Mastering the Argumentation Task in the Norskprøven B2 Spoken Test

The Norskprøven is Norway’s official language proficiency test, designed to assess Norwegian language skills across various levels. For those seeking certification at the B2 level, the exam tests critical abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. One of the most challenging components of the B2 spoken test is the argumentation task, where candidates must express a clear, structured argument on a specific statement. This task assesses the candidate’s ability to articulate opinions logically, support them with coherent arguments, and respond to follow-up questions on the same topic.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the argumentation task in the Norskprøven, including strategies for success, example exercises, and practical tips to help you build confidence and fluency. For those seeking structured guidance, consider the B2 preparation course offered by NLS Norwegian Language School: Norskprøven B2 Course.

Understanding the Structure of the Argumentation Task

In the argumentation section of the Norskprøven B2 oral exam, candidates are asked to respond independently to a given statement for 2-3 minutes. You will hear a statement, and then you need to share your opinion on it, providing logical reasons, examples, and support for your view. This task requires candidates to demonstrate clear reasoning, vocabulary suited to expressing opinions, and the ability to structure their ideas in an engaging, coherent manner.

Before starting, you will have a short period to think and make quick notes if desired. During this time, it is helpful to outline your main argument, supporting examples, and any counterpoints you may wish to address. Once you start speaking, the goal is to make your position clear and back it up with relevant points.

After the 2-3 minute response, the examiner will ask follow-up questions on the same topic to further assess your reasoning, vocabulary depth, and capacity to engage in discussion. These questions are designed to challenge your perspective, allowing the examiner to see how you handle different aspects of the topic. Preparing for these follow-up questions is crucial, as they test your ability to think on your feet and expand on your initial answer.

Key Tips for Tackling the Argumentation Task

1. Listen Carefully to the Statement: The first step in the argumentation task is understanding the statement thoroughly. Take a moment to ensure you understand the meaning and any nuances before starting. Breaking down the statement mentally will help clarify your position, as well as the direction of your argument.
2. Organize Your Thoughts Quickly: During the short preparation time, jot down some key points. Organize your main argument, supporting examples, and perhaps a counterpoint or two if it strengthens your position. A quick outline will help you stay focused and ensure you cover all essential points during your response.
3. Use Clear Transitions and a Logical Structure: When presenting your argument, using transitions like “for eksempel” (for example), “på den andre siden” (on the other hand), “derfor” (therefore), and “som et resultat” (as a result) enhances the clarity of your response. These transitions help structure your ideas, making it easier for the examiner to follow your logic.
4. Practice Active Listening and Prepare for Follow-Up Questions: After your main response, the examiner will ask 2-3 follow-up questions that test your reasoning and push you to further develop your ideas. These questions often require candidates to consider alternative viewpoints, provide more detailed examples, or elaborate on a particular aspect. Anticipating possible follow-up questions can help you respond confidently.
5. Be Concise Yet Detailed: During the argumentation task, aim to balance depth with brevity. While it’s essential to provide sufficient detail, avoid going off-topic or overloading your answer. Keep your response focused on the main argument, while using examples to illustrate your points effectively.

Structuring Your Argument

For a well-structured argument, aim to cover the following elements in your response:

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce your stance on the topic.
2. Main Argument: State your main argument or position on the statement.
3. Supporting Points and Examples: Provide reasons for your stance, including real-life examples or hypothetical situations.
4. Possible Counterpoint: Acknowledge an opposing view if relevant, and explain why you agree or disagree.
5. Conclusion: Summarize your argument briefly.

Practicing with Example Topics

Below, we have provided several example statements similar to those you may encounter in the Norskprøven B2 exam. Each example includes potential follow-up questions, helping you practice not only your initial response but also preparing for possible questions that may challenge or deepen your perspective.

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Practice Examples

Example 1: «Alle bør bruke offentlige transportmidler når det er mulig.»

Task: Explain your opinion on this statement. Do you agree or disagree? Justify your position with clear arguments and examples.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. Hvilke fordeler og ulemper ser du ved bruk av offentlige transportmidler?
2. Tror du det er mulig for alle i Norge å bruke offentlig transport? Begrunn svaret ditt.
3. Hvordan kan vi oppmuntre flere til å bruke offentlig transport i stedet for privatbil?

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Example 2: «Det er viktig at alle voksne har grunnleggende ferdigheter i teknologi.»

Task: Spend 2-3 minutes explaining whether you agree or disagree with this statement. Consider the pros and cons and use specific examples to support your argument.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. Hvilke fordeler gir teknologiske ferdigheter til voksne i dag?
2. Hva kan være konsekvensene hvis noen voksne ikke har grunnleggende teknologiske ferdigheter?
3. Tror du det er mulig å leve et godt liv uten teknologi? Hvorfor eller hvorfor ikke?

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Example 3: «Skoler bør bruke mer tid på å lære elevene praktiske ferdigheter enn teori.»

Task: Discuss this statement and explain why you agree or disagree. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of focusing on practical skills in school.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. Hva tror du er fordelene ved å lære praktiske ferdigheter i skolen?
2. Hvordan kan skoler balansere teori og praksis i opplæringen?
3. Hvilke praktiske ferdigheter synes du er viktigst for unge i dag? Hvorfor?

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Example 4: «Nordmenn bruker for mye tid foran skjermen.»

Task: Give your opinion on this statement. Justify your answer with clear arguments and examples.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. Hva tror du er de positive og negative konsekvensene av skjermbruk?
2. Hvilke tiltak kan gjøres for å redusere skjermtid blant befolkningen?
3. Tror du det er mulig å unngå skjermbruk i dagens samfunn? Begrunn synspunktet ditt.

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Example 5: «Det bør være lovlig å jobbe hjemmefra så ofte man vil.»

Task: Explain your opinion on this statement, support your argument with examples, and consider the pros and cons of working from home.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. Hva ser du som fordelene og ulempene ved å jobbe hjemmefra?
2. Hvordan påvirker hjemmekontor arbeidsgleden og produktiviteten til ansatte?
3. Tror du at visse yrker passer bedre til hjemmekontor enn andre? Begrunn svaret ditt.

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Example 6: «Barn og unge bør delta i frivillig arbeid for å lære ansvar.»

Task: Give your opinion on this statement and support it with specific examples. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of involving children and young people in volunteer work.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. Hvordan kan frivillig arbeid bidra til utviklingen av barn og unge?
2. Er det noen ulemper med å involvere barn og unge i frivillig arbeid?
3. Bør frivillig arbeid være obligatorisk i skolen? Hvorfor eller hvorfor ikke?

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Example 7: «Det bør være aldersgrenser for bruk av sosiale medier.»

Task: Discuss this statement. Do you agree or disagree? Justify your response with clear examples and considerations.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. Hvordan påvirker sosiale medier barn og unges utvikling?
2. Hva tror du ville skje hvis sosiale medier hadde strengere aldersgrenser?
3. Er det mulig å håndheve aldersgrenser på sosiale medier effektivt? Hvorfor eller hvorfor ikke?

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Tips for Answering Follow-Up Questions

1. Expand on Your Main Argument: Use the follow-up questions as an opportunity to add depth to your original viewpoint. Provide additional examples or explain more thoroughly why you hold a particular opinion.
2. Consider Alternative Perspectives: Some follow-up questions may prompt you to consider a different perspective. Acknowledge this viewpoint and explain why you agree or disagree with it.
3. Stay Focused and Concise: With limited time, ensure that your responses remain focused and clear. Avoid lengthy explanations that might distract from your main points.
4. Use Examples: Including examples wherever possible will help illustrate your points and make your arguments more persuasive.

Practicing with diverse topics like those above will improve your ability to present well-structured arguments in Norwegian. For a more systematic and targeted preparation, consider enrolling in the B2 course at NLS Norwegian Language School: Norskprøven B2 Course.

Mastering the argumentation task will not only help you excel in the Norskprøven but also develop valuable communication skills that are useful in both academic and professional settings. Good luck with your preparation!