Debating Opinions with Friends

Conversational / EVERYDAY ENGLISH

Lesson 33

Debating Opinions with Friends

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Exercise 1

Vocabulary

Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher

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.

Agree

verb

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

Conversation

Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.

00:00 / 01:04

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 2.1

Questions.

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.

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?