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Lessons · Lesson 10 of 11

Give a balanced answer

Longer answers · Intermediate (B1+) · 9 min

Mission: Someone asks you a big question, like “Is being busy the same as being productive?” You give a thoughtful answer with two sides.

Discussion questions are where intermediate learners grow most: you have to connect ideas, not just say sentences. Showing both sides also makes you sound thoughtful in any language.

  1. Hear
  2. Speak first
  3. Notice
  4. Fix one thing
  5. Speak again
  6. Recall
1

Hear a little

Read or listen. Don't study it. Just follow the conversation.

Zayaan

Here's one to think about over chai: is being busy the same as being productive?

Muddassir

Hmm, let me think. On the one hand, when I'm busy, I feel productive. I answer forty messages a day.

Zayaan

And on the other hand?

Muddassir

On the other hand, solving one big problem for a customer can matter more than forty messages.

Zayaan

So where do you stand?

Muddassir

I've come to realise that busy isn't the same as productive. Having said that, some busy days are necessary.

Zayaan

That's a balanced answer. Nafeesah would say the opposite, of course!

2

Speak first

Answer this: “Do more choices make people happier?” Speak for 60 seconds.

Say what you really think. Don't worry about structure yet. Say it out loud, or type it if you can't speak right now.

3

Notice the gap

What did you want to say but couldn't? These are the phrases and patterns that fill that gap.

  • On the one hand… On the other hand…Show two sides.
  • Having said that…Add a “but” in a smoother, more grown-up way.
  • I've come to realise that…Show how your opinion changed over time.
  • When I was younger, I thought… Now I believe…Compare then and now.
  • It depends on…An honest answer, as long as you say what it depends on.
4

Fix one thing

Try each one. If you miss, you'll get a hint first, so you can fix it yourself.

1. Which answer shows two sides?

2. Smoothest way to add a contrast: “Trust grows slowly. ___, it can break in one day.”

3. Faatima asks, “Is technology making us more connected?” The best B1+ start is…

5

Speak again, faster

Answer “Do more choices make people happier?” again: one hand, other hand, then your view.

Coach yourself, the way Zayaan does after you finish:

6

Recall tomorrow

Save these phrases. They'll come back in Recall practice tomorrow, in 3 days and in a week.

  • On the one hand… on the other hand…
  • Having said that…
  • I've come to realise that…

Muddassir and Zayaan are real; this dialogue is a practice scenario inspired by their lessons. Read their story.