Goethe-Zertifikat C1 · Modelltest · Part 2 – Discussion
Goethe C1 Speaking (Sprechen) Part 2 – Discussion
Or practise it right here online – with an assessment and feedback
In Part 2 you discuss a controversial topic with your partner. Here’s how to exchange arguments and reach an agreement.
Key takeaways
- You discuss a controversial topic with your partner and exchange arguments.
- Defend your position, engage with your partner and try to reach an agreement.
What this part tests
Part 2 tests whether you can discuss a controversial topic with a partner and negotiate a solution. You get a topic with a short text and guide points (comment, justify, refer to your home country, reach agreement) and discuss it.
It’s about real interaction at a high level: defending and justifying your position in a differentiated way, engaging with your partner’s arguments, agreeing or disagreeing with reasons, and negotiating a joint solution or compromise at the end.
The most common losses of marks: only holding your own position without engaging with your partner, or not seeking an agreement. Whoever responds actively, argues in a differentiated way and negotiates convinces.
How to approach it
- 1
State your position on the topic and justify it in a differentiated way.
- 2
Listen to your partner’s arguments carefully.
- 3
Acknowledge valid points and disagree with reasons.
- 4
Refer to the situation in your home country or another country.
- 5
Try to agree on a joint solution at the end.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: how to discuss and negotiate a solution.
Diskutieren Sie das Thema „Impfpflicht für Kinder". Kommentieren Sie, begründen Sie Ihre Haltung, gehen Sie auf die Situation in Ihrem Heimatland ein und versuchen Sie, sich zu einigen.
Example phrases (extract):
Why? The example defends a justified position, engages with the partner (acknowledge + counter-argument), refers to the home country and negotiates a compromise at the end – exactly what Part 2 expects.
Practice: test yourself
In Teil 2 diskutiert ihr das Thema „Impfpflicht für Kinder". Dein Partner ist dagegen.
Which sentence responds well to the partner’s argument?
In a C1 discussion you engage with your partner, acknowledge their concerns, bring a counter-argument and seek an agreement (option a). b is unobjective, c shows no interest.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. Refer to your partner’s arguments.
Disagree in a differentiated and polite way, not personally or sweepingly.
Justify every position in a differentiated way with arguments and examples.
The task requires you to agree in the end. Negotiate a solution.
Tips
- Learn demanding phrases for agreeing, disagreeing and negotiating.
- Acknowledge your partner’s valid points before you disagree.
- Steer the discussion towards a joint agreement.
Frequently asked questions
What do I have to do in Part 2?
Discuss a controversial topic with your partner: justify your position, engage with their arguments, refer to your home country and agree at the end.
How do I respond well to my partner?
With demanding phrases, by acknowledging valid points, disagreeing in a differentiated way and asking follow-up questions.
Does there have to be an agreement at the end?
Yes. The task requires you to try to agree on a joint solution or compromise.
What’s the best way to practice Part 2?
Discuss controversial questions with a partner and practice negotiating. 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