Practical and  Easy English

Likes and Dislikes

During the course of many conversations discussing your likes and dislikes may come up. With someone you don’t know well you may want to find out the kind of food they like or their favorite kind of movies, or what genre of music they like least. There are several expressions that can be used to ask these things. Look at these examples.

English Expressions- Likes and Dislikes

Expression: What do you think of (… jazz)?
Response: I can’t stand it.
Response: It’s so-so.

Expression: How do you like (… soccer)?
Response: I’m crazy about watching it, but not playing.
Response: I think it’s a boring game.

Expression: Which do you prefer (… ice cream or candy)?
Response: I prefer ice cream.
Response: Actually, I don’t like either, I prefer yogurt.

Expression: Do you like ( … apples)?
Response: Yes, I love them.
Response: No, not really.

Expression: What is your favorite ( … food)?
Response: My favorite food is Korean food.

Dialogue- Like and Dislikes

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.

Conversation Activities- Likes and Dislikes

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.

2. Pair Work- Roll Play
     Working with a partner, role play the situations, using the information below.

The situation: See the situations 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 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.