite disagreement is common in American culture; it’s okay to express different opinions respectfully.
Exercise 2
Role-Play
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Two friends are debating which streaming service is better while having coffee in a café.
I think Netflix is better than Disney+. What do you think?
Alex
I disagree. Disney+ has more family-friendly movies and shows.
Mia
I see your point, but Netflix has a wider variety of genres.
Alex
True, but Disney+ originals are usually higher quality.
Mia
Well, I still think Netflix has better documentaries.
Alex
Can you back up that opinion? I haven’t seen many Netflix documentaries.
Mia
Sure, I watched a few on space exploration and wildlife last week.
Alex
Okay, I understand now. Maybe we could share a subscription and watch both.
Mia
Exercise 3
Role-Play Q&A
Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
1. Which streaming service does Alex prefer?
2. What reason does Mia give for preferring Disney+?
3. How do they resolve their disagreement?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
Fill in the blank
I like ________ at the park after school.
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
1. I _______ with you about the new series.
a) agree
b) agrees
c) agreeing
2. She doesn’t like horror movies, so she usually _______ with me.
a) disagree
b) disagrees
c) disagreeing
3. Can you _______ your answer with examples?
a) back up
b) bring up
c) put off
4. He _______ the topic of music while we were eating.
a) brings up
b) brought up
c) bring up
5. They had a friendly _______ about the best pizza place in town.
a) debate
b) agreeing
c) disagreement
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. Do you usually agree or disagree with friends during debates?
2. How do you politely express a different opinion in English?
3. What topic would you enjoy debating with your friends?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. Which social media platform do you prefer and why?
2. Do you prefer summer or winter? Why?
3. What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently, and why?
4. Do you like debating opinions with friends or avoiding arguments?
5. Which is better: online shopping or shopping in-store?
6. Do you think smartphones make life easier or more stressful?
7. Is reading books better than watching movies? Why?
8. Do you prefer listening to music alone or with friends?
9. Which U.S. city would you like to visit, and why?
10. Can two friends have opposite opinions and still stay close?
Kids Course / Let's Speak English /
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