Goethe-Zertifikat B2 · Modelltest · Part 2 – Discussion
Goethe B2 Speaking (Sprechen) Part 2 – Discussion
Or practise it right here online – with an assessment and feedback
In Part 2 you discuss a question with your partner. Here’s how to exchange arguments and reach a conclusion.
Key takeaways
- You discuss a controversial question with your partner and exchange arguments.
- Defend your opinion, respond to your partner and reach a conclusion.
What this part tests
Part 2 tests whether you can discuss a controversial question with a partner. You get a question or topic (e.g. “Sollte man …?”) and exchange your opinions and arguments.
It’s about real interaction: defending and justifying your opinion, addressing your partner’s arguments, agreeing or disagreeing with reasons, asking follow-up questions and reaching a joint conclusion or compromise at the end.
The most common losses of marks: only holding your own opinion without addressing your partner, or discussing impolitely. Whoever responds actively and argues objectively convinces.
How to approach it
- 1
State your opinion on the question and justify it.
- 2
Listen to your partner’s arguments carefully.
- 3
Agree or disagree with reasons and objectively.
- 4
Ask follow-up questions and address your partner’s points.
- 5
Try to reach a joint conclusion or compromise at the end.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: how to discuss and respond to your partner.
Diskutieren Sie die Frage „Sollte in Innenstädten ein Tempolimit von 30 km/h gelten?". Tauschen Sie Argumente aus und versuchen Sie, zu einem Ergebnis zu kommen.
Example phrases (extract):
Why? The example defends a justified opinion, addresses the partner (agree + counter-argument + follow-up question), stays objective and finds a compromise at the end – exactly what Part 2 expects.
Practice: test yourself
In Teil 2 diskutiert ihr die Frage „Sollte das Studium kostenlos sein?". Dein Partner ist dafür.
Which sentence responds well to the partner’s argument?
In a discussion you address your partner, agree partly and bring a counter-argument plus a follow-up question (option a). b shows no interest, c is impolite and unobjective.Want to see how this feels in practice?
Try this section in an exam-like format and find out how confident you are before exam day.
Common mistakes
A discussion is not a monologue. Respond to your partner’s arguments.
Disagree objectively and politely, not personally or harshly.
Justify every opinion with an argument or example.
Try to reach a joint conclusion or compromise at the end.
Tips
- Learn phrases for agreeing, disagreeing and asking back.
- Listen actively and refer to your partner’s statements.
- Stay objective and polite, even when you disagree.
Frequently asked questions
What do I have to do in Part 2?
Discuss a controversial question with your partner: defend your opinion, address their arguments and seek a joint conclusion.
How do I respond well to my partner?
With phrases for agreeing and disagreeing, by referring to their statements and asking follow-up questions.
Does there have to be a conclusion at the end?
A good discussion reaches a joint conclusion or compromise at the end. That feels complete.
What’s the best way to practice Part 2?
Discuss controversial questions with a partner and practice responding. A Prepliq mock grades your speaking automatically with reference to the published assessment criteria.
Other parts
Useful resources
Check if you’re ready for this exam part
Practice in an exam-like format with real time limits, get an assessment modelled on the official criteria, and see where you still need work.
- Exam-like task format with real time limits
- Assessment modelled on the official exam criteria
- Speak with a partner
- Detailed feedback and corrections on what you say