Speaking: Vocabulary for Speaking C2 - Lesson 3: Discoursal Competence in Lexical Choice for Any Context

Speaking: Vocabulary for Speaking C2

Discoursal Competence in Lexical Choice

What you will learn: At the C2 level, vocabulary mastery is about discoursal competence: the ability to choose words strategically to structure your argument, manage your tone, and create sophisticated, coherent speech.

Techniques for Lexical Cohesion 🏛️

This advanced technique involves creating links through your word choices, forming a logical thread throughout your speech.

1. Repetition of Thematic Words

Deliberately repeating a crucial word reinforces your central theme.

"The goal is innovation. But true innovation requires risk. And we must be willing to embrace that risk to achieve real innovation."

2. Using Sophisticated Synonyms

Using different words with similar meanings prevents monotonous repetition.

"The city's rapid growth is undeniable. However, this level of expansion puts a huge strain on services. Managing this development is our key challenge."

3. Creating "Lexical Chains"

Use a sequence of related words (e.g., from general to specific) to create a sophisticated flow.

"I've always been interested in technology. I started by studying software, then focused on cybersecurity, and now my specific field is cryptography."

Using Vocabulary to Signal Your Stance 🔬

The adverbs and adjectives you choose subtly communicate your level of certainty and attitude.

To Show High Certainty

Use words like: unequivocally, undoubtedly, incontrovertibly

"The data proves unequivocally that our strategy was successful."

To Show Caution or Hedge

Use words like: arguably, conceivably, to some extent

"This is arguably the best film of the year, although some critics disagree."

To Signal a Deeper Reality

Use words like: ostensibly, seemingly, superficially

"The new policy was ostensibly about improving safety, but its real purpose was to cut costs."

Case Study: An Academic Lecture

Listen to this excerpt from a university lecture. Notice the professor's precise and structural lexical choices.

"The central premise of our discussion today is that the fall of the Roman Empire was not a single event, but a protracted process of decline. Ostensibly, the final collapse can be dated to 476 AD. However, this view is fundamentally simplistic. The more nuanced analysis reveals a series of contributing factors. There was, unequivocally, a significant economic decline. Furthermore, political instability exacerbated this problem. To some extent, one could also argue that climate change played a role."

Decoding and Practice 🧠

💡 Reading Between the Lines: Decoding Stance

At C2, you should be able to decode a speaker's true stance from their subtle word choices.

• When you hear "arguably," you know the speaker presents a point they believe is true but acknowledge it's open to debate.
• When you hear "ostensibly," prepare for a "but" or "however." The speaker is signalling they are about to reveal a deeper, less obvious truth.
• When you hear "undoubtedly," you know the speaker presents a point they consider a hard fact.

🎯 Practice Quiz: Identify the Nuance

1. "The new CEO's plan, while ambitious, is not considered to be __________ by most senior analysts."

A) contentious
B) viable
C) ubiquitous

→ Answer: B. `Viable` means capable of working successfully; feasible.

2. "The government's official reason for the new law was national security. However, many critics believe the __________ motive was to suppress political dissent."

A) ostensible
B) pragmatic
C) underlying

→ Answer: C. `Underlying` captures the idea of a real but hidden motive. `Ostensibly` would describe the official reason itself (e.g., "The law was ostensibly about...").

Key Vocabulary

• Coherent (Adjective)
  Logical and consistent; forming a unified whole.
• Lexis / Lexical (Noun / Adjective)
  Related to the vocabulary of a language.
• Stance (Noun)
  A person's particular point of view or attitude towards a subject.
• Discourse (Noun)
  Extended spoken or written communication.

Your Mission: The "Analyst" Challenge ⭐

Your mission is to practice thinking about lexical choices like a C2-level speaker.

1. Find a short, well-written opinion piece in English (from a source like The Guardian or The Economist).
2. Choose ONE paragraph that contains interesting vocabulary.
3. Your Goal: Identify 2-3 sophisticated words the author chose. Record yourself for 90 seconds, explaining *why* you think they chose those specific words over simpler alternatives. What nuance or effect did they create?