1. Home
  2. Common Strategies
  3. Discussion
  4. Discussion Sentence Starters

Discussion Sentence Starters

Opening statements/questions

  • I think _________ because ________. What do others think?
  • In the text the authors states _________. What do you think she means here?
  • What did you think of the author’s opinion on _________?

Agreeing

  • I agree with the point that _______ because _______.
  • I never thought about it that way. I would have to agree because ___________.
  • I agree with your analysis because I too ____________.

Disagreeing 

  • I disagree with the point about ________ because _________.
  • I would agree with ________, but I don’t agree with his reasoning since _______.
  • I disagree with the point about _______________ because it overlooks the fact that _______.
  • I have mixed feelings on the topic. On the one hand, I think ________ , but on the other I believe _______.

Building

  • I agree with your point about ________ and I would like to add that ____________.
  • I agree with ___________, but I think we might want to also consider ______________.
  • If we changed ____________, how would things be different?
  • What if _______________

Clarifying

  • I’m sorry. I couldn’t hear you. Could you restate your position?
  • Could you restate your position more concisely please? I’m having trouble remembering everything you said.
  • Could you clarify what you mean when you say ________?
  • Could you tell me more about ________?
  • I agree with ______ when he said ________ because in the text the author says _____.

Inviting

  • We haven’t heard from _________. What do you think?
  • What are your views on __________?
  • I’d like to hear from others. What does everyone else think?

Introducing a New Point

  • It seems as though we’ve exhausted this point. Perhaps we should move on. What does everyone think?
  • I would like to introduce a new point.
  • Excuse me, but I would like to add a point if I could. I believe that ________.

General Tips

  • Be polite and respectful at all times.
  • Address the point, not the person—especially if you are going to disagree with them.
  • Summarize the previous person’s comments before state your own position or adding to theirs’.
  • When possible, come with questions prepared—at least 3-5.
  • Make sure everyone is involved. Invite others to join in.
  • Make sure the point you’re on has been discussed completely before moving on.
  • If you’re stuck:
    • Summarize the main points so far to refresh everyone’s memory.
    • Say “Instead of focusing on a specific point, perhaps we should consider the bigger picture might be ______”
    • Say “Seems we’re stuck, perhaps we should move on. Does anyone care to introduce a new aspect of the topic?”

Article Attachments

Related Articles