Speaking Test Strategies 11 Using counterarguments

Statue of Lady Justice from Greek mythology

Balance your answer.

Image Credit
Michael Coghlan via flickr

This is the first lesson on advanced argumentation techniques. It will show you how to give balanced answers using a main argument and a counterargument. 

Introduction

Most issues have two sides, and acknowledging them will make you seem more nuanced and mature in your outlook. You do not need to do this with all your answers, but using an argument with a counterargument at least once in your speaking test will generally boost your score.

Warm Up

Answer this question quickly: 

What's the best place you've ever traveled to?

Language

Types of counterargument

There are two types of counterargument: 

  1. opinion; and
  2. fact.

Discuss each with your teacher, and think of phrases you can use to introduce them. 

Conclusions

Ending a balanced answer clearly means you have to firmly state which side of your opinion is stronger. Discuss strong endings with your instructor. 

Practice

Now practice giving balanced answers to some speaking test questions.

Choose one personal question, and give a balanced answer.

  1. What's the best thing to eat in your city? 

  2. Where is the best place to live? 

  3. What's your dream job? 

Choose a controversial topic and give a balanced answer: 

  1. What is your opinion of nuclear power? 
  2. What do you think of your government's policy on immigration?
  3. What do you think about free trade deals?