Lesson 37: Let's Agree to Disagree

Anna: You know, I am from the country and sometimes I miss it. But I really like life in the city! I love the city. Oh, look. Someone lost a bag. Maybe it's theirs. Excuse me. Is this bag yours?

Dr. Jill: No. It's not mine. It might be hers.

Anna: Excuse me. Is this bag yours?

Sarah: No. It's not mine. It might be his.

Anna: Thank you. Hello. Is this bag yours?

Phil: Yes, that's mine. These are all my travel things. Thank you, thank you!

Anna: Are you okay? You seem ... nervous.

Phil: Well, this is my first visit to Washington, D.C. I'm from a small town in the country. I feel a little lost.

Anna: I am from the country too! And I understand. When I first came here, I felt lost ... all the time.

Phil: So, do you like living in the country or in the city?

Anna: I like to live in the city.

Phil: Why?

Anna: The city is exciting! It has more culture than the country. There are many museums and restaurants. Every night, there is theater and music. And, there are more jobs. That is why I'm here.

Phil: Well, I agree. There is more culture in the city and there might be more jobs. But the country has more nature! It's peaceful and beautiful. There are more trees and mountains. The air is clean. You can go hiking and camping. The city is not beautiful. It's noisy and dirty.

Anna: I disagree. I think all the different buildings are beautiful. And I like to watch all the different people.

Phil: That's another thing that is different. People in the country are friendly. They always say "hello!" Here, no one says "hello." I think city people are rude.

Anna: Well, I agree. Country people are friendly. But I don't think city people are rude. I think they're just busy.

Phil: That's a good point.

Anna: Look at me. I live in the city and I said "hello" to you.

Phil: But you are from the country.

Anna: I have an idea. Let's say "hello!" to people -- to many people!

Phil: What? Why?

Anna: Well, if we say "hello," maybe they will say "hello" to other people ... Hello!

Phil: ... and they will say "hello" to more people! That's a great idea! I'm glad you found my bag.

Anna: Come on. Let's go say "hello" to people.

Anna: We don't have to agree with people. They have their opinions. We have ours. And as we like to say, you can always agree to disagree! Until next time...! Hello!

Writing

What is the best place to live? Tell us about where you live now or where you want to live. Be sure you give a reason for your opinion. Write to us by email or in the Comments section.
Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice sharing opinions.

Activity Sheet Lesson 37

Learning Strategy

Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective.
The learning strategy for this lesson is Personalize. This means connecting new information to our own feelings and experiences. When we are listening in English, we personalize by thinking about how what we hear is like our own experience. When speaking or writing, we can use what we know to communicate.
In this lesson, Anna tells Phil why she likes living in the city. She is personalizing by thinking about the things she likes: "The city is exciting! It has more culture than the country. There are many museums and restaurants. Every night, there is theater and music. And, there are more jobs."
Can you find another example in this lesson of someone personalizing and giving a reason for their opinion? Write to us about it in the Comments section or send us an email. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.

Quiz

Listen to short videos and test your listening skills with this quiz.