With your partner: Give an example of one way you would state your opinion WITHOUT causing the other person to feel threatened and/or defensive. Use any topic. Example: In my view, all of us need to wear masks to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

Learners listen to a discussion between two individuals who are discussing their opinions of what makes a "good" teacher.

Teacher will review and model a variety of potential lead-ins that were utilized in the listening task. Example: Personally, I think... It seems to me... But don't you agree...

Meaning Tasks: (3 minutes) Label these lead-in phrases as in being in one of the following functional categories: Giving an opinion, label as “O” Trying to change someone else’s opinion, label as “C” Example: Yes, but might you consider… C 1.) Well, I have to say that… 2.) Well, you’ve got a point but…. 3.) Yes, but on the other hand…. 4.) No, but look.... 5.) Personally, I think …. 6.) As I see it, …. 7.) It seems to me…. Answer these Concept Check Questions (CCQs): 1.) If I lead-in with “I believe that…”, then am I trying to change your opinion? (yes/no) 2.) If I lead-in with “Might you agree that…”, then am I trying to change your opinion? (yes/no) Meaning Tasks, Answer Keys: Answer Key, Questions 1-7: 1,) O 2.) C 3.) C 4.) C 5.) O 6.) O 7.) O Answer Key CCQs 1.) No 2.) Yes Pronunciation Task and Appropriacy Task: (3 minutes) Intonation= the rising or falling of one’s voice, which can change the meaning of what is being said. Fill-in the blanks with the correct answer to these Questions: 1.) A rising intonation shows indicates _________ (more or less) emotion/energy by the speaker. 2.) A falling intonation indicates __________ (more or less) emotion/energy by the speaker. 3.) When having a discussion involving opinions, it would be wise to soften the language used in the lead-in phrase by using a __________(rising or falling) intonation. 4.) Showing more emotion is more appropriate when speaking to ________(friends or colleagues). Pronunciation Task and Appropriacy Task, Answer Key: 1.) more 2.) less 3.) falling 4.) friends Form Clarification Giving one’s opinion: Phrase/word acknowledging what the other person said + lead-in phrase to one’s opinion + opinion Example: Yes, but to me it seems that… Trying to change the other person’s opinion: Phrase/word acknowledging what the other person said + lead in-phrase suggesting alternative ways of thinking + alternative Example: Yes, I agree with you but do you think that….

Fill in the blanks in the following lead-in phrases , using these words: hand look personally point say see seems 1.) Well, I have to ____________________that… 2.) Well, you’ve got a _________________, but…. 3.) Yes, but on the other ______________.... 4.) No, but ____________.... 5.) ________________, I think …. 6.) As I _______________ it, …. 7.) It __________ to me….

Practice Task: Cut and paste these sentences so that they are in the correct order. Speaker A: As I see it, if a teacher can balance being kind but also be strict, then they are a “good” teacher. Their students know that they care about them and know that they need to work hard. Speaker B: Maybe, but I do not think being extremely strict is a good idea. I never wanted to work hard for teachers who I thought were mean. Speaker A: Yes, they do need to be nice. But, don’t they also need to be somewhat strict? Otherwise, the learners may not do their work. Speaker B: In my view, teachers need to be patient and kind. Speaker A: So, what do you think are the most important qualities of a “good” teacher? Practice Task, Answer Key: Speaker A: So, what do you think are the most important qualities of a “good” teacher? Speaker B: I think that teacher’s need to be patient and kind. Speaker A: Yes, they do need to be nice. But, don’t they also need to be somewhat strict? Otherwise, the learners may not do their work. Speaker B: Maybe, but I do not think being extremely strict is a good idea. I never wanted to work hard for teachers who I thought were mean. Speaker A: As I see it, if a teacher can balance being kind but also be strict, then they are a “good” teacher. Their students know that they care about them and know that they need to work hard.

Debate: Do the pros of online outweigh the cons? Share your opinions about what you think are the advantages and disadvantages of on-line learning with your partner. Use the lead-ins that you learned today and/or some other ones that you know.