TOOLS FOR CONVERSATION USEFUL FOR ENGLISH SPEAKING TESTS

TOOLS

1. CONVERSATION TOOLS Phrases for English Conversations

2. WHAT ARE THE CONVERSATION TOOLS FOR:

3. ASKING FOR OPINIONS Do you agree? What do you think about that? What’s your opinion? How do you feel about it? I’d like to hear your thoughts on… I’m interested to hear your opinion about this. Would you like to add anything? (polite)

4. TO INTERRUPT Sorry… Excuse me…(brief interjection to add our thoughts) Do you mind if I add to that? Can I jump in here? (into the conversation – you got something to share) Sorry to interrupt but… (directly to the person you’re talking to) I have something to say about that Sorry for interrupting but…(conversation in a larger group) Sorry, m ay I interrupt you for a moment? If I may interrupt you for a minute, I’d like to share something / say something. If you don't mind me interrupting for a moment , I’d love to tell you a little bit about …

5. If you went off topic:

6. You think you understood but you need to double check So, what you’re saying is… (repeat what you heard) So, what you want to know is… (repeat the question) Do you mean? …(paraphrase what you heard? In other words, what you’re saying is… (summarise what you heard)

7. TO AGREE :

8. DISAGREE (you accept but don’t completely disagree): I see what you mean, but… (express a different opinion) I understand your point of view, but …(express a different opinion) I can see where you’re coming from, but …(express a different opinion) I agree with you up to a point, however, I’ve go a different opinion .., (express a different opinion)

9. DISAGREE (totally disagree): I don’t feel the same way Actually, I don’t quite agree Actually, I disagree I’m afraid I don’t agree with you on that (I’m afraid – to sound more polite) Respectfully, I have to disagree. (formal)

10. TO CHANGE THE TOPIC: run out of things to say/ to change direction) Ah! That reminds me Speaking about / of Speaking about Covid-19, have you got you full vaccinations? Oh, by the way… Oh, while I remember… Before I forget, I’ve got something I want to say… This has nothing to with what we’re talking about, but… I know this is changing the topic, but…

11. TALKING ABOUT A CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC: I know not everyone agrees with me, but… I know this is a contentious issue. It might be an unpopular opinion, but I strongly believe… I don’t see eye-to-eye on everyone in this matter, but I think it’s really important to discuss this. Whilst you may not agree with my views, I’m definitely interested in hearing yours. I’m not trying to ruffle anyone’s feather here … (I’m not trying to make anyone angry or upset)

12. TO END A CONVERSATION: Well, I’d best be off! It’s been great chatting. Anyway, I’d better get back to work. I’m so glad I ran into you! It’s been great catching up. I’ll see you soon.