Building on Others in Discussions · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Building on What Others Say

English · Speaking & Listening · ages 10-11
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. Someone says, 'I think dogs make great pets.' Which response is a follow-up question that builds on the idea?

    • Cats are better than dogs.
    • Why do you think that?
    • I like the color blue.

  2. What does it mean to build on someone's idea in a discussion?

    • Listen, then add a question or example
    • Repeat their exact words
    • Wait quietly until it's your turn to change the subject

  3. Building on a discussion means repeating exactly what a classmate already said.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. A class is discussing recycling when a classmate starts talking about their weekend trip. Which question redirects the discussion back to the topic?

    • How does it fit recycling?
    • What did you do this weekend?
    • Can we please stop talking?

  5. Leo says, 'I think the movie's ending was sad.' Which response adds supporting evidence to his idea?

    • I don't really like movies.
    • What's your favorite color?
    • That dog part was sad too.

  6. Maya says, 'Plants need sunlight to grow.' Which comment builds on her idea with a real example?

    • That's wrong.
    • Sun helped my plant grow.
    • I don't really like plants.

  7. Ella says, 'The main character was clever.' Which response BEST builds on her idea?

    • When was she clever?
    • I think this book is boring.
    • I liked the book too.

  8. During a group talk about the school garden, Noah keeps sharing stories that have nothing to do with the topic. What is he doing wrong?

    • He is giving supporting evidence
    • He is asking follow-up questions
    • He is not linking to the topic
LightMySky · lightmysky.comW1-mt_LNYTNpJOGT-s1

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Building on What Others Say W1-mt_LNYTNpJOGT-s1

  1. Why do you think that? · A follow-up question asks for more about what the speaker just said, like 'why do you think that?'
  2. Listen, then add a question or example · Building on an idea means listening first, then adding something new like a question or example.
  3. False · Building on an idea means adding something new, not repeating the same words.
  4. How does it fit recycling? · This question politely brings the conversation back to the main topic instead of ignoring the side comment.
  5. That dog part was sad too. · This response agrees with Leo and adds a specific example from the movie that supports his point.
  6. Sun helped my plant grow. · This comment supports Maya's idea with a specific example from real life.
  7. When was she clever? · Asking for a specific example pushes the discussion deeper instead of just agreeing or disagreeing.
  8. He is not linking to the topic · Good comments connect back to the topic the group is discussing. Unrelated stories don't move the conversation forward.
Worksheet · LightMySky