Can-Do Task: Structure a Complex Spoken Argument

Can-Do Task: structure a complex spoken argument on the spot, using signposting, hedging, and concession.

Notice

  • Task: you are asked, with no preparation, “Should university education be free?” Speak (or write, if practising alone) for 60–90 seconds.
  • Try to include: one signposting phrase, one hedge or booster, and one concession-then-counter structure.

Rule

Self-check: did your answer have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Did you acknowledge at least one counter-argument before giving your own view? That structure — not the “correctness” of your opinion — is what this task is training.

Practice

  1. Model opening using a hedge:
    Answer: Example: “This is a complex issue, but arguably, free university education benefits society more than it costs.”
  2. Model concession-then-counter:
    Answer: Example: “Granted, it would raise taxes. That said, it would also reduce long-term inequality and boost the economy.”
  3. Model closing signpost:
    Answer: Example: “So, on balance, I’d argue the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term cost.”

Connect

Practise building signposting and concession sentences with the Sentence Builder.

Try Sentence Builder →

CEFR: C2

Azizul Hakim
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