oratorIQ
Sign in Start free trial
Back to Chunks Conversation

Chunks Conversation · Lesson 20

Guessing & Speculating

Themed Conversation: Friendships & Relationships

Expression Chunks

If I had to guess, I'd say + clause

Meaning: Introduces a guess when you do not know the answer for certain.

Sample sentence: If I had to guess, I'd say most friendships fade because people's lives gradually move in different directions.

Use it in your answer:

  • Why do you think some friendships slowly fade?Answer using: If I had to guess, I'd say...
  • What seems to make long-term friendships last?Answer using: If I had to guess, I'd say...
  • Why do some arguments become much bigger than the original problem?Answer using: If I had to guess, I'd say...
  • What do you think makes people comfortable enough to apologize?Answer using: If I had to guess, I'd say...
  • Why do some people maintain friendships easily while others struggle?Answer using: If I had to guess, I'd say...

As far as I can tell, + clause

Meaning: Means 'based on the information I can currently see or understand.'

Sample sentence: As far as I can tell, good relationships depend more on consistency than constant contact.

Use it in your answer:

  • Why do you think some friendships slowly fade?Answer using: As far as I can tell,...
  • What seems to make long-term friendships last?Answer using: As far as I can tell,...
  • Why do some arguments become much bigger than the original problem?Answer using: As far as I can tell,...
  • What do you think makes people comfortable enough to apologize?Answer using: As far as I can tell,...
  • Why do some people maintain friendships easily while others struggle?Answer using: As far as I can tell,...

From what I can gather, + clause

Meaning: Introduces a conclusion based on information you have collected or observed.

Sample sentence: From what I can gather, many conflicts become worse when people avoid discussing them.

Use it in your answer:

  • Why do you think some friendships slowly fade?Answer using: From what I can gather,...
  • What seems to make long-term friendships last?Answer using: From what I can gather,...
  • Why do some arguments become much bigger than the original problem?Answer using: From what I can gather,...
  • What do you think makes people comfortable enough to apologize?Answer using: From what I can gather,...
  • Why do some people maintain friendships easily while others struggle?Answer using: From what I can gather,...

Question Chunks

What would you say is the main reason + clause?

Sample question: What would you say is the main reason friendships end?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

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

Why do you think + clause + tends to happen?

Sample question: Why do you think people tend to drift apart?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

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

Topic Phrasal Verbs

Themed Conversation: Friendships & Relationships

fall out

Definition: argue and stop being friendly

Sample sentence: Close friends can fall out over surprisingly small misunderstandings.

Practice questions:

  • What do friends commonly fall out over?
  • Have you ever fallen out with someone over something small?
  • How long do you stay upset after falling out with a friend?
  • Can people fall out and still become close again?
  • What can prevent friends from falling out?

make up

Definition: become friendly again after an argument

Sample sentence: It's easier to make up when both people are willing to apologize.

Practice questions:

  • Is it easy for you to make up after an argument?
  • Who usually makes the first move when you make up with someone?
  • Have you ever made up with someone after a long disagreement?
  • What makes it difficult for people to make up?
  • Do you think every friendship is worth making up?

drift apart

Definition: gradually become less close

Sample sentence: Friends sometimes drift apart when their lives change.

Practice questions:

  • Why do close friends sometimes drift apart?
  • Have you ever drifted apart from someone without having an argument?
  • How can friends avoid drifting apart when they live far away?
  • Is drifting apart a normal part of life?
  • Can people reconnect after drifting apart for years?

Relaxed Conversation — 10 Questions

  • What qualities do you value most in a close friend?
  • How often do you usually keep in touch with your closest friends?
  • Have you ever become friends with someone you initially disliked?
  • Why do you think some friends gradually drift apart?
  • Is it easy for you to apologize after an argument?
  • Have you ever fallen out with someone over a misunderstanding?
  • What helps people make up after a serious disagreement?
  • Do friendships become harder to maintain as people get older?
  • Can two people remain close friends even if they have very different values?
  • What do you think makes a friendship last for many years?