B2 • Lesson 52
Vocabulary and reading to prepare for your lesson
Click each word to see its meaning and an example.
To avoid answering directly or escape from something.
"Politicians often evade difficult questions by shifting to safer topics."
A question that tests someone's knowledge, honesty, or thinking ability.
"The interviewer posed a challenging question about my greatest weakness."
A subject that provokes disagreement or argument.
"Climate policy remains a controversial topic that people approach from different angles."
To confront or deal with something openly and honestly.
"Rather than avoiding the issue, she chose to address it directly in her speech."
An answer that balances honesty with sensitivity to relationships and context.
"A diplomatic response acknowledges legitimate concerns without alienating stakeholders."
The quality of being trusted or believed because of demonstrated competence or honesty.
"Your credibility depends on answering difficult questions with honesty, even when uncomfortable."
Used to acknowledge a legitimate question before answering it carefully.
"That's a fair question; let me think through this comprehensively."
Used to show respect for the question while maintaining engagement.
"I appreciate the question because it touches on a real challenge we face."
Used to signal direct, candid engagement with a difficult topic.
"Let me be honest about this: there are no easy solutions, but here's our approach."
Used to acknowledge a point while providing nuanced clarification.
"That said, I should clarify that my position has evolved based on recent evidence."
Used to explain why a complex topic cannot be simplified.
"I can't give a simple answer because the issue involves competing priorities."
Used to redirect focus to key considerations when answering complex questions.
"What I believe is important here is that we don't compromise on ethical standards."
Difficult questions present among the most challenging speaking situations. They may be provocative, touch on controversial topics, target perceived weaknesses in arguments, or require balancing competing loyalties. The temptation to evade difficult questions is often intense. However, how speakers handle challenging moments—whether they address questions directly or deflect—profoundly affects their credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of audiences.
Addressing difficult questions does not necessarily mean providing complete agreement or abandoning your position. Rather, it involves acknowledging the legitimacy of the question, taking time to consider your response carefully, and providing an answer that reflects honesty within the appropriate context. This might mean saying "I don't have a simple answer because..." or "I appreciate this question because it highlights a genuine tension in my position."
The most credible responses to difficult questions often involve acknowledging complexity rather than oversimplifying. When speakers recognize nuance—the valid concerns within opposing positions, the limitations of their own knowledge, the genuine trade-offs involved in any position—audiences perceive intellectual honesty. Conversely, oversimplified responses to genuinely complex questions undermine credibility by suggesting either lack of understanding or unwillingness to engage seriously.
Furthermore, difficult questions often reveal opportunities for demonstrating depth of character. How someone responds when challenged, when questioned about uncomfortable topics, or when asked to address potential criticisms communicates more about their integrity than easy questions ever could. A diplomatic response that balances honesty with respect for different perspectives often impresses audiences far more than defensive or dismissive answers.
Ultimately, viewing difficult questions as challenges to overcome rather than threats to avoid transforms them into opportunities for demonstrating the confidence, knowledge, and character that mark truly accomplished speakers.
~410 words • B2 Level
Think about these questions before your lesson. You don't need to write answers—just consider your thoughts.
For each question above, write maximum 3 keywords — no sentences. Then practise speaking your answer out loud from just the keywords.
Q1: "How do you distinguish between a question that's fair to avoid answering versus one where evasion damages credibility?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Now say your answer out loud. Speak for about 30 seconds from just your keywords.
Q2: "Can you think of a time when someone answered a difficult question in a way that impressed you? What made their response effective?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Speak for 30 seconds. Let your brain build the sentences from the keywords.
Q3: "Why might admitting complexity or saying "I don't know" actually increase rather than decrease your credibility?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Say your answer out loud — don't just think it! Your keywords are enough.
Remember: keywords only. Your brain does the rest. Mistakes are good — they mean you're practising speaking, not reading.
Preparation time: ~15 minutes