C2 Speaking Skills 2

Question 1

In a C2-level debate, a speaker argues: 'Renewable energy is not merely a viable alternative—it is an imperative.' What rhetorical device is being used?

Accepted Answer

Correction/Epanorthosis

Answer

Epanorthosis involves correcting or strengthening a previous statement, here replacing 'viable alternative' with the stronger 'imperative.'

Question 2

Which strategy best demonstrates C2-level discourse management when an interviewer interrupts your complex argument?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the interruption and signal your intent to complete the point

Answer

C2 speakers manage discourse gracefully by acknowledging interruptions while asserting their communicative intent.

Question 3

A speaker says: 'One could, conceivably, argue the contrary—though few would.' What function does this serve in sophisticated discourse?

Accepted Answer

It preemptively acknowledges and dismisses counterarguments

Answer

This technique, called procatalepsis, anticipates opposing views and neutralizes them, strengthening the speaker's overall argument.

Question 4

Which prosodic feature most effectively signals irony in spoken English at C2 level?

Accepted Answer

Exaggerated stress on a word combined with a falling-rising tone

Answer

Irony in English speech is typically conveyed through exaggerated nuclear stress paired with a fall-rise intonation pattern.

Question 5

At C2 level, what distinguishes 'hedged' speech from 'vague' speech?

Accepted Answer

Hedged speech deliberately moderates certainty with purpose; vague speech lacks precision unintentionally

Answer

C2 speakers use hedges strategically to signal epistemic caution, whereas vagueness is an unintentional failure of precision.

C2 Practice Test

C2 Practice Test

C2 Speaking Skills 2