oratorIQ
Sign in Start free trial
Back to Chunks Conversation

Chunks Conversation · Lesson 6

Preferences

Themed Conversation: Travel Style

Expression Chunks

I'd rather + base verb

Meaning: Expresses a preference between alternatives.

Sample sentence: I'd rather explore one place slowly than rush through five cities.

Use it in your answer:

  • If you had a completely free weekend, would you stay home or go somewhere?Answer using: I'd rather...
  • When you travel, do you plan everything or leave room for spontaneity?Answer using: I'd rather...
  • Would you choose a quiet evening with a few people or a large social event?Answer using: I'd rather...
  • If you could work early and finish early or start late and finish late, which would you choose?Answer using: I'd rather...
  • Would you choose the beach, the mountains, or a big city for a short break?Answer using: I'd rather...

I prefer to + base verb

Meaning: States what you generally choose or like to do.

Sample sentence: I prefer to plan the essentials and leave the rest of a trip flexible.

Use it in your answer:

  • If you had a completely free weekend, would you stay home or go somewhere?Answer using: I prefer to...
  • When you travel, do you plan everything or leave room for spontaneity?Answer using: I prefer to...
  • Would you choose a quiet evening with a few people or a large social event?Answer using: I prefer to...
  • If you could work early and finish early or start late and finish late, which would you choose?Answer using: I prefer to...
  • Would you choose the beach, the mountains, or a big city for a short break?Answer using: I prefer to...

I'm more of a + noun + person

Meaning: An informal way to describe the type of thing, place, or activity you generally prefer.

Sample sentence: I'm more of a beach person than a mountain person.

Use it in your answer:

  • If you had a completely free weekend, would you stay home or go somewhere?Answer using: I'm more of a ___ person.
  • When you travel, do you plan everything or leave room for spontaneity?Answer using: I'm more of a ___ person.
  • Would you choose a quiet evening with a few people or a large social event?Answer using: I'm more of a ___ person.
  • If you could work early and finish early or start late and finish late, which would you choose?Answer using: I'm more of a ___ person.
  • Would you choose the beach, the mountains, or a big city for a short break?Answer using: I'm more of a ___ person.

Question Chunks

Given the choice, would you rather + verb + or + verb?

Sample question: Given the choice, would you rather travel alone or with friends?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

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

Which do you prefer, + noun + or + noun?

Sample question: Which do you prefer, cities or nature?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

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

Topic Phrasal Verbs

Themed Conversation: Travel Style

set off

Definition: begin a journey

Sample sentence: We set off early so we could avoid the traffic.

Practice questions:

  • When do you prefer to set off on a long trip?
  • Have you ever set off very early to avoid traffic?
  • What do you usually check before you set off?
  • Would you rather set off with a detailed plan or be spontaneous?
  • Tell me about a trip that started badly after you set off.

get away

Definition: go somewhere for a break

Sample sentence: I like to get away for a few days when work becomes stressful.

Practice questions:

  • Where do you like to get away to when you need a break?
  • How often do you try to get away for a weekend?
  • What kind of place helps you really get away from everyday stress?
  • Who would you most like to get away with for a short vacation?
  • If you could get away tomorrow, where would you go?

stop over

Definition: stay somewhere briefly during a longer journey

Sample sentence: We stopped over in Singapore on the way to our final destination.

Practice questions:

  • Have you ever stopped over somewhere on a long journey?
  • Where would you like to stop over on an international trip?
  • How long would you want to stop over in a new city?
  • Do you enjoy stopovers, or would you rather fly directly?
  • What would you try to do if you stopped over somewhere for one day?

Relaxed Conversation — 10 Questions

  • What kind of traveler are you: a planner or someone who likes to be spontaneous?
  • What was the most enjoyable trip you’ve ever taken?
  • Do you prefer traveling alone, with friends, or with family? Why?
  • When you travel, what matters more to you: comfort or new experiences?
  • How do you usually choose where to go?
  • Do you like trying local food when you travel?
  • Have you ever had a trip where something went badly wrong?
  • Would you rather return to a place you love or always visit somewhere new?
  • What is one place in your country you think everyone should visit?
  • If you could get away anywhere next month, where would you go?