The Vocabulary of Debate and Opinion
Debate and opinion vocabulary is the lexical foundation for argumentative academic writing at B2. Opinion markers: in my view, it could be argued that, from my perspective, it seems clear that, one might say that. Concession markers: admittedly, granted, while it’s true that, of course, naturally. Counter-argument: however, that said, on the other hand, on the contrary, whereas, in contrast. Strength markers: strongly, firmly, deeply, fundamentally (high) vs to some extent, in part, somewhat (qualified). Together, this is the productive base for B2 opinion essays and argumentative speaking.
This worksheet builds B2 fluency with debate-and-opinion vocabulary in essay-and-discussion contexts.
Worksheet preview
What’s inside:
- Vocabulary box with 30+ argumentative markers grouped by function (opinion, concession, counter-argument, strength)
- Sentence-completion: complete argumentative sentences with appropriate markers
- Essay-paragraph gap-fill targeting argumentative discourse markers
- Rewriting task: convert plain statements into argumentative essay sentences
- Full Answer Key plus Teacher Notes with CAE essay-prep extension
Common challenges: Overuse of I think is the central B1→B2 problem — strong B2+ writing uses In my view, It could be argued, It seems evident that to vary register. Concession markers are essential for balanced argument: Admittedly, granted, while it’s true that signal awareness of counter-arguments. False friends: German eigentlich maps to actually (in fact), not really (= wirklich). Strength calibration: I strongly believe (full commitment) vs I tend to think (qualified).
For: Adult and teenage learners (14+) at CEFR B2, in upper-intermediate classes, 1:1 lessons, or self-study. Debate-and-opinion vocabulary is the band-discriminator in Cambridge B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) Writing — particularly essays. Part of the Education & Academic collection — the natural next step is Register and Style: Choosing the Right Word, which moves into the C1 register-precision dimension.
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