📝 Daily Short Practice
🎯 Vocabulary Goal
Learn useful chunks to compare two different ideas or opinions clearly.
📚 Words & Phrases
| Word or phrase | Simple meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
on the one hand |
used to show one side of an argument or idea | On the one hand, working from home saves travel time. |
|
on the other hand |
used to show the opposite or other side of an argument or idea | On the other hand, it can make teamwork more difficult. |
🔍 See It in Context
Discussing Pros and Cons of Online and Office Work
Anna and Mark are talking about their work preferences. Anna says, "On the one hand, working from home is convenient because I save time on commuting." Mark replies, "Yes, but on the other hand, you can feel isolated and miss face-to-face meetings." Anna agrees, "That's true. On the one hand, the flexibility is great, but on the other hand, it requires strong self-discipline." They both understand there are good and challenging points to consider.
💡 Notice the Pattern
Using 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'
These phrases help you compare two ideas clearly. Use 'on the one hand' for the first idea and 'on the other hand' for the contrasting idea.
- On the one hand, the hotel is expensive.
- On the other hand, it is very close to the beach.
💬 Useful Examples
- On the one hand, I want to travel more this year.
- On the other hand, I need to save money for important expenses.
- She explained on the one hand why the plan is good.
- On the other hand, she described the possible problems.
✏️ Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1.
____, working late helps finish tasks; on the other hand, it can reduce free time (On the one hand / At first / In general).
2.
I like city life, but ____ it can be noisy and stressful (on the one hand / on the other hand / in fact).
3.
____, healthy food can cost more; on the other hand, it can improve your health (At first / Indeed / On the one hand).
4.
He wants to buy a car; ____ he is not sure about the cost (on the other hand / on the one hand / in addition).
5.
____, learning English takes time; on the other hand, it can help your career (at first / On the one hand / meanwhile).
🔗 Exercise 2 – Matching
1.
On the one hand
2.
On the other hand
3.
On the one hand, it is cheaper to live in the countryside.
4.
On the other hand, the countryside has fewer job opportunities.
5.
We can use these chunks to compare ideas.
✅ Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1.
Which phrase do you use to start the first idea in a comparison?
2.
If you want to show a disadvantage after a positive point, which phrase fits best?
3.
Choose the phrase that correctly completes: ____ the new job is exciting, it also means longer hours.
4.
When discussing two sides of an argument, which phrase is used SECOND?
5.
Which sentence uses the phrases correctly?
📝 Use It Yourself
Write 2–3 sentences about a decision you have to make. Use 'on the one hand' and 'on the other hand' to show two sides of your choice.
Example:
On the one hand, I want to buy a new phone because mine is slow. On the other hand, I need to save money for travel.
🎙️ Speaking Practice
Practice these sentences aloud.
Say:
On the one hand, I enjoy working in a team.
Say:
On the other hand, working alone helps me focus better.
Ask:
Can you give an example of using 'on the one hand'?
Say:
On the one hand, the city is busy. On the other hand, it has many opportunities.
🔎 Answer Key
Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1. On the one hand
2. on the other hand
3. On the one hand
4. on the other hand
5. On the one hand
Exercise 2 – Matching
1. c – introduces the first or positive side of an idea
2. d – shows the opposite or contrasting side of the idea
3. e – The first idea explains a benefit of country life.
4. a – This presents a disadvantage that contrasts the first point.
5. b – These phrases help connect and discuss different opinions.
Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1. On the one hand
2. On the other hand
3. On the one hand
4. On the other hand
5. On the one hand, the hotel is close. On the other hand, it is expensive.