but or and

[diamondcutter]

A: We’ve got a volleyball team in the school. Is anyone in your class good at that? Lucy’s good at playing ball games.
B: Yes. But she’s good at basketball. She’s the best player in my class. She’s very good at scoring goals and she can run fast.

Source: the test book for Kid’s Box 6, an English textbook for children, CUP

I don’t understand why Speaker B uses ‘but’ not ‘and’. I don’t see the sense of transition but the sense of sequential connection.

What do you say?

 

[jutfrank]

I don't see it, either. Can you post the preceding two or three lines?

 

[GoesStation]

A asks if anyone's good at volleyball and says that Lucy's good at ball games. B acknowledges that and notes that basketball is her game of choice. He says "but" because she's good at a game other than volleyball.

 

[diamondcutter]

Thanks, Jutfrank.

This is part of the tapescript for a listening test.

Now what about Anna? She lived in Canada. Is she good at snowboarding?
Yes, but her best sport is skiing. She can go downhill very fast. She always finishes first.

Who else is there? Oh yes, John! What can he do?
He’s really good at athletics. He’s won six prizes at his club for the high jump. His mum says he jumps over things at home, too! He can’t stop!

We’ve got a volleyball team in the school. Is anyone in your class good at that? Lucy’s good at playing ball games.
Yes. But she’s good at basketball. She’s the best player in my class. She’s very good at scoring goals and she can run fast.

Now what about Michael?
Well, he’s terrible at most sports ! But he’s good at climbing. He’s in a club and he often goes up mountains with his father in the holidays.
Well, all the children in your class sound fantastic. Why don’t we give them all a prize?
Great!

This the question.

 

[jutfrank]

I still don't get it, I'm afraid.

 

[GoesStation]

The two "buts" are used similarly.

Is she good at snowboarding?
Yes, but her best sport is skiing.

The speaker means "she's good at snowboarding, but she's an outstanding skier."

Lucy’s good at playing ball games.
Yes. But she’s good at basketball.

"Her real skill is in basketball. She's not great at volleyball."

 

[jutfrank]

Right, thanks for explaining, GS.

The snowboarding but is clear enough but the basketball one really isn't.

 

[GoesStation]

I read it as But she’s good at basketball, not volleyball.