1. Discuss the following questions in group:

1.1 Do you agree with the first statement? Is it positive and emphatic?

1.2 What did "to argue" originally mean? What is an argument? What does it mean?

1.3 How many people may win an argument? What are the ways to win an argument? What does the victory depend on: on the strength of the evidence or the personality of the speaker?

1.4 Are opponents easy to convince? Why? Why not?

1.5 Has mere assertion any value in an argument? Will it convince another person without evidence? Why not?

1.6 Give 3 possible reasons why people may disagree on some questions. Can you think of any other possibility?

1.7 Look back at what kind of evidence does Leacock use to convince the reader. Is there enough evidence to convince the audience? What assertions does he make that are not based on any evidence?

1.8 Does it matter which pieces of evidence are presented first and presented last? Give your reasons.

Text 4.3 Preparation for a Discussion

Pre-Reading Task:

1. Is it necessary to prepare for a group discussion by thinking, talking and reading about the problem under consideration?

2. Read the text ”Preparation for a Discussion” and give your opinion on the subject.

3. Many discussions fail because the participants haven't done enough preparation. Everyone must think, talk and read about the topic before the discussion takes place. When the topic is announced:

4. Think about it. What is your opinion? On what evidence is it based?

5. Talk to others about it. Discuss it with your friends and parents. If you know someone who is an authority on the subject, discuss it with him. Be ready to change your previous opinion in the light of new evidence.

6. Consult reference books, recent publications and magazine articles. Inform yourself as thoroughly as you can about the topic. Keep an open mind while you are learning.

Duties of participants in a group discussion

The chairman should:

- know the subject thoroughly.

- make a brief introductory statement.

- introduce the speakers to the audience.

- ask questions to stimulate discussion.

- see that everyone has a chance to speak.

- summarize the discussion.

- thank the audience and the speakers.

A speaker in a group discussion should:

-know the subject thoroughly.

-listen intelligently. When you agree with another speaker, listen to increase your information on the subject. When you disagree, listen to accept a different viewpoint if it is supported by sufficient evidence.

-speak so that everyone can hear.

-recognize and acknowledge the truth of what others say.

-always be polite. Sarcasm is out of place. Self-control is a mark of maturity (зрелость). Disagree reasonably - and with factual evidence.

A member of the audience should:

-know the subject thoroughly.

-listen attentively. Ask yourself: what evidence is offered in support of each important argument? Take notes as you listen.

-join in when the chairman invites the audience to participate. A discussion in which there is general participation is more stimulating and interesting than one in which only a few take part.

-focus on the main issues.

-speak audibly and distinctly (so that all may hear).

Text 4.4 Round-table Discussion

Pre-Reading Task:

1. What is the way to organize a round table discussion?

2. Formulas for Scientific Communication (p.85) will help you to organize a discussion. Study them and use in the process of group discussion, composing reports and writing abstracts on the given problem.

3. Study the following information and take part in a round-table discussion.

The round table is a form of group discussion in which the participants exchange views around the table (not necessarily round!) under the leadership of a chairman. The number of participants usually does not exceed a dozen.

Problems for discussion:

-the role of science in modern society.

-new trends in university education.

-university students of the 21st century, qualities and qualifications.

-an ideal university student; an ideal university teacher.

computer is the modern wonder of the world.