Discussion skills How to take part actively in academic talks

Taking part

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Understand why tutorial discussions are important, and how to participate effectively. Read more
Giving opinions

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In a discussion you need to give your opinion and support it with reasons and evidence. Read more
Agreeing

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You need to agree and also disagree (politely!) in academic discussions. Read more
Clarifying

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You won't always understand everything, so asking for claification is important. Read more
Other

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There are other important discussion skills, such as expressing uncertainty. Read more

Read about how to take part in academic discussions, and discussion skills such as giving and asking for opinions, agreeing and disagreeing, asking for clarification, and other discussion skills.

Discussions are a key part of university life. Although you may lack confidence initially when speaking in a group discussion, your confidence will grow as you understand more about how to participate in discussions, and learn some formulaic language such as giving opinions, agreeing and disagreeing and asking for clarification.

Taking part

Find out why tutorial discussions are important and how to take part effectively.

Giving opinions

Find out how to state your opinion and ask for others' opinions.

Agreeing & disagreeing

Learn how to agree and disagree (politely) in an academic context.

Clarifying

If you don't understand it is important to ask for clarification. Find out how with the language structures on this page.

Other

Study language for other important discussion skills, namely giving suggestions and expressing uncertainty.

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