Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: Decisions and Opinions
Explore decisions and opinions with eight useful expressions, including weigh something up, sit on the fence, rule something out. Read the meanings and examples, then use the language in eight B2 discussion questions.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Eight expressions with meanings and example sentences
- Eight matching discussion questions
- One printable page
- Open-ended speaking practice
Practise expressions for weighing choices, disagreeing and reconsidering an opinion. Learners compare being in two minds, sitting on the fence and standing by a decision.
Worksheet preview
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Page 1 of 1 · A4 printable PDF
A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Use the adult B2 discussion page. Its eight prompts invite reasoned alternatives, with no fixed answer key.
- Read the examples and distinguish uncertainty from avoiding a side. Check the objects in weigh something up, rule something out and bring something up.
- Discuss relocation, study and holiday decisions, giving reasons before selecting an option. Use see eye to eye when considering disagreement.
- Role-play bringing up travel costs or a complaint. Discuss what could make someone change their tune and how the expression may sound critical.
Support and extension
Support with two fictional options to weigh up. Extend by defending a decision while identifying evidence that would justify reconsidering it.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
