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Chunks Conversation · Lesson 15

Taking a Position

Themed Conversation: Money & Success

Expression Chunks

I'd argue that + clause

Meaning: Introduces a reasoned or defendable opinion, often in discussion or debate.

Sample sentence: I'd argue that success is easier to enjoy when it doesn't come at the expense of your health or relationships.

Use it in your answer:

  • Do you think money is a reliable measure of success?Answer using: I'd argue that...
  • Does earning more usually make people happier?Answer using: I'd argue that...
  • Should salaries be discussed openly at work?Answer using: I'd argue that...
  • Is career ambition always a positive quality?Answer using: I'd argue that...
  • Do you think a prestigious job is necessarily a good job?Answer using: I'd argue that...

I'm inclined to think that + clause

Meaning: Expresses a tentative opinion that you currently lean toward.

Sample sentence: I'm inclined to think that people value time more once they have enough money to feel secure.

Use it in your answer:

  • Do you think money is a reliable measure of success?Answer using: I'm inclined to think that...
  • Does earning more usually make people happier?Answer using: I'm inclined to think that...
  • Should salaries be discussed openly at work?Answer using: I'm inclined to think that...
  • Is career ambition always a positive quality?Answer using: I'm inclined to think that...
  • Do you think a prestigious job is necessarily a good job?Answer using: I'm inclined to think that...

I wouldn't necessarily say that + clause

Meaning: Politely softens disagreement or rejects an overly strong statement.

Sample sentence: I wouldn't necessarily say that a high salary automatically makes a job worthwhile.

Use it in your answer:

  • Do you think money is a reliable measure of success?Answer using: I wouldn't necessarily say that...
  • Does earning more usually make people happier?Answer using: I wouldn't necessarily say that...
  • Should salaries be discussed openly at work?Answer using: I wouldn't necessarily say that...
  • Is career ambition always a positive quality?Answer using: I wouldn't necessarily say that...
  • Do you think a prestigious job is necessarily a good job?Answer using: I wouldn't necessarily say that...

Question Chunks

Where do you stand on + noun/-ing?

Sample question: Where do you stand on discussing salaries openly?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

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

Would you agree that + clause?

Sample question: Would you agree that money can buy happiness?

Construct 5 of your own questions using the same format:

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

Topic Phrasal Verbs

Themed Conversation: Money & Success

save up

Definition: accumulate money for a purpose

Sample sentence: I'm saving up for something I really want.

Practice questions:

  • What would you like to save up for?
  • Have you ever saved up for something expensive?
  • Is it easy for you to save up money?
  • How long would you be willing to save up for something you really wanted?
  • What did you first save up for when you were younger?

splash out

Definition: spend a lot on something

Sample sentence: I occasionally splash out on a really good meal.

Practice questions:

  • What are you willing to splash out on?
  • When was the last time you splashed out on something?
  • Would you splash out on travel, food, clothes, or technology?
  • What occasion would make you want to splash out?
  • Have you ever splashed out on something and regretted it?

cut back on

Definition: reduce spending or consumption

Sample sentence: I'd cut back on entertainment before cutting back on essentials.

Practice questions:

  • If you needed to save money, what would you cut back on first?
  • Have you ever had to cut back on spending?
  • What could most people cut back on without affecting their quality of life?
  • Is there anything you don’t want to cut back on?
  • Why can it be difficult to cut back on small daily expenses?

Relaxed Conversation — 10 Questions

  • What does being successful mean to you personally?
  • Are you naturally a saver or a spender?
  • What kinds of things are worth splashing out on?
  • What expenses would you cut back on first if you needed to save money?
  • Is there something you are currently saving up for?
  • Do you think people should talk openly about how much they earn?
  • At what point do you think a person has 'enough' money?
  • Would you accept a lower salary for a job you enjoyed much more?
  • Has your attitude toward money changed as you’ve gotten older?
  • If you suddenly became very wealthy, what would actually change about your daily life?