Exercises

1. VIDEO: Watch the video “Agreeing and disagreeing” and get ready to discuss it at the lesson.

2. Read the following illustrative examples of expressing agreement and disagreement.

1. - John ought to apologize.

- I quite agree. He behaved very badly.

2. - Most people spend too much time watching television.

- I can’t agree more.

3. - I think men should do more in the home.

- Well, I agree with you to a point, but there are some things that women are so much better at, bringing up children, for example.

4. - Margaret knows the language very well but she can’t teach.

- Yes, she can. She’s quite a good teacher, as a matter of fact.

5. - Ann doesn’t look well.

- No, she doesn’t. I hope it’s nothing serious.

6. - Young people nowadays have no manners.

- I don’t agree with you. It depends on their upbringing.

7. - Robert has given up his job, I hear.

- Nothing of the kind.

3. Express your agreement or disagreement with someone’s view.

A

Success Health Love Money Education

is the most important thing in life.

Television The cinema The theatre

is the best entertainment in the world.

Nearly all

policemen governors sheriffs

are corrupt.

B

1. English food is excellent.

2. Blondes are prettier than brunettes.

3. Winter is nicer than summer.

4. Fish is better than meat.

5. Hard work is very pleasant.

6. All wars are evil.

4. Make any statements you like. Someone will either agree or disagree with you.

Model : A I think English is terribly easy, don’t you?

B No, I don’t agree. I think it’s difficult.

5. Agree or disagree with the following statements.

1. Love your country. 2. Everyone should be equal. 3. Prisons should be abolished. 4. Nature gives us the best things in life. 5. Riches make for happiness. 6. Religion is the opium for masses. 7. With age comes wisdom. 8. We learn through our mistakes. 9. Marriage is a perfect institution.

Patriotism is outdated. Equality is neither possible nor desirable. More prisons should be built. Civilization saves us from the cruelty of nature. Money can’t make you happy. Religion is the greatest force for moral good. Older is not necessarily wiser. We learn by doing things right. Marriage should be abolished. Marriage laws need reforming.

6. Express partial agreement with the following statements.

1. Success is something that spoils people.

2. Women with children should work only part-time.

3. Children should become independent of their parents when they start work.

4. Detective stories are the best reading when you want to relax.

5. It’s wonderful to have a dog.

6. It’s terrible to live in the centre of a big city.

7. Having a car makes one lazy.