Speaking

Giving opinions

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Below are some useful phrases for giving opinions during a seminar. Make a note of the phrases because you will be expected to use them when we discuss the statements about robots in class.

Agreeing

  • Yes, definitely.
  • That’s a good point.
  • Yes, I think so, too.

Partial agreement

  • That may be true, but don’t forget that ….
  • There’s a lot in what you say but ….
  • That’s one way of looking at it but ….

Neutral opinions

  • I take the view that…
  • The way I look at it is that …..
  • As far as I’m concerned ……..

Tentative opinions

  • Don’t you think that…?
  • Isn’t it possible that…..?
  • It seems/appears to me that ….

Disagreeing

  • But there’s no evidence for that.
  • Well I don’t quite see it like that.
  • I’m afraid I’m not convinced.

Seminars

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Reasons for having a seminar

Seminars are an integral part of university study and provide many learning opportunities.

Task

Look at the following list of reasons for having a seminar. Rate each reason on a scale of one to five. (Five is most important).

You will discuss your ratings with your classmates in class.  After your discussion summarise your opinions for the other groups in the class.

Reason Rating
1 It helps the students to understand the subject more deeply.
2 It improves the students’ ability to think.
3 It is a chance to get to know other students better.
4 It helps to solve particular problems.
5 It helps the group to make a particular decision.
6 It gives students a chance to hear other students’ ideas.
7 It gives you a chance to practice your English.
8 It gives you more confidence in speaking.
9 It is more interesting and relaxing than a lecture.
10 It can change your ideas.
11 You don’t have to take notes.

Critical Thinking 2

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You will be expected to question what you read, hear and see in lectures, seminars, books, from your peers and tutors. Below are some statements.

  • Robots are more efficient that humans
  • In the future robots will be able to make their own decisions.
  • Humans will eventually be replaced by robots and all factories will become 100% automated.
  • Robots have more precision than humans.
  • Robots are more efficient workers than man because they have no emotions and cannot become ill.
  • Human intelligence can easily be mimicked by robots.

What is your opinion?

Do you agree / disagree?

Why / why not?

You will discuss your ideas in class and we will evaluate what critical thinking is, so make sure you take some time to think about the statements.