Checking understanding

In this video, Paul has problems understanding Bob. Listen to the language they use for checking understanding and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Transcript

Ana: Hi, I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say!

 

Do you know what to say when you want to check your understanding? Listen out for useful language for checking your understanding. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Bob: This isn't right. Hey! Excuse me, Paul, could you pass me the hammer?

Paul: Sorry, Bob, my ears are blocked. I can't hear you very well. Could you say that again, please?

Bob: The hammer. Please could you pass it to me?

Paul: The spanner?

Bob: No. The hammer! 

Paul: Sorry, Bob, I don't understand. This is the spanner! 

Bob: No, Paul, I need the hammer. It's in the toolbox, on the left, under the scissors.

Paul: Sorry, Bob. Could you repeat that more slowly, please? 

Bob: The hammer … in the toolbox … on the left … under the scissors.

Paul: On the left … under the scissors … Oh! Do you mean the hammer? Is this it?

Bob: Yes, that's right! 

Paul: Ah! Why didn't you say so?

Bob: I did! 

 

Ana: Hello again! Oh dear. I think Paul needs to go home and sleep. So, did you notice the useful phrases used for checking your understanding? Listen to me and then repeat.

 

I'm sorry?

I can't hear you very well.

Could you say that again, please?

I don't understand.

Can you repeat that more slowly, please?

Do you mean the hammer?

Is this it?

Yes, that's right! 

 

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you want to check your understanding in English. Bye for now! 

Discussion

Download
Worksheet133.18 KB

Language level

Average: 4.6 (296 votes)

Submitted by hangnt5 on Wed, 22/07/2020 - 04:25

Permalink
It is very helpful to learn, it helps me to explain to someone what I need. It helps me to how I do when I don't understand someone say.

Submitted by Yin Wai Naing on Tue, 21/07/2020 - 16:01

Permalink
very useful. Thanks

Submitted by Pavindu Rathnayaka on Tue, 21/07/2020 - 02:56

Permalink
Yes, Thank you!

Submitted by Phan Bao Dung on Mon, 20/07/2020 - 19:08

Permalink
I love it. very useful

Submitted by arora on Sun, 19/07/2020 - 17:43

Permalink
this is useful for listening. but how this can be effective for speaking ?

Hello arora,

After doing the exercises, try listening with the transcript (listening and reading). Then try saying the text yourself, and finally try saying it with (and at the same speed as) the recording. This will help you to develop speed in your speech, which is a key component of fluency.  You'll also pick up a lot of language as chunks -- words which are often used together in set phrases -- which you can use to communicate with less hesitation. 

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Hello Kirk, Do you mean recording by Mobil phone?

Hello Biraqi,

When I said 'try saying it with (and at the same speed as) the recording', I meant 'audio', or perhaps I should have said 'video' really. The idea was to practise repeating the sentences or phrases until you can say them quickly.

But your idea of using your mobile phone to record yourself is also a very good one! You can use it to practise and to compare your pronunciation to the video.

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by velamuni on Sun, 19/07/2020 - 15:44

Permalink
it's very useful to learn, Thanks!