CEFR C1 • Academic English
Academic Seminar Debate: ESL Listening Dialogue (C1)
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.
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.
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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
- What is Isabel's main argument for free tuition?
- What concern does Marcus raise?
- 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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