Yes, but

How to Use This Activity

Individual Work

Each student receives a card with a thought-provoking statement (e.g. Technology makes our lives easier. / Money can buy happiness.). They first agree with the statement but then use the phrase “Yes, but…” to add a contrasting point, problem or disadvantage. Encourage students to expand their ideas with useful phrases, strong adjectives, and linking words.

Pair or Group Work

Students take turns reading their statement aloud and sharing their “Yes, but…” response. Others can react by agreeing, disagreeing, or asking follow-up questions (e.g. Why do you think so? / Can you give an example?).

Optionally, turn it into a mini debate: one student defends the statement, while the other adds the “Yes, but…” argument. Then they swap roles or let the group decide which argument was more convincing.

Class Sharing

After several rounds, invite students to present the most interesting statements and their “Yes, but…” responses to the class. Encourage classmates to challenge ideas, ask for clarification, or vote on the most persuasive and well-developed argument. Push them to use advanced connectors, hedging language, and strong opinion starters.