Cambridge English • Speaking
Cambridge C1 Speaking: Compare Options Collaboratively
Develop ideas naturally, compare possibilities, and keep a collaborative discussion moving.
The communication goal
In a collaborative speaking task, your aim is to explore ideas with another person. Strong candidates respond, compare, invite opinions, and move the discussion forward.
A useful discussion cycle
- Introduce one option.
- Explain an advantage or limitation.
- Connect it to another option.
- Invite your partner to respond.
Practice situation
A town wants young adults to participate more in community life. Discuss these options: sports events, volunteering, arts projects, public debates, and environmental campaigns.
Model: Volunteering could be effective because people can see a direct result from their effort. On the other hand, sports events may attract a wider range of people. Which option do you think would create a stronger sense of community?
Useful language
- One advantage of this option is…
- That may be true, although…
- Compared with…, this would…
- What is your view on…?
Practice
Improve this response: “Sports events are good.” Add a reason, comparison, and question.
Possible answer
Sports events could work well because they are social and easy to promote. However, volunteering may create a more lasting benefit. Which of those two would appeal to more young people?
Production task
Discuss three options aloud for two minutes. Use at least one comparison and two questions that invite another speaker’s opinion.