Name

Collaborative Conversations
and
TURN  TALK Conversation

Follow these steps when you share your ideas with a partner.
1. Think about the topic of the discussion. Quickly jot down ideas from texts you
have read.

2. Comment on what your partner says. Use pertinent sentence starters, such as

I think ____________.
I agree with you because ____________.
I disagree because ____________.
3. Listen actively to what is being said. Make sure each of you has a chance to
speak. Quickly write notes about what your partner shares.

4. Record any new information you learned.

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Collaborative Conversations
and
TURN  TALK Present an Opinion
Follow these steps when you present an opinion to a partner or group.

1. Prepare in advance. Determine your opinion on the topic and reasons why.
Review facts, examples, and other details about the topic you can use as
supporting evidence. Make sure your evidence is accurate.

2. Present your opinion. State your opinion clearly. Include supporting reasons.

I think ____________.
One reason is ____________.
Another reason is ____________.
3. Listen for others’ reactions and responses. Jot down notes to help remember
their counterarguments and reasons.

4. Respond to questions, comments, and counterarguments. Be respectful even if

you disagree. Use your evidence to support your reasons and to show
weaknesses in others’ arguments. Acknowledge strong counterarguments that
make you reconsider your own opinion.

To answer your question, __________.

That’s an important point because __________.
I see your point, but ____________.

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Collaborative Conversations
and
TURN  TALK Group Presentation
Follow these steps when you present as a group.
1. Collaborate with your group. Develop a plan and assign roles so
responsibilities are clear. Make sure each student knows how to contribute.
Record roles and responsibilities below.

2. Prepare your presentation in advance.

Are your presentation notes accurate, revised, and complete?

Are all necessary visuals and equipment included and complete?
Is everyone familiar and comfortable with his or her part of
the presentation?

3. Practice presenting effectively, including

• employing eye contact as you present,

• speaking at a natural rate and volume,
• enunciating, or speaking clearly, and
• using standard English conventions and language.

4. Present your information, opinion, or narrative. Address questions or

comments. Then, as a group, discuss strengths and areas to improve.
Tell what you liked best about the presentation and what you might do
differently next time.

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Collaborative Conversations
and
TURN  TALK Follow and Give Instructions
Follow these steps to practice following and giving instructions.

1. Listen to the instructions from your teacher or partner. Take notes to

remember the sequence of the instructions or actions and any important details.

1. 
2. 
3. 

2. Restate the instructions to your teacher or partner to ensure you understand

them. Use your notes. Have your partner correct any misunderstandings. Then
revise the instructions you wrote as needed.

3. Follow the instructions to show you understand them. Have your teacher or
partner give feedback, and record that below.

4. Now switch roles.

5. Give instructions to your partner or teacher. First record your instructions

below. Then check that your partner or teacher is able to restate and
follow your instructions. If he or she struggles, revise your instructions to
make them clearer.

1. 
2. 
3. 

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Collaborative Conversations
Retelling
When readers retell a story, they organize it in order and explain it to others in a
way that maintains its meaning. Retelling a story helps readers understand what
they have read.

and
TURN  TALK Retell a story to a partner and use this checklist.

Partner Retelling Checklist

My Retelling Needs Improvement
Includes

Use the Main Characters

Tell the Setting

Tell the Problem

Tell the Events in Order

Tell the Solution to the Problem

Use Transition Words such as Next,

Then, Finally

TEKS 4.7.D Retell, paraphrase, or summarize texts in ways that maintain meaning and logical order.

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