MUET speaking _TASK B_Group Discussion

To all my students who are going to sit for MUET speaking

My S114 PST students

Here are some tips for group discussion:

1. Remember to start with a clean slate.

1.1 For e.g. Candidate C who kick-starts the conversation should not say that he/she agrees with Candidate A's point of views (POV) because in Task B Candidate A might change his/her POV

2. It is a discussion and thus not another round of individual presentation.

2.1 So, please use language forms and functions. Examples

To ask for opinion: “What do you think, Candidate D?”

To interrupt: “Excuse me, I would like to interrupt”

To disagree: “I don’t see eye to eye with you”

To ask to repeat information: “Can you please repeat your points?”

To seek for clarifications: “Do you mean…?”

3. Dead air is not good in group discussion. Dead air means there is a complete silence. If everyone agrees on one point and has no more supporting points to share, perhaps one candidate can lead the group members to talk about other points.
    3.1 Example:

          Question: Discuss ways to overcome tiredness. 
When everyone has agreed and shared all opinions on one point which is “having a good night sleep and rest” will be the best way to overcome tiredness. Therefore, nothing else to talk about this particular point but you still have time to discuss. So, one of the Candidates can lead the group members to talk about another point.

“I think we shall not overlook another point which is ‘having healthy eating habits’ to overcome tiredness. Research has found that numerous vitamins and minerals deficiencies can contribute to fatigue. Lack of vitamin B12 may cause tiredness and if untreated for a long period can lead to brain damage. Do you see eye to eye with me Candidate B?” (Share some supporting points, then pass the turn to another candidate)

4. When your brain goes blank due to anxiety, it can interrupt your ability to perform. So, when it comes to your turn to speak, you can ask the earlier candidate (before you) to repeat his/her information.

        4.1 Example: Can you please repeat your points?

         CAUTION: You cannot do it many times as you need to give           contributions to the discussion. Perhaps you can use it once             or twice.

5. You can help your friends audibly. You don’t have to whisper to your friends.

       5.1 Example: Suggest some words to a candidate who is groping                            for the right words, “Do you want to say ‘occur’”?

       5.2 Example: A candidate giving points that are not clear but you                          could understand him/her. You can help to clarify,                             “You mean ..., am I right?”

       5.2 Example: If your friend's stand or point of views are not clear, you may seek for clarifications

Candidate A: Having a positive attitude can make you happier because positivity may … What do you think Candidate C?

Candidate C: I disagree with you Candidate A, because I believe being grateful will make people happy. When you are grateful, you will be content…Candidate D, would you like to share your ideas? 
Candidate D: I believe that positive attitude can help us to think about good things about ourselves and other people...

Candidate B: So, Candidate D, do you mean that you agree with candidate A but disagree with Candidate C?

6. You know your friends/group members. So, before you go for speaking test, decide who is going to kick-start and who is going to conclude the discussion (two different candidates). Don’t decide on the spot by giving signals to friends. Get a weaker candidate to initiate the discussion and another weaker candidate to conclude. So, a dominant speaker will not conquer the entire discussion.

7. If you notice your group discussion is going off at a tangent, you can lead your group members to the right track. 
    7.1 Example:

          Question: Discuss television programmes that are useful in                               our daily lives.

 Candidate A: Television programmes for travelling can help us to learn more about other countries... and thus it is useful for our daily lives.

Candidate C: Yes, definitely. Travelling to overseas can help to widen our knowledge...* going off at a tangent

Candidate D: I agree with you. Paris is a good place to travel… *going off at a tangent

Candidate B: I think we should answer the question of why travelling is the most useful television programmes for our daily lives. I concur that incorporating travel inspiration into everyday life … (trying to lead group members to the right track)

8. Disagree or agree or partially agree

      8.1 Many candidates state that they AGREE with other                          candidates’ point of views BUT actually their points are                    showing otherwise.

         e.g. “I agree but…” X

        So, please BE CLEAR with your stand whether you agree or            disagree! If you partially agree then you have to explain to                which extent.

9. If you are afraid that you may not have much to discuss in Task B, you may disagree with each other’s point of views to a certain amount of time and subsequently choose the strongest/ stronger point(s) to agree with. But don’t agree abruptly in the end. Make sure you agree with some supporting points given.

10. At the end of a discussion, you may get consensus or 2vs2 or   3vs1 or each adamant with their own points. Don’t worry   because any of it can be your conclusion. For example “To   wrap it up, we could not get consensus in the end of the         discussion whereby…”

11. Don’t set alarm on your smartwatch to time yourself or group     discussion. It would be annoying.

12. Don’t show your bad habits. For example, shaking legs,                spinning a pencil around your fingers, etc.

13. Don’t lose your composure.

You need to be tactful and quick-witted in a discussion.
Dear students who are going to sit for MUET speaking tomorrow,
I'm going to cross my fingers and hope for the best! Break a leg!

PS, If I had shared the tips verbally with you in class, but I missed it here, please help to remind me.