​GROUP DISCUSSION

​Discussion is an important type of communication among people to generate ideas.​

​One needs to be able to:​

1. Share ideas by making suggestions​

2. Express opinion clearly and confidently​

3. Respond appropriately​

4. Think critically​

5. Listen to people’s opinion​

​

​LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS IN DISCUSSION​

Language functions:​

• Giving opinions/suggestions and making counter suggestions​

• Stating agreement or disagreement​

• Emphasizing a point​

• Asking for and making clarifications​

• Making polite interruptions​

• Making and responding to enquiries​

​UNDERSTANDING DISCUSSION TOPICS

​How do you understand the topic? Ask yourself some questions about the topic.​

​What is the topic about?​

1. What is the cause(s) of the issue?​

2. What are the effect(s) that could happen or has happened?​

3. What are the solution(s) to the issue?​

​Let's try this

• ​Can you list the causes of water pollution?​

• ​Can you list the effects of water pollution?

• Can you suggest possible solutions to curb this problem?​​

​GIVING OPINIONS AND SUGGESTIONS​

​Here are some of the most common expressions: ​

• In my opinion/view, … ​

• I would like to suggest, …     ​

• I suggest that,…..​

• I think we should,…..​

• We can/could,……. ​

• I believe ​

​

​COUNTER SUGGESTIONS​

• ​We counter a suggestion when we disagree to someone or when we want to give other suggestions. 

• ​Here are a number of useful phrases used when disagreeing or expressing another opinion. 

  • I wouldn't do that. I would...

    But if we...

    I'm afraid I have to disagree with you.

    Don't get me wrong, ...

    Even so, if...

    Don't forget that...

    Very true, but...