Conversation Gambits - Eric Keller, Sylvia T Warner 1988
49. Crowd Reactions
3. Responding Gambits
Sometimes we agree or disagree with someone so strongly that we want to say so while he or she is talking
As a class write down views which are controversial. You can use the ideas below When these views are ready, anybody in the class who feels strongly about any one of them should stand up and state it strongly and say why The rest of the class should use the phrases in the list to agree or disagree.
For example:
I don't believe in examinations.
— Come on! Don't be silly!
They're just a waste of time and they're no good for anybody.
— Hear, hear. I agree with you.
Controversial topics.
1. School food.
2. Facilities in the school.
3. Tests and examinations.
4. Adverts on TV
5. A woman’s place is in the home.
6. Murderers should be hanged.
7. Football only creates violence.
8. The tax on cigarettes should be doubled.
9. People who attack children need to be understood — not put into prison.
10. You should be allowed to park wherever you want.
11. All trains and buses should be free to people over the age of 6 5.
12. No planes should be allowed to fly at night.
13. France is for the French; Germany is for the Germans. Stop all immigration.
14. Men should be paid more than women. They work harder.
15. Passports should be abolished. Who needs them?
Agreeing
Hear! Hear!
You’re absolutely right!
1You said it!
I agree!
2So do I!
2Neither can I!
Disagreeing
That’s just not true!
Oh, come on!
Rubbish!
Don’t give us that!