Useful Phrases for Speaking Part 3
Getting Started
Which one shall we start with?
What do you think, Bob?
Bob, I think you know a lot about [topic]. What's your opinion on it?
Moving to the Next Item
Shall we move onto [topic] now?
So what about [topic]?
I wonder if we can compare [current topic] to [new topic]?
What about this one? [pointing to topic]
What do you think about this idea?
How do you feel about that one?
We're running out of time, so let's move on.
We still need to discuss [topic].
Ah, that connects with the next topic.
[Topic] is pretty similar to the last one - maybe we can skip it for now?
Ending Your Turn
What do you think?
Don't you agree?
Do you have anything to say about that?
Do you have anything to add to that?
Did I forget anything?
Interrupting
Sorry to interrupt but...
Just a second...
Agreeing
Right.
Good point.
I fully agree.
I was just thinking that!
I was just going to say that!
That's just what I was thinking.
I couldn't agree more.
You're totally right.
Disagreeing (with reasons)
Maybe, but what about...?
I think it would be better to...
I'm not so keen on that.
I don't really agree with you there.
Weeeeeell maybe, but...
Yeah, but, the thing is...
The problem with what you said is...
For one thing...[reason 1] And for another... [reason 2]
Reaching a Decision
Well, I think it's definitely not [topic]
We can eliminate [topic] right away. Don't you think?
So then, what do you think is the best one?
I guess you think we should choose [topic]?
Are we both in favour of [topic]?
Okay, so we agree.
I don't think we're going to agree on this!
Let's agree to disagree!
Example Collaborative Task
If the image is too small, it says:
What problems might arise in these relationships?
Brothers and sisters
Boyfriends and girlfriends
Flatmates
Parents and teenagers
Work colleagues
Let's listen to students Anna (A) and Barbara (B).
A- Which one shall we start with?
B- I'll talk about brothers and sisters first. Um... one of the problems I had with my sister is that
she spends hours in the bathroom.
A- Oh, I know that one!
B- It's not like a big problem but it was a bit annoying.
A- I totally agree - in my case it was my brother who took these really long baths and made a
total mess.
B- Are there any other problems in that relationship?
A- Maybe about money when their parents die. A lot of families fall out over that topic, sadly.
But that's depressing. Shall we move on?
B- Sure!
A- Actually, maybe boyfriends have the same problem with their girlfriends. You know, taking
so much time in the bathroom.
B- Sorry to interrupt but I think that's a bit of a stereotype. It's not really true in my opinion.
A- I have to disagree with you. Honestly, my girlfriend just disappears into the bathroom for
hours. Sometimes I hear the hairdryer.
B- Well, maybe. But I think money can be a big problem in relationships. Some men hate it
when their girlfriend has a higher salary. It depends on the culture and background a little bit, but
I've seen it quite a few times. And they argue about who should pay for bills and such things.
A- That connects with the next topic - flatmates. It's always tricky to decide who should pay
which bills. And who should do which chores, too.
B- That's just what I was thinking. And it's true for brothers and sisters and boyfriends and
girlfriends, too. Everyone argues about money and chores!
A- I feel like parents and teenagers is exactly the same... so let's skip it for now and talk about
work colleagues?
B- Great idea.
PART TWO – USEFUL PHRASES
The top picture shows...
The bottom picture shows...
In the picture above it looks as if...
In the one below it looks like...
[In the picture above it looks as if a bear is chasing the man while in the one below it looks like
the man is chasing somebody else.]
Both pictures show...
In both pictures there are...
They're both quite similar because they both show...
[Both pictures show men traveling on their own.]
There are... in both photographs.
[There are men riding alone in both photographs.]
This picture shows... but that one...
[This one shows a cold country but that one looks quite hot.]
In one respect the pictures are quite similar because...
[In one respect the pictures are quite similar because the men look very fit and sporty.]
One difference between the pictures is that...
The biggest difference between them is that this one... but the other one...
[The biggest difference between them is that this one has a bear in it but the other one doesn't
have any bears.]
This one looks more ... than that.
[This one looks more fun than that.]
Doing ... isn't so ... as...
[Riding a motorbike in a busy city isn't so healthy as riding a bike in the fresh air.]
In my opinion...
I'd say that...
I think...
It seems to me...
My view is that...
[My view is that this bear has been photoshopped into that picture. There's no way that's a real
picture. It seems to me that the maker of FCE Exam Tips tried to make this more interesting by
putting a bear in the photo.]
Another thing that's different is...
Something else that's different is...
[This is a cold place, whereas this place looks hot. Another thing that's different is that this
motorbike looks quite old and cheap, while the bike seems quite expensive.]
They're alike in another way, too.
[Both men look strong and healthy. They're alike in another way, too - they are both adventurous
and don't mind traveling alone.]
