Discussion Series lessons give students exposure to authentic language while focusing on discourse competence and speaking skills. These lessons are designed so that students must use the English familiar to them to complete each task while teachers can identify and gently correct students’ language errors.
Choosing from the Discussion Series
In the majority of these lessons, students will practice the art of discussion. Introduction to Discussion may be taken as a first lesson to familiarise students with the language needed to have a discussion, before taking one of our other Discussion Series lessons.
Choosing from the Discussion Series
In the majority of these lessons, students will practice the art of discussion. Introduction to Discussion may be taken as a first lesson to familiarise students with the language needed to have a discussion, before taking one of our other Discussion Series lessons.
Pre-Intermediate
Introduction to Discussion
Would you choose love over money? If you were stranded on a desert island, how would you survive? In this introductory lesson recommended for students new to the use of English for discussion, students learn phrases for agreement and disagreement, how to develop opinions with reasons, how to invite others into discussions, and how to ask follow-up questions.
In this lesson, students are set to work on a series of varied activities designed to stimulate the interest of all learners, providing opportunities to practise English communication in pairs, small groups, and as a class. In this lesson, students are encouraged to move from single statements to conversation and discussion.
In this lesson, students are set to work on a series of varied activities designed to stimulate the interest of all learners, providing opportunities to practise English communication in pairs, small groups, and as a class. In this lesson, students are encouraged to move from single statements to conversation and discussion.
Intermediate
A New Class Pet
What is the perfect school pet? A rat, or a dog?
In this lesson students work in pairs or small groups to brainstorm the good and bad points of various potential class pets. Once they have several ideas, they choose the animal they want to propose to their classmates, preparing in more detail a mini-presentation on the positives and negatives of their chosen animal. Once everyone is ready, the class will discuss which proposal they would choose as the perfect New Class Pet.
In this lesson students work in pairs or small groups to brainstorm the good and bad points of various potential class pets. Once they have several ideas, they choose the animal they want to propose to their classmates, preparing in more detail a mini-presentation on the positives and negatives of their chosen animal. Once everyone is ready, the class will discuss which proposal they would choose as the perfect New Class Pet.
Why should you study English?
The English language is taught from China to Brazil, from Norway to South Africa, and all across Japan. But why is it English that is studied? In this lesson, students will discuss and share the reasons they study English. The lesson begins with an overview of English in the world, as an international language spoken in over 50 nations and used in the realms of business, media, academia, and more.
Groups are then introduced to Erika and Shunsuke, two Japanese students who lack motivation to study English. Learners are tasked to think how learning the language can benefit them and, working together, learners prepare a short explanation and presentation detailing the reasons Erika and Shunsuke should study English.
Finally, language points noticed during the lesson are addressed, and the class ends with small group discussions about the reasons they should study English.
Groups are then introduced to Erika and Shunsuke, two Japanese students who lack motivation to study English. Learners are tasked to think how learning the language can benefit them and, working together, learners prepare a short explanation and presentation detailing the reasons Erika and Shunsuke should study English.
Finally, language points noticed during the lesson are addressed, and the class ends with small group discussions about the reasons they should study English.
Advanced
A New Flag
If you could design your own national flag, what would it look like? After learning about various flags from around the world, their unique characteristics, and the meanings behind their symbols and designs, students will share their ideas of what images and symbols they should use to represent their Japan. They will then share their design with the class in a mini-presentation, explaining the reasoning behind it and answering any questions. Finally, language points noticed during the lesson are addressed, and the class ends with small group discussions about the meanings of various mysterious yet famous flags.
Our New School Uniform
In this lesson, groups of students work together to design a new uniform for their school. After reviewing phrases needed to have a discussion, how to agree or disagree, and how to compromise, they will decide what items of clothing, what colours and patterns they will use for their uniform before presenting their proposal to their classmates. Finally, the students vote on the best design, before spending some time looking at styles of persuasive argument in more detail.
Our Perfect School
What makes the perfect school? Is it the facilities, or the teachers?
In this lesson students work in pairs or small groups to brainstorm what they would have in their ideal school, before working together to create a two-floor design proposal for their class. Once their design is complete, groups present and describe their school layout and the reasoning behind their choices in an attempt to persuade their classmates that theirs is, indeed, the Perfect School.
In this lesson students work in pairs or small groups to brainstorm what they would have in their ideal school, before working together to create a two-floor design proposal for their class. Once their design is complete, groups present and describe their school layout and the reasoning behind their choices in an attempt to persuade their classmates that theirs is, indeed, the Perfect School.
Advanced +
A Modern Curriculum
What should be taught at schools in the modern world? Is math still important? Should students learn how to drive, or to hunt? What about computer programming, or app design?
This lesson encourages students to think about what life skills they believe they will need in the future, and to assess the value of what they currently study. In pairs or small groups, students choose 3 new subjects for a 'modern curriculum,' preparing justifications for their choices and the skills it will teach, before presenting their proposal to the class for a final group discussion on which curriculum is the best choice.
This lesson encourages students to think about what life skills they believe they will need in the future, and to assess the value of what they currently study. In pairs or small groups, students choose 3 new subjects for a 'modern curriculum,' preparing justifications for their choices and the skills it will teach, before presenting their proposal to the class for a final group discussion on which curriculum is the best choice.
Top Fives
In this lesson, students will discuss in pairs their 'top fives' - top five books, top five movies, top five bands, and more.First brainstorming several possible categories, the students then work together select a single category and prepare their “Top Five,” preparing as detailed reasoning as they can in order to convince their peers of their choices. Once they have come to agreement on their list, they are given time to prepare a mini-presentation for their classmates. Finally, once everyone has presented their top five lists to the class, small groups share and discuss their own top fives for the different categories. Do they agree?
