DISCUSSION & PRESENTATION TOPICS (SAMPLES)

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ENGLISH LEVEL 1 & LEVEL 2 (SPEAKING, LISTENING AND COMMUNICATION)

REMINDERS TO TUTORS:

The discussion/presentation should be based on a familiar or an unfamiliar topic. The two topics (for discussion/presentation) should include one familiar and one unfamiliar topic. Prepare learners for the discussion/presentation by giving them the topics in advance so they could start reading some facts about the topics using different resources. Set the scene whether the discussion is in a formal or informal meeting. Set the roles identify the roles of the participants and the person in-charge of the discussion (i.e., board of directors, parents, teachers, governors, team leaders, businessmen, community workers, colleagues, neighbours, friends, classmates, etc.) Remind learners about the discussion ground rules and how to ensure each one gets a turn at speaking, as well as the appropriate language that they would use to suit their discussion group or audience.

Level 1 FORMAL
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Political issues Environmental issues Discussion about a current event Volunteering Planning a charity event Violent computer games do they influence us? Do examinations do more harm than good? Does the younger generation know best? Should smoking be prohibited in an open-spaced area such as parks? Should people be promoted according to ability? Does criticism do more harm than good to people? Is job-changing becoming a fashion? Is the prospect of growing old a bleak one? Work to live or live to work? Is it right for companies to hold detailed information about your personal life? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

INFORMAL
Social networking a good or bad thing? What makes a good holiday Is money the most important thing in life? Celebrity figures do they deserve their popularity? Talent shows on TV why some are more popular than others? Which current bands/artists are the best live and studio performers? Does television play a positive or negative role in the modern society? Do soap operas go too far? Is it good for students to have part-time jobs? Should students only learn from books? Is romantic love the most important condition for marriage? Should women be treated the same as men? Is it good to live in a large modern city? Are pets good for mankind? Should we diet in order to keep fit?

Level 2 DISCUSSION
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Climate change Credit crunch Swine flu Should the brain drain be stopped by restrictions? Is euthanasia humane? Is housing reform necessary? Should capital punishment be a major deterrent to crime? Is it necessary to develop tourism? Does fashion contribute anything to society? Are cars doing more harm than good? Is it a good idea to control population growth in the world? Do advertisements play a positive or negative role in our society? Pornography risks should be taught to children as young as five. The same-sex marriage bill does not live up to its aspiration of equality Does divorce represent social progress? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

PRESENTATION
Holiday destination Healthy diet Aromatherapy massage Popular tourist attractions in your country/in London/ in the UK/ Motivating people in boring jobs The physics of football The London underground The London parks The London railway A local festival or event in your country How to start your own business Tips to find your sport How to get kids to eat healthy food Tips for hosting a party How to maximise space at home