40 min

language learning center · C1 · Lesson 10

Moderating complex discussions

Moderate a complex discussion by separating questions, testing emerging consensus, and closing with an accurate account of what remains open.

Understand and learn

Work from a natural example to useful language, one small pattern, a spoken attempt, and a response that is relevant to your life.

Mina

We appear to be dealing with two questions: what the principle should be and how quickly it can be implemented.

David

I agree on the principle, but I still have reservations about the timetable.

Mina

May I test the emerging consensus? We support the change in principle, provided that implementation is phased and reviewed.

David

That reflects my position. The unresolved point is what evidence would justify moving to the next phase.

Notice, try, and speak

Understand a natural example and learn a small set of useful words, phrases, and patterns.

Useful words and phrases

These items were selected by the lesson curriculum for practical use—not extracted as an every-word list.

Learn these items
  • We appear to be dealing with two questions.

    We appear to be dealing with two questions: what the principle should be and how quickly it can be implemented.

  • Before we move on, could we clarify…?

    Before we move on, could we clarify…?

  • May I test the emerging consensus?

    May I test the emerging consensus? We support the change in principle, provided that implementation is phased and reviewed.

  • Would anyone qualify that conclusion?

    Would anyone qualify that conclusion?

  • The unresolved point is…

    That reflects my position. The unresolved point is what evidence would justify moving to the next phase.

Notice, try, and speak

Which closing accurately tests agreement without declaring it too early?

Which closing accurately tests agreement without declaring it too early?

Notice, try, and speak

Work from a natural example to useful language, one small pattern, a spoken attempt, and a response that is relevant to your life.

Listening

Listen, then choose what you heard.

Writing

Write your own sentence using this item.

This is self-practice. It is not automatically scored as correct or incorrect.

Speaking

Answer in your own words. Record yourself, listen back, and then compare your response with the model answer.

Make it yours

Moderate a ten-minute English discussion by separating two questions, testing a provisional consensus, inviting a qualification, and recording one open point.

Choose a topic with genuine shared ground and at least one issue that should remain open.

Use it with someone

Moderate a complex discussion in English

  1. 1. We appear to be dealing with two questions.
  2. 2. Before we move on, could we clarify…?
  3. 3. May I test the emerging consensus?
  4. 4. Would anyone qualify that conclusion?
  5. 5. The unresolved point is…
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