Block 6 of 6 · Final Block · Real English
Opinions & Debate
Argue, agree, disagree and persuade — with the language that makes your voice count in English.
30:00
AVocabulary — Opinion & argument language30 min
10 expressions for arguing and persuading
These are the phrases that make arguments sound intelligent and credible in English. They are fixed expressions — you can’t guess them from Spanish, and using them correctly marks a clear step up from B1 to B2. Click to reveal.
Fill in the blanks — debate extracts
Context: These sentences are from class debates and discussions. Complete each one with the correct expression.
Click a word from the bank, then click the blank where you want to place it.
having said that
play devil’s advocate
the fact of the matter is
by the same token
taken out of context
beg to differ
1. I — I don’t think the evidence supports that conclusion at all.
2. that the majority of young people simply don’t vote, and that’s a serious problem.
3. I agree with your main point. , I think the situation is more complicated than you suggest.
4. Let me here — what if the opposite were true?
5. If we argue that technology reduces jobs, then we must acknowledge that it also creates new ones.
6. That statistic has been — it refers to a very specific group, not the general population.
BGrammar — Hedging & concession clauses30 min
Grammar focus — Hedging language + concession clauses
Hedging — softening your claim to sound more credible and less absolute:It could be argued that… / There is a tendency for… / It seems likely that…
To some extent, this is true. / In many cases, the evidence suggests…
Concession clauses — acknowledging the other side before stating your position:
While it is true that… , it is also important to note that…
Although some people argue… , the reality is…
Even though this approach has merit… , it fails to account for…
Despite the benefits of… , there are significant drawbacks.
Choose the correct hedging or concession structure
Select the most natural and appropriate option for each debate or discussion context.
Reorder the argument sentences
Context: These sentences use hedging and concession structures, but the words are in the wrong order. Drag to build them correctly.
Drag and drop each word to build the correct sentence.
CListening — Arguing a controversial topic30 min
Context: You are going to hear Clara, 24, from Leeds, arguing her position on a controversial topic: whether social media companies should be responsible for the content their users post. This is a monologue in which she structures and defends an argument.
Listen carefully to how Clara structures her argument — introduction, evidence, concession and conclusion. Transcript appears after your first listen.
Clara — Who is Responsible for Social Media Content?
Ready to play
Comprehension questions
DDebate simulation — argue your position30 min
Matching — argument structure phrases
Context: A well-structured argument uses different types of phrases at different moments. Match each phrase with its function in an argument.
Click a phrase on the left, then click its matching function on the right.
Debate — choose the most effective response
Context: You are in a class debate on the topic: «Technology does more harm than good.» At each moment in the debate, choose the most effective and well-structured response.
Choose the best response at each point in the debate. Think about argument structure, language level and persuasive impact.
EEssay introduction — structure and language30 min
Write an essay introduction
Topic: «The internet has done more to divide society than to unite it.» Write an essay introduction of 80–100 words. You do not need to give your full argument — just introduce the topic and state your position clearly.
Use the scaffold below. Each section has a specific job in the introduction. Aim for 80–100 words in total.
General statement — introduce the topic broadly
In recent years, … / Over the past decade, … / The rise of the internet has…
Narrow down — the specific debate
However, there is growing debate about whether… / A key question is whether…
Acknowledge both sides — brief concession
While some argue that… , others maintain that…
Thesis statement — your position
This essay will argue that… / I will contend that… / It is my view that…
Total words: 0 / 100 (aim for 80–100)
it could be argued that
there is compelling evidence that
to a significant extent
this essay will contend
while acknowledging that
FRegister — Essay language vs casual debate30 min
Sort the expressions — formal essay or casual discussion?
Context: Some of these expressions are appropriate for a formal essay or written argument. Others are fine in a casual class debate but too informal for written work. Sort them correctly.
Click an expression to select it, then click the correct zone.
Formal essay / written argument
Casual debate / spoken
Upgrade the language — make it essay-appropriate
Context: A student has written these sentences for an essay. Each one has a register problem. Choose the more appropriate version for formal written English.
Select the more formal and appropriate version for an essay.