Conversation Gambits - Eric Keller, Sylvia T Warner 1988
41. Seeing the Good Side
2. Linking Gambits
Are you an optimist or a pessimist? This is an optimist s game! The class divides into two teams. Take turns to make complaints, starting with the ideas below. The other side must try to say something positive.
For example:
Team 1: Everything's so expensive nowadays, isn't it?
Team 2: Yes, but on the other hand, wages are much higher than they used to be.
Each team take it in turn to make statements and to answer. The answers must be introduced by one of the phrases from the list. Each team has 10seconds to answer. Play two or three 'rounds’ with each round lasting 5 minutes.
1. It's been raining now every day this month.
2. This coffee is really strong.
3. English is very difficult.
4. Grammar is really boring.
5. I hate learning to spell.
6. I’ve put on 5 kilos since Christmas.
7. Volvos are very expensive.
8. You can't park anywhere around here!
9. It can be very cold in Norway in winter.
10. I can't understand Pierre's accent.
11. Bill is very mean with money.
12. Liz is always late.
13. Joan can’t dance. She’s awful, isn't she!
14. Children have too much money these days.
15. Schools are far too liberal.
16. Teachers aren't strict enough.
17. I hate starting school at 8 in the morning.
18. It s wrong that people get paid for giving their blood.
On the other hand,
But then again,
Look at it this way,
Anyway,
Even so,
OK, but ...
But 1in the long run,
Very true, but ...
To make up for it, ...
1. This means "if you think on a longer time scale".