Module 10 – Joining in Discussions

In this module we will look at useful language for participating in discussions. You will practise the language for expressing opinions, making suggestions, agreeing and disagreeing and summarising. The grammar focus for this module is conditional sentences/logic conjunctions and reported speech

Each session is approximately 1 hour of work.

Session 1

Let’s begin this module by looking at some grammar:

Conditional sentences and Logic conjunctions

1.Complete the following exercises Ex 1 and Ex 2 Record your score in your portfolio. You can do the exercises as many times as you like.
2.Now we’re going to look at how to be successful in a discussion Read the article carefully and answer the questions. Don’t forget to record your score!

3.Here is a vocabulary exercise on some useful words and phrases for use in discussions. Make sure you write down any you don’t know so you can memorise them.
4.Finally we will try a short writing exercise. Moral Maze No 1. This is a dictation exercise about a dilemma faced by someone. You will discuss this topic with your trainers in your speaking sessions. What do you think the speaker should do?

Remember to record everything in your learning-portfolio

Don’t forget, if there is anything you don’t understand or can’t find send a message via Contact us or try Live support

Session 2

We’re going to look at some reading in this session. People are giving their opinions abut certain topics.

1.Have a look at this reading exercise – My Kingdom for a bicycle lane. This article talks about Beijing. Have you been there? Do you agree with the reporter? You can discuss this issue with your trainer in your Skype session. Remember to record your score.
2.Grammar – let’s look at more conditional sentences. This is always an area which students find difficult. Ex 1 and Ex 2. Do the exercises as often as you wish and record your scores.
3.Now for a bit of fun! You are going to design your ‘Dream Team’. Look at the list of famous people and decide who you want on your team and why. You can discuss your decision with your Skype teacher.

4. Finally a short interview with the President of the World Bank Robert Zoellick – he talks about Global Trade. Listen as many times as you need to to answer the questions. You can use this topic of global trade to practise giving opinions, agreeing and disagreeing and summarising a discussion with your Skype trainer.

Session 3

You’ve done some listening so far but we’re going to try a longer exercise on listening now.

1.Go to this listening exercise A discussion on travel You will hear a group of friends talking about travelling and journeys they have made.
2.We’re now going to try another exercise on conditional sentences Ex 1, and an exercise in reported speech Ex 2. Do them as many times as you wish. Don’t forget to record your answers.
3.Have a look now at another strong opinion – Spending money on Sport (you can discuss this with your Skype trainer).
4.Finally another short video – Respect for the countryside – various pieces of advice on how to respect the countryside – you may be surprised at the participants!

Remember to record everything in your learning-portfolio

Don’t forget, if there is anything you don’t understand or can’t find send a message via Contact us or try Live support

Session 4

This is the final session of this module.

1.We’ll start with a little writing practice. Listen to the description of Franchising and complete the sentences. Now, you can choose: more practice on reported speech, another writing exercise on Branding or another news video.
2.You are now going to explore another discussion – this one is about a book. Watch the video and answer the questions
3.You are now going to write down your own opinion about the best way to run a discussion. Use the ideas and language you have learnt in this module. Do this as a post on your Blog in Member Home. You can get your teacher to check it before you publish it if you like.
You can discuss any issues with this unit with your teacher and remember to record these in your portfolio too.

Well done! You have successfully completed Joining in Discussions.

What next? Move on to Module 11 – Socialising Part 1.