Lesson 1.1 — Debate club — agreeing & disagreeing (Spoken English B1)

Listen first

Two friends argue about whether working from home actually works. Listen for how the second speaker agrees with a small part before disagreeing — that's the move that keeps it friendly.

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New vocabulary — tap to hear

The way I see it,/ðə weɪ aɪ ˈsiː ɪt/ · opens your opinion, softer than "I think" 🔊

That's a fair point, but…/ðæts ə fɛr pɔɪnt/ · concede first, then push back 🔊

I'm not so sure about that./aɪm nɑt soʊ ʃʊr/ · polite disagreement, very common 🔊

to be honest/tə bi ˈɑnəst/ · signals a frank opinion is coming 🔊

You've got a point there./juv ɡɑt ə pɔɪnt/ · partial agreement, buys thinking time 🔊

I'd argue that…/aɪd ˈɑrɡju ðæt/ · stakes a claim in a debate, slightly formal 🔊

Now say it

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« That's a fair point, but I'm not so sure. » 🔊

Drop your pitch on "fair point" to sound sincere, then lift slightly on "not so sure" so it stays open, not aggressive.

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Pronunciation

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The way I see it, remote work makes people lazier. Nobody's really watching. 🔊Opens with a strong opinion and a reason

That's a fair point, but the good ones don't need watching, do they? 🔊Concedes, then counters with a question

Maybe. Still, you lose all the little office conversations. 🔊Half-agrees, holds ground with "still"

You've got a point there. To be honest, that's the part I miss too. 🔊Grants the point, softens with a personal admission

So we half agree. I'd argue the truth's somewhere in the middle. 🔊Wraps up by finding common ground

Grammar in focus · concession with "but" and "still"

To disagree without a fight, agree a little first: "That's true, but…" or "Maybe, still…". "Still" here means "even so" — it isn't about time. Learners often say "I am agree" — drop the "am": it's just "I agree", because "agree" is already the verb.

Full lesson: linking words for contrast

Write it yourself

Someone claims "Social media is bad for teenagers." Write 3 sentences: agree a little, then disagree with one reason.

Your answer

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Tip for this task
Don't open with a flat "No, you're wrong." Start with "I see what you mean, but…" — English keeps disagreement polite by conceding first.

Quick check

An adaptive quiz confirms you've got it and schedules the right words for review.

1. Your friend makes a decent argument you don't fully accept. The most natural reply is…

2. In "Maybe, still, you lose the office chats," the word "still" means…

3. Which is correct English?

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