“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 4: Relationships and Communication
Story 04: The Importance of Conflict Resolution and Mediation in Resolving Disputes
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Disagreement
- Dispute
- Conflict resolution
- Mutually acceptable solution
- Mediation
- Facilitate
- Neutral third party
- Escalation
- Empathy
- Active listening
Read or Listen to the following passage:
Conflict is a natural part of human interaction, and it is impossible to completely avoid it. Whether it is a disagreement with a colleague, a dispute with a neighbor, or a conflict with a family member, it is essential to have effective conflict resolution skills to resolve these conflicts. Conflict resolution involves finding a mutually acceptable solution to a problem or dispute, and mediation can be an effective way to achieve this.
Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps individuals or groups in conflict to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation is a voluntary process, and all parties involved have to agree to it before it can take place. The mediator’s role is to facilitate communication, identify the underlying issues, and help the parties involved come up with a mutually acceptable solution. Mediation can be a quicker and less expensive way of resolving disputes than going to court.
There are several benefits to conflict resolution and mediation. Firstly, it can help to preserve relationships. When conflicts are resolved in a peaceful and respectful way, relationships can be maintained or even strengthened. Secondly, it can help to prevent escalation. When conflicts are left unresolved, they can escalate, leading to further tension and potential harm. Thirdly, it can help to save time and money. Mediation is often quicker and less expensive than going to court, and it can help to avoid lengthy legal battles.
To successfully resolve a conflict through mediation, it is essential to have good communication skills, empathy, and the ability to remain neutral. It is also crucial to listen actively and try to understand the other person’s point of view. This helps to create an environment of trust and respect, which is essential for finding a mutually acceptable solution.
In conclusion, conflict resolution and mediation are important skills that can help to resolve disputes in a peaceful and respectful way. Mediation can be a quicker and less expensive way of resolving conflicts than going to court, and it can help to preserve relationships, prevent escalation, and save time and money.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is conflict resolution?
- What is mediation?
- Why is mediation often quicker and less expensive than going to court?
- What are some benefits of conflict resolution and mediation?
- What skills are essential for successfully resolving a conflict through mediation?
Conversations Starters:
- What is your experience with conflicts, and how have you typically dealt with them?
- Describe the last time you had a conflict with someone?
- Have you ever been involved in conflict resolution or mediation, either personally or professionally? How did it go?
- In your opinion, why is it essential to find a mutually acceptable solution in conflict resolution, and how can it be achieved?
- How do you think a neutral third party can help in resolving disputes, and what qualities should they have?
- Can you think of a situation where a disagreement or dispute escalated, and what could have been done to prevent it?
- What are some of the benefits of using mediation as a conflict resolution tool, and how does it compare to other methods?
- How important is empathy in resolving conflicts, and how can one cultivate it?
- What is the role of active listening in conflict resolution, and how can it help in finding a mutually acceptable solution?
- What do you usually do when you get angry or frustrated with someone?
