How to discuss a topic in a group

Summary

In this educational video, Rebecca introduces a discussion on the merits of online versus traditional classroom study. Native English speakers engage in a lively debate, highlighting the convenience and flexibility of online learning, as well as the importance of motivation and resources. The conversation touches on the value of soft skills and interaction, the potential distractions in a classroom setting, and the quality of online resources. Rebecca concludes by reviewing key discussion phrases, such as 'I think', 'However', and 'In conclusion', which are essential for effective participation in English discussions.

Takeaways

• 📚 The lesson focuses on participating effectively in English discussions, which is important for personal, professional, and academic settings.
• 💡 The sample topic for the discussion is 'Is it better to study online or in a regular classroom?', highlighting the relevance of this question in modern education.
• 👥 The video features a group of native English speakers discussing the topic, providing listeners with examples of natural conversational English.
• 🌐 The benefits of online studying include convenience and the ability to learn at one's own pace, as demonstrated by the speaker who prefers studying at night.
• 🏫 The classroom setting offers motivation from teachers and peers, which some learners find essential for effective learning.
• 💬 The importance of 'soft skills' such as interaction is emphasized, suggesting that face-to-face communication is valuable and sometimes lacking in online learning.
• 🔍 A potential downside of classroom learning is the distraction caused by classmates, which can detract from personal focus and learning.
• 🔄 The repetition of material in a classroom can be beneficial for reinforcing learning, allowing students who didn't understand initially to grasp the concept.
• 📚 The script mentions the availability of resources online, contrasting with the potential for boring or subpar textbooks in a classroom setting.
• 🤔 It's suggested that new English learners might struggle to evaluate the quality of online resources, underscoring the value of professional guidance in a classroom.
• 🔗 The video introduces www.engvid.com as a resource with professional teachers, implying that such platforms can bridge the gap between online and classroom learning.
• 🔑 The lesson concludes by summarizing that both online and classroom studying can be beneficial, depending on the individual's needs and preferences.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the discussion in the video script?

The main topic of the discussion is whether it is better to study online or in a regular classroom.

What is the purpose of the discussion in the video script?

The purpose of the discussion is to explore the advantages and disadvantages of online and classroom-based learning and to teach viewers how to participate effectively in a discussion in English.

What are some of the expressions used to express an opinion in the script?

Some expressions used to express an opinion in the script include 'I think,' 'I believe,' and similar phrases.

How does the script suggest to contradict someone politely in a discussion?

The script suggests using phrases like 'You made a good point, but I'd also like to add...' to contradict someone politely in a discussion.

What are some ways to interrupt a discussion as demonstrated in the script?

The script demonstrates two ways to interrupt a discussion: 'Sorry, but...' which is less polite, and 'May I say something?' which is a more polite way to enter a discussion.

What does the phrase 'hold the floor' mean in the context of a discussion?

'Hold the floor' means to establish one's position as the speaker in a discussion, especially when someone else is trying to interrupt.

What is the purpose of the phrase 'As I was saying' in a discussion?

The phrase 'As I was saying' is used to return to speaking about what one was saying when someone has interrupted, signaling that the speaker is resuming their argument.

What does the expression 'don't get me wrong' imply in a discussion?

The expression 'don't get me wrong' implies that the speaker understands and acknowledges another point of view but still maintains their own opinion.

How can the phrase 'in conclusion' be used to end a discussion?

The phrase 'in conclusion' is used to signal that the speaker is about to summarize or end the discussion, often asking for group agreement or input.

What is the website mentioned in the script that provides resources for English learners?

The website mentioned in the script is www.engvid.com, which offers resources for English learners.

How does the script suggest summarizing a discussion?

The script suggests using phrases like 'in a nutshell,' 'Can we sum up by saying,' or 'Can we sum up?' to summarize a discussion.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Effective English Discussion

Rebecca introduces the lesson's purpose, which is to teach participants how to engage effectively in English discussions, a skill applicable in various life contexts. The lesson uses the debate topic 'Is it better to study online or in a regular classroom?' as an example. Rebecca encourages learners to listen for special expressions and phrases used by native speakers during the discussion. She also introduces her friends, Ronnie, Alex, James, and Adam, who will participate in the discussion to provide examples of these expressions in context.

05:02

🤔 Analyzing Online vs. Classroom Study Dynamics

The discussion delves into the pros and cons of studying online versus in a traditional classroom setting. Participants share their perspectives on convenience, motivation, resource availability, and the importance of soft skills like interaction. They discuss the potential distractions in a classroom and the benefits of online resources, including the ability to access information instantly and the challenge of evaluating the quality of online materials. The conversation also touches on the role of professional teachers and the value of repetition in learning, concluding with a consensus that both online and classroom study can be beneficial.

Keywords

💡Discussion

A discussion is an interactive exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular topic. In the video, the main theme revolves around the effectiveness of participating in a discussion, specifically about the merits of online versus classroom study. The script illustrates this through a debate format, where participants express contrasting views on the subject.

💡Online Study

Online study refers to the process of learning through digital platforms, often outside of a traditional classroom setting. The video script highlights the convenience and flexibility of online study, as one participant mentions studying at night when it's quiet, emphasizing personal pace and preference in learning.

💡Classroom

A classroom is a physical learning environment where students gather to learn from a teacher. The script contrasts the classroom setting with online study, focusing on the motivation and social interaction provided by a classroom environment, which can be lacking in online learning.

💡Motivation

Motivation is the drive or desire to achieve a goal or complete a task. In the context of the video, it is discussed as a factor that can be influenced by the learning environment, with the classroom providing external motivation through teachers and peers, whereas online study requires self-motivation.

💡Resources

Resources in the educational context refer to materials and tools that aid learning. The script mentions the availability of resources in both classroom and online settings, noting the potential for better or worse resources and the importance of discerning quality in online materials.

💡Soft Skills

Soft skills are personal attributes that enable better interaction, communication, and work with others. The script points out that soft skills, such as actual interaction in English, can be more challenging to develop in an online setting due to the lack of face-to-face communication.

💡Focus

Focus refers to the state of concentrating attention on a particular object or activity. The video script discusses how the presence of classmates can sometimes distract from focus in a classroom, whereas online learning may offer a more focused environment free from such distractions.

💡Professional

A professional is someone who is engaged or qualified in a particular profession. In the script, the importance of professional teachers in a classroom setting is highlighted as they can provide quality resources and guidance to improve English skills, which might be more challenging to find online.

💡Interrupt

To interrupt is to stop or pause an activity or speech momentarily, often to make a comment or ask a question. The script provides examples of polite and impolite ways to interrupt a discussion, such as 'Sorry, but' and 'May I say something?', which are important for maintaining respectful dialogue.

💡Hold the Floor

Holding the floor in a discussion means having the right to continue speaking without interruption. The script uses the phrase 'Please let me finish' to illustrate this concept, showing the speaker's desire to maintain their position in the conversation and complete their point.

💡Summarize

To summarize is to provide a brief statement or account of the main points of something. In the script, the phrases 'in conclusion' and 'in a nutshell' are used to indicate the end of the discussion and the desire to encapsulate the main ideas, showing a respectful approach to ending a conversation by seeking consensus.

Highlights

Introduction to the lesson on participating effectively in English discussions.

Topic of the discussion: Comparing online study to traditional classroom learning.

Listening exercise for special expressions and phrases used in a discussion.

Meeting the native English speakers who will participate in the sample discussion.

The convenience of online study allowing personalized schedules.

The need for self-motivation in online learning environments.

Economic considerations and the accessibility of free online resources.

Importance of soft skills and the challenge of interaction in online settings.

Potential distractions and the impact of classmates on focus in a classroom.

The value of repetition for learning and the opportunity for questions in a classroom.

Critique of classroom resources and the advantage of online research.

Recommendation of www.engvid.com as a quality online English learning resource.

The role of professional teachers in providing quality educational resources.

The importance of recognizing different viewpoints in a discussion.

Strategies for politely interrupting and contributing to a discussion.

Techniques for holding the floor and maintaining one's position in a discussion.

Using 'As I was saying' to resume speaking after an interruption.

Expression 'Don't get me wrong' for acknowledging other viewpoints while maintaining one's own.

Concluding a discussion with inclusive phrases like 'In conclusion' and 'In a nutshell'.

Encouragement to use the discussed expressions in English discussions.

Invitation to take a quiz on the subject at www.engvid.com.

Transcripts

Hi! My name is Rebecca, and in today's lesson you'll learn how to participate effectively

in a discussion in English, something you may need to do in your personal, professional,

or academic life, okay? Now, the topic we'll use as our sample is this one: Is it better

to study online or in a regular classroom? Okay? You'll have a chance to hear a discussion

by native English speakers on this topic. What I'd like you to do is listen for any

special expressions and phrases that they use during the discussion. Afterwards, I'll

review the expressions and phrases with you, okay? Now, today I have some special friends

who have agreed to help me with this lesson, and they're waiting in the classroom next

door, so let's go and say hello to them.

-- Hello! -- Hello! -- Hi!

-- Hi! -- Well, look who's here. It's --

-- Ronnie. -- Alex. -- James. -- Adam.

-- Thank you for joining me, and thanks for helping with this lesson, guys.

-- No problem. -- No problem.

-- So you know we're talking about discussions, and the topic is: Is it better to study online

or in a regular classroom? Okay, who wants to go first?

-- Okay, so I'll start, and I think that it's actually very good to study online because

it's very convenient because you can study whenever you want and at your own pace. For

example, someone like me, I like to study at nighttime. So for me, online works better

because it's quiet at night, no one disturbs me, and I can do what I need to do.

-- Okay, that's true, but if you're going to study online --

-- Sorry, but -- -- Please let me finish. Let me finish. As

I was saying, that's true, but if you're studying online you do need to motivate yourself, so

I think it's better to be in a classroom where you have other students and a teacher who

can motivate you. -- That's true, but some people can't afford

to go to a classroom and don't have enough money or resources to actually go to a big

school. So studying online, you can actually do it for free.

-- Me? Well, I would like to add -- May I say something?

-- Sure. -- Soft skills. That's not usually talked

about in schools, but when we talk about "soft skills", it's actual interaction, utilizing

your English when you're with other people, and that's hard to get online because you're

watching a screen and not actually interacting with other people.

-- You make a very good point but I would also like to add that sometimes having classmates

takes you away from your focus because you have to maybe review things many times for

other people to catch up, or you have to do topics that are interesting to other people,

not to yourself. So it's a little distracting sometimes, too.

-- However, focus is a good thing. I mean, it's not a bad thing to repeat something because

sometimes people don't catch the material the first time. So that way, you go over the

material, and they -- you know, you get depth. So you get to learn more, and people who don't

understand get the opportunity to ask questions and learn from it again.

-- Yeah, but sometimes the resources that you get in a classroom are boring, and online

you can just look up whatever you need on the Internet, and you've got it right there.

You don't have to rely on a textbook. Sometimes it can be a bad textbook.

-- Okay. Don't get me wrong. I mean, there are good resources on the Internet, like www.engvid.com.

However -- -- I'm sorry, did you say www.engvid.com?

-- I did say www.engvid.com. -- I've heard of www.engvid.com.

-- I think I have too. -- Me too.

-- Check it out. -- Anyway. It's a good website.

-- So as I was saying, don't get me wrong, I think there are excellent resources online.

However, some students who are just learning English for the first time might not know

how to judge the quality of the resources. So I think if you go to a school, if you're

inside a classroom, you're with a teacher who is trained, is a professional, who can

give you the resources you need to improve your English.

-- Well, it's a good thing you said about professional teachers because at www.engvid.com

-- -- www.engvid.com?

-- www.engvid.com. -- www.engvid.com.

-- Yeah, EngVid? -- We have professional teachers ready to

teach you. So in conclusion, in a nutshell, can we just, kind of, sum up and say that

studying online or in a classroom will help everyone?

-- Sure. -- I think so.

-- I can agree with that. -- Okay. All right. Thank you very much for

your help guys. -- No problem.

-- So now, I'll review some of the phrases and expressions that you heard in the discussion.

-- I think that it's actually very good to study online.

-- "I think" is used when you're going to express your opinion. You could also say "I

believe" and so on. Next.

-- That's true, but if you're going to study online --

-- However, focus is a good thing -- -- Yeah, but sometimes the resources that

you get in a classroom are boring.

-- Okay, these three phrases, "That's true, but"; or "However"; or "Yeah, but", are used

-- What do you think? They're used when we want to contradict what someone else has said,

when we disagree with what someone else has said. Okay? Next.

-- You make a very good point, but I would also like to add that sometimes having classmates

takes you away from your focus.

-- "You made a good point but I'd also like to add", is a very nice expression. It shows

that you recognize the contribution that someone else has made to the discussion in the first

part, and you're also going to add your own opinion, which is different from what the

first person said. Next.

-- But if you're going to study online -- -- Sorry, but --

-- Me? Well, I would like to add -- May I say something?

-- "Sorry but", which Ronnie says, or "May I say something?", which James said, are two

different ways in which you can interrupt a discussion. You see that the first one was

purposely done for you not in a very polite way to show you how not to do it. And James

says, "May I say something?", which is a very polite way to enter a discussion. Next.

-- Sorry, but -- -- Please let me finish. Let me finish.

-- "Please let me finish" is a very nice way to hold the floor. What does it mean to "hold

the floor" in a discussion? It means to establish your position as the speaker, all right? So

someone else is trying to interrupt, but you want a chance to finish whatever argument

you're presenting, so you say, "Please let me finish", okay? Very nice. Next.

-- As I was saying, that's true, but if you're studying online --

-- "As I was saying" is used when you're returning to your -- to speaking, to whatever you were

saying when someone has interrupted you, okay? It's a way of saying, "Okay, now I'm talking

again". "As I was saying." All right? Next.

-- Okay. Don't get me wrong. I mean, there are good resources on the Internet.

-- Alex uses, "don't get me wrong". Now, this is an interesting expression because when

we say this, what we're saying is that, "I've been explaining something, I've been presenting

a certain point of view, but I do understand that there is another point of view, and I

accept that, and I understand that. However, I do still have my opinion." So we use that

when we are taking into account the other opinion as well. Next.

-- So in conclusion, in a nutshell, can we just, kind of, sum up and say that --

-- Okay, the last three phrases were used by Ronnie to end the discussion, so "in conclusion",

"in a nutshell". "In a nutshell" just means "in short" or "Can we sum up by saying..."

"Can we sum up?" means "Can we summarize?" All right? So that's a nice way to end a discussion

by including everyone in it. It's not as if one person is deciding to end the discussion.

She's sort of asking everyone's permission by saying, "can we sum up by saying", okay?

I hope this lesson has given you a number of different expressions that you can use

when you're taking part in a discussion, all right? If you'd like to do a quiz on this

subject, please go to our website, www.engvid.com. Thanks very much for watching, and good luck with your English.