Here are 50 useful expressions for a C1/C2 Cambridge speaking exam, grouped by function.
Giving Opinions
- From my perspective…
- As far as I’m concerned…
- Personally speaking…
- I would argue that…
- I’m inclined to believe that…
- It seems to me that…
- I tend to think that…
- I strongly believe that…
Example:
From my perspective, social media has both positive and negative effects.
Agreeing
- I completely agree with you.
- That’s a very good point.
- I couldn’t agree more.
- You’ve hit the nail on the head.
- That’s exactly how I see it.
- You make a compelling point.
Example:
You’ve hit the nail on the head — technology really has changed the way we communicate.
Partly Agreeing / Softening
- I see what you mean, but…
- You may be right, however…
- That’s true to some extent, but…
- I take your point, although…
- I agree up to a point.
Example:
I agree up to a point, but I think there are other factors involved.
Disagreeing Politely
- I’m not entirely convinced that…
- I see things slightly differently.
- I’m afraid I have to disagree.
- I’m not sure I would go that far.
- That’s one way of looking at it, but…
Example:
I’m not entirely convinced that money is the main reason people choose their careers.
Speculating
- It might be the case that…
- It’s possible that…
- One possible explanation is that…
- I suppose it could be because…
- Perhaps the reason is that…
Example:
It might be the case that people prefer working remotely because it saves time.
Comparing and Contrasting
- On the one hand… on the other hand…
- Compared to…
- In contrast to…
- Whereas…
- While it’s true that…, it’s also true that…
Example:
On the one hand, technology connects people. On the other hand, it can make relationships more superficial.
Developing Ideas
- What’s more…
- Another point worth mentioning is…
- In addition to that…
- Not only that, but…
- This is particularly important because…
Example:
Another point worth mentioning is the environmental impact.
Giving Examples
- For instance…
- A good example of this is…
- Take … for example.
Example:
Take online education, for example.
Concluding
- All things considered…
- Taking everything into account…
- Ultimately…
- In the long run…
Example:
All things considered, I think public transport should be improved.
Interaction Expressions
- What do you think about that?
- Do you agree?
- Shall we move on to the next point?
- Let’s consider another option.
