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Chunks Conversation · Lesson 3

Natural Reactions

Themed Conversation: Stress & Difficult Situations

Expression Chunks

I can't help but + base verb

Meaning: Used when a reaction feels automatic or difficult to control.

Sample sentence: I can't help but worry when someone says, 'We need to talk.'

Use it in your answer:

  • What do you do automatically when someone around you starts laughing?Answer using: I can't help but...
  • When you hear two sides of an argument, what are you usually inclined to do?Answer using: I can't help but...
  • What is your immediate reaction when something unexpectedly goes wrong?Answer using: I can't help but...
  • What happens when someone gives you a sincere compliment?Answer using: I can't help but...
  • When you receive surprising news, what do you do first?Answer using: I can't help but...

I'm inclined to + base verb

Meaning: Used for a natural preference or tendency toward a particular action or opinion.

Sample sentence: I'm inclined to stay quiet until I understand the situation.

Use it in your answer:

  • What do you do automatically when someone around you starts laughing?Answer using: I'm inclined to...
  • When you hear two sides of an argument, what are you usually inclined to do?Answer using: I'm inclined to...
  • What is your immediate reaction when something unexpectedly goes wrong?Answer using: I'm inclined to...
  • What happens when someone gives you a sincere compliment?Answer using: I'm inclined to...
  • When you receive surprising news, what do you do first?Answer using: I'm inclined to...

My first instinct is to + base verb

Meaning: Describes the very first reaction you naturally have before thinking carefully.

Sample sentence: My first instinct is to solve a problem on my own before asking for help.

Use it in your answer:

  • What do you do automatically when someone around you starts laughing?Answer using: My first instinct is to...
  • When you hear two sides of an argument, what are you usually inclined to do?Answer using: My first instinct is to...
  • What is your immediate reaction when something unexpectedly goes wrong?Answer using: My first instinct is to...
  • What happens when someone gives you a sincere compliment?Answer using: My first instinct is to...
  • When you receive surprising news, what do you do first?Answer using: My first instinct is to...

Question Chunks

How do you usually react when + clause?

Sample question: How do you usually react when someone criticizes you?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

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

What do you normally do when + clause?

Sample question: What do you normally do when a plan suddenly changes?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

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

Topic Phrasal Verbs

Themed Conversation: Stress & Difficult Situations

calm down

Definition: become less upset

Sample sentence: I usually take a short walk to calm down after a stressful day.

Practice questions:

  • What usually helps you calm down when you’re upset?
  • How long does it normally take you to calm down after an argument?
  • Who is good at helping you calm down?
  • Is it easy for you to calm down when you’re under pressure?
  • What would you tell a friend to do to calm down?

bottle up

Definition: keep feelings inside

Sample sentence: Some people bottle up their feelings until they become overwhelmed.

Practice questions:

  • Do you tend to bottle up your feelings or talk about them?
  • What kinds of emotions do people often bottle up?
  • Have you ever bottled something up for too long?
  • Why do some people bottle up their problems?
  • What can happen when someone keeps bottling things up?

lash out

Definition: suddenly express anger at someone

Sample sentence: People sometimes lash out when they are under too much pressure.

Practice questions:

  • Why do people sometimes lash out when they’re stressed?
  • Have you ever lashed out at someone and regretted it later?
  • What should you do if someone lashes out at you?
  • Who are people most likely to lash out at when they’re upset?
  • How can someone stop themselves from lashing out?

Relaxed Conversation — 10 Questions

  • What kinds of situations make you feel stressed most easily?
  • How can people tell when you’re stressed?
  • What do you usually do to calm down after a difficult day?
  • Do you prefer talking about your problems or dealing with them privately?
  • Have you ever worried about something that turned out to be unimportant?
  • Who is the first person you usually talk to when something goes wrong?
  • Are you good at staying calm when other people are panicking?
  • What helps you think clearly when you feel overwhelmed?
  • Do you think people handle stress better as they get older?
  • What advice would you give someone who is going through a stressful week?