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Chunks Conversation · Lesson 16

Nuanced Opinions

Themed Conversation: Happiness & the Good Life

Expression Chunks

I can see why + clause

Meaning: Shows that you understand the reason behind another person's view or behavior.

Sample sentence: I can see why some people connect happiness with financial security.

Use it in your answer:

  • Why might someone choose a high-paying job they don't love?Answer using: I can see why...
  • What are the advantages of living a simpler life?Answer using: I can see why...
  • Can ambition improve life and also create problems?Answer using: I can see why...
  • Why might some people enjoy social media while others avoid it?Answer using: I can see why...
  • Is it better to prioritize security or freedom?Answer using: I can see why...

There's something to be said for + noun / -ing

Meaning: Acknowledges that an idea has genuine advantages or value.

Sample sentence: There's something to be said for having a simple life with fewer pressures.

Use it in your answer:

  • Why might someone choose a high-paying job they don't love?Answer using: There's something to be said for...
  • What are the advantages of living a simpler life?Answer using: There's something to be said for...
  • Can ambition improve life and also create problems?Answer using: There's something to be said for...
  • Why might some people enjoy social media while others avoid it?Answer using: There's something to be said for...
  • Is it better to prioritize security or freedom?Answer using: There's something to be said for...

I can see both sides, but + clause

Meaning: Shows awareness of opposing views before giving your own position.

Sample sentence: I can see both sides, but I think meaningful relationships matter more than status.

Use it in your answer:

  • Why might someone choose a high-paying job they don't love?Answer using: I can see both sides, but...
  • What are the advantages of living a simpler life?Answer using: I can see both sides, but...
  • Can ambition improve life and also create problems?Answer using: I can see both sides, but...
  • Why might some people enjoy social media while others avoid it?Answer using: I can see both sides, but...
  • Is it better to prioritize security or freedom?Answer using: I can see both sides, but...

Question Chunks

To what extent do you think + clause?

Sample question: To what extent do you think money affects happiness?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

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

What are the strongest arguments for and against + noun/-ing?

Sample question: What are the strongest arguments for and against working from home?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

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

Topic Phrasal Verbs

Themed Conversation: Happiness & the Good Life

cheer up

Definition: become happier

Sample sentence: Talking to a close friend usually cheers me up.

Practice questions:

  • What always cheers you up?
  • Who is good at cheering you up?
  • How do you cheer a friend up when they’re having a bad day?
  • What song, film, or food can cheer you up?
  • Do you prefer being alone or with someone when you need cheering up?

look forward to

Definition: anticipate positively

Sample sentence: I always like having something to look forward to.

Practice questions:

  • What are you looking forward to this week?
  • What event do you look forward to every year?
  • Is there a trip you’re looking forward to?
  • What did you look forward to most as a child?
  • Why is it important to have something to look forward to?

miss out on

Definition: fail to experience an opportunity

Sample sentence: I don't want to miss out on experiences because I'm too busy working.

Practice questions:

  • What experience would you hate to miss out on?
  • Have you ever missed out on something because you were too busy?
  • Do people miss out on real life because they spend too much time online?
  • What did you feel you missed out on when you were younger?
  • Would you work less if it meant you wouldn’t miss out on time with people you love?

Relaxed Conversation — 10 Questions

  • What usually cheers you up after a bad day?
  • What are you looking forward to at the moment?
  • What small things make an ordinary day better for you?
  • Do you think you need a lot of free time to be happy?
  • Which matters more to your happiness: experiences or possessions?
  • Have you become better at knowing what makes you happy?
  • Do people sometimes miss out on happiness because they are chasing success?
  • How much does money affect a person’s ability to live a good life?
  • Who is someone you know who seems genuinely content with life?
  • If you could design your ideal ordinary day, what would it look like?