Dilemmas and opinions can make for an interesting discussion, especially when your students do not all agree. These 20 prompts give C1 learners a chance to question ideas, compare priorities and justify their views. Encourage them to ask questions and think through the different sides of the issue.
For more topic-based speaking practice, check out our C1 discussion and argument questions:
Contents
Dilemmas vs opinions
Dilemma prompts
When presented with a dilemma, it’s each partner’s role to explore the problem through questioning before evaluating the situation. They should then express opinion, caution, reservations and/or sympathy.
Make sure you understand the dilemma and ask questions before offering solutions. Invent extra details together if needed. Compare possible actions, explain your reservations and agree a recommendation with any necessary conditions.
Opinion prompts
If asked to discuss their opinion, learners discuss a thought-provoking and often divisive statement which encourages them to challenge and justify arguments. They should react and explore the opinion by asking questions before evaluating both sides of the issue.
Opinions can catch you off guard. When discussing your view, consider different arguments and test the assumptions behind the statement. Ask for clarification, consider a counterexample and arrive at a qualified conclusion together.
20 C1 dilemmas and opinions
Here are ten dilemmas and ten opinion prompts for C1 speaking practice. Choose a prompt, compare priorities or test an assumption, and ask your partner a clarification question. Use the download to develop your discussion towards a qualified recommendation or conclusion.
Download a pdf version of 20 C1 dilemmas and opinions:
Dilemma prompts
- I’ve just started renting a room in a shared house and my new housemates love to have parties at home. I like having a good time, but I’m not sure how I feel about it.
- I’ve decided to delete all my social media accounts, but I’m worried that I might lose touch with some of my friends.
- I can’t decide whether I should start looking for a new job. I feel like I could be climbing the career ladder faster than I am.
- My niece has decided to join the army as soon as she finishes school, but I’m a pacifist so I’m not very keen on the idea.
- I’ve noticed that my neighbour never recycles and I think I should bring it up next time we see each other.
- My study timetable is getting too crowded. I need to make time for revision, other commitments and a proper break, but I am not sure what to change.
- My husband never wants to help out around the house and I’m starting to feel like I do the lion’s share of the work.
- I’m thinking about taking my daughter out of school and teaching her from home instead. It’s a big decision to make though.
- A friend of mine is on track to become a professional athlete, but I’m worried he might be heading down a dangerous path.
- A huge chain store is moving in next door to the clothes shop I own. Should I be concerned about it affecting my business?
Opinion prompts
- Family is really undervalued these days. I wish we could go back to the way things were in the past.
- I’ve never understood people who spend all day rushing around. Life should be about taking your time to stop and smell the roses.
- There’s an important international sporting event in my city next week, which is great, but I can’t stand it when everywhere is packed with tourists.
- People are always complaining about online privacy nowadays, but I don’t see what the big deal is.
- I wish I could trust the news I read in newspapers. It feels like everything is so over-the-top and sensationalist that I can’t believe any of it.
- Online dating apps and relationships have gone too far. Nobody knows how to communicate face-to-face anymore.
- I’m so impressed with the way science and technology have improved our lives over the last decade. It really has been revolutionary.
- I can’t stand people who only think about themselves and always want to win. It really drives me up the wall.
- The most important thing for future generations is to ensure they get a good education. There’s no substitute for a well-designed school system.
- Why don’t young people move out on their own anymore? It seems like everyone lives with their parents much longer than they used to.
