Module 03 —Agreeing & Disagreeing
Speaking Part 3 (discussion task) · polite disagreement · reaching a decision
PET parts in this lesson · mixed-skill spiral
Why this lesson now? Recycles the Speaking 3 discussion task from Lesson 03.
CEFR Pathway · You are here
Get ready · 01
5 minGet talking
With a partner, decide together: which is more useful for a student — a laptop or a smartphone? You have one minute.
'It's always better to work in a team than alone.' Tell your partner if you agree, and why.
Which sounds more polite: 'You're wrong' or 'I see your point, but...'? Why does it matter in a discussion?
Grammar for the Exam · 02
8–10 minAgreeing and disagreeing politely (PET Speaking Part 3)
Agree: 'That's a good point.' Disagree: 'I see what you mean, but...' Decide: 'So shall we say...?'
In Speaking Part 3, you and your partner are given a task with pictures and asked to discuss options together, then reach a decision in about a minute. Examiners are listening for genuine interaction — you must respond to your partner's ideas, not just repeat your own opinion. Strong candidates use softening language to disagree without sounding rude, and they actively move the conversation towards a decision before time runs out. Simply saying 'yes' or 'no' to your partner's suggestions will not score well; you need to build on what they say, add a reason, and sometimes offer an alternative.
→ That's a good point, and I'd also say it's cheaper.
→ I see what you mean, but I think the other option is more practical.
→ I'm not sure I agree — what if we compromise and choose both?
→ So, shall we say the museum trip is our final choice?
Question 1.Which phrase softens a disagreement?
Question 2.Which phrase moves the discussion towards a decision?
Question 3.'That's a good ____.' (agreeing)
Question 4.Which response builds on a partner's idea?
Question 5.What must candidates do in Speaking Part 3?
Quick check 1.In Speaking Part 3, roughly how much time do candidates get to reach a decision?
Exam Vocabulary · 03
5–7 minWords & phrases to own
to say something reasonable or valid
Tell your partner an opinion, then respond 'You have a point, but...'.
to agree by both sides giving something up
Give an example of a compromise you've made recently.
to think carefully about advantages and disadvantages
What do you weigh up before buying something expensive?
to finally decide something, often after discussion
How long does your family usually take to reach a decision about holidays?
used to introduce a contrasting idea
Complete: 'I like studying alone. On the other hand, ...'
to mention something in a discussion
What's something you'd bring up if planning a class trip?
to support someone's opinion
Who backs you up when you disagree with someone?
Tap an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.
Activation · Personalise · Recycle
Practise using discussion vocabulary in full sentences before the Speaking Part 3 task.
Ask your partner
- What's a compromise you've made with a friend?
- What do you weigh up before choosing a school subject?
- What's the most practical gift you've received?
"My family usually reaches a decision by..."reach a decision
Is it better to study alone or in a group? Give one point for each side using 'on the other hand'.
Give your answer + one reason.
Write 35 words about a time you and a friend disagreed and reached a compromise.
Pronunciation for Speaking · 04
3–4 minRising tone of voice for polite disagreement
Soften disagreement with a slightly rising, friendly tone, not a flat or falling one.
- • I see what you mean, but...
- • That's true, but on the other hand...
- • I'm not sure I agree, actually.
- • Shall we say the second option?
Reading Skills · 05
8–10 minReading recycle — how good teams make decisions
Psychologists who study teamwork have found that the best decisions are rarely made by the loudest person in the room. Instead, good teams share a habit: they listen carefully to every idea before choosing one, even when they already have a favourite.
One technique researchers recommend is to state the other person's point back to them before disagreeing. For example, saying 'So you think we should choose the cheaper option because it saves money' shows the other person you were listening, and it often makes your own disagreement sound less aggressive when you add 'but I'd say quality matters more here.'
Another useful habit is to look for compromise early, rather than only at the last minute. Teams that wait until time is almost up to compromise often make rushed, poor decisions. Teams that raise the idea of compromise halfway through a discussion tend to reach calmer, more thoughtful conclusions.
Finally, researchers say that teams work best when everyone feels their point was heard, even if it wasn't chosen in the end. A quick 'that's a fair point, though I'd go with the other idea because...' leaves both people feeling respected.
Question 1.According to the text, who makes the best decisions in a team?
Question 2.What technique is recommended before disagreeing?
Question 3.When should teams look for compromise, according to the text?
Question 4.What happens when teams compromise only at the last minute?
Question 5.What makes people feel respected in a discussion, according to the text?
Listening Skills · 06
8–10 minListening — deciding on a class trip
Listening audio
Tap play to listen. Replay as many times as you need.
Show transcript
Maya:So, we need to decide between the science museum and the art gallery for the class trip.
Tom:I'd say the science museum, because there are interactive exhibits and it's more fun for everyone.
Maya:That's a good point, but the art gallery has a special exhibition this month that we might not see again.
Tom:True, I hadn't thought of that. On the other hand, the museum is closer, so we'd have more time there.
Maya:I see what you mean. What if we compromise and visit the museum in the morning, then the gallery in the afternoon?
Tom:That could work, but it might be a really long day for the younger students.
Maya:Fair enough. Let's weigh it up — which one gives us better value for the ticket price?
Tom:The museum, definitely — it includes a workshop.
Maya:OK, shall we say the science museum, then, since it's cheaper and closer?
Tom:Yes, let's go with that. I'll tell the teacher we've reached a decision.
Question 1.What two places are Maya and Tom deciding between?
Question 2.Why does Tom first prefer the science museum?
Question 3.What does Maya point out about the art gallery?
Question 4.What compromise does Maya suggest?
Question 5.Why does Tom think the compromise might not work?
Question 6.What final decision do they reach?
Exam Strategy · 07
5 minSpeaking Part 3 — collaborative task
Agree/disagree politely + build on ideas + suggest a decision before time runs out.
Task
You and your partner are given pictures or options and must discuss them together, then reach a decision within about a minute, without the examiner's help.
Example
A: I think the museum is better because it's cheaper. B: That's a good point, but on the other hand the gallery has that special exhibition. A: True — shall we compromise and visit both?
Writing Task · 08
5 minPut it in writing
Q1.Give a polite way to disagree, starting with 'I see...'
Q2.Give a phrase for reaching a decision, starting with 'Shall...'
Write a short message (35–45 words) to a friend explaining a decision you reached together after discussing two options.
Your writing draft
0 words SavedShow model answer & examiner comment
Hi! So we finally decided on the beach for our day out. I know you preferred the mountains, but since the weather forecast is great, it made more sense. We compromised — we'll do a mountain walk next month instead. See you Saturday!
Examiner comment
| 5 | All content points covered; consistent style; range of structures; minor errors only. |
| 3 | Content mostly covered; mostly suitable style; some range; errors don't stop the reader understanding. |
| 1 | Limited content; intrusive errors; very basic structures; under-length. |
Speaking Task · 09
10–15 minMake it a real conversation
Speaking Part 3 rehearsal: in pairs, discuss the options below and reach a decision together within one minute.
Examiner
"Now, talk together about which of these would be best for your classroom, and decide."
Talk together about
Your class has some money to spend on the classroom. Talk together about which of these would be best, and decide on one.
Share opinions, agree and disagree — you do not have to talk only about yourself.
Ideas you could discuss
- How many students would benefit
- The cost of each option
- How long the benefit would last
Round off the discussion
Together, choose ONE option: new books, a plant wall, or a games corner.
Useful discussion language
Optional · Teacher-led
Teacher Activities
Use these if the Speaking Part 3 practice finishes early. ~11 min total
Homework · 10
Take-homeTake it home
Self-study — everything you need is included below. All four skills are covered so you keep the spiral going between lessons; pick the order that suits you.
Record a two-minute Speaking Part 3 discussion with a partner (or alone, imagining both sides) reaching a decision.
Your response
0 words SavedMaterials included
Topic
Attempt the task first, then check your answers.
Complete the gap-fill sentences using discussion phrases, then write one original sentence for each.
Your response
0 words SavedMaterials included
Gaps
Attempt the task first, then check your answers.
Listening recycle: read the Maya and Tom script aloud twice with a partner, then answer the quiz questions from memory.
Your response
0 words SavedMaterials included
Questions
Attempt the task first, then check your answers.
Recap · 11
2–3 minWhat you've learned
- Speaking Part 3: respond to your partner's ideas and build towards a joint decision within about a minute.
- Agree politely with 'That's a good point'; disagree politely with 'I see what you mean, but...'
- Use 'on the other hand' to introduce a contrasting idea without sounding negative.
- Suggest moving to a decision with 'Shall we say...?' before time runs out.