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Chunks Conversation · Lesson 27

Balancing an Argument

Themed Conversation: Plans & Spontaneity

Expression Chunks

That being said, + clause

Meaning: Introduces a contrasting or qualifying point after what you have just said.

Sample sentence: I like having a plan. That being said, some of my best experiences have been spontaneous.

Use it in your answer:

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of planning everything carefully?Answer using: That being said,...
  • Can being spontaneous make life more enjoyable and also create problems?Answer using: That being said,...
  • Do long-term plans help you, or can they make you feel restricted?Answer using: That being said,...
  • When is it useful to change your mind even after making a plan?Answer using: That being said,...
  • Is it better to know exactly what you want from life or remain open to unexpected opportunities?Answer using: That being said,...

Having said that, + clause

Meaning: Another way to introduce a contrast or limitation to your previous point.

Sample sentence: Planning ahead saves me stress. Having said that, I don't want every hour of a trip scheduled.

Use it in your answer:

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of planning everything carefully?Answer using: Having said that,...
  • Can being spontaneous make life more enjoyable and also create problems?Answer using: Having said that,...
  • Do long-term plans help you, or can they make you feel restricted?Answer using: Having said that,...
  • When is it useful to change your mind even after making a plan?Answer using: Having said that,...
  • Is it better to know exactly what you want from life or remain open to unexpected opportunities?Answer using: Having said that,...

At the same time, + clause

Meaning: Adds a second, often contrasting consideration that is also true.

Sample sentence: Spontaneity can be exciting. At the same time, some situations require preparation.

Use it in your answer:

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of planning everything carefully?Answer using: At the same time,...
  • Can being spontaneous make life more enjoyable and also create problems?Answer using: At the same time,...
  • Do long-term plans help you, or can they make you feel restricted?Answer using: At the same time,...
  • When is it useful to change your mind even after making a plan?Answer using: At the same time,...
  • Is it better to know exactly what you want from life or remain open to unexpected opportunities?Answer using: At the same time,...

Question Chunks

Do you see + noun + as more of a + noun + or a + noun?

Sample question: Do you see careful planning as more of a strength or a limitation?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

  1. ______________________________________________________________
  2. ______________________________________________________________
  3. ______________________________________________________________
  4. ______________________________________________________________
  5. ______________________________________________________________

What are the benefits and drawbacks of + noun/-ing?

Sample question: What are the benefits and drawbacks of being spontaneous?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

  1. ______________________________________________________________
  2. ______________________________________________________________
  3. ______________________________________________________________
  4. ______________________________________________________________
  5. ______________________________________________________________

Topic Phrasal Verbs

Themed Conversation: Plans & Spontaneity

plan ahead

Definition: prepare in advance

Sample sentence: I plan ahead when the consequences of being unprepared are serious.

Practice questions:

  • What do you always plan ahead for?
  • How far ahead do you plan vacations?
  • Do you enjoy planning ahead, or does it make you feel restricted?
  • What happens when you don’t plan ahead?
  • Which parts of life are impossible to plan ahead for?

work out

Definition: develop successfully

Sample sentence: Even carefully made plans don't always work out.

Practice questions:

  • Tell me about a plan that worked out better than expected.
  • What do you do when your plans don’t work out?
  • Have you ever worried about something that eventually worked out fine?
  • Do things usually work out when you improvise?
  • What is something you hope works out this year?

go along with

Definition: accept or follow a suggestion

Sample sentence: I'm willing to go along with a spontaneous plan if I trust the people I'm with.

Practice questions:

  • Do you usually go along with other people’s plans?
  • Have you ever gone along with an idea even though you weren’t sure about it?
  • What kind of spontaneous plan would you happily go along with?
  • When should you refuse to go along with the group?
  • Are you more likely to lead a plan or go along with someone else’s?

Relaxed Conversation — 10 Questions

  • Do you usually plan your days carefully or take them as they come?
  • What are you planning to do this weekend?
  • How far ahead do you normally plan a vacation?
  • Are you comfortable changing plans at the last minute?
  • Tell me about a time when a plan didn’t work out but the day was still enjoyable.
  • Do you usually have a backup plan for important situations?
  • What kinds of decisions are you happy to make spontaneously?
  • Would you go along with a last-minute trip if a friend invited you?
  • Do you think planning too much can make life less enjoyable?
  • What is one long-term plan you hope works out?