Agreeing with an opinion

1. Yes, I agree (absolutely). 
2. I couldn’t agree more to what you just said. 
3. That matches exactly my own view.
4. Yes, that is just how I see it. 
5. I absolutely hold the same view. 
6. We both share the same point of view. 

Partly agreeing with an opinion

1. I see what you mean, but…
2. There is certainly some truth in your words, but you fail to notice that…

3. I don’t entirely agree with you. 
4. I understand your reasons; however, I see some aspects a bit differently. 

Disagreeing with an opinion

1. I’m afraid I can’t accept…
2. I simply don’t agree with you.
3. I fail to see the logic behind any of your arguments. 
4. Your arguments are not convincing at all!
5. Excuse me, but I have to contradict you quite strongly here.
6. I couldn’t disagree more with what you just said. 

Interrupting assertively

1. I’m sorry to interrupt here, but…
2. Excuse for breaking in here right now, but…
3. Can I stop you there for a moment?
4. Hold on a second. (Informal)
5. Pardon me, but I think this just leads the debate astray.

Focusing/Structuring 

1. I think we should focus on the main aspects now. 
2. Let’s now consider another important aspect of today’s debate.
3. I think we have exchanged our opinions on that point now and should move on…
4. You all highlighted crucial aspects, but have we really discussed … indepth?
5. Thank you for your honest/thought-provoking views, but we should also pay attention to…

Assertively Handling deviations

1. Friends, let’s remember that we are discussing recession and not FDI
2. Let’s not deviate from the topic and understand that we are discussing Modi Government and not Demonetization.
3. Friends, in my view rather than insisting on our own views, let’s approach them more objectively and logically.

Getting other people in

1. I feel it would be appropriate if we listen to some of our friends who have kept quiet so far.
2. Let’s see how our friends sitting in the corner perceive this phenomenon.
3. Let’s find out what Mr. X has to say about this.

To conclude

1. Let us conclude the discussion
2. We have arrived at conclusion
3. We have been speaking on.
To express opinion
1. I am afraid I have a different opinion
2. I am sorry I have to differ
3. My observation is
4. I don’t think it is right
To ask for details
1. Can you explain?
2. Can you say something more?

Sample for Group Discussion

Equal Rights for Men and Women
No.1  : The topic given to us is quite controversial topic. It can turn out to be  gender war. I firmly believe that women should have the equal rights as men. World cannot survive only with men. Men and women are two elements of society. If women were not given rights, the world cannot flourish. Women and men enjoy the same status in the western countries. Men and women complement each other. But in India, women are treated as a secondary gender. But this is the country which is called ‘Mother India’. I support the statement that women should enjoy the same status as men. Thank you. 

No. 2  : Friends, I feel that women should be treated at par with men. But they  should not be given equal rights. Nowadays, there is an increase in the number of working women. Because of that, men do lack getting a job. Because of women only, men face unemployment. If women are given equal rights, society will become unbalanced. Divorce will also become very common. It will disrupt the society. Thank you.

No.3:  Friends, from the history, we can understand that the wars and downfalls  are brought about by women. There is no doubt that women are weaker sex. So they can not stabilize themselves. Man only can stabilise woman, as a father, brother, husband or son. Women with individuality, will neglect their families. As a result of this only, nuclear family system is emerging. Because of such women only, children turn to the wrong path, becoming criminals, drug addicts, and extra marital affairs. It is they who denied the grandparents to live with them. So Women should be treated as subordinate. Thank you.

No.4  I appreciate the previous speaker’s point of view. He has justified his  points. But we have to remember, no country can flourish, without making women as their equals. Literate women can contribute to society. Women take care of the domestic activities and care their husbands and children. Women should be given equal rights. Thank you.

No.5  I would like to state that women have already enjoyed their rights.
Women in India loved to play the subordinate position i.e. sister, wife, daughter. They are brought up in such a manner. Women do not want to exercise their rights. I feel that women do not both much about their rights. Thank you.

No.6  In the name of equal rights, women have broken social norms.
They wear obscene clothes. They prefer live-in relationships. They are the causes for social disintegration. If they are given equal rights, it is like, adding fuel to the fire. So no rights of equality can be given to them. Thank you.

No.7  In fact, I am of the opinion that women have more rights than men.
In jobs,  they are given priority. If they are given equal rights, they would not do justice to their jobs or to their families. Thank you.

No.8  I am of the opinion that women should be treated like equals. I would like  to say that these rights should be limited to education, job and marriage. The rights can become detrimental for society. Thank you.

Exercises
1. Does Technology make us less human.
2. Disaster Management in India.
3. Can illiterates be given driving licenses?
4. Electric vehicles in India.
5. Plastic Ban: Economy or Environment?
6. Media attention to sports: Cricket vs other sports
7. Status of women in India
8. Gender equality in the work place
9. Who serves the country most – Teacher or the soldier?
10. Effects of video games on Children.
11. Animated Series spoil or entertain children?
12. The Impact of Social Media on the youngsters
13. Is India safe for women?