debates mey. how to prepare? make a sketch of all the ideas that can be used to argue for/against a...
TRANSCRIPT
HOW TO PREPARE?•Make a sketch of all the ideas that can
be used to argue for/against a given statement.
•Think of as many examples as possible.
•Don’t behave like
•Use debate strategies, phrases for arguing.
Mey
How to open a discussion?• To start with, ….
• Let’s begin by….
• Let’s look at…..
• The main thing we need to discuss is …
For example: If your task is to argue for/against computers, you can finish these phrases in the following way.
computers have changed our lives .
discussing how computers have changed our lives.
how computers have changed our lives.
how computers have changed our lives.
Mey
How to express your opinion?• I think... • I feel ...• In my opinion, …• I strongly believe
that... • It seems to me that...• As far as I'm
concened,..• If you ask me... • I'd say that...• The point is...• As I see it,..• In my view, …
• From my point of view...
• I am of the opinion that...
• In my experience... • My personal view is
that... • The thing is that…• Personally, I think…• I have a point to make
here.• To be honest,…• I'd like to point out
that...
Mey
How to support your opinion?•Let me give you an example.•For instance,…….•For example, …..•First… Second….. Last but not least
Your Turn. Give examples of how computers have changed our lives.N.B.: Your examples should be relevant, logical and clear.Mey
Be ready to agree or disagree.
• I agree (with you).• I agree with this idea.• I completely agree with this
view.• You are absolutely right.• I couldn't agree more (on
this).• That's a good point • I couldn't agree more • I see what you mean • That's just what I was thinking • I agree entirely • You know, that's exactly what
I think
• Up to a point, but...
• Yes, that's quite true, but...
• Well, you have a point there, but...
• Perhaps, but don't you think that...?
• I see what you mean, but...
• I’m sorry to disagree with you, but…
• I'm not so sure about that.
• I'm afraid I have to disagree.
• I'm not sure I quite agree
• I tend to disagree with you there
• That's not entirely true.
• I’m afraid that’s not how I see it.
• On the contrary…
• I do not believe that…
• I think that’s wrong.
• That's not the point
• No, I think you're wrongMey
How to interrupt you partner?
• Can I just say something here?• Can I make a point here?• If I could just interrupt for a moment...• Sorry , do you mind if I interrupt?
Your options:
Sure, go ahead. Yes, of course.
Can I just finish what I was saying? If I could just finish making this
point...Mey
School doesn’t prepare you for life.
• Students must learn too
much unnecessary
information.
• Lexical knowledge is
tested in most tests and
exams.
• Real problems of students’
future life are rarely
discussed.
• Students make friends at
school.
• Students learn
responsibilty and
discipline.
• A school is society on a
small scale therefore
students learn to socialize.
Come up with some other ideas of your own before starting your debate. (e.g.subjects, teacher-student relationship, traditions, etc.)
Mey
It is useful if children use computers from an early age.
• Computer literacy is an
essential skill for learning
and work.
• They can use technological
devices more easily.
• Parents don’t have to buy
expensive toys.
• Children get addicted to
computers at a young age.
• They don’ spend enough
time outdoors.
• They live in a virtual world.
• They don’t learn to
communicate in person.
Some more ideas?
Mey
We should use public transport rather than cars.
• Fuel is expensive.
• Cars are expensive to buy
and maintain.
• Travelling by car is more
dangerous.
• Using means of public
transport is the first step
towards becoming
environment-conscious.
Only big cities have
efficient networks of
public transport.
Buses, trams, etc. are
always overcrowded.
You can’t take much
luggage with you.
The tickets are rather
expensive.Mey
Why bother with cooking at home if you can have your hot meals in the school canteen or other cheap places instead?
• Shopping for food and
cooking take a long time.
• You can enjoy the company
of your friends at an eating
place.
• There is a wide choice of
dishes to choose from.
• You do not know where the
ingredients come from.
• The portions are either too
small or too big.
• Home-made dishes are more
delicious.
• Cooking at home is cheaper.
Mey
Softening opinions and making generalisations
Sometimes English speakers soften the way they express their opinions so that they don't sound rude or offensive. In that case we can use:
1.Quantifiers:Rather/quite/ a bit +neg. adjective or un-/dis-…+adjectiveSome teenagers are rather impolite. Some of them can be a bit aggressive
2.Adverbs: Not very+ positive adj. That is not very sensible behaviour
3.Verbs:Tend to +infinitive Footballers tend to earn quite a lot of money
4.Fixed phrases:Generally speaking/ on the whole at the beginning of sentenceAt times at the end of the sentence
Generally speaking, most kids are just lazy.Football fans are quite violent at times.
Mey
Use the words/phrases in brackets to soften these opinions about children.
• Children don't do very much sport. (Generally speaking, most)
Generally speaking, most children don't do very much sport.
• They're spoilt. (tend to, a bit)
• They're rude to their teachers. (can, quite, at times)
• They're very unhealthy. (Some of them, not very)
• They watch a lot of TV. (On the whole, tend to, quite) • They're impatient. (Generally speaking, not very) • They're selfish. ( Some of them, can, rather)
Mey