A A PRACTICAL ENGLISH

Suggesting ideas
Lesson code: 11AH-9499-BABC INTERMEDIATE

1 Describing ideas
Study these phrases and use them to describe the ideas below (more than one answer is possible):

a bright idea a ridiculous idea a clever idea a dumb idea a sensible idea
a foolish idea an original idea a crazy idea an unusual idea a terrible idea
1. If you want to learn a language faster, you should visit the country where it is spoken.
2. If you want to get a good job, you should bribe your potential boss.
3. If you want to make a lot of money, you should go to a casino.
4. If you are exhausted, you should lie down and rest.
5. If it is raining outside, you should take an umbrella.

2 Key words
Complete the sentences below with the following words that you will hear in the next exercise.

book deal lively stunning time touristy

1. This city is very in summer. It's better to come in spring when there are fewer visitors.
2. Chen is very stressed these days. He needs to take off work.
3. The airline company offered us a 50% discount. We got a very good
4. It's a good idea to early if you want to get a room in that hotel.
5. You can see the whole of the beautiful city from the top of the tower. The view is
6. Barcelona is a very city. It's an interesting and exciting place to live.

3 Planning a weekend break

Alice and Simon are planning a weekend break. Listen to their conversation and answer the questions.

1. Why do they think Prague is a bad idea?

2. Why do they decide to go to Krakow?
3. What does George need to check before he can come?
4. Why do they prefer hostels to hotels?
5. Why do they decide to book the flight early?
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 Suggesting ideas
A A A A PRACTICAL ENGLISH

4 Talking point
Where would you go on your ideal weekend break? Why?

5 Suggesting ideas
Put the expressions into the correct categories. Listen to the dialogue again and tick the ones that you
hear.

How about...? I don't really think that's a good idea.

I'm not sure about that to be honest. I suggest we...
I suppose we could do that. I was thinking about...
Right, that makes sense. That sounds like a good idea.
What about...? What do you suggest we do?
What do you think about...? (Where/What/Who) do you have in mind?
(Where/What/Who) shall we/I...? Why don't we...?
Yes, that might be worth trying. You must be joking!

Asking for a suggestion:

Making a suggestion:

Accepting a suggestion:

Rejecting a suggestion:
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 Suggesting ideas
A A A A PRACTICAL ENGLISH

Which expression would you use to strongly reject a suggestion? Which would you use to accept a
suggestion unenthusiastically?

6 Role play
Work in pairs or groups. Take turns to select a situation from the list below and ask the other students
for suggestions. You may invent additional details. Practise asking for, making, accepting and rejecting
suggestions . Give reasons for rejecting ideas where necessary. Continue the activity until the end of
the lesson.

1. Your are going to a friend's birthday party, and you don't know what present to get him.
2. You need a new smartphone, and you don't know which model to buy.
3. You have won $50,000 in a lottery. You don't know what to do with the money.
4. You have a meeting with an old friend who you haven't seen in years. You want to take him/her out
somewhere nice but you don't know where.
5. You want to watch a film or series on Netflix, but you don't know which one.
6. You have a free day tomorrow and you don't know what to do.
7. You have started a new job and you have to get up much earlier than usual. This is a problem for you.
8. You are not happy with your job.

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 Suggesting ideas - Transcripts
A A A A PRACTICAL ENGLISH

3- Planning a weekend break

Alice: So, where shall we go for the weekend?

Simon: Hmm..let's look at our choices. Why don't we go somewhere in Central or Eastern Europe?
Alice: Hmm..where do you have in mind?
Simon: Mmm.. I was thinking about Prague. I've never been there, but I've heard lots of great things about
the city, the sights, the views...
Alice: I'm not sure about that to be honest. I mean, it's pretty touristy this time of year.
Simon: Perhaps you're right. I hadn't thought about that.
Alice: What do you think about Krakow in Poland? I went there about six years ago and had a great time.
The atmosphere was really lively and the traditional architecture was stunning.
Simon: Hmm.. Yes, I suppose we could do that. I also know someone who's been there. Shall we ask
George to come along with us?
Alice: That sounds like a good idea. I'm sure he'll be interested. He just needs to check if he can take
Monday off work.
Simon: What about accommodation? Shall we book a hotel?
Alice: I don't really think that's a good idea. Hotels are a bit expensive over there. I think a hostel would
be cheaper and much more enjoyable. Plus, you get to meet lots of different people.
Simon: Right, I see what you mean.
Alice: Try to find out what you can about hostels on the Internet. I'll try and find out about flights.
Simon: I suggest we book the flights as early as possible in order to get a better deal.
Alice: Yes, that might be worth trying. I'll get online right away.

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 Suggesting ideas - Key
A A A A PRACTICAL ENGLISH

2- Key words

1. touristy
2. time
3. deal
4. book
5. stunning
6. lively

3- Planning a weekend break

Students can work alone and check in pairs. Play the audio file or use your mobile device to scan the QR code
(make sure you have installed a QR code reader app and can access the Internet on your device).

1. Prague is too touristy at this time of year.

2. Alice has visited the city before and had positive impressions of it.
3. He needs to check if he can take Monday off work.
4. They are cheaper and more enjoyable.
5. In order to get a better deal.

5- Suggesting ideas

ASKING FOR A SUGGESTION

(Where/What/Who) shall we/I...?
(Where/What/Who) do you have in mind?
What do you suggest we do?
MAKING A SUGGESTION
Why don't we...?
I was thinking about...
What about...?
What do you think about...?
I suggest we...
How about...?
ACCEPTING A SUGGESTION
I suppose we could do that. (unenthusiastic)
Yes, that might be worth trying.
That sounds like a good idea.
Right, that makes sense.
REJECTING A SUGGESTION
I'm not sure about that, to be honest.
I don't really think that's a good idea.
You must be joking! (strong)
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