Big Questions

Talking about society, the future, and abstract ideas

Quick Chat

Speak
"Is technology making us smarter or lazier?" — What's your first reaction? Don't think too hard — just speak.
Speak
What's a topic you have strong opinions about? Why does it matter to you?

Complex questions need complex language. "I think it's good" isn't enough anymore. You need to show that you've considered different angles.

Today: building the grammar and vocabulary to discuss big ideas — with nuance and depth.

Thinking Language

1. Showing You've Considered Something (Present Perfect)

I've always thought that... / I've never really considered... / I've noticed that...

Present perfect connects your past thinking to NOW. It shows depth — you're not just reacting, you've thought about it.

"I think education is important" vs "I've always believed education is important" — what changes?

"I think" = a simple opinion right now.

"I've always believed" = this is a considered, long-held view. It sounds more thoughtful and mature.

2. Exploring Possibilities (If... / Could... / Might...)

If I had to choose, I'd say... / This could lead to... / It might change the way we...

Modal verbs (could, might, would) let you explore ideas without being too certain. This sounds intelligent — not everything is black and white.

3. Acknowledging Other Views

Some people argue that... / It depends on... / There are different ways to look at this...

Showing you understand other perspectives makes your own opinion stronger, not weaker.

Try it
"Should everyone go to university?" — Answer using all three patterns: "I've always thought...", "It could..." and "Some people argue..."

Word Power

Tap to reveal. These words help you discuss big ideas.

Abstract Topic Words

society
people living together with shared laws and customs
generation
people born around the same time — "the younger generation"
inequality
when some people have more money, rights, or chances than others
progress
improvement over time — "We've made a lot of progress"
impact
a strong effect — "Technology has had a huge impact on..."

Thinking Verbs

consider
think carefully about — "We need to consider the risks"
assume
believe something without proof — "People assume it's easy, but..."
tend to
usually do something — "People tend to forget that..."
depend on
be affected by — "It really depends on where you live"
influence
have an effect on — "Social media influences how people think"

Useful Phrases for Complex Ideas

it's a complex issue
it's not simple — there are many sides to consider
in the long run
over a long period of time — "In the long run, it could help"
at the same time
but also — shows two things are true together
the reality is
what actually happens (vs what people think) — "The reality is that..."
it raises the question
it makes you wonder — "This raises the question: is it fair?"
Challenge
Close all cards. "Technology is changing education." — Talk about this for 1 minute using at least 5 words from the grid.

The Deep Dive

You get a big question. Think for 10 seconds, then speak for 2 minutes. Use "thinking language" — don't just say "I think it's good/bad."

2:00
Question 1
"Will artificial intelligence create more jobs or destroy them?"

Consider both sides. Use: "I've noticed that..." + "It could..." + "Some people argue..." + "It depends on..."

Question 2
"Is it better to live in a big city or a small town?"

Draw on your own experience AND think about different people. Use: "I've always thought..." + "At the same time..." + "In the long run..."

Question 3
"Should governments spend more money on space exploration or on solving problems on Earth?"

This is genuinely hard! Use: "It's a complex issue..." + "The reality is..." + "If I had to choose, I'd say..."

Question 4
"How will the world be different in 50 years?"

Pure speculation — use modal verbs! "It might..." + "It could..." + "People will probably..." + "I wouldn't be surprised if..."

Recall Zone

From CT-20: All About Me
What three time frames can you use to talk about yourself? Give an example phrase for each.

Present: "I work as..." / "I'm currently studying..."

Past: "I grew up in..." / "I moved to... three years ago"

Opinion: "I think... because..." / "In my opinion..."

From CT-19: How Things Work
What's the difference between an imperative and "you need to"?

Imperative: "Add the salt" — direct instruction.

"You need to": "You need to add the salt" — emphasises it's essential, can't be skipped.

From Lesson 16: Fillers & Hesitation
What phrase can you use to sound thoughtful before answering a difficult question?

"That's a really interesting question..." / "I haven't thought about that recently, but..." / "Let me think about this for a moment..."

These are essential for big questions — they buy you time AND make you sound thoughtful.

What did you learn?

Final challenge
Pick any topic from today. Without notes, speak for 90 seconds. Use at least: one present perfect phrase, one modal verb, and one phrase that acknowledges the other side.

What was harder — finding the ideas, or finding the English to express them?

← CT-20