Prepare for Discussion
28 complete lesson plans for developing confident discussion skills
Many language learners struggle to discuss complex semi-specialist topics because they lack the necessary core vocabulary and phrasing. This 208-page paperback bridges the gap through a structured, step-by-step sequence for 28 popular themes.
The book is designed for learners and teachers who want to develop vocabulary and conversational skills before moving into more open-ended discussion.
The 28 discussion themes
The book contains complete materials for discussion on the following themes:
- Alternative beliefs
- Animal welfare
- The arts
- Crime and punishment
- Cultural differences
- Economics
- Education
- Environment
- Fashion
- Health
- Holidays
- Language learning
- Male & female roles
- Marriage
- The media
- Political systems
- Religion
- Rich world : poor world
- Science and technology
- Society
- Sport
- Traditions
- Transport
- Travel
- Violence
- Work
- Youth & old age
Each topic module contains
There is also an appendix containing extracts from the dialogues. Learners are asked to match utterances with conversational functions to practise the colloquial formulae used in discussion. Similar matching exercises can be sampled on this website.
Interactive versions of the "odd one out" exercises are offered on my website. Each topic module begins with a controlled phase where vocabulary is activated so that it may be used more confidently in the free discussion which follows later.
How can the book help you?
Whether you are a TEFL/ESL teacher looking for a complete, zero-prep discussion curriculum, or an advanced self-study learner aiming to expand your colloquial speech, Prepare for Discussion is your definitive speaking blueprint.
The perfect gift
This versatile book would make the perfect gift for an English language student at or above the upper-intermediate level. It should also be useful to host family members who, as native speakers of English, are willing to act as "teacher" to give their guests extra practice. The teacher's role is made clear in the familiar exercise types.
Preview the materials
Don't take our word for it — explore a sample of each exercise type below.
- Odd one out vocabulary exercises — try the interactive versions on this site.
- Short texts for listening / reading comprehension or listening and writing tasks such as dictation.
- Dialogues for reading in pairs.
- Discussion questions for extending the topic into open discussion.
- Themed crosswords including grids, clues and answer keys.