Read the scenario of a formal discussion. Evan, Ben, and Violet are discussing a short story.[Ben sits up straight at his desk.]EVAN: On page 7, the text says, "the old man quickly changed his frown to a smile when he noticed his daughter had come to visit.” This shows that the man is hiding his true feelings of pain to protect his daughter’s feelings.[Ben raises his hand.]VIOLET: Ben, do you have a question for Evan?BEN: Yes. Evan, I can see how you would think that. But, later on page 7, the text says, "the old man’s best memories were of spending time with his daughter.” Do you think this indicates that the daughter’s presence actually changes the old man’s mood?EVAN: No. That’s a dumb idea. On page 8, the text describes how the old man continues to have negative thoughts even with his daughter there.
Read the scenario about a formal discussion.The cross-country team is having a meeting to plan their summer workout program. Rhys presents an idea of meeting at the school three days a week and at the forest preserve three days a week to add more variety to their running courses.
Read the scenario about a formal discussion.When presenting her point of view in a group discussion, Jamie supports her ideas with facts from sources. She also responds fully to other people’s opinions and asks insightful questions. However, she frequently interrupts other speakers.
Read the scenario of a formal discussion.Mrs. Alvarez informs the student council that they will have a formal discussion about how to raise money for the local food bank. The student council includes Morgan, Lamar, Tyler, Lupe, and Leo. She tells the group to come prepared with an idea for an event that they could hold within the next month. Mrs. Alvarez tells Morgan that she will be the moderator for the discussion.
Facts are different from opinions because facts are
Read the scenario of a formal discussion. Evan and Ben are discussing a short story.EVAN: On page 7, the text says, "the old man quickly changed his frown to a smile when he noticed his daughter had come to visit.” This shows that the man is hiding his true feelings of pain to protect his daughter’s feelings.[Ben interrupts Evan.]BEN: Yes. Evan, I can see how you would think that. But, later on page 7, the text says, "the old man’s best memories were of spending time with his daughter.” Do you think this indicates that the daughter’s presence actually changes the old man’s mood?
Read the scenario.A group of four friends are in class together. They are all members of the school band. After class, one member of the group asks the others if they want to discuss where to have their next practice. All four members decide this is a good idea. Two of the friends suggest their houses for the practice. All members of the group vote on where to have the practice.
Which topic lends itself to a formal discussion?
How is the moderator’s role typically shared in a one-on-one formal discussion?
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