Conversation Gambits - Eric Keller, Sylvia T Warner 1988

33. Popular Misconceptions
2. Linking Gambits

Speaking

Just because many people believe something does not make it true Work in pairs with the popular misconceptions below Take it in turns to explain what is wrong with the statement First state the myth using one of the introductions in the list, then give the truth using one of the linking phrases

For example

Many people think that lightning never strikes twice in the same place, but actually it often does.

Misconceptions

1. Columbus discovered America.

2. Men can stand greater pain than women.

3. Eating red meat makes you aggressive

4. Oysters make you sexier

5. If you touch a frog or toad, you'll get warts

6. Bats are blind.

7. Flying is always faster than taking the train

8. If you get hiccups, hold your breath and count to ten.

9. If you burn you skin, put butter on it.

10. If you get your feet wet, you'll get a cold

Think of similar ideas which you have heard and discuss the truth in pairs.

Writing

Write out each misconception and explanation.

Introducing

Many people think ...

Some people say ...

You've probably heard that ...

It may seem ...

Linking

But in fact,

But actually,

The truth of the matter is ...