Group Discussion Worksheet: Starting a GD

Debate lesson 18: Starting a group discussion · Set 86 · 40 questions

Debater's tip (Open the door for everyone): Strong start: define the key word, a relevant fact, a short clear question, a quick real example, the scope of the topic. Weak start: a long story, a wrong fact, shouting to be first, repeating the topic, a joke off the topic, “sorry”. Use the thinking time to note 2–3 key points; start only if you are ready.

1. 1.True or false: “defining the key word” is a strong way to start a GD. (a) False (b) True
2. 2.True or false: “starting with “sorry”” is a weak way to start a GD. (a) True (b) False
3. 3.Which of these is a strong way to start a GD? (a) a long story first (b) setting out the scope (c) a wrong fact (d) shouting to be first
4. 4.🚀 If the topic is unclear, a good opener can… (a) change the topic (b) complain about it (c) stay silent (d) define the key words
5. 5.True or false: “setting out the scope” is a weak way to start a GD. (a) True (b) False
6. 6.🚀 Strong or weak start to a GD: a calm, clear voice? (a) a strong start (b) a weak start
7. 7.🚀 Strong or weak start to a GD: linking to daily life? (a) a weak start (b) a strong start
8. 8.🚀 Before you speak in a GD, you should… (a) check your phone (b) close your eyes (c) note 2–3 key points (d) memorise a speech
9. 9.Which of these is a weak way to start a GD? (a) defining the key word (b) a quick real example (c) reading from notes (d) a brief, sharp point
10. 10.Which of these is a strong way to start a GD? (a) a long story first (b) defining the key word (c) shouting to be first (d) mumbling the start
11. 11.🔍 Which is the odd one out? (a) linking to daily life (b) defining the key word (c) a calm, clear voice (d) repeating the topic
12. 12.🚀 You are not the first speaker. What else earns credit? (a) shouting louder (b) repeating the opener (c) a strong, fresh point (d) leaving early
13. 13.🚀 Strong or weak opening line for a GD? “Could we start by asking what a good school canteen looks like?” (a) a strong opening line (b) a weak opening line
14. 14.🚀 Strong or weak opening line for a GD? “In our class survey, 30 of us said we use screens daily — so this topic matters.” (a) a strong opening line (b) a weak opening line
15. 15.🔍 Which is the odd one out? (a) a long story first (b) reading from notes (c) a calm, clear voice (d) shouting to be first
16. 16.🚀 Strong or weak opening line for a GD? “Um, I don’t know much, but I’ll start anyway.” (a) a weak opening line (b) a strong opening line
17. 17.🚀 Strong or weak start to a GD: a brief, sharp point? (a) a weak start (b) a strong start
18. 18.🚀 Strong or weak start to a GD: a quick real example? (a) a strong start (b) a weak start
19. 19.🚀 Strong or weak start to a GD: a long story first? (a) a strong start (b) a weak start
20. 20.Which of these is a weak way to start a GD? (a) a brief, sharp point (b) setting out the scope (c) a quick real example (d) mumbling the start
21. 21.🚀 Strong or weak opening line for a GD? “The topic is the topic, and that is what it is.” (a) a strong opening line (b) a weak opening line
22. 22.🚀 Strong or weak opening line for a GD? “Our school throws away about 20 kg of food a day — let’s talk about why.” (a) a weak opening line (b) a strong opening line
23. 23.True or false: “a relevant fact” is a weak way to start a GD. (a) True (b) False
24. 24.🚀 Strong or weak start to a GD: setting out the scope? (a) a weak start (b) a strong start
25. 25.🚀 Strong or weak opening line for a GD? “I’ll go first because I’m the best speaker here.” (a) a strong opening line (b) a weak opening line
26. 26.Which of these is a weak way to start a GD? (a) a short, clear question (b) defining the key word (c) shouting to be first (d) setting out the scope
27. 27.True or false: “a long story first” is a strong way to start a GD. (a) False (b) True
28. 28.True or false: “mumbling the start” is a strong way to start a GD. (a) True (b) False
29. 29.🚀 Should you rush to speak first in every GD? (a) never speak first (b) always, at any cost (c) only if well prepared
30. 30.True or false: “a relevant fact” is a strong way to start a GD. (a) False (b) True
31. 31.🔍 Which is the odd one out? (a) a relevant fact (b) linking to daily life (c) shouting to be first (d) setting out the scope
32. 32.🚀 Strong or weak start to a GD: starting with “sorry”? (a) a weak start (b) a strong start
33. 33.🚀 Strong or weak opening line for a GD? “Let’s first be clear what we mean by ‘screen time’.” (a) a weak opening line (b) a strong opening line
34. 34.True or false: “starting with “sorry”” is a strong way to start a GD. (a) True (b) False
35. 35.🚀 Strong or weak start to a GD: repeating the topic? (a) a weak start (b) a strong start
36. 36.🔍 Which is the odd one out? (a) linking to daily life (b) mumbling the start (c) repeating the topic (d) starting with “sorry”
37. 37.Which of these is a strong way to start a GD? (a) repeating the topic (b) a calm, clear voice (c) a joke off the topic (d) a long story first
38. 38.🚀 Strong or weak start to a GD: a short, clear question? (a) a strong start (b) a weak start
39. 39.Which of these is a weak way to start a GD? (a) a long story first (b) linking to daily life (c) a brief, sharp point (d) a calm, clear voice
40. 40.True or false: “a wrong fact” is a strong way to start a GD. (a) True (b) False

Free debate lessons, practice and worksheets at talentjr.in/debate-for-students