E7 M - Agree, disagree and respond politely
aiMOOCE7 M - Agree, disagree and respond politely
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E7 M - Agree, disagree and respond politely
Mini description: Agree, disagree and give a short reason in informal conversations. You learn to react politely, ask back and keep a conversation going.
Level: English as a first foreign language, Grade 7, M level, Baden-Württemberg.
Learning path: Notice → understand → try → use → communicate → feedback → improve → use again.
Media start: What do you notice?
Look at the two signs. Imagine two classmates are talking about a school event.
Quick try:
- Say one sentence for agreement: I agree because ...
- Say one polite sentence for disagreement: I see your point, but ...
- Add one short reason.
Hint: Do not only say yes or no. React to the other person first.
German help if needed: Erst reagieren, dann zustimmen oder höflich widersprechen, dann kurz begründen.
I can ...
At the end, you can say:
- I can agree politely.
- I can disagree without sounding rude.
- I can give a short reason with because.
- I can react to another speaker and ask a follow-up question.
- I can write a short opinion message with a clear reason.
What you already know
You already know useful words such as opinion, conversation, yes, no, good, better, because, but and simple question forms.
Warm-up: Complete the sentence in your head:
I think our class should have ... because ...
Then react to a partner:
I agree because ...
or
I’m not sure about that because ...
Notice: polite reactions
Read the mini-dialogue.
Maya: I think the class trip should be in June. The weather is usually better.
Leo: I agree. June sounds good because we can spend more time outside.
Sam: I see your point, but I prefer May because June is very busy.
Maya: That’s fair. What would be better about May?
Notice the pattern:
react → position → reason → question
- I agree. → agreement
- I see your point, but ... → polite disagreement
- because ... → reason
- What do you think? → keep the conversation going
Useful language
| Function | Useful English | Hint |
|---|---|---|
| Agree | I agree. / That’s true. / Good point. | Add a reason. |
| Partly agree | I agree up to a point. / Maybe, but ... | Show that you understood. |
| Disagree politely | I’m not sure about that. / I see your point, but ... | Avoid only saying You’re wrong. |
| Give a reason | ... because ... / The reason is ... | Keep the reason short and clear. |
| Ask back | Why do you think that? / What do you mean? / What about ...? | Ask one clear question. |
Listening and viewing
Watch the video once without stopping. Focus on the situation and the speakers’ reactions.
First viewing – gist:
- What is the main topic: agreeing, disagreeing or giving directions?
- Does the speaker recommend direct or polite disagreement?
- Name one expression you hear.
Second viewing – detail:
- Listen for a phrase that starts with I see ...
- Listen for a phrase with not so sure.
- What does the speaker do after disagreeing?
Hint: You do not need every word. Listen for chunks.
German help if needed: Achte auf feste Redemittel, nicht auf jedes einzelne Wort.
Viewing challenge: polite opinions
Before watching, predict: Which sounds more polite?
You are wrong.
or
I’m not sure about that.
After watching, say one sentence about what makes an opinion sound less direct.
Extension for M level
Choose a short section. Listen for how speakers give an opinion, react, and continue. Then copy the conversation pattern, not the speakers’ personal details.
Reading
Read this fictional conversation.
Nora: We need one idea for Friday afternoon. I think a sports tournament would be fun.
Eli: Good point. I agree because lots of people can join.
Ava: I’m not so sure about that. Some students don’t like team sports.
Nora: That’s true. What would you suggest?
Ava: Maybe a choice between sports, games and a creative workshop.
Eli: I like that idea, but three activities could be difficult to organise.
Ava: Fair point. Then maybe two activities?
Nora: Yes, that could work.
Reading task:
- Who agrees first?
- Who disagrees politely?
- Which speaker gives a possible solution?
- Find two phrases that show respect for another opinion.
- Why does the conversation move forward instead of stopping?
Vocabulary in context
Learn chunks, not single words.
- I agree because ... – agreement + reason
- Good point. – positive reaction
- I see your point, but ... – respectful disagreement
- I’m not so sure about that. – softer disagreement
- That’s true, but ... – partial agreement
- Fair point. – accept part of another idea
- What do you think? – invite a response
- What do you mean? – ask for clarification
- Maybe we could ... – suggest a compromise
Try: Choose three chunks and use each in one short school-related sentence.
Pronunciation and speaking rhythm
Do not aim for a perfect accent. Aim for clear, friendly speech.
Say these chunks in groups:
I SEE your point | but I PREfer May.
I aGREE | because it’s EA sier.
GOOD point. | What do YOU think?
Notice:
- Stress the important words.
- Make a short pause before your reason.
- Use a calm voice when you disagree.
- Speak clearly enough for your partner to understand you.
Functional grammar
You do not need a new complex tense here. The grammar helps you communicate.
1. because = give a reason
I agree because the idea is simple.
2. but = show contrast
I like the plan, but Friday is difficult.
3. could = make a softer suggestion
We could start earlier.
4. question forms = keep the talk going
Why do you think that?
What would you suggest?
Mini rule: Position first, reason second.
I disagree politely + because + reason.
Example:
I’m not sure about that because it could be too expensive.
Try it: short reactions
Complete each response aloud.
- Our class should start at 8:30. → I agree because ...
- Homework should always be online. → I see your point, but ...
- We should have more group work. → Good point. I think ...
- The project should be longer. → I’m not so sure about that because ...
Hint 1: Use one reaction phrase.
Hint 2: Add one reason.
Hint 3: Add one question if you can.
Speaking: two-person challenge
Work with a partner. Choose one topic:
- school uniforms
- a class party
- homework at weekends
- a class trip
- phones during breaks
Speak for about one minute.
Student A: Give an opinion and one reason.
Student B: React, agree or disagree politely, and ask one question.
Then change roles.
Success check:
- Did you react to your partner?
- Did you give a reason?
- Did you avoid rude phrases?
- Did you ask or answer a follow-up question?
Speaking: three-person mini-talk
Use three fictional roles: Alex, Jamie and Robin.
Topic: Our class has €100 for one activity.
Each person should:
- suggest one idea
- react to another idea
- agree or disagree politely
- give one short reason
Try to reach one shared idea.
M-level challenge: Use one partial agreement such as That’s true, but ... or I agree up to a point.
Writing
Write a short informal message of about 60–80 words.
Situation: A classmate suggests: Let’s do our project as a long video.
Your message should:
- react politely
- agree or disagree
- give two short reasons
- suggest one next step
Useful frame:
Hi ...,
I see your point, but ...
I think ... because ...
Also, ...
Maybe we could ...
What do you think?
Check before you finish: Is your message clear, polite and easy to follow?
Mediation
Your German-speaking partner says:
Ich finde die Idee gut, aber ein zweistündiges Video ist zu lang. Vielleicht könnten wir ein kurzes Video und ein Poster machen.
Do not translate every word. Give the main message in simple English for another classmate.
Start with:
They like the idea, but ...
Goal: Keep the meaning, not the exact German wording.
Feedback and improve
After a speaking or writing task, use this short feedback routine.
Two stars and one step:
- One polite phrase worked well.
- One reason was clear.
- One next step: add a question, a reason or a softer phrase.
Then say or write your answer again.
Example improvement:
First try: No. That is bad.
Improved: I’m not sure about that because it could be expensive. What about a cheaper option?
Safe media and AI use
Use fictional profiles and school-safe topics. Do not share private social-media data.
Audio or video recordings are voluntary and should stay private unless everyone involved has clearly agreed to another use. Do not upload recordings without permission.
If you use AI for practice, check the language level and the feedback. Your own speaking and writing should not be replaced by generated text. Use AI to compare, notice and improve.
Mini-transfer
New situation: Your youth club wants to spend money on either a game night or an outdoor event.
Give a 30-second response:
I think ...
I agree / I see your point, but ...
because ...
What do you think?
Then change one detail and do it again.
Self-check: Can do
Rate yourself: yes / almost / not yet.
- I can agree politely.
- I can disagree politely.
- I can give a short reason.
- I can ask a follow-up question.
- I can keep a short conversation going.
- I can write a short opinion message.
- I can improve my first answer after feedback.
If you chose almost or not yet, repeat one speaking task with the useful-language table.
Interaktive Aufgaben
Quiz: Teste Dein Wissen
Which sentence is a polite way to disagree? (I see your point, but I prefer another idea.) (!You are completely wrong.) (!No. Bad idea.) (!Stop talking about that.)
Which word introduces a reason? (because) (!but) (!or) (!than)
Which phrase shows agreement? (I agree.) (!I’m not so sure about that.) (!What do you mean?) (!Maybe not.)
Which phrase can keep a conversation going? (What do you think?) (!That is all.) (!No more ideas.) (!End of discussion.)
Which answer is polite partial agreement? (That’s true, but I have another idea.) (!You are wrong again.) (!No chance.) (!That makes no sense.)
What should usually come after a position in this course? (a short reason) (!a new topic with no link) (!a long translation) (!a private social-media post)
Which phrase asks for clarification? (What do you mean?) (!I agree because ...) (!Goodbye.) (!That is false.)
Which suggestion sounds softer? (We could try two activities.) (!We must do my idea.) (!Do this now.) (!Your plan is useless.)
What is the main goal when speaking? (clear and respectful communication) (!a perfect accent) (!very long answers) (!using difficult grammar)
What is a good way to improve after feedback? (Say or write the answer again with one change.) (!Delete every sentence.) (!Copy a complete AI answer.) (!Avoid giving reasons.)
Memory
| I agree. | Zustimmung |
| I see your point, but ... | höflicher Widerspruch |
| because | Begründung |
| What do you think? | Rückfrage |
| Good point. | positive Reaktion |
| Maybe we could ... | Kompromissvorschlag |
Drag and Drop
| Ordne die richtigen Begriffe zu. | Thema |
|---|---|
| I agree. | Zustimmung |
| I’m not so sure about that. | höflicher Widerspruch |
| because | Begründung |
| What do you mean? | Nachfragen |
| Maybe we could ... | Kompromiss |
Kreuzworträtsel
| agree | Which English verb means to have the same opinion? |
| because | Which word introduces a reason? |
| politely | How should you disagree in this course? |
| opinion | What do you express when you say what you think? |
| reason | What explains why you think something? |
| question | What can you ask to keep a conversation going? |
LearningApps
Lückentext
Offene Aufgaben
Leicht
- Agreement phrase card: Gestalte eine kleine Karte mit drei englischen Redemitteln für Zustimmung und je einem kurzen Beispielsatz.
- Polite disagreement recording: Sprich freiwillig und privat drei höfliche Widerspruchssätze ein. Höre sie selbst an und prüfe Verständlichkeit und ruhigen Ton.
- Dialogue repair: Verwandle vier unhöfliche Antworten wie You’re wrong in höfliche Reaktionen mit kurzer Begründung.
- Mini comic: Zeichne einen kurzen Dialog mit zwei fiktiven Personen, die erst unterschiedlicher Meinung sind und dann einen Kompromiss finden.
Standard
- One-minute talk: Führe mit einer Partnerin oder einem Partner ein einminütiges Gespräch zu einem Schulthema und nutze mindestens drei verschiedene Gesprächsbausteine.
- Opinion message: Schreibe eine informelle Nachricht mit 60–80 Wörtern, in der Du reagierst, begründest und einen nächsten Schritt vorschlägst.
- Viewing notes: Nutze eines der eingebetteten Videos und notiere fünf Redemittel, die für höfliche Reaktionen nützlich sind. Formuliere danach zwei eigene Beispiele.
- Class survey: Frage drei Mitschülerinnen oder Mitschüler nach einer ungefährlichen schulischen Meinung und fasse Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede ohne private Daten zusammen.
Schwer
- Three-way discussion: Plant zu dritt eine Klassenaktivität. Jede Person muss reagieren, begründen, nachfragen und mindestens einmal einen Kompromiss anbieten.
- Mediation challenge: Übertrage eine kurze deutsche Meinungsäußerung sinngemäß ins Englische, ohne Wort-für-Wort-Übersetzung.
- Feedback loop: Nimm einen eigenen kurzen Text, hole gezieltes Feedback zu Höflichkeit und Begründungen ein und überarbeite ihn sichtbar in einer zweiten Fassung.
- Mini presentation: Stelle in 60–90 Sekunden zwei mögliche Lösungen für ein Schulproblem vor und reagiere danach höflich auf eine Rückfrage oder Gegenposition.
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Lernkontrolle
- Conversation strategy: Erkläre anhand eines eigenen Beispiels, warum react → position → reason → question ein Gespräch besser weiterführt als ein einfaches No.
- Register choice: Vergleiche You’re wrong mit I see your point, but .... Beschreibe, wie beide Sätze auf eine Gesprächspartnerin oder einen Gesprächspartner wirken können.
- Reasoning transfer: Formuliere zu derselben Meinung einmal Zustimmung und einmal höflichen Widerspruch. Begründe beide Positionen unterschiedlich.
- Problem solving: Zwei Personen können sich bei einer Klassenaktivität nicht einigen. Entwickle drei englische Sätze, mit denen Du das Gespräch zu einem Kompromiss führst.
- Feedback application: Überarbeite eine erste kurze Antwort so, dass sie höflicher, klarer und besser begründet ist. Markiere, was Du verändert hast.
- Mediation transfer: Gib den Kern einer kurzen deutschen Meinung in einfachem Englisch weiter und erkläre, welche Details Du bewusst weggelassen hast.
Lernnachweis
Für einen Lernnachweis ist wichtig, dass Du:
- höflich zustimmen und widersprechen kannst,
- eine Position mit mindestens einem passenden Grund stützt,
- auf eine andere Person reagierst statt nur einen eigenen Satz zu sagen,
- eine Rückfrage stellen oder beantworten kannst,
- einen kurzen informellen Text verständlich strukturierst,
- nach Feedback mindestens eine gezielte Verbesserung vornimmst,
- bei Mediation die Hauptaussage sinngemäß weitergibst,
- verständlich sprichst, ohne dass Akzentfreiheit erwartet wird.
Ein möglicher Lernnachweis besteht aus einem kurzen Partnergespräch, einer 60–80-Wörter-Nachricht und einer kleinen Überarbeitung nach Feedback.
OERs zum Thema
Weitere passende Lernbereiche sind Höflichkeit, Argumentation, Englische Sprache, Mündliche Kommunikation und Meinungsäußerung.
Mediennachweise und Weiterlernen
Die eingebundenen Bilder stammen aus Wikimedia Commons. Nutze die jeweilige Dateiseite für Lizenz- und Urheberangaben. Die Videos stammen von BBC Learning English und werden über YouTube eingebettet.
Next step: Wiederhole das Muster mit einem neuen Thema und längeren Gründen. Ein passender Folgekurs ist ein aiMOOC zu giving reasons, asking follow-up questions and reaching a compromise.
Verknüpfte Lernbereiche