Likes and Dislikes

English Expressions

Expression Response
What do you think of (... jazz)? I can’t stand it.
It’s so-so.
How do you like (... soccer)? I’m crazy about watching it, but not playing.
I think it’s a boring game.
Which do you prefer (... ice cream or candy)? I prefer ice cream.
Actually, I don’t like either, I prefer yogurt.
Do you like ( ... apples)? Yes, I love them.
No, not really.
What is your favorite ( ... food)? My favorite food is Korean food.
English Dialogue
Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have in similar conversations.

James: What kinds of music do you like, Susan?
Susan: I’m partial to classical music. What about you?
James: I like jazz and 50’s and 60’s rock and roll.
Susan: What is your favorite kind of food?
James: Mexican food, without a doubt. What’s yours?
Susan: I don’t really have a favorite. I like all kinds of food, except Thai food. It’s too spicy for me.
James: Who is your favorite movie star?
Susan: Brad Pitt, he’s so handsome. Who do you like?
James: My favorite actor is Sean Connery and my favorite actress is Jody Foster.
Susan: What sport do you like to play best?
James: I really like to play golf, but I’m not very good at it. What about you?
Susan: I don’t really like sports and have never played them. I like games though.
James: What’s you favorite game?
Susan: Don’t laugh, but it’s tiddlywinks.
James: Tiddlywinks! That’s a kid’s game.
Susan: I know, but I’m very good at it. I play with my nephews and nieces and I beat them every time.
James: Don’t you ever let them win?
Susan: Never.

After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: This dialogue is about two people talking about what they like and don't ...This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.

Conversation Activities

1. Pair work- discussion
What are your favorite things? Discuss with your partner whether you like or dislike the items below
(and why or why not). Your partner should ask questions to get more information.

Basketball Reading TV soaps Eating Pizza
Exercise Watching news Blind dates Going to class
Romance movies French food R & B music Watching boxing
Traveling Studying Ping Pong Playing chess
2. Pair work- Role Play
The situation: See the situations below
Working with a partner, role play the situations, using the information below

The roles: you, your partner

1. At a movie and you can’t stand the violence. Try to convince your partner to leave the movie because you
don’t like it.

2. At a restaurant and the food is terrible. You are eating a hamburger, French fries, and chocolate ice cream.
The waiter (your partner) comes by and asks how the food is. Tell him/her why you dislike it.

3. In English class and the teacher is lecturing about grammar. Tell your partner why you dislike lectures on
grammar.

4. At home and you just opened a birthday present that you really hate. Your partner is the family member who
gave you the present. Tell him/her why you like the present even though you don’t.