English · C1 · Speaking · about 5 min
Make a careful argument: state a condition, acknowledge a limit, and separate association from cause.
A C1 argument does not need impressive words. It needs a precise boundary around what the evidence supports.
Say thisThat conclusion is plausible, provided further evidence supports it.
MeaningAccept the claim only under a stated condition.
When to use itStart the conversation naturally.
Say thisThe evidence is compelling, albeit limited.
MeaningRecognise strength while admitting a limit.
When to use itAdd the detail the other person needs.
Say thisWe should distinguish correlation from causation.
MeaningA link between events is not proof of cause.
When to use itFinish with a clear, polite line.
| Say this | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| That conclusion is plausible, provided further evidence supports it. | Accept the claim only under a stated condition. | Start the conversation naturally. |
| The evidence is compelling, albeit limited. | Recognise strength while admitting a limit. | Add the detail the other person needs. |
| We should distinguish correlation from causation. | A link between events is not proof of cause. | Finish with a clear, polite line. |
SituationThe result is plausible only if new data confirm it. How do you qualify the claim?
Say thisThe result is plausible, provided further data confirm it.
WhyUse a condition rather than presenting a tentative result as certain.
SituationThe evidence is promising but limited. Which line keeps both ideas?
Say thisThe evidence is promising, albeit still limited.
WhyA balanced claim acknowledges the strength and the limit of the evidence.
SituationTwo trends move together. What must you avoid claiming without more evidence?
Say thisThe association does not, by itself, establish causation.
WhyCorrelation alone does not establish causation.
SituationOne counterexample challenges your general rule. How do you respond precisely?
Say thisThat case suggests the rule may apply only in some contexts.
WhyNarrow the claim when a counterexample limits its scope.
SituationWhat is the best closing line when the evidence is still incomplete?
Say thisA larger sample would help test whether this pattern holds.
WhySay what further evidence would resolve the uncertainty.
| Situation | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The result is plausible only if new data confirm it. How do you qualify the claim? | The result is plausible, provided further data confirm it. | Use a condition rather than presenting a tentative result as certain. |
| The evidence is promising but limited. Which line keeps both ideas? | The evidence is promising, albeit still limited. | A balanced claim acknowledges the strength and the limit of the evidence. |
| Two trends move together. What must you avoid claiming without more evidence? | The association does not, by itself, establish causation. | Correlation alone does not establish causation. |
| One counterexample challenges your general rule. How do you respond precisely? | That case suggests the rule may apply only in some contexts. | Narrow the claim when a counterexample limits its scope. |
| What is the best closing line when the evidence is still incomplete? | A larger sample would help test whether this pattern holds. | Say what further evidence would resolve the uncertainty. |
Make a careful argument: state a condition, acknowledge a limit, and separate association from cause.
You agree only if more evidence appears. Which sentence says that?
The result is plausible only if new data confirm it. How do you qualify the claim?
That conclusion is plausible, provided further evidence supports it.
Accept the claim only under a stated condition.
Start the conversation naturally.
The evidence is compelling, albeit limited.
Recognise strength while admitting a limit.
Add the detail the other person needs.
We should distinguish correlation from causation.
A link between events is not proof of cause.
Finish with a clear, polite line.