Page 142 - Real English 2024 Book 8

REAL ENGLISH 8

Speaking

During a conversation we often agree or disagree with the people we are talking to. What are the
common expressions we use to agree and disagree?

Read the dialogue between a young man and his uncle and notice how they express agreement
and disagreement.
Uncle : You’ve completed your course, haven’t you, Joe?
Joe : Yes, uncle, it’s over. I completed it the past month.

Uncle : Have you decided what to do now?
Joe : Yes, I’ve got a few job offers.

Uncle : I hope you’ve accepted the best package among them.
Joe : No, uncle, I haven’t.
Uncle : Why? I thought anyone would jump at job opportunities these days. Don’t you know that
opportunities don’t come knocking at your door always? I hope you’re at least weighing
your options.
Joe : Well, a few of them are good. But I’m not interested. I haven’t said yes to any of them.

Uncle : You haven’t? Why? If they are good, can’t you accept one? People out there are waiting
to grab such offers, you know.

Joe : Not me. I’ve made up my mind. If I could get a really interesting one, I’d accept that, not
otherwise.

Uncle : I really don’t think that is right. How can you be so choosy at this initial stage?
Joe : I think I can. I’m clear in my mind, uncle. I want to do something which I’d love to do.
Then I can enjoy my work.
Uncle : I’m not sure. Wish you good luck in your search, my boy. The secret of happy living is
not to do what you like, but to like what you do. That’s all I can say from my experience.

Some common expressions used to agree or disagree with others are:
Agree Disagree
1. Yes, it is./Yes, you’re right. 1. No, I don’t think so.

2. Exactly./Of course. 2. Not really.
3. I agree. 3. Surely not.

4. That’s exactly what I think. 4. I disagree.
5. Absolutely. 5. I’m afraid I don’t agree with that.
6. Yes, that’s true. 6. I’m not sure.

7. I really don’t think that’s right.

E2 Discuss the following topics in groups. Use the expressions above to agree or disagree.
1. Children should be allowed to use mobile phones inside school premises.

2. Street vendors should be removed to make the roads more beautiful.
3. Children should be allowed to vote in elections.

120