Discussions and Debates

Start with phrases

The flashcards offer a practical starting point for taking part in a discussion. Useful Phrases for a Debate includes ways to ask for more information, restate an idea and offer clarification. Oral debate starter phrases includes expressions for giving a point of view and responding to an opinion.

Start by reading a few cards, then try saying the phrases without looking. You could group them by purpose: asking for clarification, explaining your own view or responding to someone else. Return to the cards when you need a reminder.

Explore the mind maps

Academic Discussions looks at what an academic discussion is and why people take part. Academic Discussion also introduces the idea and purpose of an academic discussion. Compare the maps after working through the phrase cards to see how individual expressions fit into a wider conversation.

The mind map on starting a discussion in English groups language for asking opinions, agreeing or disagreeing, giving arguments and offering solutions. Another map describes a debate as an organized discussion and outlines its parts. Presenting Arguments covers types of arguments and different ways of presenting them.

Put the resources together

There are no quizzes on this page, so use the flashcards for recall practice alongside the maps. Look at a map branch about giving an opinion, for example, then see which starter phrases you can remember. Check the cards afterward and look again at any expressions you missed.

This topic sits within a wider unit in English language. Its discussion phrases support speaking practice, while the argument maps also refer to oral and multimedia presentations. Teachers can use the same collection to find material for discussion work. Explore a map, then return to the flashcards to practice the language it brings to mind.