B1 • Lesson 21
Vocabulary and reading to prepare for your lesson
Click each word to see its meaning and an example.
To think carefully about something, especially for a period of time.
"I need some time to reflect on what you've said before I give you my answer."
To think about the different possibilities before making a decision.
"Let me consider the options before I decide which job to accept."
A problem or topic that has many parts and is difficult to understand or solve.
"Climate change is a complex issue that affects every country in the world."
To consider the advantages and disadvantages of something carefully.
"I'm still weighing up whether to move abroad or stay here."
To spend time thinking about something before responding or deciding.
"That's an interesting proposal. Let me give it some thought and get back to you."
According to my way of thinking; how I see or understand something.
"From my perspective, the most important thing is finding a solution everyone agrees with."
Used when you want to explain something in an easy, clear way.
"To put it simply, we need more time and more money to finish this project."
Used to say that something is affected or decided by another thing.
"Whether I'll go to the party depends on how I feel after work."
Have you ever been asked a difficult question and felt pressure to answer immediately? Many people experience this, especially in job interviews, meetings, or even conversations with friends. However, taking time to think before you speak is not a weakness—it's actually a valuable skill.
In many cultures, quick answers are seen as a sign of intelligence. But research shows that people who take a moment to reflect on complex issues often give better responses. They consider the options more carefully and weigh up different perspectives before sharing their thoughts.
The problem is that silence can feel uncomfortable. When someone asks us a question, we often feel we must respond right away. This pressure can lead to answers that we later regret, or opinions that don't really represent what we think.
Learning to pause before answering is a skill that takes practice. Simple phrases like "That's an interesting question—let me give it some thought" or "From my perspective, this depends on several factors" can help. These expressions show that you are engaged with the question while giving yourself valuable thinking time.
To put it simply, the best communicators are not always the fastest speakers. They are the ones who know when to pause, reflect, and then share their ideas clearly.
~320 words • B1 Level
Think about these questions before your lesson. You don't need to write answers—just consider your thoughts.
For each question above, write maximum 3 keywords — no sentences. Then practise speaking your answer out loud from just the keywords.
Q1: "Do you usually answer questions quickly, or do you prefer to think first? Why?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Now say your answer out loud. Speak for about 30 seconds from just your keywords.
Q2: "Can you think of a time when you answered too quickly and later wished you had thought more carefully?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Speak for 30 seconds. Let your brain build the sentences from the keywords.
Q3: "In your culture, is it more valued to give quick answers or thoughtful answers? How does this affect conversations?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Say your answer out loud — don't just think it! Your keywords are enough.
Remember: keywords only. Your brain does the rest. Mistakes are good — they mean you're practising speaking, not reading.
Preparation time: ~15 minutes