Sample Response
Let’s Talk About
Smoking
Learn the natural idioms and vocabulary native speakers use to talk about addictions, quitting, and healthy routines.
“They should legalize it.”
“I’m more into vaping.”
“Let’s just say I’m not very law-abiding.”
Warm-up Questions
Why do you think people start smoking or form bad habits in the first place?
How popular is smoking or vaping in your country right now?
What do you think about the trend of creating more “non-smoking areas”?
Other Ways to Say It
I am stopping immediately without weaning off.
It is extremely difficult, almost impossible.
Let me give you some advance warning.
I am breathing in someone else’s smoke.
Do whatever you want to do.
I can’t stop doing this routine.
Natural Dialogue
Hey, James. How’s going cold turkey working out for you?
Honestly, it feels next to impossible. I knew I had an addiction, I just didn’t realize how addicted I was.
I know what you mean. I quit about a month before you, so let me give you a heads up. It gets worse before it gets better.
Don’t say that! It’s not just the nicotine cravings. It’s losing all my habitual routines. Now when I take a break, I don’t know what to do with myself.
I have the same problem. Sometimes I wander around looking for someone who smokes just to stand next to them and get some passive smoking.
But yeah, we need to find a more healthy habit to fill that time with. Have you noticed much of a difference to your health?
Not yet, but I’m hoping.
My lungs are certainly a lot better. I can climb a flight of stairs without getting exhausted now, and I’m saving so much money!
I’m not saving anything. My appetite is coming back, so I’m spending all the money I’m saving on extra food.
You should be careful about that. You don’t want to replace one addiction with another.
Scenario Practice
Let’s Chat
Do you think electronic cigarettes (vaping) are a good way to quit smoking, or are they just a new addiction?
Should the government keep raising the price of cigarettes to stop people from buying them?
Why do you think underage smoking happens? Is it peer pressure or something else?
Do you agree with the trend of creating more “non-smoking areas” in public spaces?
What are some practical, healthy ways to stop an addiction or break a bad habit?
Do you agree that when people quit a bad habit, they often replace it with another one (like eating)?