This document provides tips for having effective discussions. It recommends that both partners speak equally and focus on one topic without switching. Participants should give detailed answers with opinions and reasons, and ask open-ended follow up questions to further the discussion. Questions should explore the topics in more depth rather than just yes or no answers. The goal is for both partners to actively listen and build on each other's responses.

1. Discussion Tips

2. Tips
• A discussion is not a speech!
• Each person should ask questions and listen to their
partner’s answer
• Give details in your answer!
• Share the speaking time!
• Both people must speak equally

3. Tips
• A discussion must:
• Focus on one topic. You cannot switch topics (If you are
talking about shopping you must only stay on that topic).
• Give opinions with reasons
• Details and examples to help explain your opinion

4. Types of Questions
• Do not ask questions that can have a yes or no answer!
• Ask many types of questions so your discussion will be better
• Examples:
• Who? What? When? Where? Why?
• How? Could? Would? Have? Will?

5. Follow up questions
• Listen to your partner’s answer and ask a follow up
question
• Example in red:
• What is your favorite food?
• My favorite food is pizza.
• Why is that your favorite food?

6. Thoughtful Question
• Thoughtful questions make you think more deeply
about a topic.
• Example in red:
• How could this restaurant improve it’s pizza?