Everyone is supposed to...,

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Silverobama

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Aug 8, 2010
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Chinese
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I was at an English club for kids last night. I asked the six of the kids to jot down their thoughts before the group debate. I wanted all of them to participate (sometimes some kids don’t want to join the debate by keeping silent). I said to them “Everyone is supposed to say at least one sentence during the debate”. Is it natural to say this?
 
I asked the six of the kids to jot down their thoughts before the group debate.
The underlined part isn't right. However, I can't correct it because I don't know how many kids were there.
If there were just six in attendance, say "I asked the six kids to/I asked all six kids to ...".
If there were more than six, say "I asked six of the kids to ...".
 
If there were just six in attendance, say "I asked the six kids to/I asked all six kids to ...".
Yes, there were six participants.


I was at an English club for kids last night. I asked the six kids to jot down their thoughts before the group debate. I wanted all of them to participate (sometimes some kids don’t want to join the debate by keeping silent). I said to them “Everyone is supposed to say at least one sentence during the debate”. Is it natural to say this?

I wonder if the italic sentence is natural.
 
I was at an English club for kids last night. I asked the six kids to jot down their thoughts before the a group debate.
The debate hasn't been mentioned before so I'd stick with the indefinite article.
I wanted all of them to participate (sometimes some kids don’t want to join the debate by keeping silent).
The underlined part suggests that the other kids join the debate by keeping silent. That's not what you mean. Have a go at rewording that part.
I said to them “Everyone is supposed to say at least one sentence during the debate”. Is it natural to say this?
It's OK but I'm not keen on "Everyone is supposed to ...". That makes it sound as if there's some sort of external rule (that you didn't make). I'd say "I'd like everyone to join in with the debate, even if you say just one sentence".
 
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