B1 Dialog #103 Talking about Discussions

Today we are going to talk about discussions. As always you can read the text in the PDF which you can find in the description. Follow our podcasts on iTunes and Yandex Music. For more new dialogs subscribe to our channel.

How to work with the dialog?

1. Listen to the dialog and read the PDF transcript. Turn on subtitles if necessary.
2. Listen to the dialog again, repeating the questions and answers aloud (!!!).
3. Come up with your own answers to the questions. Use PDF vocabulary if needed.
4. Listen to the questions and answer them aloud (!!!), with a correct intonation, pronunciation and rhythm.
5. Come back to the video from time to time and repeat the exercise.

Talking about Discussions

(1) What springs to mind when you hear the word ‘discussion’?

I imagine the action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas.

(2) What’s a healthy discussion?

A healthy discussion is a productive debate. When people respect each other and can listen to what other speakers are saying.

(3) Do you like taking part in discussions in English?

Yes I do! It’s a good practice for English learners. I like discussing interesting topics or stories. It improves my speaking skill a lot.

(4) Do you ever get involved in pointless discussions?

I think it happens to anybody from time to time. I don’t like being involved in such discussions. It’s a waste of time.

(5) Do you ever join discussion boards on the Internet? Are they good for your English?

Yes, of course. There is a perfect website for finding a language partner or even a friend – Interpals.net. If you learn English or another foreign language I recommend it to you!

(6) How often do you take part in political discussions?

Not often. It’s a complicated and provocative topic. I can only discuss politics with my closest people.

(7) What are frank discussions, lively discussions, brief discussions and lengthy discussions? 

A frank discussion is an open and honest discussion with a man you trust. A lively discussion is an active one. A brief discussion is a short conversation about something. A lengthy discussion is a long activity in which people talk about something and tell each other their ideas.

(8) What kinds of discussions do you think are really boring?

When people are not really interested in what they are discussing, it can be boring. It depends on topic and pretty much depends on the speakers themselves. 

(9) Someone once said: “Discussion is an exchange of knowledge; argument is an exchange of ignorance.” Do you agree?

Yes I do agree with this quote. It’s very smart.

(10) A Chinese proverb says: “A single conversation across the table with a wise person is worth a month’s study of books.” Do you agree?

Yes it’s also true. It’s a pleasure to talk to a wise person that can share with you a lot of interesting things.

Anya —> Rinat

(1) Are you good at discussing things?

I think I am. I like sharing my thoughts and ideas with others. I like being active and never try to pretend. It’s important to be honest.

(2) What are the differences between discussions and conversations?

These two words generally mean the same; with this difference, that conversation is commonly used for a talk between two individuals, whereas discussion is about a group of people.

(3) When was the last time you had a heated or lively discussion?

Two weeks ago I had an active discussion with my colleagues at work. We discussed a challenging project. It was a heated and lively duscussion.

(4) Do you like looking at discussions on TV between a group of experts?

If it’s a political show then no. If it’s a discussion on the topic I am really interested in, I like watching it.

(5) What are the big discussions in the world now?

I think that the whole world now is concerned about the global economic crises, social problems and violent conflicts around the world. Everyone is worried about the future.

(6) Would you like to take a course on how to do well in discussions?

Yeah why not. I like learning something new and improving my skills.

(7) Do you make a point of having the last word in a discussion?

I think that in any discussion there is a leader that is supposed to have the last word. But it depends on the situation of course.

(8) Leon Trotsky said: “If we had more time for discussion, we would probably have made many more mistakes.” Do you agree?

I think it’s more about the pointless discussions. People should avoid activities like that, because they are really useless.

(9) A Kenyan proverb says: “Having a good discussion is like having riches.” Do you agree?

Yes I agree with this proverb.

(10) Did you like this discussion with me?

Yes I did! As always it was nice talking to you and I hope that our listeners will find this episode useful. Thank you guys!