Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

The area around where you live.

“It is a quiet, friendly neighbourhood.”

Often used: quiet neighbourhood · safe neighbourhood

A small job that has to be done regularly.

“We share the household chores equally.”

Often used: household chores · do the chores

A style of cooking from a place or culture.

“The city is famous for its diverse cuisine.”

Often used: local cuisine · fine cuisine

A disadvantage or negative feature.

“The main drawback of the plan is the cost.”

Often used: major drawback · main drawback · only drawback

Traditions and culture passed down.

“The festival celebrates local heritage.”

Often used: cultural heritage · preserve heritage

Free time for relaxation and fun.

“He reads in his leisure time.”

Often used: leisure time · leisure activities

Worth the time, money, or effort spent.

“The course was difficult but worthwhile.”

Often used: worthwhile investment · well worthwhile

The ability to act and decide independently.

“She showed initiative by solving it herself.”

Often used: take the initiative · show initiative

Not too much or too little; reasonable.

“Moderate exercise improves your mood.”

Often used: moderate exercise · in moderation

To repair and improve a building.

“They renovated the old kitchen.”

Often used: renovate a house · fully renovate

Responsible and required to explain actions.

“Managers are accountable for their teams.”

Often used: hold accountable · accountable for

increase the amount or quality of work output

“Flexible work hours have been shown to boost productivity among office employees.”

present a convincing argument or justification

“She made a compelling case for hiring two additional staff members.”

discuss and agree on the terms of a formal agreement

“The sales director spent three weeks negotiating a contract with the overseas supplier.”

come to an agreement that everyone accepts

“After two hours of discussion, the board finally reached a consensus on the budget.”

generate or increase income for a business

“The marketing campaign was designed to drive revenue during the slow season.”

make business processes more efficient

“The new software helped the company streamline its operations and reduce costs.”

Used to introduce a contrasting idea.

“The plan is costly; however, it is effective.”

Often used: contrast

Especially; specifically.

“I enjoy sports, in particular tennis.”

Often used: emphasis

For that reason; as a result.

“The data is incomplete; therefore, we must wait.”

Often used: result

Used to compare two contrasting facts.

“He likes tea, whereas she prefers coffee.”

Often used: contrast

Simple to suggest but hard to do.

“Saving money is easier said than done.”

Over a long period; eventually.

“Saving now pays off in the long run.”

The most important fact or point.

“The bottom line is that we need more time.”

To describe something exactly right.

“You hit the nail on the head with that idea.”