The C1 Speaking Workout
A 100% non-stop discussion and debate class
CLASS TOPICS
Section A: Education & Learning
Inspirational Starter: What is school for?
Let’s watch this famous short talk. What is your initial reaction?
Discussion Prompt: Sir Ken Robinson argues that «schools kill creativity.» Based on your experience, do you agree or `deplore` this idea? Is this still true today?
Part 1: Quick-Fire Opinions
Find a partner. You have 90 seconds for each question.
- What’s the most *overrated* language-learning «hack» you’ve ever heard of?
- Is it better to have perfect grammar or perfect fluency? You must choose one.
- Do you believe you can ever *master* a language without living in the country?
- What’s your opinion on «compulsory» language learning in schools?
- Is a C1 certificate more about `proficiency` or just the ability to pass a test?
- Would you rather have a teacher with a `doctorate` but no social skills, or a fun teacher who makes mistakes?
- What’s the most *useless* piece of language-learning advice you’ve ever received?
- Should students be allowed to use translation apps in class?
Part 2: Debate Carousel
15 minutes per topic. 5 mins to prepare, 10 mins to debate!
Debate 1: The «Perfect Accent»
The Statement:
«In the professional world, having a ‘native’ or ‘prestige’ accent is just as important as your qualifications. It’s not fair, but it’s true.»
Debate 2: The Robot Teacher
The Statement:
«AI and robots will soon make human teachers obsolete. An AI can be a more patient, knowledgeable, and efficient teacher than a person.»
Debate 3: The «Value» of English
The Statement:
«If you are a professional (e.g., a doctor, engineer), it is irresponsible *not* to have a C1 level of English in today’s world.»
Debate 4: The Native Speaker «Myth»
The Statement:
«The idea of a ‘native speaker’ is outdated and unhelpful. A dedicated, C2-level non-native teacher is always better than an untrained, `inexperienced` native speaker.»
Part 3: C1 Speaking Simulation (Parts 3 & 4)
Put students in pairs. This exercise has two parts.
Your Script (Part 3):
Part 1 (2 minutes): «Now, I’d like you to talk together about how effective these different methods are for mastering a foreign language.»
Part 2 (1 minute): «Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which two methods are the most essential for achieving C1 `proficiency`.»
Your Script (Part 4: Follow-up):
Ask these questions to the students to encourage further discussion:
- Some people say that traditional grammar classes are boring and ineffective. What’s your opinion?
- Do you think language-learning apps can ever replace a real teacher? Why or why not?
- Is it possible to achieve `total immersion` without moving to another country? How?
- Why do you think some people `master` languages easily, while others struggle for years?
- Do you think learning a language just by watching movies is a realistic `attainment`?
Part 4: Modern Mazes – Rapid-Fire Scenarios
Let’s discuss these complex scenarios as a class. Justify your opinion!
Scenario 1: You are in a business meeting. A non-native-speaking colleague is giving a great presentation, but they make a few small grammar mistakes. After the meeting, your boss says, «I wish they’d work on their English. It’s distracting.»
Question: What is your immediate reaction? Do you agree with the boss? Do you say anything?
Scenario 2: Your local school wants to make a language like ancient Latin `compulsory`, arguing it «exercises the brain.» A group of parents `deplores` this, saying the time would be better spent on «practical» skills like coding.
Question: What is your opinion? Is learning for «brain exercise» a valid use of school time, or must all subjects be practical?
Scenario 3: You are paying for an expensive language course that advertised «Only 100% Native Speakers.» You discover your teacher, who is excellent, is not a native speaker but is completely fluent (C2 level). You feel the school’s advertising is dishonest.
Question: What do you do? Do you complain? Does it matter if the teacher is good, or were you sold a lie?
Scenario 4: In the `staff room`, a senior teacher says about a new trainee: «It’s great they have so much `enthusiasm`. *I guess some people just like putting on a show.*»
Question: What is the senior teacher *implying*? Do you agree or disagree with their implied attitude?
Part 5: C1 Speaking Simulation (Parts 3 & 4)
Put students in pairs. This exercise has two parts.
Your Script (Part 3):
Part 1 (2 minutes): «Now, I’d like you to talk together about how important each of these factors might be for creating the ‘school of the future’.»
Part 2 (1 minute): «Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which two factors would have the most positive impact on future students.»
Your Script (Part 4: Follow-up):
Ask these questions to the students to encourage further discussion:
- Do you think abolishing exams is a realistic idea, or just wishful thinking?
- How much responsibility should schools take for a student’s mental well-being?
- With the rise of AI, are skills like coding more important to learn than traditional subjects like history or art?
- Do you think `e-learning` can ever provide the same quality of education as an `interactive` classroom?
Section B: Childhood & The AI Future
Inspirational Starter: ‘AI Nanny’ (Short Film)
Let’s watch this powerful short film. What’s your gut reaction?
Discussion Prompt: This film presents a dark, dramatic take on an AI Nanny. Is this just science fiction, or does it highlight a real `one-sided` danger we are ignoring? What `implication` did you take from the ending?
Part 1: Quick-Fire Opinions
Find a partner. You have 90 seconds for each question.
- At what age should a child get their first smartphone?
- Is it «lazy parenting» to use a tablet or TV to keep a child quiet?
- Should AI tutors be used to help children with homework? What are the risks?
- «Failure is the best teacher.» Do you agree with this statement in the context of raising children?
- Are children today *less* or *more* creative than 30 years ago? Why?
- Should children be allowed to «be bored,» or should their time be structured with activities?
- Is it possible for an AI to provide genuine `empathy` or `compassion` to a child?
- What is one skill you think is `compulsory` for a child to learn that isn’t taught in most schools?
Part 2: Debate Carousel
15 minutes per topic. 5 mins to prepare, 10 mins to debate!
Debate 1: The AI Nanny
The Statement:
«Giving a child an ‘AI companion’ to talk to and learn from is irresponsible. It will destroy their ability to form real human connections.»
Debate 2: Screen Time Panic
The Statement:
«The moral panic over ‘screen time’ is `one-sided`. We are preparing children for a digital future; limiting screens is like limiting books.»
Debate 3: Academic Pressure
The Statement:
«Modern parenting is too focused on `attainment` and `assessment`. We are creating a generation of high-achieving, unhappy children.»
Debate 4: «Traditional» Childhood
The Statement:
«The idea of a ‘perfect’ traditional childhood (playing outside, no tech) is an illusion. Every generation faces different challenges.»
Part 3: C1 Speaking Simulation (Parts 3 & 4)
Put students in pairs. This exercise has two parts.
Your Script (Part 3):
Part 1 (2 minutes): «Now, I’d like you to talk together about how important it is for parents to focus on developing these qualities in their children.»
Part 2 (1 minute): «Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which two qualities are the most critical for a child’s future success.»
Your Script (Part 4: Follow-up):
Ask these questions to the students to encourage further discussion:
- Do you think qualities like `empathy` can be taught, or are people just born with them?
- Is it possible to be creative without also being disciplined?
- How can a parent teach a child resilience without being *too* hard on them?
- Do you think schools do enough to develop these «soft skills,» or are they too focused on academic `attainment`?
Part 4: Modern Mazes – Rapid-Fire Scenarios
Let’s discuss these complex parenting & tech scenarios as a class.
Scenario 1: You see your close friends’ 8-year-old child expertly navigating social media, including an Instagram account. Your friends see no problem with it. You are concerned about the child’s safety and mental health.
Question: Do you say something and risk the friendship, or do you stay quiet because it’s «not your child»?
Scenario 2: Your child’s school wants to replace all textbooks with tablets and use `e-learning` software for math. The software uses `continuous assessment` and adapts to each child. You are worried this means less human `interaction`.
Question: Do you support this move for «efficiency,» or do you argue for the «old-fashioned» teacher-led method?
Scenario 3: A new AI toy becomes popular. It can listen to a child, talk back, and tell them stories. A news report reveals the company «listens» to the recordings to «improve the product,» but this means they are recording private family conversations.
Question: Is this a necessary price for `innovative` technology, or a massive violation of privacy that should be illegal?
Scenario 4: Your child’s teacher (`contemporary`, in their 20s) posts «harmless» party photos on their private, but easily found, Instagram. Another parent `deplores` this as unprofessional. The teacher says their private life is their own.
Question: Does a teacher, as a role model, have a 24/7 responsibility to be «professional,» or is the parent being `one-sided` and old-fashioned?
Part 5: C1 Speaking Simulation (Parts 3 & 4)
Put students in pairs. This exercise has two parts.
Your Script (Part 3):
Part 1 (2 minutes): «Now, I’d like you to talk together about how challenging each of these issues might be for parents today.»
Part 2 (1 minute): «Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which two of these issues represent the greatest challenge for the next generation.»
Your Script (Part 4: Follow-up):
Ask these questions to the students to encourage further discussion:
- Do you think parents today are *too* worried about screen time, or not worried enough?
- How can parents help their children deal with academic pressure without lowering their ambitions?
- Do you think social media is generally a positive or negative force in a teenager’s life?
- Will competition from AI make life harder or easier for the next generation?
Homework: C1 Essay Task
C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay
Write your answer in 220–260 words in an appropriate style.
Your class has attended a panel discussion on which areas of modern life are most affected by artificial intelligence. You have made the notes below:
Which areas of life are most significantly impacted by AI?
- Education
- Child-rearing
- The Workplace
Some opinions expressed in the discussion:
- «AI tutors and `e-learning` will make education more personal and effective than ever before.»
- «Relying on AI for parenting and childcare will lead to a generation that lacks `empathy`.»
- «AI will replace so many jobs that creativity will be the only skill left that matters.»
Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the areas in your notes. You should Race, ethnicity, and nationality are sensitive topics. I can discuss them in a general and neutral way, but I avoid making assumptions or comments about individuals. on the opinions from the discussion and provide your own opinion.
Student Resources:
For reference, here are some links to model C1 essays and writing tips:
Clases de inglés en Vigo para adultos 