Learn, create, communicate and grow through English.
WEEK 9 · 3 HOURS
Oral Defense of an Argument
Focus: Academic speaking · fluency · response
Present and defend an argument orally with signposting, evidence and controlled responses to questions.
Hour 1Input, visual explanation, listening
Hour 2Analysis, dialogue, interactive practice
Hour 3PC challenge, quiz, reflection
HOUR 1 · Input & Critical Comprehension60 MIN
Goal: Understand vocabulary, the visual concept and the listening message before producing academic language.
1A · Vocabulary Lab
Listen to every word. Choose four and create one climate-related sentence for each.
signpost
marcador discursivo
Firstly and therefore guide the listener.
clarify
aclarar
Clarify your point when asked.
evidence
evidencia
Refer to evidence orally.
respond
responder
Respond directly to the question.
fluency
fluidez
Speak smoothly and clearly.
emphasis
énfasis
Emphasize key ideas.
audience
audiencia
Speak to the audience, not the screen.
defend
sustentar
Defend your position with reasons.
1B · Visual Explanation
From written essay to oral defense
Select the THESIS, strongest EVIDENCE, one COUNTERARGUMENT and the CONCLUSION. Do not read the whole essay.
Example 1
Opening: Today I will argue that...
Example 2
Evidence: One important reason is...
Example 3
Response: I understand the concern; however...
1C · Listening First, Transcript Later
Before listening: Predict three academic words you may hear.
Question: What should a speaker select from the written essay?
In an oral defense, the goal is not to memorize every sentence. A strong speaker presents the thesis, explains two important pieces of evidence, acknowledges one counterargument and responds to a question. Signposts such as firstly, however and therefore make the structure easier to follow. Clear pauses are more useful than speaking very quickly.
Hour 1 · Evidence & Submission
HOUR 2 · Analysis & Academic Interaction60 MIN
Goal: Analyze examples, interact with a partner and apply the unit concept through decisions rather than copying.
2A · Guided Dialogues
Listen, perform one dialogue, then replace one example with a climate issue from school, Villavicencio or Colombia.
Dialogue 1
Observer: Your evidence was strong, but your opening was too long.
Speaker: I will state the thesis earlier next time.
Dialogue 2
Teacher: Can you clarify why this source supports your argument?
Student: Yes. The data shows a direct change after the policy was implemented.
Dialogue 3
Partner: I disagree with your solution.
Speaker: I understand. Which part of the evidence do you think is weak?
2B · Interactive Practice
Choose the speaking function
Choose the best category. Then check your result before continuing.
2C · Pair Analysis & Submission
HOUR 3 · PC Challenge, Assessment & Reflection60 MIN
Goal: Apply the concept to a climate-action problem, complete the unit assessment and identify the next learning goal.
