Discussion and presentation
English · Key Stage 2 · The School
A point needs a reason
"I think school should start later" is an opinion. "I think school should start later, because research on teenage sleep shows they fall asleep and wake naturally about two hours later than adults" is an argument. The word doing the work is BECAUSE. In discussion, a point without a reason cannot be agreed with or argued against — there is nothing to hold on to.
Disagree with the idea
Say "I don't agree, because…" not "that's stupid." Attack the reasoning, never the person: the difference is between "that only covers half the problem" and "you never think things through." It is also worth learning to say "you've changed my mind" — in a real discussion that is a success, not a defeat, and people who can say it are listened to more.
Presenting so people can follow
An audience cannot re-read you, so structure has to be audible. Say what you are going to cover, cover it, then say what you covered. Signpost as you go — "my second point is…". Slow down, especially at the start. Look up. And rehearse aloud at least once, because the sentences that work on paper are often too long to say.
"School should start at ten because teenagers need more sleep." ATTACKING THE PERSON: "That's a lazy thing to say." Discussion over. ATTACKING THE ARGUMENT: "I don't think that follows — sleep research says teenagers need a later BEDTIME shifted, not a shorter day, and a later start also means a later finish for clubs." Same disagreement, and the second one can be answered. Name the idea, give the reason.