Today we are reviewing CAE tips: Speaking Part 3, Disagree. In Part 3 of the CAE Speaking exam, you and your partner will share the time to talk about a certain topic. You are expected to share your opinion but also the interaction between the two of you is important. This means you will need to show that you agree and/or disagree with your partner. Click here to see our post on how to agree.
Disagreeing
Now, remember you can always be extra polite and use phrases like, ‘I agree with you up to a point, but..’ or ‘That’s true, but’. However sometimes you may really disagree with the person and this is where the following phrases come in handy.
I’m not so sure about that.
- This is still a bit on the polite side, but definitely shows you don’t agree.
- Remember to follow this sentence with an explanation.
- I’m no sure about that. I believe lots of people prefer to ride a bike to work than take their car but they don’t have the opportunity to do so.
- I really think that most people today want to find a job that makes them happy, and not just one makes them money. So, I’m no so sure about what you said.
I beg to differ.
- Personally, I like this expression. But your tone of voice here is very important. If you say it in a higher pitch, then it sounds quite polite. If you say in a more serious tone, it will come across a bit demanding.
- Either way, always follow it up with an explanation.
- I beg to differ. I feel that global warning is much more serious than the media makes it out to be.
- I beg to differ. In my mind, there are far more advantages than disadvantages to technology.
That’s not necessarily true.
- This is a polite way to suggest that the other person may have said something erroneously.
- Follow it up by saying what you think is the truth.
- That’s not necessarily true. I just recently read that more and more people are changing jobs than ever before.
- Although it may feel like the temperatures are colder in the winter, that’s not necessarily true. The overall temperatures are rising.
I’m afraid I can’t agree with you.
- The second half of this statement is direct, but it is softened by the first part ‘I’m afraid’.
- I’m afraid (temo que) is a way to start out any phrase which you are going to disagree and is very useful in this way.
- I’m afraid I can’t agree with you. It seems like young people today just aren’t interested in getting their driver’s license.
- I’m afraid that just isn’t true. Most students, me included, use the internet for studying and looking up information.
I think otherwise.
- This is quite direct, so be careful with your tone. Sometimes, you may strongly disagree and that’s ok.
- However, if you want to soften this up, try using ‘I’m afraid…’ or ‘I’m sorry, but…’ before this statement.
- Follow it up with why you think otherwise.
- I’m sorry, but I think otherwise as half the population is female and that means that we have a large say in what is happening.
- I think otherwise. Guns should never be allowed around children.
I’m sorry but I take a different view.
- Once again tone makes a big difference here. Saying things in a higher pitch will always sound more friendly and in a low voice you will sound more combative.
- And as always, follow it up with an explanation.
- I’m sorry but I take a different view. From my perspective as an older woman, I feel like kids are just not taught to be respectful to the elderly.
- As a foreigner, I know first hand how difficult it is to fit in, so I’m sorry, but I take a different view on this.
Now that you’ve learned the ways to disagree with CAE tips: Speaking Part 3 – Disagree, take a look at our other CAE tips posts:
CAE Tips: Speaking part 3 – Agreeing
CAE Tips: Speaking Part 2- Speculation
CAE Tips: Speaking Part 2 – Comparing
Cursos de inglés
En la Escuela de Idiomas de la Cámara de Comercio de Álava, tenemos cursos para todos los niveles. Hay cursos de preparación para el CAE (C1) durante todos los trimestres de octubre a junio e intensivos en cada trimestre. En verano también hay cursos intensivos de CAE. What are you waiting for?
