CELPIP Listening · Part 6

Part 6 vocabulary: Listening to Viewpoints

The words and phrases that come up in Listening Part 6, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this part? Read the Part 6 format and strategy.

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Phrases 65

Critics argue that
phraseCLB 6
Introduces the opposing opinion.
“Critics argue that the plan is too expensive.”
Similaropponents claim
CELPIP tip Separate the speaker's view from others' views.
Supporters claim that
phraseCLB 6
Introduces the view of those in favour.
“Supporters claim that it will create jobs.”
Similaradvocates sayproponents argue
CELPIP tip Track both sides carefully.
On the contrary
phraseCLB 6
Introduces the opposite of what was just said.
“On the contrary, the evidence shows it helps students.”
Similarin factquite the opposite
CELPIP tip Introduces the opposite of what was just said. Strong contrast follows.
It's worth noting that
phraseCLB 7
Highlights an important point.
“It's worth noting that the study only included adults.”
Similarnotablyit should be noted
CELPIP tip Highlighted points are often tested.
There is no doubt that
phraseCLB 6
Expresses certainty.
“There is no doubt that technology has changed education.”
Similarundoubtedlyclearly
CELPIP tip Shows the speaker's strong position.
Despite this
phraseCLB 6
Shows contrast with what came before.
“Despite this, many parents remain unconvinced.”
Similarneverthelesseven so
CELPIP tip Watch for shifts in argument.
it is often said that
phraseCLB 6
Introduces a common belief.
“It is often said that money can't buy happiness.”
Similarpeople say
CELPIP tip Often followed by the speaker's own view.
many people believe that
phraseCLB 5
Introduces a common view.
“Many people believe that homework is necessary.”
Similarit's widely thought
CELPIP tip The speaker may disagree next.
some would argue that
phraseCLB 6
Introduces an opposing view.
“Some would argue that the plan is too costly.”
Similarcritics say
CELPIP tip Not necessarily the speaker's view.
opponents of the plan
phraseCLB 7
People against it.
“Opponents of the plan say it will increase traffic.”
Similarcritics
CELPIP tip People against the plan. Keep both sides of the debate apart.
those in favour
phraseCLB 6
People who support it.
“Those in favour point to the economic benefits.”
Similarsupporters
CELPIP tip People who support the idea. Keep both sides apart.
I would argue that
phraseCLB 6
States the speaker's view.
“I would argue that the benefits are clear.”
SimilarI believe
CELPIP tip States the speaker's main viewpoint, often tested.
my position is that
phraseCLB 6
States the speaker's stance.
“My position is that we need stronger rules.”
SimilarI believe that
CELPIP tip States the speaker's stance clearly.
it's clear that
phraseCLB 6
States certainty.
“It's clear that change is needed.”
Similarobviously
CELPIP tip Shows the speaker is certain.
there's no question that
phraseCLB 6
States certainty.
“There's no question that prices are rising.”
Similarundoubtedly
CELPIP tip Shows strong certainty about the point that follows.
I'm convinced that
phraseCLB 6
Strong belief.
“I'm convinced that this is the right choice.”
SimilarI firmly believe
CELPIP tip A strong belief. Note what the speaker is sure about.
the evidence suggests
phraseCLB 7
Supports a view with data.
“The evidence suggests that the program works.”
Similarresearch shows
CELPIP tip Supports a view with data. Note the evidence.
studies have shown
phraseCLB 6
Supports a view with research.
“Studies have shown that sleep improves memory.”
Similarresearch indicates
CELPIP tip Supports a view with research.
the fact of the matter is
phraseCLB 8
States the truth plainly.
“The fact of the matter is, we can't afford it.”
Similarthe truth is
CELPIP tip States what the speaker sees as the plain truth.
having said that
phraseCLB 7
Introduces a contrast.
“Having said that, there are some risks.”
Similarhoweverthat said
CELPIP tip Introduces a contrast with the previous point.
that being said
phraseCLB 7
Introduces a contrast.
“That being said, I understand the concerns.”
Similarnevertheless
CELPIP tip Introduces a contrast. The speaker's real view often follows.
even so
phraseCLB 6
Despite that.
“Even so, I think it's worth trying.”
Similarnevertheless
CELPIP tip Means despite that. The speaker keeps their view.
in spite of
phraseCLB 6
Despite.
“In spite of the cost, it's a good investment.”
Similardespite
CELPIP tip Means despite. Introduces a contrast.
on the one hand
phraseCLB 6
Introduces one side.
“On the one hand, it saves time.”
Similarfirstly
CELPIP tip Pairs with 'on the other hand'.
while it's true that
phraseCLB 6
Concedes a point.
“While it's true that it's expensive, it lasts longer.”
Similaralthough
CELPIP tip Concedes a point before arguing against it.
it could be said that
phraseCLB 7
Introduces a possible view.
“It could be said that we're moving too fast.”
Similarsome might say
CELPIP tip A tentative view, not a strong claim.
in my experience
phraseCLB 5
Bases a view on experience.
“In my experience, small classes work better.”
Similarfrom what I've seen
CELPIP tip Bases the view on personal experience.
the problem with this view
phraseCLB 7
Criticizes an opinion.
“The problem with this view is that it ignores costs.”
Similarthe flaw is
CELPIP tip Criticizes an opinion. A counter-argument follows.
this overlooks the fact that
phraseCLB 8
Points out missing info.
“This overlooks the fact that most people drive.”
Similarthis ignores
CELPIP tip Points out what another view ignores.
it's a common misconception that
phraseCLB 7
Corrects a false belief.
“It's a common misconception that recycling is easy.”
Similarmany wrongly believe
CELPIP tip Speaker disagrees with the belief.
contrary to popular belief
phraseCLB 7
Opposite of what people think.
“Contrary to popular belief, bats aren't blind.”
Similarsurprisingly
CELPIP tip Speaker disagrees with common view.
I'm in two minds about
phraseCLB 8
Undecided.
“I'm in two minds about the new policy.”
Similarundecided
CELPIP tip The speaker is undecided.
I can see both sides
phraseCLB 5
Neutral.
“I can see both sides of the argument.”
SimilarI'm neutral
CELPIP tip A neutral view. The speaker does not take a side.
it depends on
phraseCLB 5
Conditional view.
“It depends on how it's implemented.”
Similarit varies
CELPIP tip Neutral or conditional view.
to a certain extent
phraseCLB 7
Partly.
“I agree to a certain extent.”
Similarpartlysomewhat
CELPIP tip Partial agreement only. The speaker does not fully agree.
up to a point
phraseCLB 7
Partly.
“That's true up to a point.”
Similarto some degree
CELPIP tip Partial agreement with limits.
by and large
phraseCLB 8
Generally.
“By and large, the plan has worked.”
Similaron the whole
CELPIP tip Means generally or mostly.
on the whole
phraseCLB 7
Generally.
“On the whole, I support the idea.”
Similaroverall
CELPIP tip Means generally, all things considered.
all in all
phraseCLB 7
Considering everything.
“All in all, it's a positive change.”
Similaroverall
CELPIP tip Introduces a conclusion. Often the speaker's final view.
in the final analysis
phraseCLB 9
After considering everything.
“In the final analysis, safety matters most.”
Similarultimately
CELPIP tip Introduces the speaker's final conclusion.
it goes without saying
phraseCLB 8
Obviously.
“It goes without saying that health comes first.”
Similarobviously
CELPIP tip Emphasizes something the speaker thinks is obvious.
make no mistake
phraseCLB 8
Emphasizes a point.
“Make no mistake, this will affect everyone.”
Similarbe sure
CELPIP tip Emphasizes a strong point.
I'm strongly opposed to
phraseCLB 7
Strong opposition.
“I'm strongly opposed to closing the school.”
SimilarI'm against
CELPIP tip Strong opposition. Note exactly what is opposed.
I have serious doubts about
phraseCLB 7
Expresses doubt.
“I have serious doubts about the timeline.”
SimilarI'm skeptical
CELPIP tip Expresses doubt about an idea.
I fully support
phraseCLB 5
Strong support.
“I fully support the new bike lanes.”
SimilarI'm all for
CELPIP tip Strong support for an idea.
it makes sense to
phraseCLB 6
Logical choice.
“It makes sense to invest in transit.”
Similarit's sensible to
CELPIP tip Presents an idea as logical.
it would be a mistake to
phraseCLB 6
Warns against.
“It would be a mistake to ignore this.”
Similarit's unwise to
CELPIP tip Warns against an action.
the benefits far outweigh
phraseCLB 7
Strong support.
“The benefits far outweigh the costs.”
Similarthe pros exceed the cons
CELPIP tip Strong support: the advantages are much greater.
the risks are too great
phraseCLB 7
Opposition.
“The risks are too great to proceed.”
Similarit's too risky
CELPIP tip Opposition based on danger.
in the long term
phraseCLB 6
Over a long period.
“In the long term, it will pay off.”
Similareventually
CELPIP tip Talks about effects over a long time.
in the short term
phraseCLB 6
In the near future.
“In the short term, prices may rise.”
Similarfor now
CELPIP tip Contrast with long term.
a growing number of
phraseCLB 7
More and more.
“A growing number of people work from home.”
Similarincreasingly many
CELPIP tip Shows a trend: more and more people or things.
there's a strong case for
phraseCLB 8
Good reasons exist.
“There's a strong case for raising wages.”
Similarthere are good reasons
CELPIP tip Means there are good reasons for an idea.
it's hard to deny
phraseCLB 7
It's clearly true.
“It's hard to deny that things have improved.”
Similarundeniably
CELPIP tip Admits something is true, often as support.
from an economic standpoint
phraseCLB 8
Regarding money.
“From an economic standpoint, it's a smart move.”
Similarfinancially
CELPIP tip Looks at the issue in terms of money.
from a social perspective
phraseCLB 8
Regarding society.
“From a social perspective, it brings people together.”
Similarsocially
CELPIP tip Looks at the issue in terms of society.
as a matter of fact
phraseCLB 7
In fact.
“As a matter of fact, the numbers went up.”
Similaractually
CELPIP tip Introduces a fact, often a surprising one.
not to mention
phraseCLB 6
Also.
“It's cheaper, not to mention faster.”
Similarplus
CELPIP tip Adds another supporting point.
let's be realistic
phraseCLB 6
Asks for practicality.
“Let's be realistic. We can't do it all.”
Similarlet's be practical
CELPIP tip Often signals doubt about an idea.
I'd like to think that
phraseCLB 7
Hopeful view.
“I'd like to think that people will cooperate.”
SimilarI hope
CELPIP tip A hopeful but uncertain view.
there's some truth in
phraseCLB 7
Partially agrees.
“There's some truth in what critics say.”
Similarpartly true
CELPIP tip Partial agreement with another view.
by the same token
phraseCLB 8
For the same reason.
“Phones distract students; by the same token, they can help them learn.”
Similarsimilarlylikewise
CELPIP tip Links two related ideas; follow where the argument goes.
the jury is still out
phraseCLB 9
People have not yet decided whether something is good or true.
“The jury is still out on whether four-day weeks improve productivity.”
Similarit's undecidedit remains unclear
CELPIP tip A neutral position; questions may ask the speaker's view.
it's a slippery slope
phraseCLB 9
One action could lead to a series of worse ones.
“Allowing one exception is a slippery slope.”
Similarone thing leads to another
CELPIP tip A warning argument; the speaker opposes the change.
it begs the question
phraseCLB 10
It makes you want to ask a particular question.
“If the plan is so popular, it begs the question of why so few people use it.”
Similarit raises the question
CELPIP tip Introduces a doubt about the other side's argument.

Verbs 9

argue
verbCLB 6/ˈɑːrɡjuː/
To give reasons for an opinion.
“Some experts argue that homework should be banned.”
Similarcontendclaim
CELPIP tip Note who argues what.
acknowledge
verbCLB 7/əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/
To accept that something is true.
“He acknowledges that the policy has some flaws.”
Similaradmitacceptconcede
CELPIP tip Speakers often acknowledge the other side before rebutting.
dismiss
verbCLB 8/dɪsˈmɪs/
To reject an idea as not important.
“She dismisses these concerns as exaggerated.”
Similarrejectbrush aside
CELPIP tip Shows a strong negative attitude.
emphasize
verbCLB 7/ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz/
To give special importance to something.
“The speaker emphasizes the need for more research.”
Similarstresshighlight
CELPIP tip Emphasized ideas are often the main idea.
refute
verbCLB 8/rɪˈfjuːt/
To prove that a claim is wrong.
“The researcher refuted the idea that video games cause violence.”
Similardisproverebutcounter
CELPIP tip Means the speaker rejects the claim with evidence.
downplay
verbCLB 8/ˈdaʊnpleɪ/
To make something seem less important than it is.
“Some officials downplay the cost of the new stadium.”
Similarminimizeplay down
CELPIP tip Signals the speaker thinks others are hiding a problem.
overstate
verbCLB 9/ˌoʊvərˈsteɪt/
To say that something is bigger or more important than it really is.
“The benefits of the program have been overstated.”
Similarexaggerateinflate
CELPIP tip The speaker thinks the other side is exaggerating.
corroborate
verbCLB 10/kəˈrɑːbəreɪt/
To support a claim with new evidence.
“Several studies corroborate her findings.”
Similarconfirmsupportback up
CELPIP tip Means the claim is stronger, not weaker.
temper
verbCLB 10/ˈtempər/
To make something less strong or extreme.
“We should temper our enthusiasm until we see the results.”
Similarmoderatesoftentone down
CELPIP tip Means a cautious view, not a complete rejection.

Nouns 3

evidence
nounCLB 6/ˈɛvɪdəns/
Facts that show something is true.
“There's little evidence to support that claim.”
Similarproofdata
CELPIP tip Questions may ask what evidence the speaker uses.
perspective
nounCLB 6/pərˈspɛktɪv/
A way of thinking about something.
“From an economic perspective, the plan makes sense.”
Similarviewpointstandpoint
CELPIP tip Shows the angle of the argument.
merit
nounCLB 8/ˈmerɪt/
A good quality or advantage.
“The plan has some merit, but it's too expensive.”
Similarvalueadvantageworth
CELPIP tip Partial praise, often followed by a criticism.

Adjectives 17

controversial
adjectiveCLB 7/ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːrʃəl/
Causing strong disagreement.
“The proposal has been highly controversial.”
Similardebatabledivisive
CELPIP tip Common topic word in Part 6.
skeptical
adjectiveCLB 7/ˈskɛptɪkəl/
Having doubts.
“Many residents remain skeptical about the project.”
Similardoubtfulunconvinced
CELPIP tip Tests the speaker's or group's attitude.
convincing
adjectiveCLB 7/kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/
Making you believe something.
“She made a convincing argument.”
Similarpersuasive
CELPIP tip Used to judge an argument as believable.
persuasive
adjectiveCLB 7/pərˈsweɪsɪv/
Able to make others agree.
“It's a very persuasive case.”
Similarconvincing
CELPIP tip Used to judge an argument as able to change minds.
flawed
adjectiveCLB 8/flɔːd/
Having mistakes.
“The study is flawed.”
Similarfaulty
CELPIP tip Criticizes an argument as having mistakes.
unrealistic
adjectiveCLB 7/ˌʌnrɪəˈlɪstɪk/
Not practical.
“The goals are unrealistic.”
Similarimpractical
CELPIP tip Criticizes an idea as not practical.
reasonable
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈriːzənəbəl/
Sensible.
“That's a reasonable request.”
Similarsensible
CELPIP tip A positive judgment: sensible.
optimistic
adjectiveCLB 6/ˌɒptɪˈmɪstɪk/
Hopeful.
“He's optimistic about the future.”
Similarhopeful
CELPIP tip A hopeful attitude about the future.
pessimistic
adjectiveCLB 7/ˌpɛsɪˈmɪstɪk/
Expecting the worst.
“She's pessimistic about the outcome.”
Similarnegative
CELPIP tip Expecting the worst. The opposite of optimistic.
concerned
adjectiveCLB 6/kənˈsɜːrnd/
Worried.
“Parents are concerned about safety.”
Similarworried
CELPIP tip A worried attitude. Look for what the speaker is concerned about.
enthusiastic
adjectiveCLB 6/ɪnˌθjuːziˈæstɪk/
Very excited and supportive.
“Residents are enthusiastic about the park.”
Similareager
CELPIP tip A very positive, supportive attitude.
neutral
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈnjuːtrəl/
Not taking sides.
“The speaker remains neutral.”
Similarimpartial
CELPIP tip Not taking sides. Attitude questions may test this.
far-fetched
adjectiveCLB 8/ˌfɑːr ˈfetʃt/
Very unlikely to be true.
“The claim that remote work will end offices is far-fetched.”
Similarunlikelyunrealisticimplausible
CELPIP tip Shows the speaker's opinion of an idea.
tenuous
adjectiveCLB 9/ˈtenjuəs/
Very weak or uncertain.
“The link between the two issues is tenuous at best.”
Similarweakflimsyshaky
CELPIP tip A strong criticism of someone's argument.
nuanced
adjectiveCLB 9/ˈnuːɑːnst/
Showing small but important differences.
“The issue is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.”
Similarsubtlecomplexdetailed
CELPIP tip Signals a balanced view, not a strong side.
specious
adjectiveCLB 10/ˈspiːʃəs/
Seeming true but actually wrong.
“That's a specious argument; the numbers don't add up.”
Similarmisleadingfalsedeceptive
CELPIP tip A sharp criticism of an argument that only sounds good.
untenable
adjectiveCLB 10/ʌnˈtenəbəl/
Impossible to defend.
“Critics say the current fare policy is untenable.”
Similarindefensibleunsustainable
CELPIP tip The speaker thinks the situation must change.

Expressions 1

At the end of the day
expressionCLB 6
Introduces the most important point or conclusion.
“At the end of the day, safety must come first.”
Similarultimatelywhen all is said and done
CELPIP tip Often signals the speaker's final position.

Adverbs 13

undoubtedly
adverbCLB 8/ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli/
Without doubt.
“Undoubtedly, this is a big step.”
Similarcertainly
CELPIP tip Without doubt. Shows a strong view.
arguably
adverbCLB 8/ˈɑːrɡjuəbli/
It can be argued that.
“It's arguably the best option.”
Similarpossibly
CELPIP tip Presents a view that could be argued, not a fact.
clearly
adverbCLB 5/ˈklɪərli/
Obviously.
“Clearly, something must change.”
Similarobviously
CELPIP tip Presents something as obvious.
certainly
adverbCLB 5/ˈsɜːrtənli/
Definitely.
“It's certainly worth considering.”
Similardefinitely
CELPIP tip Means definitely. Shows a strong view.
admittedly
adverbCLB 8/ədˈmɪtɪdli/
Conceding a point.
“Admittedly, there are risks.”
Similargranted
CELPIP tip Concedes a point before continuing the argument.
unfortunately
adverbCLB 5/ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənətli/
Sadly.
“Unfortunately, the plan was rejected.”
Similarregrettably
CELPIP tip Shows a negative attitude to what follows.
fortunately
adverbCLB 5/ˈfɔːrtʃənətli/
Luckily.
“Fortunately, the damage was minimal.”
Similarluckily
CELPIP tip Shows a positive attitude to what follows.
ultimately
adverbCLB 7/ˈʌltɪmətli/
In the end.
“Ultimately, it's a matter of priorities.”
Similarfinally
CELPIP tip Introduces the final point or conclusion.
essentially
adverbCLB 7/ɪˈsɛnʃəli/
Basically.
“Essentially, it's about fairness.”
Similarbasically
CELPIP tip Introduces the main point, simplified.
frankly
adverbCLB 7/ˈfræŋkli/
Honestly.
“Frankly, I'm disappointed.”
Similarhonestly
CELPIP tip Shows an honest, often critical, attitude.
increasingly
adverbCLB 6/ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli/
More and more.
“It's increasingly difficult to find housing.”
Similarmore and more
CELPIP tip Shows a trend: more and more.
surprisingly
adverbCLB 6/sərˈpraɪzɪŋli/
Unexpectedly.
“Surprisingly, most people agreed.”
Similarunexpectedly
CELPIP tip Introduces unexpected information, often tested.
generally
adverbCLB 5/ˈdʒɛnərəli/
Usually.
“Generally, people prefer shorter commutes.”
Similarusually
CELPIP tip Introduces a general view, not a rule.

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More CELPIP Listening vocabulary

Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving (100 words)
Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation (101 words)
Part 3: Listening for Information (99 words)
Part 4: Listening to a News Item (101 words)
Part 5: Listening to a Discussion (100 words)

All CELPIP vocabulary lists

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Phrases 65

Critics argue that

Supporters claim that

On the contrary

It's worth noting that

There is no doubt that

Despite this

it is often said that

many people believe that

some would argue that

opponents of the plan

those in favour

I would argue that

my position is that

it's clear that

there's no question that

I'm convinced that

the evidence suggests

studies have shown

the fact of the matter is

having said that

that being said

even so

in spite of

on the one hand

while it's true that

it could be said that

in my experience

the problem with this view

this overlooks the fact that

it's a common misconception that

contrary to popular belief

I'm in two minds about

I can see both sides

it depends on

to a certain extent

up to a point

by and large

on the whole

all in all

in the final analysis

it goes without saying

make no mistake

I'm strongly opposed to

I have serious doubts about

I fully support

it makes sense to

it would be a mistake to

the benefits far outweigh

the risks are too great

in the long term

in the short term

a growing number of

there's a strong case for

it's hard to deny

from an economic standpoint

from a social perspective

as a matter of fact

not to mention

let's be realistic

I'd like to think that

there's some truth in

by the same token

the jury is still out

it's a slippery slope

it begs the question

Verbs 9

argue

acknowledge

dismiss

emphasize

refute

downplay

overstate

corroborate

temper

Nouns 3

evidence

perspective

merit