Maharashtra Board Class 12 English Chapter 3.6 Group Discussion Textbook PDF Download

Group Discussion

Ice Breakers

You must have discussed many things with your friends and classmates in a group. It might be about going on a picnic or selecting a gift for your teacher.

(i) What do you think are the benefits of a group discussion?

(a) [Answer space]

(b) [Answer space]

(c) [Answer space]

(ii) Do you think some people are right and some are wrong in a group discussion? Why?

(iii) People have different views and opinions because:

Complete the web highlighting the uses of 'Group Discussion'. One is done for you.

Uses of Group Discussion: In job interviews, [blank], [blank], [blank]

Teacher's Note

Group discussions help students learn from each other. In India, many companies use group discussions to select new employees for jobs.

Exam Trick

Remember: Group discussion = listen + speak + agree + disagree politely. Just like in a cricket team, everyone has to work together to win the match.

Points to Remember

A group discussion needs 10-12 people talking about one topic.
Everyone can have different opinions because people are from different places and cultures.
Listening to others is as important as speaking in a discussion.
You must be polite even when you disagree with someone.
A good discussion helps all people reach one common agreement.

Group Discussions

A group discussion is a formal discussion conducted on a topic among a group of ten to twelve participants. The participants analyse the topic from their respective angles and present their views and opinions. The group is given a topic. They contemplate on it for a few minutes and then start discussions. The discussion is usually for ten to fifteen minutes. Experts listen to the members and evaluate them.

Group discussions are usually held on topics of four kinds: (a) factual, for example 'Plastics should be banned' (b) a social or political issue, for example 'moral policing', (c) abstract, for example 'conscience' and (d) case study based, where the group discusses a case study and analyses it or offers solutions.

Group Discussions are one of the effective interactive methods of classroom learning. They are used to select candidates for different courses or for jobs by employers. They are used to gauge whether a candidate possesses certain skills required for pursuing a particular course or a job that involves working in groups, giving opinions and solve problems together to achieve common goals. The candidates are tested for their knowledge and communication skills as well as their ability to work as a part of a group and to lead other towards conclusions and solutions. One should be able to use his understanding of a subject to give opinions on it and support his ideas with logical arguments.

Since communication is a two-way process, it is important that besides speaking, one listens to the participants in the group discussion and respond to their ideas or take them forward. You can contribute to a group discussion in some of the following ways: helping it start, giving direction to it, making sure that everyone's views are heard and thought about so that the group moves towards some kind of agreement and closing it with a summary or a conclusion.

Teacher's Note

A group discussion is like a class meeting where everyone shares ideas. For example, when your class decides together which place to visit for a school trip, you are having a group discussion.

Exam Trick

Remember: Group discussion has 10-12 people, 10-15 minutes of time, and one expert listening. It tests your talking, listening, and thinking skills at the same time.

Points to Remember

Group discussion is a formal talk about one topic with 10-12 people.
The discussion usually lasts for 10-15 minutes only.
There are four types of topics: factual, social, abstract, and case study.
Listening to others is just as important as speaking your opinion.
Good communication means speaking and listening both ways, not just one way.

The Language Of Group Discussions

Here are some expressions you can use to perform different functions during a group discussion.

Expressing Opinions

I believe......

I think......

Could I make a point, please?

In my opinion......

It seems to me......

Expressing Agreement

Absolutely

You're right......

I fully agree with.....

Expressing Disagreement

I'm afraid I don't agree with......

I'm sorry but I see it a little differently.

I can see your point but......

You may have something there but......

I respect your point of view, but I'm sorry I can't go along with you on......

Teacher's Note

Learning these phrases helps you speak politely in discussions. In your home, you can practice saying "I agree" or "I disagree" when talking with family members about daily topics.

Exam Trick

Remember: Start with "I think" or "In my opinion" when you want to say something. Always say "I'm sorry" or "I'm afraid" before you disagree. This keeps you polite.

Points to Remember

Use "I believe" or "I think" to share your own ideas clearly.
Say "Absolutely" or "You're right" when you agree with someone.
Always be polite by saying "I'm sorry" or "I'm afraid" before disagreeing.
Never say "You are wrong" — say "I see it differently" instead.
Listen to others and respect their views even if you do not agree.

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