PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL

INTERACTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS

SUGGESTING

DEFINITION
To make a suggestion means to communicate or mention an idea or feelings regarding something.

PRINCIPLES
Frame your ideas and proposals in the form of suggestions. This strategy often works and your ideas get adopted.

Ensure your suggestions are practical or feasible, and not those that cannot be carried out.

Two patterns of Suggesting

Give

opinions about things Give advice

Give opinions about things

Example: A: What do you think of the book were using in the English class? B: I think its interesting but I dont understand it at all.

Give advice
Example:
A: I was thinking of watching the film at the grand. B: If I were you, I think I wouldnt waste my money on it. Its terrible.

Examples
I suggest that I recommend that I propose I think

Discussion
Buzz group

The formal debate Choosing between specific alternatives

Buzz Group
Students have a chance for quick discussions in small groups. Students have a chance to think of ideas to suggest and the language to express. Stress will be reduced and students will be more confident to speak.

The Formal Debate

Students prepare arguments in favor or against various propositions. Others as audiences pitch in with their own thoughts on the subject as the debate progress. Suggesting is used when they give ideas to consolidate on their own stand.

Choosing between Best Alternatives

Students is forced to reach a decision when a scenario is given to them. They remain on their point of views and give suggestion to persuade others.

QUESTIONNAIRES
By being pre-planned, they ensure that both questioner and respondent have something to say to each other. Students can design questionnaires on any topic that is appropriate. The results obtained from questionnaires can then form the basic for discussions and prepared talks. Example: How to prevent child abuse?

REFERENCES
1. J. B. Heaton & D. F. Clarke, Communication Targets Book Two, Longman Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., 1982. 2. Angela Vale, Adrian Tan & Mansur Ali, Longman Text Muet A Complete Guide, Pearson Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., 2006. 3. Teoh Swee Ai & Zainab Mohd Noor, Test-Taking Strategies For Muet, Penerbit Fajar Sdn. Bhd., 2000. 4. J. C. Lim, Malaysia University English Test (MUET)Revision Tests, Pustaka Sarjana Sdn. Bhd., 2002. 5. G. K. Sidhu & P. C. Lim-Teoh, Model Test Papers MUET, Cerdik Publications, 2004. 6. Jeremy Harmer, The Practice Of English Language Teaching, Pearson Education Limited, 2001.