In the Speaking module – the oral exam – you give a presentation (Part 1) and hold a discussion (Part 2). Here’s the structure, useful phrases and examples for both parts.
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Key takeaways
Speaking – the oral exam – is the fourth module of the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 exam (GDS). It has two parts and lasts around 15 minutes. Beforehand you have 15 minutes of preparation for both parts; in the exam you speak freely.
It tests whether you can present on a topic at the highest level and defend your position convincingly in a discussion. It’s about a clear structure, demanding language (vocabulary and structures), a clear personal stance and the ability to argue in a differentiated way and convince.
The two parts call for two skills: in Part 1 (production) you give a roughly five-minute presentation on a self-chosen topic, weigh up different standpoints and then answer questions. In Part 2 (interaction) you hold a discussion, defend your position with examples and try to convince your counterpart.
The presentation requires free, structured speaking at the highest level, the discussion convincing, differentiated argument. Manageable only with a lot of practice.
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Presentation | Presentation | Structured & demanding presenting | 1 | 50 |
| Part 2 – Discussion | Discussion | Convincing discussion | 1 | 50 |
In Part 1 you need a clear structure, weigh up different standpoints and make your personal stance clear. Learn a fixed structure.
You have 15 minutes of preparation for both parts. Note keywords and examples for presentation and discussion.
At C2 differentiated vocabulary and complex structures count. Vary your language and avoid simple repetitions.
Part 2 is interaction. Defend your position with examples, engage with the arguments and try to convince.
Support your positions with concrete examples. That makes your argument convincing and vivid.
Don’t read out – use your notes only as a support. Free, coherent and fluent speaking is expected at C2.
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Learn a demanding set of phrases for both parts:
The topics in the oral exam are demanding and socially relevant:
Read this guide and look at an example of the oral exam: how do presentation and discussion work?
Learn the structure of a presentation: opening, weighing up standpoints, examples, personal stance, conclusion.
Give a ~5-minute presentation on various topics – free, structured and with demanding language.
Gather arguments and examples for controversial questions and practice convincing.
Discuss with a partner: defend your position, engage with arguments, convince.
Run through both parts – presentation and discussion.
Have your speaking graded – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores speaking automatically.
It has two parts: Part 1 (production – give a ~5-minute presentation and answer questions) and Part 2 (interaction – hold a discussion). It lasts around 15 minutes, with 15 minutes of preparation.
Yes. In Part 1 you give your presentation alone and answer questions afterwards. In Part 2 you hold a discussion with your examiner or a partner.
Yes, 15 minutes for both parts. You prepare alone and may make notes. In the exam you should speak freely.
You’re graded above all on task completion, pronunciation, demanding vocabulary, correctness and interaction. Each module is scored out of 100 points; to pass you need 60.
Demanding, socially relevant topics such as home, new media or the future of print media. In Part 1 you choose a topic, in Part 2 you discuss a controversial question.
Practice structured presenting and convincing discussion – ideally out loud and with a partner. At Prepliq you practice speaking with a mock that scores your answers automatically – because the PDF answer key does not cover speaking.
Practice this exam section in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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