Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Guided Discussions
Introducing a Point
When beginning the discussion on the particular
subject it is relevant to introduce the key points.
You may use one of the following phrases:
First of all I'd like to point out ...
The main problem is ...
The question of ...
Speaking of ...
Enumeration of points
If you are asked to provide several reasons, factors or
arguments in a row, you have to organize them in the
logical way. In order to structure your answer properly
enumerate the main points using one of the suggested
phrases:
first of all, Id like to say ...
in addition to that ...
moreover, ...
furthermore, ...
another example of this is ...
first, second, third ...
Finally, ...
M. Platonova "Materials for the
Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"
(that) ...
There
Expressing doubt
If you are not sure about the facts your opponent
alludes to, you may express doubt.
I'm
Expressing disagreement
If you do not share opponents opinion, you may
disagree with him/her, using one of the suggested
phrases.
Expressing support
Discussion is not always arguing or disagreeing with the
opponent, it may also involve situations, when you
share similar or even equal opinions about some
issue. Therefore, the discussion could be not only
argumentative, but also supportive, with the purpose
to establish a common strategy, elaborate an idea or
simply discuss some common problem.
You're
quite right.
That's a very important point.
You've got a good point there.
I couldn't agree with you more.
You took the words right out of my mouth.
Giving reasons
These standard phrases are useful in a variety of
situations, when you are asked to explain
something providing additional information or
giving the reasons.
The
for clarification;
Ask follow-up questions.
M. Platonova "Materials for the
Speaking Part of the Centralised Exam"