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Taking a stance on an abstract topicAbstract argument

TestDaF TDN 5 Speaking Task 7 – Taking a stance on an abstract topic

Task 7 of the Oral Expression is about: taking a stance on an abstract topic. Here’s how to respond to the situation correctly.

As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format

1
Tasks
5
Points
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Key takeaways

  • You take a stance on an abstract question and weigh up pros and cons.
  • Argue in a differentiated way and formulate a justified position.

What this part tests

Task 7 is the most demanding speaking task. It tests whether you can take a differentiated stance on an abstract, often social topic.

You weigh up pros and cons or different positions, justify in a differentiated way with examples and formulate your own, clearly justified opinion.

What matters is a clear structure, demanding language, differentiated argument and free, fluent speaking at a high level.

What you practice:Abstract argumentDifferentiated weighing upSpeaking freely

How to approach it

  1. 1

    Introduce the abstract topic in a differentiated way.

  2. 2

    Name different positions or pros and cons.

  3. 3

    Justify them in a differentiated way and with examples.

  4. 4

    Weigh up and formulate your own position.

  5. 5

    Close with a clear, justified conclusion.

Example task with answer

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

Aufgabe

Manche meinen, soziale Medien verbinden die Menschen, andere sehen darin eine Vereinzelung. Nehmen Sie Stellung und wägen Sie ab.

Model answer:

Answer: Die Frage, ob soziale Medien die Menschen eher verbinden oder vereinzeln, wird kontrovers diskutiert, und beide Sichtweisen haben ihre Berechtigung. Auf der einen Seite ermöglichen soziale Medien es, über große Entfernungen Kontakt zu halten – etwa zu Familie und Freunden im Ausland. Auf der anderen Seite verbringen viele Menschen so viel Zeit online, dass reale Begegnungen seltener werden; ein Beispiel ist, dass man im Café oft Gruppen sieht, in denen jeder auf sein Handy schaut. Meiner Ansicht nach hängt die Wirkung vom Umgang ab: Wer soziale Medien bewusst nutzt, kann von ihnen profitieren, ohne die realen Beziehungen zu vernachlässigen. Entscheidend ist also nicht das Medium selbst, sondern der reflektierte Umgang damit.

Why? The answer introduces the abstract topic in a differentiated way, weighs up both sides with examples and formulates a differentiated, justified position in demanding language – exactly what Task 7 expects.

Practice: test yourself

Die Aufgabe lautet: „Manche meinen, der technische Fortschritt mache das Leben leichter, andere sehen darin Gefahren. Was meinen Sie?"

Which opening suits a balanced stance?

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Common mistakes

1
Arguing too simply

At this level you must weigh up in a differentiated way, not just state an opinion.

2
No examples

Support your arguments with examples – that makes them convincing.

3
Simple language

Use demanding vocabulary and complex structures.

4
No clear position

Formulate a clear, justified opinion at the end.

Tips

  • Introduce the topic in a differentiated way and announce a weighing up.
  • Support each argument with an example.
  • Use demanding phrases and speak freely.

Frequently asked questions

What do I have to do in Task 7?

Taking a stance on an abstract topic. 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 7?

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 4 – Take a stanceTask 5 – Weigh up & adviseTask 6 – Graphic & hypotheses

Useful resources

TestDaF TDN 5 word list – learn for free

Learn 1500+ of the most important TestDaF TDN 5 words interactively with flashcards.

Official TestDaF TDN 5 practice test (PDF)

Preview and download the official TestDaF TDN 5 practice test – with answers and study material.

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