Anna: Okay, so we need to choose a topic for next week’s debate. Our teacher said it should be about something students really care about. Any ideas?
Ben: (raising his hand dramatically) I’ve got one! Social media should be banned in schools. What do you think?
Clara: Hmm. That’s interesting. In my opinion, banning it completely is too extreme. Students use social media to connect, to share homework, even to relax.
Anna: I agree with Clara. I think social media can be distracting, but it can also be useful. Maybe the real question is: Should schools limit social media instead of banning it?
Ben: (shaking his head) I don’t know… Personally, I feel that students spend too much time online. It affects their concentration. From my point of view, banning it in schools would help everyone focus more on learning.
Clara: I see your point, Ben. But don’t you think students should learn how to use social media responsibly, instead of avoiding it completely?
Anna: Yes, exactly. In my opinion, if we ban it, students might just use it secretly. That could make things worse.
Ben: Maybe. But I believe strict rules are necessary. For example, if phones are collected at the beginning of class, students can’t check Instagram every five minutes.
Clara: That’s true, but rules don’t have to mean a total ban. We could allow social media during breaks or for projects.
Anna: (nodding) I think we’ve found two clear sides for our debate: Ben can argue for banning, and Clara and I can argue for limiting. That makes it more interesting.
Ben: (smiling) Fine with me! But I warn you, I’m going to win.
Clara: (laughs) We’ll see. Remember, it’s not just about winning. It’s about learning to express opinions politely.
Anna: Speaking of that, let’s practice some opinion phrases. I’ll start: In my opinion, social media is part of modern life, so schools should teach students how to use it well.
Ben: Okay, my turn: I strongly believe social media distracts students, so it should be banned at school.
Clara: And mine: Personally, I think balance is better. Social media should be allowed sometimes, but with clear limits.
Anna: Perfect. Now we’re ready for next week’s debate.
Ben: (pointing at Clara) Get ready, because I’ll convince the audience.
Clara: (laughs) We’ll let them decide!
Anna: Great teamwork, everyone. Let’s finish for today.
Vocabulary & Phrases
- in my opinion — my personal view
- personally, I feel (that)… — how I feel about something
- from my point of view — from my perspective
- I see your point — I understand your argument
- ban / banned — to forbid officially
- limit / limiting — to control or reduce something
- responsibly — in a careful, sensible way
- distracting — taking attention away from something
- strict rules — very firm or strong rules
- make things worse — cause more problems
- convince — to make someone believe or agree
- polite/politely — showing good manners and respect