Speaking Part 3: Argument Builder (Compare, Cause, Solution) - (Speaking)

1) One page map

• Goal: answer the question, show range, stay precise.
• Core moves: Compare views, Explain causes, Offer solutions.
• Timing: 9 to 11 sentences in 60 to 90 seconds.

2) Universal frame: CIRCLE

Claim
Insight reason 1
Reason 2
Concrete example
Limit or counterpoint
End line that links back to the question

Model close: Overall, the benefits are larger if support is targeted.

3) Compare toolkit

Lenses to structure contrast: cost, convenience, equity, impact, scalability, risk.
Mini scaffold

1. View A is stronger for X lens.
2. View B helps with Y, yet weak on Z.
3. Evidence line or small example.
4. Judgement: A works better when condition K holds.

Useful stems
Compared with A, B performs better on...
By contrast, A is limited because...
On balance, A is preferable if...

4) Cause toolkit

Why engine
Effect → because reason 1 → also reason 2 → example → small hedge.

Causal stems
This trend occurs because...
It is mainly driven by...
As a result, households tend to...
In most cases, this leads to...

5) Solution toolkit

4R test
Root: what exact problem
Remedy: what action and who does it
Resources: money, time, skills
Risk: side effect and how to control it

Solution stems
A practical step is to...
This should be led by...
It is feasible if...
A risk is..., which can be reduced by...

6) Linkers and hedges that keep tone natural

Add: also, in addition
Contrast: however, while, whereas
Cause: because, since, as
Result: so, therefore, as a result
Balance: to some extent, in many cases, on balance
Caution: may, might, tends to, appears to

7) Ready outlines for common prompts

A. Do older or younger workers adapt faster to new tech
Claim: Younger workers adapt faster in most firms.
Reason 1: recent training.
Reason 2: fewer legacy habits.
Example: onboarding data from my office.
Limit: older staff excel when training is structured.
End: best results come from mixed teams.

B. Why is public transport underused
Claim: Convenience gaps drive underuse.
Reason 1: long door to door time.
Reason 2: unreliable schedules.
Example: 20 minute delays reduce trust.
Solution: bus lanes and live tracking.
Risk control: pilot routes first.
End: reliability changes habits.

C. How can cities reduce food waste
Claim with size: households are the key lever.
Reason 1: portion planning apps.
Reason 2: clear date labels.
Example: weekly list cuts leftovers.
Solution: city wide awareness plus store discounts on near date items.
End: small nudges scale quickly.

8) Sentence stems bank

• I agree to a degree, but the main issue is...
• The stronger argument is A, since it solves...
• Evidence from workplaces suggests that...
• If budgets are tight, the priority should be...
• This approach is effective when...
• A fair criticism is..., although...

9) Model answers, compressed

Compare sample
Online learning is more flexible, while campus study builds networks. Flexibility helps workers with shifts, and costs are lower. Campus life adds peer pressure to stay engaged. On balance, online works better for mature learners, whereas campus suits first year students who need structure.

Cause sample
Obesity rates rise mainly because cheap high calorie food is widely available and cities encourage car use. For example, many areas lack safe pavements. As a result, people move less. To some extent, targeted taxes and parks can change habits.

Solution sample
To cut plastic waste, supermarkets should price refill packs lower and place refill stations near entrances. This is feasible if suppliers standardise sizes. A risk is contamination, which can be reduced through sealed valves and weekly checks. Therefore the policy is practical and scalable.

10) Quick mistakes and fixes

• Vague claims: add a lens or a number.
• Lists without logic: use because or whereas to link items.
• No counterpoint: add one short limit line.
• Repetition: rotate linkers and use reference words like this policy, these costs.

11) Micro drills with keys

A. Upgrade the claim
Base: Cars cause traffic.
Fix: Cars increase peak hour traffic because short urban trips replace buses.

B. Add a counterpoint in one line
Base: Remote work improves balance.
Key: It may reduce team learning unless firms plan meetups.

C. Build a 6 line answer
Prompt: Should museums be free
Model: claim, two reasons, example, limit, end.

12) 8 point check before you finish

[ ] Clear claim
[ ] Two reasons and one example
[ ] One counterpoint
[ ] One lens named
[ ] Linkers varied
[ ] Hedge used once
[ ] Solution has who and how
[ ] Ending answers the question

Practice CIRCLE until it is automatic. Then add lenses, evidence, and a brief limit to sound balanced and confident.