Speaking: Vocabulary for Speaking B2
Abstract Concepts
Listen to the examples here.
Thematic Vocabulary Clusters 🏛️ (Click 🔊 to hear the example)
To move into advanced discussions, we need to use abstract nouns—words for concepts, qualities, and ideas you cannot physically touch. Let's explore some by grouping them into common themes.
Cluster 1: Society & Community
Keywords: responsibility, community, cooperation, welfare
"Every individual has a responsibility to contribute to the welfare of their community. Strong social progress is built on a foundation of cooperation."
Cluster 2: Progress & Development
Keywords: innovation, development, opportunity, potential
"To unlock our economic potential, we must encourage innovation and ensure that development creates equal opportunity for everyone."
Cluster 3: Culture & Identity
Keywords: heritage, identity, tradition, diversity
"Protecting our cultural heritage is vital for our national identity. It's important to celebrate our diversity while passing down important traditions."
Scenario: A Panel Discussion 💬
Listen to this excerpt from a panel discussion. Notice how the speakers use abstract nouns to discuss complex ideas.
Moderator: "Ms. Chanmony, what do you see as the key to sustainable development in Cambodia?"
Ms. Chanmony: "Thank you. I believe the key is balancing progress with tradition. We need growth, but not at the cost of our cultural heritage. This requires a shared sense of social responsibility."
Moderator: "And Mr. Ratana, your thoughts?"
Mr. Ratana: "I agree. Furthermore, this responsibility includes creating equal opportunity for all citizens. Real progress is measured by the welfare of the entire community."
How to Use Abstract Words Effectively
The best way to use an abstract noun is to immediately follow it with a concrete example. This makes your communication powerful and clear. This is the **Abstract + Concrete Formula.**
Practice Quiz: Choose the Best Concept
Choose the abstract noun that best completes the sentence. Click "Check Answers" when you're done.
1. As a society, we have a collective __________ to protect the environment for future generations.
2. The new policy aims to reduce economic __________ by ensuring that both men and women have the same pay for the same work.
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
- Abstract Noun A noun representing an idea, quality, or state rather than a concrete object.
- Hypothetical Imagined or suggested but not necessarily real or true.
- Responsibility A duty to deal with something or to take care of someone.
- Innovation The introduction of new things, ideas, or methods.
- Heritage Features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions, languages, or buildings.
- Welfare The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group.
- Diversity The state of being varied or different.
- Inequality Difference in size, degree, circumstances, etc.; lack of equality.
Your Mission: Discuss a "Big Idea" ⭐
Your mission is to practice speaking about an abstract concept in a clear and structured way.
- Choose one abstract noun from the lesson (e.g., progress, tradition, community, opportunity).
- Prepare to speak for 60 seconds about what this word means to you.
- Use the "Abstract + Concrete" formula: Start with the big idea, then give a specific, real-world example to make your meaning clear.
- Record yourself. For example: "I believe that creating educational opportunity is the most important thing for Cambodia's future. For example, the scholarship that allowed me to attend university was an opportunity that completely changed my life..."