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Chunks Conversation · Lesson 9

Decisions

Themed Conversation: Big Life Decisions

Expression Chunks

If I had to choose, I'd + base verb

Meaning: Used to state a choice when you are required to pick one option.

Sample sentence: If I had to choose, I'd take a meaningful job over a prestigious title.

Use it in your answer:

  • If you could live anywhere for one year, where would you choose?Answer using: If I had to choose, I'd...
  • If you had to choose between more money and more free time, which would you take?Answer using: If I had to choose, I'd...
  • If you could change one thing about your work or studies, what would you change?Answer using: If I had to choose, I'd...
  • If you had to spend a year learning one completely new skill, what would you pick?Answer using: If I had to choose, I'd...
  • If you were responsible for planning your family's next holiday, what would you decide?Answer using: If I had to choose, I'd...

Given the choice, I'd + base verb

Meaning: Used to describe the option you would prefer if you were free to choose.

Sample sentence: Given the choice, I'd live somewhere quieter but close to a city.

Use it in your answer:

  • If you could live anywhere for one year, where would you choose?Answer using: Given the choice, I'd...
  • If you had to choose between more money and more free time, which would you take?Answer using: Given the choice, I'd...
  • If you could change one thing about your work or studies, what would you change?Answer using: Given the choice, I'd...
  • If you had to spend a year learning one completely new skill, what would you pick?Answer using: Given the choice, I'd...
  • If you were responsible for planning your family's next holiday, what would you decide?Answer using: Given the choice, I'd...

If it were up to me, I'd + base verb

Meaning: Used to say what you personally would decide if you had full control.

Sample sentence: If it were up to me, I'd make flexible working hours standard.

Use it in your answer:

  • If you could live anywhere for one year, where would you choose?Answer using: If it were up to me, I'd...
  • If you had to choose between more money and more free time, which would you take?Answer using: If it were up to me, I'd...
  • If you could change one thing about your work or studies, what would you change?Answer using: If it were up to me, I'd...
  • If you had to spend a year learning one completely new skill, what would you pick?Answer using: If it were up to me, I'd...
  • If you were responsible for planning your family's next holiday, what would you decide?Answer using: If it were up to me, I'd...

Question Chunks

What made you decide to + verb?

Sample question: What made you decide to pursue your current career?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

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

How do you usually decide whether to + verb?

Sample question: How do you usually decide whether to take a risk?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

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

Topic Phrasal Verbs

Themed Conversation: Big Life Decisions

settle on

Definition: finally choose

Sample sentence: After comparing several options, I settled on the simplest one.

Practice questions:

  • How do you settle on a choice when you have too many options?
  • What was the last big decision you settled on?
  • Have you ever struggled to settle on a restaurant or travel destination?
  • What helps you settle on the right option?
  • Do you usually settle on a decision quickly or slowly?

think over

Definition: consider carefully

Sample sentence: I like to think major decisions over before I commit.

Practice questions:

  • What kinds of decisions do you need to think over carefully?
  • Do you like to think things over alone or discuss them with someone?
  • Have you ever thought an offer over and then turned it down?
  • How long do you usually think a major purchase over?
  • What is something you’re thinking over at the moment?

go with

Definition: choose an option

Sample sentence: In the end, I went with the option that felt most practical.

Practice questions:

  • When you have two good choices, how do you decide which one to go with?
  • Have you ever gone with your first instinct and been glad you did?
  • Do you usually go with the safest option or the most exciting one?
  • Whose suggestion are you most likely to go with?
  • What option would you go with if you had a completely free weekend?

Relaxed Conversation — 10 Questions

  • What is one important decision that changed your life?
  • Do you usually make big decisions quickly or think them over for a long time?
  • Whose advice do you trust when you have a difficult decision to make?
  • Have you ever made a choice that other people didn’t understand?
  • Do you trust your instincts when making major decisions?
  • Have you ever changed your mind at the very last minute?
  • Which is harder for you: choosing between two good options or two bad ones?
  • Do you regret any decision, or do you prefer not to think in terms of regret?
  • How much should money influence major life decisions?
  • If you had one year with no obligations, what would you decide to do?