Debate
Presentación del tema
Hello again and welcome to today’s English VI lesson. Today, we will develop a crucial aspect of effective communication: formal expressions for conducting a debate.
Being able to express oneself eloquently and respectfully is a valuable skill, especially when discussing various viewpoints. We’ll cover a range of expressions to help you navigate these conversations with confidence. Let’s begin with the tools to initiate a discussion and state your argument. You can use phrases like «In my opinion,» or «Personally, I think,» to convey your viewpoint clearly.
Next, we will explore how to challenge an argument if you have a differing perspective. Phrases like «That can’t be true,» or «What’s your answer to that?» will be invaluable in these situations. Clarity in communication is vital, so we will also learn how to clarify what has been said. Expressions like «What I meant to say was…» and «Let me repeat what I said» will ensure everyone is on the same page.
Of course, it’s equally important to express agreement or disagreement. Phrases like «That’s true,» or «However…» will allow you to gracefully align or diverge from the presented arguments. Moreover, we will talk about the art of interrupting a discussion if you need a point to be clarified or wish to redirect the conversation. Phrases such as «Excuse me, did you mean that…?» can be very handy. Lastly, we will explore how to ask for opinions, as understanding others’ perspectives is a crucial part of a meaningful discussion. Phrases like «What’s your view on the matter?» and «How do you see it?» will facilitate this.
Remember, practice makes perfect. So, let’s engage in some exercises to apply these expressions and strengthen your proficiency in conducting a debate. Get ready to express your thoughts and opinions with confidence!
Objetivo didáctico de la clase
By the end of the class, you will be able to use formal expressions in English as a second language to conduct a debate, including introducing arguments, defending and challenging arguments, clarifying what was said, agreeing and disagreeing with arguments, as well as the ability to interrupt and ask for opinions appropriately in formal discussion contexts.
Contenido didáctico
A continuación, se presenta el contenido didáctico de acceso abierto o institucional para profundizar en el tema.
| No. | Nombre del recurso | Sinopsis | Tipo de recurso | Enlace Web |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Formal Expressions for Debate | Exhaustive list of formal expressions that can be used to carry out a debate in English. It is categorized into sections covering starting a discussion, defending an argument, clarifying what has been said, agreeing with an argument, disagreeing with an argument, and interrupting an argument. | List of Expressions / Debate Guide | [Acceder] |
| 2 | Best Debate Topics & Role-plays | Debate scenarios and role-plays that allow students to practice the use of formal expressions in simulated situations. | Web page | [Acceder] |
| 3 | Debates and Discussions: A Practical Guide | Guide for participating in debates and discussions, including a section dedicated to formal expressions and their application at different stages of parliamentary style debate. | [Acceder] |
Material didáctico complementario
| No. | Nombre del recurso | Sinopsis | Tipo de recurso | Enlace Web |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Debating skills | Presentation of debate skills | Video | [Acceder] |
| 2 | How to argue | Presentation of debate skills | Video | [Acceder] |
Resumen e ideas relevantes de la clase digital
Today’s class focused on teaching formal expressions for carrying out a debate. The class covered various aspects and formal expressions for effective communication during a debate and to express thoughts and engage in constructive discussions, with key phrases and essential expression for starting a discussion, defending an argument, clarifying statements, agreeing with an argument, disagreeing with an argument, and interrupting an argument, such as:
Stating an argument
a. In my opinion…
b. Personally, I think…
c. The point is…
d. If you ask me…
e. I believe that…
f. I’d like to say this…
g. I’d like to point out that…
h. In my experience…
Challenging an argument
a. That can’t be true.
b. But what about… “What’s your answer to that?
c. Do you mean to tell me that…
d. Are you seriously suggesting that…?
e. If you don’t mean…, then you should say what you mean.
To clarify what is being said
a. What I said was… (What I meant to say was…)
b. I did not say… What I did say was…
c. I think you misunderstood what I said
d. Let me repeat (rephrase) what I said.
e. I’m not saying that. What I am saying is…
f. Yes, but I don’t forget, I was only referring to…
Agreeing with an argument
a. Of course.
b. Right.
c. Exactly.
d. That’s true.
e. So do I. (Neither do I.).
f. I agree completely.
g. You’re absolutely right.
h. That’s a good point.
i. That’s just what I think.
j. I feel the same way.
Disagreeing with an argument
a. However…
b. I’m afraid I disagree…
c. On the other hand…
d. On the contrary…
e. That’s not (entirely) true
f. I hate to disagree with you, but…
g. All right, but don’t you think…
h. But that’s different
i. That’s not the same thing at all…
Interrupting an argument
a. Excuse me, did you say that…?
Excuse me, did you mean that…?
b. Before you make your next point…
c. So what you are saying is that…
d. Get to the point! What you really think is that…
Asking for an opinion
a. Well? What do you think?
b. Do you agree? (Don’t you agree?)
c. What’s your view on the matter?
d. How do you see it?
e. Let’s have your opinion.
These key ideas form the foundation of the class, providing you with a structured approach to engaging in formal debates and discussions in English. With these expressions, now you can effectively express opinions, defend your arguments, and engage in meaningful conversations, fostering your English language skills and critical thinking abilities.