telc German C1 · Mündlicher Ausdruck
Discussion & consensusArguing & negotiating

telc C1 Speaking Part 2 – Discussion and Consensus

In Part 2 you discuss a topic with your partner and try to reach a consensus together. Here’s how to argue and agree.

As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format

1
Tasks
24
Points

Key takeaways

  • You discuss a topic or quote with your partner.
  • Argue, engage with your partner and reach a consensus together.

What this part tests

Part 2 tests whether you can discuss a topic, argue and reach a result together. You and your partner get a topic or quote – the examiner presents it – and exchange views: how do you understand it? do you agree? which arguments speak for or against?

What matters is not having “the right” opinion, but justifying your position clearly and in a differentiated way and engaging with your partner – agreeing, disagreeing politely, weighing up. At the end you should try to find a consensus or compromise.

Good phrases for opinion, reasons, agreement, disagreement and consensus make this part easier. Whoever just says single sentences without justifying or engaging with the partner loses points. Stay in the conversation and develop the topic together.

What you practice:Differentiated argumentationEngaging with your partnerFinding consensus

How to approach it

  1. 1

    During preparation, read the topic/quote and note arguments for and against.

  2. 2

    State your position clearly and justify it in a differentiated way.

  3. 3

    Weigh up and engage with your partner’s arguments – agree or disagree politely.

  4. 4

    Ask follow-up questions to keep the discussion going (“Wie sehen Sie das?”).

  5. 5

    At the end, try to agree on a consensus or compromise.

Example task with answer

A short example in the same format: how to discuss in a differentiated way and look for a consensus.

Zitat

„Soziale Medien sollten an Schulen stärker thematisiert werden." – Diskutieren Sie und versuchen Sie, zu einem gemeinsamen Ergebnis zu kommen.

Example discussion (extract):

Answer: Meiner Ansicht nach ist das sinnvoll, weil Schülerinnen und Schüler einen kritischen Umgang mit sozialen Medien lernen sollten. – Da gebe ich Ihnen recht, allerdings frage ich mich, ob die Lehrkräfte dafür ausreichend ausgebildet sind. – Das ist ein wichtiger Punkt. Könnten wir uns darauf einigen, dass das Thema in den Unterricht gehört, aber zusätzliche Schulungen für Lehrkräfte nötig sind? – Ja, darauf können wir uns einigen.

Why? The example justifies a position, the partner partly agrees and brings an objection, both engage with each other and reach a consensus at the end – exactly what’s expected in Part 2.

Practice: test yourself

In Teil 2 diskutiert ihr über das Zitat „Bildung ist die wichtigste Investition in die Zukunft". Dein Partner stimmt voll zu, du siehst es differenzierter.

How do you respond well at C1 level?

Common mistakes

1
Opinion without reason

A bare opinion isn’t enough at C1. Justify in a differentiated way and with examples.

2
Disagreeing rudely or sweepingly

Don’t say “Das ist falsch”, but “Das trifft zu, allerdings …” or “Das sehe ich anders, weil …”.

3
Ignoring your partner

Speak with your partner, not with the examiner. Engage with their arguments.

4
Not seeking a consensus

Part 2 is also about negotiating. Try to reach a common result at the end.

Tips

  • Learn phrases for opinion, weighing up, polite disagreement and consensus by heart.
  • Prepare several arguments for and against for common topics.
  • Listen actively and refer to your partner’s statements.

Frequently asked questions

What do I talk about in Part 2?

About a given topic or quote. You state your position, justify it, weigh up and discuss with your partner – at the end you look for a consensus.

Do I have to find a common solution at the end?

Yes, Part 2 requires negotiating together. Try to agree on a common position or a compromise.

How do I disagree politely?

With phrases like “Das trifft zu, allerdings …” or “Das sehe ich anders, weil …”. That way you stay polite and justify in a differentiated way.

What’s the best way to practice Part 2?

Practice arguing on many topics and reaching a consensus with a partner. A Prepliq mock scores your speaking automatically.

Other parts

Useful resources

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