Speaking: Functional Language C1 - Lesson 5: Critiquing & Evaluating Ideas Constructively

Speaking: Functional Language C1

Critiquing & Evaluating Ideas Constructively

Listen to the C1 dialogue example.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to constructively critique complex ideas by qualifying your agreement, identifying flaws diplomatically, and proposing actionable refinements.

From Disagreement (B2) to Critique (C1)

At a B2 level, you can disagree and give a reason. At a C1 level, you must build on the discussion. You don't just *stop* an idea; you *improve* it. This requires diplomacy and precision.

B2 (Direct Disagreement) ⛔

"I disagree. I think that marketing plan is too expensive. We don't have the budget."

C1 (Constructive Critique) 💡

"I see the creative vision, and I appreciate that. However, I have some reservations about the budget. My concern is that the projected ROI doesn't quite justify the initial cost. Perhaps we could pilot it in one city first?"

The 4-Step C1 Critique Framework 🛠️ (Click 🔊)

Use this structure to provide feedback that is professional, respectful, and helpful.

Step 1: Acknowledge & Validate

Start by showing you respect the idea.

• I can see the merit in that...
• That's a very valid point.
• I appreciate the work you put into this.

Step 2: Pivot & Soften

Use "hedging" language to introduce your concern politely.

• That being said, I do have reservations about...
• I'm not entirely convinced that...
• Have we considered the potential downside of...?

Step 3: Identify the Specific Flaw

Be precise. What is the *exact* problem?

• My primary concern is the scalability.
• The potential pitfall here is...
• This might not be viable because...

Step 4: Propose a Refinement

Don't just find problems; suggest solutions.

• Perhaps we could explore...
• An alternative approach might be to...
• What if we were to build on that by...?

Pronunciation Tip

🗣️ Sounding Diplomatic, Not Combative

Your tone is more important than your words. To sound constructive, use softening intonation and stress the "hedge" words.

• Don't say: "I'm NOT convinced." (Sounds aggressive)
• Say: "I'm not entirely convinced..." (Stress "entirely", with a slight fall-rise intonation ↘↗ on the word. This sounds thoughtful.)
• Don't say: "That's WRONG."
• Say: "I see it slightly differently..." (Stress "slightly".)

Practice Your C1 Critique 🎯

Practice Quiz: What's the Most Constructive Response?

Read the situation, then choose the *best* C1-level critique. Click "Check Answers" when done.

1. Your colleague says: "I think we should close all our physical stores and go 100% online."

A) "That's a terrible idea. You will lose all our older customers." B) "I disagree, but I like the online idea. Why don't we just build a new website?" C) "That's a bold idea. My only reservation is that it might alienate our core customer base. Perhaps we could scale back our physical stores before closing them completely?"

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2. Your colleague says: "We should cut the training budget to save money."

A) "I see the need to save money, but I'm concerned that cutting training could lead to more mistakes and lower morale in the long run." B) "No, that's wrong. Training is the most important thing we do." C) "I doubt that's a good idea. It's highly unlikely to work."

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3. You want to improve a good idea. Your colleague says: "I propose we launch the new app on Monday."

A) "That's a good start, but you forgot to include a marketing plan." B) "Building on that, what if we also launched a social media campaign at the same time to support it?" C) "That's fine, but my idea is to launch a social media campaign."

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

• Critique (Verb/Noun) | រិះគន់ / វាយតម្លៃ
  To evaluate a theory or practice in a detailed and analytical way.
• Constructive (Adjective) | ស្ថាបនា
  Having or intended to have a useful or beneficial purpose; helpful.
• Reservation (Noun) | ការស្ទាក់ស្ទើរ / ការរក្សាសិទ្ធិ
  A feeling of doubt or uncertainty about something. (e.g., "I have reservations...")
• Caveat (Noun) | ข้อแม้ / លក្ខខណ្ឌ
  A warning or specific condition. (e.g., "The only caveat is...")
• Viable / Feasible (Adjective) | អាចធ្វើទៅបាន
  Capable of working successfully; possible and practical.
• Pitfall (Noun) | រណ្តៅ / ឧបសគ្គ
  A hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty.
• To Alienate (Verb) | ធ្វើឱ្យបែកឆ្វេង
  To cause (someone) to feel isolated, estranged, or to lose their support.
• Refinement (Noun) | ការកែលម្អ
  A small change that improves something; the process of improving.

Your Mission: The Consultant Challenge ⭐

Your mission is to provide a constructive critique of a real-world idea.

1. Find a short proposal or opinion piece (a new business idea, a local city plan, a movie review, or a TED Talk).
2. Record yourself (or practice with a partner) giving a 2-minute critique.
3. You MUST use the 4-Step C1 Critique Framework:
   • 1. Acknowledge: Start by saying something positive or valid about the idea.
   • 2. Pivot: Use a phrase like "However, I have some reservations..."
   • 3. Identify Flaw: Clearly state one specific concern (e.g., about cost, timing, or a missed detail).
   • 4. Refine: Propose a solution or alternative. "A more viable approach might be to..."