Listening Part 6: Viewpoints

An idea that many people believe but that is actually wrong.

“A common misconception is that composting attracts rats if done properly.”

“The speaker called it a misconception that newcomers take jobs from locals.”

Often used: a common misconception · clear up a misconception · a widespread misconception

CELPIP tip: When a speaker calls something a misconception, they reject it. Questions may test that the speaker believes the opposite.

A person who supports an idea, plan or policy and argues in favour of it.

“Proponents of a four-day school week say it would save on busing costs.”

“Even proponents of the bike lanes admit that winter maintenance is a challenge.”

Often used: proponents argue · a leading proponent · proponents of the plan

CELPIP tip: Proponents introduce a view the speaker is reporting, not necessarily sharing. Wait for the speaker's own verdict before deciding where they stand.

To balance one effect with an opposite effect so that the overall result is less serious.

“Higher parking fees could be offset by free transit for downtown workers.”

“She argues that tourism income will offset the cost of building the new trail.”

Often used: offset the cost · be offset by · partly offset

CELPIP tip: Pay attention to which effect cancels which. Answer options may reverse the two, so jot a quick arrow in your notes.

To describe something as bigger, worse or more important than it really is.

“I think critics overstate the cost of switching to electric school buses.”

“It would be hard to overstate how much the new clinic has helped the town.”

Often used: overstate the risk · it's hard to overstate · greatly overstated

CELPIP tip: Hard to overstate is strong praise, while saying others overstate a problem means the speaker disagrees with them. Check the structure.

A hidden problem or danger that is not obvious at first.

“One pitfall of online banking is how easily seniors can be targeted by scams.”

“A common pitfall of rapid growth is housing that the town can't service.”

Often used: a common pitfall · avoid the pitfalls · potential pitfalls

CELPIP tip: Pitfalls are usually part of the case against an idea. Note them on the con side of your notes.

To think carefully about the advantages and disadvantages before deciding.

“Before we ban gas leaf blowers, we should weigh the pros and cons for landscaping businesses.”

“Parents need to weigh the pros and cons of French immersion carefully.”

Often used: carefully weigh the pros and cons · after weighing the pros and cons

CELPIP tip: This phrase often opens a viewpoints talk. It tells you both sides are coming, so prepare two columns in your notes.

Introduces the objections of people who oppose an idea or policy.

“Critics argue that rent caps discourage landlords from repairing older buildings.”

“Critics argue the new transit fare system is confusing for seniors.”

Often used: critics argue that · some critics argue · as critics argue

CELPIP tip: Pair this with proponents in your notes. Questions often ask what opponents of an idea believe, and the answer follows this phrase.

Introduces the speaker's own opinion rather than someone else's.

“In my view, the city should invest in sidewalks before building another arena.”

“In my view, volunteering should count toward high school credit.”

Often used: in my view, though · at least in my view

CELPIP tip: This phrase directly marks the speaker's position. Underline whatever follows, since the question about their opinion depends on it.

Placed before a quality to say that something is not at all that way.

“The new recycling rules are far from perfect, but they are a step forward.”

“I'm far from convinced that a curfew would reduce vandalism.”

Often used: far from perfect · far from convinced · far from clear

CELPIP tip: Far from sounds positive but carries a strong negative. Far from convinced means the speaker clearly doubts the idea.

Partly but not completely true; limits how strongly a speaker agrees.

“To some extent, social media has helped small businesses reach customers.”

“I agree to some extent, but the plan ignores rural families.”

Often used: agree to some extent · to some extent, yes

CELPIP tip: This hedge shows partial agreement. An answer saying the speaker fully supports the idea would overstate their view.

Presents a possible argument without the speaker fully claiming it as their own.

“It could be argued that free transit would reduce traffic downtown.”

“It could be argued that phone bans in schools simply move the problem outside.”

Often used: it could also be argued that · it could equally be argued that

CELPIP tip: This is hedged language. The speaker may later reject the argument, so avoid treating it as their conclusion.

Draws the listener’s attention to a fact the speaker thinks is important to the argument.

“It is worth noting that the old arena has not had a major repair in forty years.”

“It is worth noting that most small shops on the street support the new patio rules.”

Often used: it is worth noting that · also worth noting

CELPIP tip: The fact that follows is usually one the speaker uses as evidence. Such details often appear in questions about why a speaker holds a view.

After thinking about every relevant fact, used to introduce a final judgment.

“All things considered, the year-round school calendar seems worth a trial.”

“All things considered, I would keep the old arena rather than build a new one.”

Often used: all things considered, I think · but all things considered

CELPIP tip: Treat this as a conclusion signal. The speaker's final position usually appears in the same sentence.

Introduces a thought that makes the speaker reconsider or weaken what they have just said.

“The festival brings in tourists. Then again, residents complain about the noise every summer.”

“I like the idea of a fee for plastic bags. Then again, it might hurt low-income families.”

Often used: but then again · then again, it might

CELPIP tip: This linker can signal real doubt. If a speaker uses it often, an answer describing them as unsure or mixed may be correct.

Adds a remark that limits or qualifies what the speaker has just said.

“The new transit line is fast. Mind you, the tickets are not cheap.”

“I support later school start times. Mind you, parents who work early would need a plan.”

Often used: mind you, ... · mind you, it is

CELPIP tip: It is conversational and adds a small reservation, not a full change of mind. Keep the speaker’s main view in your notes.

After considering all the points for and against, used to state a final judgment.

“On balance, I think the benefits of the new library outweigh its cost.”

“On balance, a later school start seems the better choice for teenagers.”

Often used: on balance, I believe · on balance, it seems

CELPIP tip: On balance usually introduces the speaker's own conclusion. Questions asking what the speaker finally thinks often draw on this sentence.

Introduces an idea that is the opposite of, or reverses, the one just mentioned.

“Small towns may benefit from tourism; conversely, big cities often struggle with overcrowding.”

“Higher fees could reduce waste. Conversely, they might push people to dump garbage illegally.”

Often used: and conversely · conversely, some argue

CELPIP tip: Conversely flips the direction of the argument. Note both halves so you can match the right effect to the right group.

Signals that a point is clearly true, often a point the speaker accepts before arguing against it.

“Undeniably, the new condo towers bring more housing, but they also block the lake view.”

“Remote work is undeniably convenient; still, I worry about young staff missing out on mentoring.”

Often used: undeniably true · undeniably, ... but

CELPIP tip: It often opens a concession, not the main opinion. Wait for the contrast word that follows to find what the speaker really believes.