Speaking in Discussions
BasicI think... because...
- Give opinions: I think... because...
- Agree: I agree (with Amy).
- Disagree politely: I see your point, but...
文體小知識：Take turns, share ideas.
§Text Passage
1Teacher: Today we will discuss how to make our school greener. Please take turns to share your ideas. Amy: We should plant more trees in the playground because they give us fresh air. Ben: I agree. Trees also make the school more beautiful. Cara: I see your point, but trees grow slowly. In my opinion, we should start a recycling project first. Teacher: Interesting opinion, Cara. Can you give us an example?
2Cara: Yes. We can collect waste paper and plastic bottles every Friday and sell them for recycling. Ben: Good example. We can also put reminder signs next to the bins. Amy: I disagree with paper signs. We should save paper and make a short video instead. Ben: Sorry, I don't understand. How can a video help? Amy: We can play it in the morning assembly, so everyone learns to recycle.
3Teacher: Good idea. Remember to listen and respect different opinions. Cara: May I add something? We can ask the tuck shop to use fewer plastic bags. Teacher: Excellent. Raise your hand if you agree with the recycling project. Ben: I agree! Let's work together and make our school greener. Teacher: Thank you, everyone. You shared your opinions politely. That is a good discussion.
§Sentence-by-sentence translation Sentence-by-sentence translation
Teacher: Today we will discuss how to make our school greener. Please take turns to share your ideas.
Teacher：今日我們討論怎樣令學校更加環保。請大家輪流分享意見。
Amy: We should plant more trees in the playground because they give us fresh air.
Amy：我們應該在操場種更多樹，因為樹可以給我們新鮮空氣。
Ben: I agree. Trees also make the school more beautiful.
Ben：我同意。樹還會令學校更美麗。
Cara: I see your point, but trees grow slowly. In my opinion, we should start a recycling project first.
Cara：我明白你的意思，但樹生長得很慢。我認為應該先開始回收計劃。
Teacher: Interesting opinion, Cara. Can you give us an example?
Teacher：Cara，這個意見很有趣。你可不可以舉個例子？
Cara: Yes. We can collect waste paper and plastic bottles every Friday and sell them for recycling.
Cara：可以。我們逢星期五收集廢紙同膠樽，賣給回收商。
Ben: Good example. We can also put reminder signs next to the bins.
Ben：這個例子好。我們還可以在回收箱旁邊貼提示牌。
Amy: I disagree with paper signs. We should save paper and make a short video instead.
Amy：我不同意用紙製提示牌。我們應該省紙，拍一條短片代替。
Ben: Sorry, I don't understand. How can a video help?
Ben：不好意思，我不明白。短片怎樣幫得上忙？
Amy: We can play it in the morning assembly, so everyone learns to recycle.
Amy：我們可以在早會播放，這樣全校都學會回收。
Teacher: Good idea. Remember to listen and respect different opinions.
Teacher：好主意。記住要聆聽同尊重不同的意見。
Cara: May I add something? We can ask the tuck shop to use fewer plastic bags.
Cara：我可以補充嗎？我們可以請小食部少用膠袋。
Teacher: Excellent. Raise your hand if you agree with the recycling project.
Teacher：非常好。如果你同意回收計劃，請舉手。
Ben: I agree! Let's work together and make our school greener.
Ben：我同意！讓我們一起努力，令學校更環保。
Teacher: Thank you, everyone. You shared your opinions politely. That is a good discussion.
Teacher：多謝大家。你們有禮貌地分享了自己的意見，這就是好的討論。
1Summary 重點摘要
I think... because...
2Vocabulary cards Vocabulary
Tell others.
View.
Say yes.
Say no.
Reason.
Instance.
Hear.
Value.
3Step by step Steps
- OpinionThe basic pattern for an opinion is I think... because... Example: I think uniforms are good because they save time. State your view first and add the reason with because, so one sentence carries both a stance and a ground.
- AgreeTo agree, say I agree. or I agree with you. Example: I agree with Amy. Trees also make the school beautiful. After agreeing, add one new point so the turn is more than an echo and the discussion keeps moving.
- DisagreeThe polite pattern for disagreeing is I see your point, but... Example: I see your point, but recycling is easier to start. Acknowledge the other side first and bring in your different view with but; the tone stays gentle.
- MannersDiscussion manners include taking turns, never interrupting and keeping a suitable volume. Example: Excuse me, can I say something? Begin with Excuse me or Sorry to interrupt; looking at the speaker and nodding are basic signs of respect.
- Always give a reasonGive a reason in every turn and join it with because. Example: I think uniforms are good because they save time. The reason follows because; an opinion without a reason sounds like a slogan, while a grounded one persuades.
- Build on others' ideasTo build on another idea, agree first and then extend it. Example: I agree with Amy, and I also think we can recycle paper. Open with I agree with to show acceptance and continue with and I also think; it respects the speaker and shows your own thinking.
5Worked example Example
Question: The class is discussing how to make the school greener. How do we take part politely and completely?
- Step 1: Wait for your turn, then open with your opinion — I think we should plant more trees.
- Step 2: Add the reason with because — because trees give us fresh air. A grounded opinion persuades.
- Step 3: Respond to others; agree first, then add — I agree with Amy. Trees also make the school beautiful.
- Step 4: Disagree politely when you see it differently — I see your point, but recycling is easier to start.
- Step 5: Close with a proposal — So let us start with a recycling corner first.
- Answer: Sample turn: I think we should plant more trees because they give us fresh air. I agree with Amy, and I also think we should set up a recycling corner first because it is easier to start. Opinion, reason, response and proposal together make one complete discussion turn.
6Common mistakes Mistakes
7Quick check Quick check
Q1How to give opinion?
Q2Agree?
Q3Disagree?
Q4Tips?
Q5Add example?
Q6When listening?
8Recap Recap
- Give opinions: I think... because...
- Agree: I agree (with Amy).
- Disagree politely: I see your point, but...
- Take turns and never interrupt.
- Sum up with a proposal: Let us start with...