Speaking: Interactive Communication B1 - Lesson 2: Agreeing & Disagreeing Politely

Speaking: Interactive Communication B1

Function: Agreeing & Disagreeing Politely

Listen to the examples here.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use a range of phrases to agree and, more importantly, to disagree with someone's opinion in a polite and respectful way.

Conversation Scenario 💬

We don't always have the same opinion as others. Knowing how to disagree politely is a very important communication skill. Let's look at how two friends discuss a topic.

Rithy: In my opinion, living in a big city is much better than living in the countryside. There's so much to do.

Sophea: That's true, there are more shops and cafes. However, I think the countryside is more peaceful.

Rithy: I see what you mean, but don't you think it can be a bit boring?

Sophea: I suppose so, but on the other hand, I prefer the clean air. I guess we just like different things!

Your Interaction Toolkit 🛠️

Here are the phrases you need to agree and disagree respectfully. Click 🔊 to hear them.

Phrases for Agreeing

• I agree.
• That's true.
• Absolutely! / Definitely! (for strong agreement)
• You're right.

Phrases for Disagreeing Politely

• I see what you mean, but...
• I understand your point, but...
• That's a good point, however,...
• On the other hand,...
• I'm not so sure about that, because...

A 3-Step Strategy for Disagreeing Politely

This is a safe and polite three-step strategy for disagreeing with anyone.

1. 1

   Soften: Start with a phrase that shows you respect their opinion. Don't just say "You're wrong."

   Example: "That's a good point..." or "I understand what you're saying..."

2. 2

   State: Clearly state your different opinion using "but" or "however".

   Example: "...but I have a slightly different perspective."

3. 3

   Explain: Give a short reason for your different opinion.

   Example: "...because I think the cost is also an important factor."

Tips for Sounding Natural

🗣️ The Intonation of Polite Disagreement

To disagree politely, your intonation should be soft and thoughtful, not aggressive.

• When you use a "softening" phrase like "I see what you mean...", your voice is often a little higher and questioning, showing you're considering their view.
• Pause clearly after your softening phrase and the word "but" or "however".
• When you state your different opinion, use a normal, falling intonation (like a statement).

Practice Agreeing & Disagreeing 🎯

Activity 1: How to Respond? (Self-Check)

Read the opinion below. Type a polite response for agreeing and another for disagreeing (using the 3-step strategy). Click "Show Examples" to compare your ideas.

"I think English is the most difficult language to learn."

1. Your AGREEING response:
   
   Show Example Answer

   "I completely agree! The grammar is so confusing sometimes."

2. Your DISAGREEING response:
   
   Show Example Answer

   "That's an interesting point (Soften), but I think Chinese might be more difficult (State) because you have to learn thousands of characters (Explain)."

Activity 2: Mini-Debate

Work with a partner. Choose one of the topics below. One person agrees, and the other disagrees. Have a short, polite conversation using the phrases from this lesson.

Topics: "Cats are better pets than dogs." OR "It is better to be rich than to be happy."

(Practice using softening phrases, stating your view with 'but/however', and giving reasons.)

Key Vocabulary

• Opinion | មតិ

  A belief or view about something.
• to agree / to disagree | យល់ព្រម / មិនយល់ព្រម

  To have the same opinion / To have a different opinion.
• Polite | សុភាពរាបសា

  Behaving in a way that is respectful and considerate of other people.
• Respectful | ការគោរព

  Showing politeness or honor to someone or something.
• Perspective | ទស្សនៈ

  A particular way of thinking about something; point of view.

Your Communication Mission ⭐

This week, your mission is to practice politely disagreeing. You don't need to have a big argument!

If a friend says "I love this hot weather," and you don't, you can practice. Try saying: "Really? I see what you mean, but for me, it's a little too hot!" The goal is to practice the polite 3-step strategy.