People from English-speaking countries often require more verbal feedback than Koreans. Silence in response to a question can result in the person becoming annoyed or frustrated. Silence can mean that the person didn’t understand the question, thinks the person is an idiot, is dreaming about his future spouse, or thinking about his answer. Therefore, it’s important to let the person know which of the above situations is true.

Target Phrases

In case you don’t know the answer
I don’t know.
I don’t know anything about that
I haven’t thought about that.

It’s very acceptable to be honest that you don’t know something.

If the question is too broad or too vague
I’m sorry, could you be more specific?
What do you mean exactly?
Is there anything in particular you want to know?

Try to narrow down the topic or the range of the question(s).

If you need time to think
Hmm. Let me see…
Let me think about that.
Weeell…
Good question.

If you don’t understand
Pardon me?
Could you please repeat that?
I didn’t hear what you said. Could you explain what you mean?
What does that mean?

Don’t be embarrassed; just tell the other person, so they can help you understand.

If you feel your English is not good enough
I know what you’re talking about, but it’s difficult for me to explain in English.
But let me see…
Let me try again.

Try to explain in simple words; your simple description may even be clearer than the exact translation.

If the question is too personal
I’m sorry I’d rather not say.
That’s a little personal.
I’d rather not talk about it.
It’s none of your business.

Try to avoid sounding rude when using the next phrases, especially the last one.


CONVERSATION
Using the Target Phrases

DIALOGUE 1
A: Why is Hye Yeon so upset?
B: I don’t know. Why do you ask?
A: No reason. She just looks like she’s upset about something.
B: Why don’t you ask for yourself?

DIALOGUE 2
A: So what do you think of the political situation in Korea?
B: Hmm, that’s a big question. Is there anything in particular you want to know?
A: Well, I heard there were a few demonstrations last week and I want to know what they were about and what you think about them.
B: Oh, I see. Well, first of all…

DIALOGUE 3
A: What do you think about the current government scandal?
B: Weeeell… let me think about that.
A: What’s there to think about?
B: Just give me some time, will you?

DIALOGUE 4
A: When I came home, there was an open jar of jam on the kitchen counter.
B: I’m sorry, I didn’t hear what you said. Could you please repeat that?
A: Sure. I said that there was an open jar of jam on the kitchen counter.
B: Oh, I see. Thanks for repeating.

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Sport is an activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively. Sports commonly refer to activities where the physical capabilities of the competitor are the sole or primary determinant of the outcome (winning or losing). Sport is commonly defined as an organized, competitive and skillful physical activity requiring commitment and fair play.

Sports are most often played just for fun or for the simple fact that people need exercise to stay in good physical condition.

SPORTS DISCUSSION:

1. What sports are popular in your country? What makes them popular?
2. Which sport do you like? How often do you play your favorite sports?
3. Are there any sports that you would like to try out in the future? Why did you choose this sport?
4. Do you like watching sports channels? Are you a sports TV fanatic?
5. What sports do you like to watch on television? Which one is much better: watching sports on T.V or watching a game live? Why?
6. Have you ever watched TV sports channels in English? How was it like?
7. Do you like sports casting? Why or why not?
8. Do you have TV sports channels in your country? How is the sport casting like?
9. What is the national sport of your country? How do you play this sport?
10. Are you good at playing your national sports? Do you always play this sport?
11. Have you ever competed in a sports competition?
12. Would you like to compete in sports? In what kind of competition?
13. Would you like your kids to be involved in sports too? If so what kind?
14. Which do you prefer team sports or Individual sports? Why?
15. Why do you think people play sports?

WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
1. Compete – try to get something for them and stop the other getting it, a contest or game
Ex) Countries compete with each other

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