Cambridge Speaking: Extend and Connect Your Partner’s Ideas
Turn separate answers into a connected discussion by listening, responding and inviting your partner forward.
Build on your partner’s idea
In a collaborative Cambridge-style speaking discussion, strong interaction means more than giving separate opinions. Listen for your partner’s main point, respond to it and add a useful new dimension.
The LINK sequence
- Listen: identify the partner’s main idea.
- Indicate your response: agree, qualify or challenge politely.
- Navigate forward: add a reason, example or consequence.
- Keep the exchange open: invite the partner to continue.
Useful interaction language
- I see what you mean about…
- That’s a strong point, particularly because…
- I agree to some extent, although…
- Building on what you said…
- Would you say the same applies to…?
- Which of these factors do you think matters most?
Model exchange
Speaker A: Flexible hours may improve motivation because employees have more control over their day.
Speaker B: I see what you mean about control. Building on that, flexible hours could also reduce stress for people with family responsibilities. However, teams would still need shared working times. Would you say communication is the main difficulty?
Guided practice
Your partner says: “Online training is the best option because employees can study whenever they have time.”
Respond in three parts: acknowledge the idea, add one advantage or limitation, and ask a question that keeps the discussion moving.
Suggested answer
That’s a good point about flexibility. Another advantage is that employees can repeat difficult sections, although some people may miss immediate feedback from a trainer. Do you think a mixture of online and live training would be more effective?
Your speaking task
Discuss four ways a company could improve employee wellbeing: flexible hours, training, social events and a quieter workspace. Each time your partner speaks, refer to one part of their idea before adding your own.