1. Level 1 group discussions
Formal and informal

2. How many discussions?
To complete Level 1 assessment in Speaking and Listening, you will need to participate in 2 group discussions: one formal and one informal.

3. What is the difference between formal and informal discussion?
An informal discussion is one based on a familiar topic such as holidays or social media. A formal discussion is one based on a less familiar, more challenging topic, such as capital punishment.

4. How long is the discussion?
Each discussion should last between 5 and 10 minutes. There are participants in each group.

5. Who chooses the topic?
Your tutor will give you a list of topics to choose from. You may be placed in a group according to your preferred topic or you may choose to work in a group that you feel more comfortable with. Either way, you may find that you have to negotiate your choice of topic and you might not get your first choice!

6. Some Suggested topics Animal testing should be banned.
University education should be free.
Assisted suicide should be legalised.
Wild animals should not be kept in captivity.
The internet should be censored.
Organ donation should be made compulsory.
Cosmetic surgery should be banned.
Violent video games should be banned.

7. You will be assessed on:
 Making relevant and extended contributions to discussions, allowing for and responding to others’ input.
This means that you explain your point of view e.g. Don’t just say, “I like chocolate.” Explain why!

8. You will be assessed on:
• Preparing for and contributing to the formal discussion of ideas and opinions. This means that you have prepared by making notes (you can research on the internet or talk to friends and family about your topic) and you have joined in the discussion throughout. You can’t say just one thing then relax. You are expected to be active (speaking and listening) all the way through!

9. You will be assessed on:
Making different kinds of contributions to discussions.
Different kinds of contributions include:
Opening the discussion
Summing up the discussion at the end
Asking questions
Answering questions
Responding to a comment made by someone else

10. You will be assessed on:
• Presenting information/points of view clearly and in appropriate language.
This means that all participants can hear you and your point of view is clear. You can be in two minds about the subject or you could be clearly on one side of the argument.
Appropriate language means that the language used is not offensive in any way. It also means that an informal discussion is more relaxed whereas a formal discussion is a little more business-like.

11. Here is an example of a good formal discussion

12. Who is the assessor?
Your assessor is usually your tutor although occasionally, in exceptional circumstances, you could be assessed by another member of staff from the English department. For quality purposes, staff observe each other assessing group discussions. This is to ensure that staff mark consistently across the qualification.

13. What happens during the discussion?
As a group, it will be your job to open, manage and close the discussion. You also need to keep it going! You can take notes into the discussion with you and you can use these as much or as little as you choose.

14. What should I write in my notes?
When making your notes, you should explore both sides of whatever issue you are looking at. You are not expected to change your point of view (although you can if you want to!) but you are expected to be able to see both sides of the story. Your notes don’t have to be in full sentences and won’t be marked so you don’t need to worry about spelling! You will need to submit your notes to your assessor as this is your evidence that you have prepared. Remember, no notes = no assessment!

15. How to do well – Hints and tips
Prepare well - You need notes for the discussion. You can make these from your own ideas, you can research online or you could speak to others to see what they think.
Express your opinion but don’t forget to listen to others’ opinions too
Ask each other questions – don’t dominate the discussion! Encourage the others to contribute
Let others have their say – please be respectful of others’ opinions
Use body language- Show that you understand by nodding, looking interested etc
Respond to what others are saying (Use echo questions, echo words, words to show interest eg really? How interesting! Mmm etc)
How to do well – Hints and tips
July Kindly contributed to by Carrie Bray

16. What if I don’t pass first time?
You will have help to prepare for your group discussion but we all have days when things don’t so well. If you should not meet the criteria first time around, you will certainly have the opportunity for another assessment.

17. Any questions?