1) Divide the following expressions into four groups, as noted below. After that, say them out loud in class one by one.

— Now, the first area we have chosen is…

— Please feel free to interrupt (if you wish).

— Can we leave the matter there, then?

— Can we move on to…?

— John, would you like to comment on this?

— Well, I think we might break off there.

— I thought I’d now like to…

— Well, I think that covers everything.

— Can we now turn our attention to…?

— Perhaps we should first look at…

— Does anyone have anything further he or she wishes to say?

— Well, I think that’s all there is to say for the moment.

2) Play the roles of Freeman and Molly in the following dialogue, paying attention to the underlined expressions.

Freeman: As you know, we were told we’re going to have a discussion on six defining technologies this week. We’d better get a leg up on it.

Molly: You’re right. Don’t want to get caught short.

Freeman: I think we need to prepare some useful language in advance.

Molly: You mean some typical terms and expressions to structure and give meaning to our discussion subject?

Freeman: Yes, I do.

Molly: Like what?

Freeman: Like, for instance, what to say when you just want to establish the topic under consideration.

Molly: Hmm, to introduce the topic, you could say: Perhaps we should first look at such and such a topic. Or you could also say: Now the first area we have chosen is…

Freeman: Then what do you say when you need to move on or want to change the subject?

Molly: How about: Can we move on to such and such a topic? Or, for a change, you could say: I thought I’d now like to…

Freeman: And when you want to invite comments? What then?

Molly: Good question. Super important for discussions. You’ve a couple of choices. You can say: Please feel free to interrupt, if you wish. Or you could prod people with such questions as: Does anyone have anything further he or she wishes to say? Or: Such and such a person, would you like to comment on this?

Freeman: You’ve certainly given me a lot of choices in terms and expressions. I’m sure all those options will help me with my performance during my discussion.

Molly: Glad to be of help.