Practise developing and structuring ideas for a spoken discussion. Attempt each aloud before revealing; the prompts are our own original material.
1Prepare to discuss the topic: 'Young people spend too much time on their phones.' Plan an opening that gives your view and one reason.
Show plan, model opening & checklist
Plan: State your view clearly, give one developed reason, and be ready to add an example when asked.
Model opening: I partly agree. Phones are useful for learning and staying in touch, but I think many of us lose hours we do not even notice, especially late at night.
Checklist:
- Clear view stated
- At least one developed reason
- Natural spoken phrasing
- Ready to extend with an example
2Prepare to discuss: 'It is better to live in a small town than a big city.' Plan two points and be ready to respond if the examiner disagrees.
Show plan, model opening & checklist
Plan: Prepare a balanced pair of points and a polite way to defend or adjust your view under challenge.
Tried these practice tasks? A teacher can mark your child's attempt and explain the next step in a paid one-hour trial.
Model opening: I would say a small town suits me better, mainly because life feels calmer and I know my neighbours, though I understand a city offers more choices.
Checklist:
- Two clear points prepared
- Acknowledges the other side
- Polite disagreement language ready
- Fluent, connected ideas
3Prepare to discuss: 'Everyone should learn to cook.' Plan how you would keep the conversation going with a question back.
Show plan, model opening & checklist
Plan: Give your view, then prepare a genuine question to invite the other speaker in. Aim for discussion, not a monologue.
Model opening: I think everyone should learn at least a few simple dishes, since it saves money and it is healthier. What about you: did you learn at home, or teach yourself?
Checklist:
- States a view with a reason
- Invites the other speaker with a question
- Sustains a two-way discussion
- Natural, confident phrasing
See the worked annotated model response for ESL speaking: discussion, or the method in our ESL speaking: discussion skills guide.