Academic Discussion: making your point
Write a strong Academic Discussion post: a clear opinion, a developed reason and a link to your classmates’ ideas.
In this lesson you will
- State a clear opinion quickly
- Develop one strong reason with an example
- Refer to a classmate’s post to add something new
Learn
You read a professor’s question and two classmates’ posts, then write your own contribution (aim for at least 100 words).
Structure: (1) Your position in one sentence (I believe… / In my view…). (2) One main reason, explained. (3) A specific example — personal, from study, or a realistic situation. (4) A connection to a classmate: agree and add, or politely disagree (While Lina makes a good point about stress, …).
Add something new. Don’t repeat the classmates’ ideas; build on them or offer a different angle.
Language: vary linking words (because, for instance, as a result, however) and use accurate grammar. Quality of ideas and clarity matter more than length.
Examples
- Position: “In my view, schools should reduce homework, but not remove it completely.”
- Link: “Kenji is right that practice matters; however, short, focused tasks can achieve this in less time.”
- Example: “In my school, weekly projects replaced daily worksheets, and students’ grades actually improved.”
Vocabulary
contribution
something you add to a discussion
position
your opinion
build on
develop an idea further
“I’d like to build on Priya’s point.”
angle
a way of looking at something
valid
reasonable and acceptable
“a valid point”
Practice
What should your first sentence do?
Writing
Your professor asks: Should cities ban private cars from their centres? Omar: Yes — cars cause pollution and noise. Grace: A ban is unfair; better public transport is the answer. Write your contribution (100+ words).
Lesson quiz
How many words should you aim for?
Review
Key points
- Clear position → reason → example → link to a classmate.
- Add a new idea.
- Accurate, varied language.
What you learned
- ✓ I can write a clear discussion post.
- ✓ I can develop a reason with an example.
- ✓ I can respond to classmates politely.