MUET Speaking: Example of a Group

Discussion

CANDIDATE C:   Good morning everyone. We are here to discuss ( To initiate

the discussion) the most effective way to overcome the
problem of obesity. We have four suggestions, which are to
change eating habits, daily exercise, health talks and
awareness campaigns. Candidate B, would you like to share
your opinion with us?( To ask for opinion/view).

CANDIDATE B:      Yes I would, thank you, Candidate C. I strongly believe

that (To express opinion/view) the most effective is to
engage in daily exercise. Exercising increases our
metabolic rate and this helps to burn calories. Exercise such
as jogging and swimming burn the excess fat accumulated
under our ski. Half an hour of exercise daily will surely help
to keep obesity at bay. Do you agree with me,(To ask for
opinion) Candidate D?

CANDIDATE D:      I am sorry, Candidate B. I don’t agree with the point that
you have just mentioned. I do not think that ( To
disagree) daily exercise is the most effective way to check
obesity. In my opinion, I would say that (To give opinion)
awareness campaigns are a better solution because such
campaigns  could influence the minds of the public. Such
campaigns, if widely publicized by the mass media, could be
highly effective in getting people to be aware of the dangers
of and consequently check obesity. It is when people are
aware of the importance of taking care of their health that
they will take the pains to stay fit.

CANDIDATE  A:    Excuse me, (To interrupt) Candidate D, can I say

something? (To interrupt)

CANDIDATE  D:      Yes, please go ahead.

CANDIDATE  A:     Thank you , Candidate D.  I see your point, but I am of the
opinion that (To partially agree) changing eating habits is
the most effective  way to overcome the problem of obesity.
This is because bad eating habit is the main reason for
obesity. We need to fight the problem from is roots. Taking
a balanced diet according to the food pyramid would reduce
the intake of high fat, sodium, sugar ,calorie- and
cholesterol-laden food. Fruits, vegetable and cereals that
provide fibre reduce hunger pangs and provide essential
nutrients. Lost of water flushes out the toxins accumulated
in the body. I believe (To give opinion) all these could help
to check obesity. Candidate C, what do you think?(To ask
for opinion)

CANDIDATE  C:    I am sorry , Candidate A. I feel that changing eating habits

is not necessarily the best solution.(To disagree).In my
point of view (To give opinion),health talks are more
effective in dealing with obesity. People get more direct
information on how to choose the best type of food for them
and they also learn different ways to improve their health.
There are often free screenings like Body-Mass Index tests
and health checks during these talks and this will help
people become more aware of health problems related to
obesity. People can get advice that is tailored to their
personal needs.

CANDIDATE  B:        I don’t agree with your point, (To express disagreement)

Candidate C . I think health talks are not effective in helping
to check obesity as people merely listen and forget about
the advice when they get home. People don’t internalize the
information. Don’t you agree with me, (To ask for
support/opinion) Candidate D?

CANDIDATE  D:    You have made your view very clear. I agree with you.(To
agree) Well, now that we have presented all our view
points, what do you have to say (To come to consensus),
Candidate A?
 CANDIDATE  A:      I support the opinion of (To agree and support an opinion)
Candidate B that daily exercise is the most effective way in
checking obesity.

CANDIDATE  D:       What about you(To ask for opinion),Candidate C?

CANDIDATE  C:   I guess Candidate B has a very good point there.(To agree

and support an opinion). Daily exercise is the most effective
solution.

CANDIDATE  D:       Right, so we all agree that daily exercise is the most

effective solution to control obesity ( To express the
group decision). Does anyone have anything else to say?
Otherwise, let’s bring his discussion to a close(To end
the discussion). Thank you for your contributions to this
discussion.(To close the discussion)

GUIDELINES
1.    Practice, practical practice!
·         Practice preparing points on a topic within  two minutes
·         Practice speaking in class
·         Practice in front of mirror
·         Practice note-taking skills

2.    Read widely and keep abreast with current issues

3.    Organize your ideas and thoughts quickly

 ·         Highlight key words or phrases to help you focus on the task
·         Use short notes
·         Organize key word/note in a logical order
·         Avoid sweeping statements or generalizations
·         Give reason and examples to substantiate points
·         Given a reasonable, practical opinion or suggestion

4.    Be calm and confident. Speak convincingly.

5.    Body language
·         Sit upright
·         Smile and be cheerful
·         Use appropriate, natural hand gestures
·         Do not look nervous or sad
·         Avoid fidgeting, folding your arms or shaking your legs
·         Avoid fiddling with your pen or tapping the table with your pen
fingers

6.    Speck clearly
·         Ensure your voice is audible; do not mumble
·         Do not shout
·         Do not speak too fast or pause too long
·         Vary your too fast or pause too long
·         Vary your pitch and intonation
·         Articulate your words properly
·         Avoid filled pauses such as ‘ err’ or ‘uuhhh’
·         Refrain from peculiar speech habits such as ‘you know’, ‘alright’,
‘actually’
·         Remember not to use ‘lah’

7.    Be an participant in Task B

·         Do not keep quiet
·         Learn how to interrupt politely
·         Do not dominate or monopolize the discussion
·         Do not assume that you are always right
·         Use connectives and relevant expressions

8.    Observe social conventions when interacting

·         Address others properly
·         Be friendly, polite and diplomatic
·         Do not be upset if your opinion or suggestion is not accepted
·         Accept better suggestions
·         Avoid being personal, defensive or creating uneasiness and
anxiety
9.    Pay attention to the discussion
·         Listen attentively when others are talking
·         Do not daydream
·         Keep to your topic and be focused. Do not go out of point

10.  Keep within the stipulated time

·         Ensure that there is enough time for  everyone to present their
points
·         Do not spend so much time on the first point that there is
insufficient time to discuss  other points. Allocate sufficient time for
each point.