Goethe C2 Speaking (Sprechen) Part 2 – Discussion
In Part 2 you hold a discussion on a controversial topic. Here’s how to defend your position and try to convince.
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- Speak with a partner
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Key takeaways
- You hold a discussion on a controversial topic, defend your position and try to convince.
- Give examples, engage with the arguments and stay convincing.
What this part tests
Part 2 (interaction) tests whether you can defend your position and convince your counterpart in a discussion at the highest level. You choose a topic and a statement (pro or contra) and begin the discussion with your examiner or a partner.
It’s about convincing interaction: defending your position with examples, engaging with your counterpart’s arguments and trying to convince them of your arguments. Demanding language and differentiated argument are decisive.
The most common losses of marks: not engaging with the counterpart, only asserting without justifying or not wanting to convince. Whoever interacts actively, argues with examples and comes across convincingly also convinces the examiners.
How to approach it
- 1
Choose a topic and a statement (pro or contra) and begin the discussion.
- 2
Defend your position and justify it with examples.
- 3
Listen to your counterpart’s arguments carefully.
- 4
Engage with them – refute them or acknowledge valid points.
- 5
Try to convince your counterpart of your arguments.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: how to defend your position and convince.
Diskutieren Sie das Thema „Hat die gedruckte Zeitung eine Zukunft?". Wählen Sie ein Statement (Pro oder Contra), vertreten Sie Ihre Meinung mit Beispielen, gehen Sie auf die Argumente Ihres Gegenübers ein und versuchen Sie zu überzeugen.
Example phrases (extract):
Why? The example defends a clear position with an argument, engages with the counter-argument, refutes it in a differentiated way and tries to convince with concrete examples – exactly what Part 2 expects.
Practice: test yourself
In Teil 2 diskutierst du das Thema „Hat die gedruckte Zeitung eine Zukunft?". Du vertrittst die Pro-Position.
Which sentence defends the position convincingly?
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Common mistakes
A discussion is interaction. Refer to your counterpart’s arguments.
Justify every position with arguments and concrete examples.
The task requires you to try to convince. Be active and convincing.
Use demanding vocabulary and complex structures in the discussion too.
Tips
- Learn demanding phrases for defending, refuting and convincing.
- Support your positions with concrete examples.
- Listen actively and refer to your counterpart’s arguments.
Frequently asked questions
What do I have to do in Part 2?
Hold a discussion on a controversial topic: defend your position with examples, engage with your counterpart’s arguments and try to convince.
Who do I discuss with?
Usually with your examiner or a partner. You choose a statement and begin the discussion.
What matters most?
Defending your position convincingly, engaging with the counterpart and using demanding language.
What’s the best way to practice Part 2?
Discuss controversial questions and practice defending and convincing with examples. A Prepliq mock grades your speaking automatically with reference to the published assessment criteria.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 600+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat C2 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat C2 practice test – with answers and study material.
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