Cultural Heritage Speaking Workshop

Use this interactive speaking guide with two students. Students select positions, choose discussion questions, and use the role cards to sustain a nuanced exchange.

Opinion warm-up

For each statement, choose Agree, Disagree or Depends. Each student gives a reason; the partner asks a follow-up question.

Suggested time: 5 minutes

Discussion question bank

Select two questions each. Take turns asking, answering and probing. Aim to extend the discussion rather than simply agree or disagree.

Follow-up prompts

What leads you to that conclusion? · Would your view change if…? · I see your point, but how would you respond to…? · Could we distinguish between…? · What would be a fair compromise?

Selected questions

Choose questions above to build your discussion set.

Role-based discussion

Discuss in role for about 6–7 minutes, then swap roles and argue from the other perspective. Try to acknowledge the strongest point made by your partner.

Student A · Museum curator

Your perspective

The artefacts are preserved safely.
They are accessible to international visitors.
Museums provide research and educational resources.

Your task: explain why keeping the collection may benefit the public, while responding to concerns about ownership.

Student B · Heritage representative

Your perspective

Artefacts are connected to a country’s history and identity.
Some acquisitions happened under unfair circumstances.
Local communities should have a meaningful say.

Your task: explain why return or shared control may be fairer, while addressing preservation and access.

Interaction challenge

Ask at least two genuine follow-up questions.
Paraphrase your partner’s point before challenging it.
Use one concession: Granted… / I take your point that…
End by identifying one possible compromise.

Optional speaking timer

Use for role discussion or question rounds.

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