SELT Participating in a Discussion 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A speaker uses a term you don't understand. Which is the best way to ask for clarification?
- I have no idea what you're saying.
- Could you clarify what you mean by that term? (Correct answer)
- Can everyone else explain it to me?
- Let's just move on and skip that part.
Correct answer: Could you clarify what you mean by that term?
Asking directly and politely for clarification is a valued discussion skill that shows active listening.
Question 2: When summarizing another person's contribution in a discussion, you should:
- Change their key points to match your own opinion.
- Restate their main idea accurately before adding your own view. (Correct answer)
- Dismiss their points if you disagree.
- Only repeat the parts you agree with.
Correct answer: Restate their main idea accurately before adding your own view.
Accurately summarizing another person's point shows respect and ensures the discussion is based on shared understanding.
Question 3: Which phrase signals that you are about to give an example to support your point?
- On the other hand...
- For instance... (Correct answer)
- However, I disagree...
- To conclude...
Correct answer: For instance...
'For instance' is a discourse marker that introduces a specific example to support an argument.
Question 4: During a discussion, two participants begin to argue loudly. As a neutral participant, what is the best action?
- Join in and take sides.
- Stay silent and wait for them to finish.
- Calmly suggest refocusing: 'Perhaps we can address both views in turn.' (Correct answer)
- Leave the room immediately.
Correct answer: Calmly suggest refocusing: 'Perhaps we can address both views in turn.'
Suggesting a structured approach to address both views is a constructive way to de-escalate conflict in a discussion.
Question 5: You want to check that everyone agrees before moving on. Which phrase is most appropriate?
- I assume we all agree, so let's move on.
- Does everyone feel satisfied with where we've landed on this point? (Correct answer)
- This discussion is over.
- I'll decide for the group.
Correct answer: Does everyone feel satisfied with where we've landed on this point?
Checking consensus by asking an open question ensures all participants feel heard before the discussion advances.
Question 6: In a SELT discussion task, what is the main purpose of turn-taking?
- To ensure the loudest person always speaks.
- To allow all participants an equal opportunity to contribute. (Correct answer)
- To prevent disagreement from occurring.
- To finish the discussion as quickly as possible.
Correct answer: To allow all participants an equal opportunity to contribute.
Turn-taking ensures all voices are heard and creates a balanced, productive discussion.
Question 7: Which is the most effective way to signal that you want to return to an earlier point?
- Actually, I wanted to go back to something mentioned earlier. (Correct answer)
- No one listened to me before, so listen now.
- Let's restart the whole discussion.
- That was not important enough to revisit.
Correct answer: Actually, I wanted to go back to something mentioned earlier.
Phrases like 'I wanted to go back to' politely signal a return to a previous topic without disrupting flow.
SELT Participating in a Discussion 3
A speaker uses a term you don't understand.
Which is the best way to ask for clarification?