C1 — AdvancedSpeaking· Discussion skills
Speaking: Presenting and Defending an Argument
Structure a spoken argument, signpost your ideas and handle disagreement.
20 min Challenging
A convincing spoken argument follows a shape the listener can predict.
- Position: My view is that remote study suits motivated adults.
- Reason: This is largely because it removes travel time.
- Evidence: In our own centre, attendance rose by a fifth.
- Concession: Admittedly, younger learners may need more structure.
- Restatement: On balance, then, flexibility outweighs the drawbacks.
Disagree softly and precisely: I take your point, although the data suggests otherwise.
Record yourself for two minutes, then listen for fillers. Replacing um with a short pause instantly sounds more expert.