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Working in a Group

Discussion and roles for a Grade/Year 7 or 8 classroom, with reading, subject language, speaking and writing.

Grade/Year 7 & 845–60 minutesPrintable

Teacher lesson: Read the short text aloud and model the first task. Students can plan in a language they know well before speaking or writing in English. Use all twelve panels or adjust the pace for your learners.

Teacher Answers Back to Teacher Lessons

1Reading

Students discuss ideas for reducing rubbish in a group — Illustration: Sharing ideas in a group.

Before you read:

Look at the title. What do you know about discussion and roles? Tell a partner one idea.

Four students are preparing a short presentation about reducing rubbish. They agree on roles: one finds information, one draws a diagram, one organises the slides and one checks the presentation. During the discussion, Mei says, ‘I agree with your idea because it is easy for students to try.’ Aiden has a different view. He says, ‘I see your point, but could we also include a way to reuse materials?’ The group listens, combines the two ideas and writes a short plan. Before leaving, they check who will finish each task and when.

2Vocabulary

Words: role · reuse · combine

Write a short meaning or example. You may use a language you know well first.

role –

reuse –

combine –

3Comprehension

4Language Focus

Use these sentence starters. Change the words to fit your idea.

I agree because .

I see your point, but could we also ?

Write one sentence of your own.

5Listen and Note

Listen as your teacher reads the text again. Note two key ideas or facts.

First idea:

Second idea:

Compare your notes with a partner.

6Speaking

In a group of three, agree on roles for a short poster. Practise agreeing and adding another idea.

Use a sentence starter from panel 4. Ask your partner one follow-up question.

Useful questions: “Could you explain that?” “Why do you think so?”

7Try It

Use this skill: How might you use discussion and roles in another lesson or everyday situation? Give one example and explain it to a partner.

Draw a quick plan or write three key words before you speak.

8Writing

Write four useful sentences for a group discussion, including a polite disagreement.

Plan in a language you know well if it helps. Then write your answer in English.

9Word Study

Choose the correct words from this lesson’s reading.

Word bank: role · combine

Agree on a for each person. You can two ideas into one plan.

10Sentence Builder

Put these words in the right order. Check the capital letter and punctuation.

could we / reuse materials / also / ?

11School English

You want to add an idea while keeping the discussion polite.

Write a polite question or response you could use at school. Then say it to a partner.

12Exit Reflection ✓

Take a few minutes to reflect.

1. One useful word I learnt in this lesson:

2. One thing I can do in class:

3. One question I still have: