---
title: "TestDaF TDN 5 Speaking Task 4: Taking a stance in a discussion"
description: "Oral Expression Task 4 in the TestDaF (TDN 5): taking a stance in a discussion. Format, strategy, common mistakes and a worked example with answer."
canonical: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn5/speaking/part-4"
url: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn5/speaking/part-4.md"
locale: "en"
provider: "TestDaF"
level: "TDN 5"
alternates:
  de: "https://prepliq.com/de/modelltest/testdaf-deutsch-tdn5/sprechen/teil-4.md"
  en: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn5/speaking/part-4.md"
  fr: "https://prepliq.com/fr/examen-blanc/testdaf-allemand-tdn5/expression-orale/partie-4.md"
  it: "https://prepliq.com/it/simulazione-esame/testdaf-tedesco-tdn5/parlato/parte-4.md"
  es: "https://prepliq.com/es/modelo-de-examen/testdaf-aleman-tdn5/expresion-oral/parte-4.md"
---

# TestDaF TDN 5 Speaking Task 4 – Taking a stance in a discussion

> Oral Expression Task 4 in the TestDaF (TDN 5): taking a stance in a discussion. Format, strategy, common mistakes and a worked example with answer.

## Key takeaways

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

- Task type: Taking a stance in a discussion
- Focus: Arguing

## 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:** Arguing, Weighing up, Justifying an opinion

## How to approach it

1. Grasp the discussion question.
2. Name an argument for and one against.
3. Justify the arguments briefly.
4. Weigh up and formulate your own position.
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. — 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?
  - a) Online-Prüfungen sind praktisch, weil man von zu Hause teilnehmen kann. Allerdings ist Betrug schwerer zu verhindern. Insgesamt bin ich für eine Mischung.
  - b) Online ist immer besser.
  - c) Ich habe keine Meinung dazu.
  - Answer: a — Option a weighs up (practical, but risk of cheating) and formulates a justified position. b is undifferentiated, c takes no position.

## Common mistakes

- **Not weighing up:** Consider both sides, not just your opinion.
- **Not justifying your opinion:** Justify your position with arguments.
- **No clear position:** Take a clear position at the end.
- **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.

## Ready for the exam?

[Practice this part on Prepliq](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn5?action=start&sectionId=Oral%20Expression)

[TestDaF TDN 5 Speaking Task 4 – Taking a stance in a discussion](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn5/speaking/part-4)