Mastering Communication of Information 4 How should I answer GBC questions?

 In courtrooms, lawyers defend their clients by giving a clear claim and then giving evidence. Claims should be followed up with a strong defense, which is evidence. In this lesson, we’ll talk about claims and evidence, and how they play a role. 

Introduction

Do you think having 4-day work weeks is good or bad for employees? Why?

Warm Up

A good answer starts with a strong response to a question. Look at the following answers. Are they strong or weak? 

  1. Yes, I think 4-day work weeks are effective because they allow people to better plan out their time and work more efficiently.

  2. I don’t know.

  3. The environment should be taken care of because humans need a healthy environment to survive. 

  4. It was great - we went to go see the cherry blossoms at the park.

  5. Maybe.

Language

Defense requires what we call evidence. Evidence is basically any example (statistics, study results, personal/other people’s experiences, facts, etc.) that can back up your claim. Good evidence demonstrates understanding of the question! 

Let’s go back to the initial question: Do you think having 4-day work weeks is good or bad for employees? Why?

  • What kind of evidence can you use to prove your claim? 
Practice
  •  Now go back to the initial question and put it all together.

Do you think having 4-day work weeks is good or bad for employees? Why?

  • Here are the questions that you’ve already seen in the previous lesson. Try to answer by giving both a strong opinion (claim) and evidence.
  1. Do you have any hobbies? 
  2. Do you think work-life balance is important? 
  3. How do you commute to your workplace? 
  4. Has your hometown changed in the last 10 years? 
  5. Is Japan a good place to live?