New
New
Year 7

Moving discussions forward by responding and asking questions

I can develop a discussion by responding appropriately and asking effective questions.

New
New
Year 7

Moving discussions forward by responding and asking questions

I can develop a discussion by responding appropriately and asking effective questions.

warning

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Discussion can be more spontaneous than other forms of spoken language.
  2. Using the ABC strategy can help you to respond in a discussion and develop comments.
  3. Using active listening skills can help you to ask relevant questions.
  4. Open questions allow the speaker to respond in a developed way and move the discussion forward.

Keywords

  • Spontaneous - in speaking and discussions this means saying things without prior planning or preparation

  • Strategy - a plan or method used to help achieve something and usually involves some thinking ahead

  • Active listening - fully concentrating, understanding and responding thoughtfully to what someone is saying

  • Open question - a type of question that allows for a wide range of responses beyond just 'yes' or 'no'

Common misconception

You can't prepare in advance for a discussion.

Developing an effective strategy and learning some phrases, will enable you to take part in discussions successfully and confidently. These can help you feel more prepared in discussion scenarios.

The discussion questions can be changed to suit the interests, curriculum focus or needs of your pupils.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

Loading...

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following would not be considered a spoken language skill?
eyes looking
speaking clearly
Correct answer: accurate spelling
brain thinking
Q2.
Which three spoken language skills would be useful to demonstrate your listening skills?
Correct answer: ears listening
analysing writer's methods
Correct answer: brain thinking
Correct answer: lips closed
Q3.
Which answer would not be considered part of active listening?
positive body language
Correct answer: interrupting with questions
tracking the speaker
responding thoughtfully
Q4.
Which of the below are good practice when part of a discussion?
Correct answer: make eye contact
Correct answer: speak clearly
Correct answer: use positive body language
talk over the other speaker
slouch in your chair
Q5.
Which word beginning with 'r' can be described as: 'showing consideration and kindness for others' feelings and opinions; treating people politely.'?
Correct Answer: respectful, respect
Q6.
Which definition best describes the word 'spontaneous'?
fully concentrating, understanding and responding thoughtfully to someone
showing consideration and kindness for others' feelings and opinions
achieving a lot or producing good results in an efficient way
Correct answer: saying or doing things without prior planning or preparation

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to their definitions.
Correct Answer:strategy,a plan or method used to help achieve something

a plan or method used to help achieve something

Correct Answer:spontaneous,in discussions this means saying things without prior planning

in discussions this means saying things without prior planning

Correct Answer:active listening,fully concentrating, understanding and responding thoughtfully to what

fully concentrating, understanding and responding thoughtfully to what

Correct Answer:body language,non-verbal cues or gestures such as facial expressions and posture

non-verbal cues or gestures such as facial expressions and posture

Q2.
What does the 'ABC' strategy stand for when responding to a speaker?
Ask, Build, Conclude
Correct answer: Agree, Build, Challenge
Agree, Believe, Consider
Acknowledge, Balance, Comment
Q3.
Which of the following statements is an example of agreeing with a comment?
I see it differently because …
Correct answer: I support that because …
It's worth questioning whether …
Another aspect to consider would be …
Q4.
Which of these actions would not demonstrate active listening?
fully concentrating on what the speaker is saying
Correct answer: interrupting the speaker to clarify points
waiting for your turn to respond
tracking the speaker
Q5.
Which of the following is an example of an open question?
Do you like music?
Is cricket a good a sport?
Correct answer: How do you feel about the main character in the story?
Was it a good film?
Q6.
Why are open questions better for discussions than closed questions?
They only require a 'yes' or 'no' answer.
Correct answer: They allow for more detailed responses and encourage further discussion.
They make discussions shorter.
They make it harder for others to respond.