# Academic Seminar Debate: ESL Listening Dialogue (C1)

> Free C1 ESL listening dialogue. Two students debate whether university education should be free. Script, vocabulary, questions and AI audio.

Canonical: https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/academic-debate/
Last updated: 2026-09-26

CEFR C1 • Academic English

A C1 English listening dialogue. Two students debate whether university education should be free. Use it for listening practice, role play or homework, and generate the audio in a US, UK or Australian accent.

Opens the Studio with this script loaded and a voice for each speaker. Change any line or accent, then generate the MP3 for your class. No sign-up needed to try.

## Dialogue Script (3 speakers)

Tutor: Today's question: should university education be free? Isabel, would you like to start? Isabel: Certainly. Education is a public good. Graduates pay more tax over their lifetime, so society recovers the cost. Marcus: That's a compelling argument, but it overlooks who actually benefits most. Isabel: Go on. Marcus: Students from wealthier families are more likely to go to university. So free tuition could mean poorer taxpayers subsidise richer students. Isabel: I'd concede that risk exists. But fees deter exactly the low-income students we want to reach. Marcus: Then perhaps the debate hinges on targeting rather than price. Generous grants for those who need them. Isabel: Although means-testing creates its own barriers, like complex applications. Tutor: Excellent. You've both taken into account equity and efficiency. Let's widen this to the rest of the group.

Want your own version? The AI writes a fresh script and casts a voice for every speaker. [Make a New One Like This →](https://zenmic.com/studio/?template=esl-listening-dialogue&topic=C1+listening+dialogue%3A+Academic+Seminar+Debate.+Two+students+debate+whether+university+education+should+be+free.)

## Key Vocabulary

to concede

To admit that someone else is partly right.

to hinge on

To depend completely on something.

a compelling argument

A very convincing argument.

to take into account

To consider something.

## Comprehension Questions

1. What is Isabel's main argument for free tuition?
2. What concern does Marcus raise?
3. On what point does Marcus say the debate hinges?

Tip: after you generate the audio, open its **Lesson view** for a printable transcript, vocabulary list and quiz with answers.

## How to Use It in Class

- **Before listening:** pre-teach the key vocabulary and ask students to predict what happens.
- **First listen:** students answer the comprehension questions without the script.
- **Second listen:** give out the script and have students underline useful phrases.
- **Speaking:** pairs role-play the dialogue, then change one detail and improvise.

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