MUET Speaking: Example of a Group Discussion

CANDIDATE C:   Good morning everyone. We are here to discuss ( To initiate the discussion) the most effective way to overcome the problem of obesity. We have four suggestions, which are to change eating habits, daily exercise, health talks and awareness campaigns. Candidate B, would you like to share your opinion with us?( To ask for opinion/view).

CANDIDATE B:      Yes I would, thank you, Candidate C. I strongly believe that (To express opinion/view) the most effective is to engage in daily exercise. Exercising increases our metabolic rate and this helps to burn calories. Exercise such as jogging and swimming burn the excess fat accumulated under our ski. Half an hour of exercise daily will surely help to keep obesity at bay. Do you agree with me,(To ask for opinion) Candidate D?

CANDIDATE D:      I am sorry, Candidate B. I don’t agree with the point that you have just mentioned. I do not think that ( To disagree) daily exercise is the most effective way to check obesity. In my opinion, I would say that (To give opinion) awareness campaigns are a better solution because such campaigns  could influence the minds of the public. Such campaigns, if widely publicized by the mass media, could be highly effective in getting people to be aware of the dangers of and consequently check obesity. It is when people are aware of the importance of taking care of their health that they will take the pains to stay fit.

CANDIDATE  A:   Excuse me, (To interrupt) Candidate D, can I say something? (To interrupt)

CANDIDATE  D:      Yes, please go ahead.

CANDIDATE  A:     Thank you , Candidate D.  I see your point, but I am of the opinion that (To partially agree) changing eating habits is the most effective  way to overcome the problem of obesity. This is because bad eating habit is the main reason for obesity. We need to fight the problem from is roots. Taking a balanced diet according to the food pyramid would reduce the intake of high fat, sodium, sugar ,calorie- and cholesterol-laden food. Fruits, vegetable and cereals that provide fibre reduce hunger pangs and provide essential nutrients. Lost of water flushes out the toxins accumulated in the body. I believe (To give opinion) all these could help to check obesity. Candidate C, what do you think?(To ask for opinion)

CANDIDATE  C:    I am sorry , Candidate A. I feel that changing eating habits is not necessarily the best solution.(To disagree).In my point of view (To give opinion),health talks are more effective in dealing with obesity. People get more direct information on how to choose the best type of food for them and they also learn different ways to improve their health. There are often free screenings like Body-Mass Index tests and health checks during these talks and this will help people become more aware of health problems related to obesity. People can get advice that is tailored to their personal needs.

CANDIDATE  B:        I don’t agree with your point, (To express disagreement) Candidate C . I think health talks are not effective in helping to check obesity as people merely listen and forget about the advice when they get home. People don’t internalize the information. Don’t you agree with me, (To ask for support/opinion) Candidate D?

CANDIDATE  D:    You have made your view very clear. I agree with you.(To agree) Well, now that we have presented all our view points, what do you have to say (To come to consensus), Candidate A?

CANDIDATE  A:      I support the opinion of (To agree and support an opinion) Candidate B that daily exercise is the most effective way in checking obesity.

CANDIDATE  D:       What about you(To ask for opinion),Candidate C?

CANDIDATE  C:   I guess Candidate B has a very good point there.(To agree and support an opinion). Daily exercise is the most effective solution.

CANDIDATE  D:       Right, so we all agree that daily exercise is the most effective solution to control obesity ( To express the group decision). Does anyone have anything else to say? Otherwise, let’s bring his discussion to a close(To end the discussion). Thank you for your contributions to this discussion.(To close the discussion)

GUIDELINES

1.    Practice, practical practice!

·         Practice preparing points on a topic within  two minutes

·         Practice speaking in class

·         Practice in front of mirror

·         Practice note-taking skills

2.    Read widely and keep abreast with current issues

3.    Organize your ideas and thoughts quickly

·         Highlight key words or phrases to help you focus on the task

·         Use short notes

·         Organize key word/note in a logical order

·         Avoid sweeping statements or generalizations

·         Give reason and examples to substantiate points

·         Given a reasonable, practical opinion or suggestion

4.    Be calm and confident. Speak convincingly.

5.    Body language

·         Sit upright

·         Smile and be cheerful

·         Use appropriate, natural hand gestures

·         Do not look nervous or sad

·         Avoid fidgeting, folding your arms or shaking your legs

·         Avoid fiddling with your pen or tapping the table with your pen fingers

6.    Speck clearly

·         Ensure your voice is audible; do not mumble

·         Do not shout

·         Do not speak too fast or pause too long

·         Vary your too fast or pause too long

·         Vary your pitch and intonation

·         Articulate your words properly

·         Avoid filled pauses such as ‘ err’ or ‘uuhhh’

·         Refrain from peculiar speech habits such as ‘you know’, ‘alright’, ‘actually’

·         Remember not to use ‘lah’

7.    Be an participant in Task B

·         Do not keep quiet

·         Learn how to interrupt politely

·         Do not dominate or monopolize the discussion

·         Do not assume that you are always right

·         Use connectives and relevant expressions

8.    Observe social conventions when interacting

·         Address others properly

·         Be friendly, polite and diplomatic

·         Do not be upset if your opinion or suggestion is not accepted

·         Accept better suggestions

·         Avoid being personal, defensive or creating uneasiness and anxiety

9.    Pay attention to the discussion

·         Listen attentively when others are talking

·         Do not daydream

·         Keep to your topic and be focused. Do not go out of point

10.  Keep within the stipulated time

·         Ensure that there is enough time for  everyone to present their points

·         Do not spend so much time on the first point that there is insufficient time to discuss  other points. Allocate sufficient time for each point.

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