en
My DashboardSign In
Model TestsFeaturesPricingFAQBlogAbout
English
My DashboardSign In

Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache · Modelltest · Task 4 – Take a stance

TestDaF Speaking (Mündlicher Ausdruck) Task 4 – Taking a stance in a discussion

Tips & examples for Task 4How to approach it · Example task with answer · Practice: test yourself · Common mistakes · Tips · Frequently asked questions

Or practise it right here online – with an assessment and feedback

Choose what to practise

One TestDaF sectionPractice Speaking (from Task 4)

Choose a section

Task 4 of the Oral Expression is about: taking a stance in a discussion. Here’s how to respond to the situation correctly.

Key takeaways

  • You take a stance on a question in a seminar discussion.
  • Weigh up arguments and formulate your justified opinion.

What this part tests

Task 4 tests whether you can take a stance on a question in a discussion (e.g. in a seminar).

You weigh up arguments for and against, justify them and formulate your own justified position.

What matters is a clear structure (arguments, weighing up, opinion), good reasons and appropriate, somewhat more formal language.

What you practice:ArguingWeighing upJustifying an opinion

How to approach it

  1. 1

    Grasp the discussion question.

  2. 2

    Name an argument for and one against.

  3. 3

    Justify the arguments briefly.

  4. 4

    Weigh up and formulate your own position.

  5. 5

    Close with a clear conclusion.

Example task with answer

A short example in the same format: the situation and a model answer.

Aufgabe

In einem Seminar wird diskutiert: „Sollte das Studium kostenlos sein?" Nehmen Sie Stellung.

Model answer:

Answer: Zu der Frage, ob das Studium kostenlos sein sollte, gibt es gute Argumente auf beiden Seiten. Einerseits ermöglicht ein kostenloses Studium auch Menschen aus ärmeren Familien den Zugang zur Bildung. Andererseits müssen die Kosten ja irgendwie finanziert werden, etwa über Steuern. Meiner Meinung nach überwiegen die Vorteile: Bildung sollte allen offenstehen. Deshalb bin ich dafür, das Studium kostenlos zu halten, solange die Hochschulen ausreichend finanziert werden.

Why? The answer weighs up arguments (einerseits/andererseits), justifies them and formulates a clear, justified position – exactly what Task 4 expects.

Practice: test yourself

In einem Seminar wird diskutiert: „Sollten Prüfungen nur noch online stattfinden?"

Which contribution takes a stance well?

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.

Check your readiness on Prepliq

Common mistakes

1
Not weighing up

Consider both sides, not just your opinion.

2
Not justifying your opinion

Justify your position with arguments.

3
No clear position

Take a clear position at the end.

4
Too colloquial

In a seminar discussion you speak somewhat more formally.

Tips

  • Use “einerseits … andererseits” to weigh up.
  • Justify each argument briefly.
  • Formulate a clear, justified opinion at the end.

Frequently asked questions

What do I have to do in Task 4?

Taking a stance in a discussion. Respond to the given situation and use the suitable phrases.

How much preparation time do I have?

Only short preparation time. Quickly note keywords and a structure, then speak freely into the microphone.

Do I speak with an examiner?

No. The Oral Expression is computer-based – you speak alone into the microphone, and your answer is recorded.

What’s the best way to practice Task 4?

Practice this speech act with various situations, ideally out loud and recorded. A Prepliq mock grades your speaking automatically.

Other parts

Task 1 – Get informationTask 2 – Report & suggestTask 3 – Describe a graphicTask 5 – Weigh up & adviseTask 6 – Graphic & hypothesesTask 7 – Take a stance (abstract)

Useful resources

Official TestDaF practice test (PDF)

Preview and download the official TestDaF practice test – with answers and study material.

Back to overview · Sprechen

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
Practice from this part on Prepliq