Speaking Conventions and Best Practices in a Group Discussion

You are given one (1) minute to read the stimulus.

You are given two (2) minutes to prepare your responses.

Your group is given ten (10) minutes for the discussion.

In your discussion, you are required to do the following:

1. Present and justify your personal views.

2. Support and oppose the other candidates’ views with valid justification.

3. Decide which of the following suggestions is the best at the end of the discussion.

Practice 1

1. One study conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak revealed that students’ stress levels increased particularly during the Movement Control Order (MCO). This has affected the students’ academic performance to some extent.

2. In your group, discuss which of the following is the most effective strategy for students to deal with stress.

   1. Prioritising work

   2. Seeking help from lecturers

   3. Seeking help from parents

   4. Staying connected with friends

Practice 2

1. The semester break has just started and you plan to go for a holiday. A close friend proposes a visit to Langkawi, Malaysia. However, you do not have sufficient funds to travel.

2. In your group, discuss which of the following suggestions is the best way to generate income for your vacation.

   1. Giving tuition

   2. Selling baked items

   3. Conducting online classes

   4. Taking up freelance projects

Practice 3

1. Malaysia has the highest obesity rate among Asian countries. Obesity can lead to life-threatening health problems such as cancer and diabetes.

2. In your group, discuss which of the following is the best way to prevent obesity.

   1. Enrolling in a dance class

   2. Engaging in a sport activity

   3. Choosing healthy food options

   4. Finding ways to alleviate stress

Practice 4

1. Your university has introduced a dress code for students to maintain a professional appearance. However, some students ignore the rules as they feel more comfortable in their own attire which may be inappropriate.

2. In your group, discuss which of the following is the most effective way to get students to adhere to the university’s dress code to maintain professionalism.

   1. Impose a penalty

   2. Issue warning letters

   3. Advise students regularly

   4. Create awareness of the university’s dress code

Practice 5

1. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has forced many people to shop online. You think this creates a great opportunity for students to generate income through online businesses.

2. In your group, discuss which of the following is the best strategy to prepare yourself to create an online business.

   1. Improve computer skills

   2. Conduct a survey among consumers

   3. Take part in webinars

   4. Enrol in online marketing courses

Practice 6

1. Personality is the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's unique character. It is often influenced by others around him/her.

2. In your group, discuss who has the greatest influence on an individual’s personality.

   1. Friends

   2. Parents

   3. Lecturers

   4. Famous personalities

Practice 7

1. Nowadays, almost everyone has social media accounts. However, many are not aware that sharing too many personal details on social media accounts can be risky and dangerous. So, it is important to be careful when using social media.

2. In your group, discuss which of the following is the most effective step that can be taken when using social media.

   1. Avoid sharing live location

   2. Set the account to private

   3. Refrain sharing photos of family members

   4. Approve friend requests from familiar contacts

Practice 8

1. Statistics have shown that internet addiction among youngsters is on the rise. Various effects have been associated with this issue which includes poor academic achievements, violent behaviours, and mental illnesses. In order to prevent this problem from escalating, proper measures should be taken.

2. In your group, discuss which of the following would be the most effective way to help students control their internet addiction.

   1. Delete mobile applications that are addictive

   2. Spend more time with family members and friends

   3. Limit the internet usage by scheduling time spent online

   4. Develop new interests such as reading and gardening

Practice 9

1. Your sibling has been given the opportunity to further his/her studies in a prestigious university overseas on a government scholarship. Your family is very proud of your sibling’s achievement. Decide on a special gift for his/her trip abroad.

2. In your group, discuss which of the following is the most useful gift for your sibling to prepare for his/her trip abroad.

   1. A laptop

   2. Some cash

   3. Suitable clothing

   4. Pre-packed local food

Practice 10

1. Most of us had pets when we were young and this experience has taught us to develop certain positive characteristics. Discuss positive characteristics developed in individuals by having pets.

2. In your group, discuss which of the following is the most developed positive value in an individual by having pets.

   1. Caring

   2. Good hygiene

   3. Self-discipline

   4. Responsibility

Practice 11

1. Most of us have friends we depend on during bad times. We share our problems with them when facing various challenges in life. Discuss the important characteristics one should look for in a friend.

2. In your group, discuss which of the following is the most important characteristic one should look for in a friend.

   1. Cheerful

   2. Caring

   3. Helpful

   4. Honest

Practice 12

1. Cheating in tests or assignments among university students is becoming too frequent. Most of the students do not realise that this academic dishonesty is wrong. If caught, severe actions can be taken against the students involved.

2. In your group, discuss which of the following is the most effective way to prevent cheating in tests or assignments.

   1. Having group discussions

   2. Consulting class lecturers

   3. Revising lecture notes regularly

   4. Practising good time management

Practice 13

1. Many snatch thefts happen in public places. These incidents are very disturbing as they affect our safety. There are many ways to avoid being a snatch theft victim.

2. In your group, discuss which one of the following is the most effective way to avoid being a snatch theft victim.

   1. Keeping an eye on your belongings.

   2. Refraining from putting on expensive jewellery.

   3. Refraining from walking along dark and isolated pathways.

   4. Walking among the crowd.

Practice 14

1. Your class has been assigned to form groups for a new project. You and your friends are discussing ways to ensure the success of your group project. There are many ways to ensure the success of the group project.

2. In your group, discuss which one of the following is the best way to ensure the success of the group project.

   1. Playing their roles accordingly.

   2. Distributing the task equally.

   3. Managing time wisely.

   4. Understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Practice 15

1. Cyberbullying is a serious issue that influences the lives of the victims. There are many ways to prevent cyberbullying.

2. In your group, discuss which one of the following is the most effective way to prevent cyberbullying.

   1. Keeping personal information private.

   2. Not opening unidentified messages.

   3. Logging out of your online accounts.

   4. Not posting pictures that may cause trouble.

Practice 16

1. Many teenagers like to spend time having meals and meeting up with friends and family members at fast-food restaurants. There are many reasons fast-food restaurants are favoured.

2. In your group, discuss which one of the following is the main reason that attracts people to fast­-food restaurants.

   1. Variety of food served.

   2. Continuous promotions offered.

   3. Fast service provided.

   4. Good facilities provided.