Responding to classmates
Academic Discussion: respond to classmates’ posts — agree or disagree, add a new reason, and avoid repeating what they said.
In this lesson you will
- Refer to classmates’ ideas briefly
- Add a new reason or example
- Agree or disagree politely and clearly
Learn
In the Academic Discussion task, a professor asks a question and two classmates post short answers. You write your own contribution (a paragraph of around 100 words is commonly recommended).
Engage, don’t repeat: mention a classmate briefly, then add something new: I agree with Maria that…, but I’d add another reason: … ; While Kenji makes a good point about cost, I think…
Structure: position → reference to a classmate → your new reason → example → short conclusion.
Tone: academic but conversational; clear opinion; no need for a formal introduction or conclusion paragraph.
Examples
- I see Kenji’s point about cost, but I think the bigger issue is time.
- Building on Maria’s idea, another benefit is that students learn to manage their own schedules.
- For example, when my school introduced online classes, attendance actually improved.
Vocabulary
contribution
something you add to a discussion
build on
develop someone’s idea further
engage
respond to others’ ideas
post
a message in an online discussion
perspective
a point of view
Practice
Best way to use a classmate’s idea:
Writing
Professor: “Should universities require all students to take a course in personal finance?” Aisha: “Yes — many graduates have debt and don’t know how to budget.” Leo: “No — students are adults and can learn this online for free.” Write your contribution (100–130 words).
- ☐ Clear position
- ☐ Brief reference to a classmate
- ☐ A new reason
- ☐ A specific example
- ☐ Polite, academic tone
Lesson quiz
Your post should…
Review
Key points
- Reference briefly.
- Add a new reason and example.
- Clear position.
- Polite academic tone.
What you learned
- ✓ I respond to classmates effectively.
- ✓ I add new ideas.
- ✓ I disagree politely.