Using evidence to elevate discussions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can effectively choose and use evidence to develop my comments in a discussion.
Key learning points
- Discussions can be elevated with the inclusion of evidence.
- Written responses, textual evidence can also be used in discussions.
- Different types of evidence can be used, depending on the question, for example: anecdotal evidence or speculation.
- It is a good idea to use tentative phrases when evidence is not verified or anecdotal.
Keywords
Evidence - information, facts, or data used to support a claim, argument or belief
Textual - relating to texts
Anecdotal - based on personal stories or experiences rather than on hard facts or scientific evidence
Speculative - based on guesses or ideas rather than solid evidence or facts
Verified - something that has been checked and confirmed to be true, accurate or valid
Common misconception
You can't prepare for discussions, so it's not really something you can practise.
Just like writing, you can learn phrases and strategies that can help you to respond and develop comments in a discussion, especially when offering evidence. These can help you feel more prepared in discussion scenarios.
Teacher tip
The discussion questions can be changed to suit the interests, curriculum focus or needs of your pupils.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these do you not need to consider when practicing your discussion skills?
Q2.What should you do if you don't understand something during a discussion?
Q3.Why should you track the speaker during a discussion or presentation?
Q4.Match the key words to the correct definitions.
Q5.Laura is involved in a discussion. She is waiting for her turn to speak, but is looking at the floor and only giving one word answers. Choose a WWW and an EBI to give Laura some feedback.
Q6.Alex is involved in a discussion. He is speaking clearly, but Alex feels very strongly about the topic and keeps interrupting. Choose a WWW and an EBI to give Alex some feedback.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word beginning with 'a' can be described as: 'being based on personal stories or experiences rather than on hard facts or scientific evidence.'?
Q2.If you are quoting directly from a source or text, this evidence is called ...
Q3.If evidence has been verified, it can be described as ...
Q4.Which of these is not an example of a tentative phrase?
Q5.What type of evidence is being used in this sentence: 'More specifically Shakespeare writes "it is the east, and Juliet is the sun" in his play.'?
Q6.What type of evidence is being used in this sentence: 'In my experience mobile phones have played a big part in my social life.'?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using evidence to elevate discussions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using evidence to elevate discussions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the The fundamentals of effective discussion unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.