Example discussion topics
You will probably be given a topic that has pros and cons, or advantages and disadvantages. Here are some example topics:
- The internet is the best way to do your shopping.
- Young people under 15 shouldn’t use mobile phones.
- All young people should stay at school until they are 18.
When you don’t know an exact word
General words
If you can’t remember the word ‘surgeon’, you could say a more general word like ‘doctor’.
Examples
If you don’t know the word ‘cutlery’, you could give examples such as ‘knife, fork and spoon’.
Relative clauses to give a description
(It’s a person who ... / thing that ... / place where ... )
If you don’t know the word ‘briefcase’, you could say ‘It’s a thing that people use to carry papers to work’.
Describe the purpose or function (It’s used to + infinitive / for + -ing)
If you don’t know the word ‘scissors’, you could say ‘They are used to cut paper’ or ‘They are used for cutting paper’.
This strategy works well with objects that have a clear use or function.
Synonyms (words that mean the same)
If you don’t know the word ‘tiny’, you could say ‘very small’.
This strategy works well with nouns and adjectives.
Antonyms (opposite words)
If you don’t know the word ‘weak’, you could say ‘not strong’.
This strategy works well with adjectives.
Approximations (It’s a kind of ... / It’s a sort of ...)
If you don’t know the word ‘bungalow’, you could say ‘It’s a kind of house’ or ‘It’s a sort of house’.
You have to boil the potatoes.
I need some stationery
A: It's a person who investigates crimes.
The party was disappointing.
: What's a dental brace?
Example discussion topics
- There shouldn’t be any advertising on TV during children’s programmes.
- Famous celebrities shouldn’t complain if the paparazzi take photos of them every day.
- It is the children’s responsibility to look after their parents when they get old.
- Dogs should be banned from cities.
https://www.englishpage.com/articles/articles_9.htm
