I’d like you to imagine that a town wants more tourists to visit.

Here are some ideas they’re thinking about and a question for you to discuss. First you
have some time to look at the task.
(The examiner places the following picture in front of you and allows you 15 seconds to read the question and study the options.)
I’d like you to imagine that a town wants more tourists to visit. Here are some ideas they’re thinking
about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.
(The examiner places the following picture in front of you and allows you 15 seconds to read the
question and study the options.)

Now talk to each other about why these ideas would attract more tourists to the town.

Candidates discussion (2 minutes)

– Candidate A: Shall I go first?

– Candidate B: Sure, go ahead.
– Candidate A: I believe that this option (pointing), “building a large nightclub”, will attract tourists,
especially young ones who enjoy partying and going out with friends, don’t you think?
– Candidate B: Yes, I think so, too. However, it might not be the best type of tourism, because it can
disturb neighbours and residents. How about having more shops?
– Candidate A: Oh, that’s a great idea. If the city offers a good shopping experience, many people will
be attracted to it, which I guess is quite positive for everyone. Wouldn’t you agree?
– Candidate B: Yes, of course. Maybe that option could go hand in hand with building holiday flats
because. The way I see it, you want tourists to spend more time in your city. So if you have plenty
of shops and accommodation, it’s the perfect combination, right?
– Candidate A: Yeah, you’re absolutely right. But what do you think about the other two options?
(pointing)? Do you think they’re a good idea?
– Candidate B: Well, if you ask me, putting up security cameras isn’t very appealing to anyone. But I
suppose parks can be attractive, but I’m not sure how much exactly. What’s your take on those two
options?
– Candidate A: As you said, security cameras are not appealing at all. As for parks, maybe they are a
good thing for residents, but not for tourists, particularly.

Candidate’s making a decision

– Candidate B: Well, given our previous comments, I would say that the two best options would
probably be the shops and the holiday flats, don’t you think?
– Candidate A: Yeah, well, I do agree with you on having more shops, but I think that building a
nightclub is more important than holiday flats.
– Candidate B: Okay, I see what you mean, but I don’t think the same way. Shall we stick to having
more shops then?
– Candidate A: Yes, sure, I also think it’s the best one. So do we have an agreement?
– Candidate B: Yes, we do.

Useful Expressions to Engage in a Discussion

In this section, we’ll go over some useful expressions that you can use in any discussion. Let’s see:

 Starting your discussion

 Shall I start? / Yeah, go on.
  Shall I go first? / Of course, go ahead.
 Is it okay if I start? / Sure, no problem.
 Would you like to go first? / Yes, why not?
 Expressing your opinion
 I believe/think that…
 In my opinion,…
 The way I see it,…
 If you ask me,…
 I would say that…
 It seems to me that…
 In my view…
 As far as I’m concerned,…
 Asking for your partner’s your opinion
 statement, don’t you think/agree?
 statement, wouldn’t you say so?
 statement , wouldn’t you agree?
 statement, right?
 Do you think…?
 Do you believe that…?
 What do you think about…?
 How about…?
 What about…?
 What’s your take on…?
 Agreeing with your partner
 I (totally) agree with you.
 You’re dead right.
 That’s (absolutely) true.
 You’re (absolutely) right.
 That’s a great idea.
 I couldn’t agree more.
 Yes, I see what you mean.
 I see it that way, too.
 Yes, of course.
 I think so, too.
 Disagreeing with your partner
 I’m afraid I don’t see it the same way.
 I’m sorry but I have to disagree.
 You may be right, but I have a different view.
 That might be true, but I’m not sure I agree with you.
 I’m sorry, but I don’t agree.
 Changing the subject
 As for + one of the options
 As to + one of the options
 In relation to + one of the options
 As regards + one of the options
 Regarding the question of the task,
 With regard to + paraphrased question
 Concluding the discussion
 I believe we have an agreement, don’t we?
 So, do we have an agreement?
 Shall we stick to…?
 Shall we agree on..?