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

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Average: 4.6 (471 votes)

Submitted by mamdouh eltoukhy on Sun, 09/10/2022 - 11:32

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it is very useful
thank you

Thanks,
I have a problem of speaking English. I am trying to understand but for speaking is very hard to me

for that I have lost many job opportunities because my poor speaking English. I need someone who can guide me for better speaking English

Thank you

Hi Gisore Ndakenesha Francois,

Speaking is something that you need to do in order to learn, so try to find some opportunities in your local area to talk in English. Maybe there is somebody in your family, workplace or community who is also interested in the same thing? If so, you can talk with and learn together. You may also consider joining a class that provides speaking practice. Apart from that, keep on expanding your vocabulary and understanding of grammar, as these allow you to express your ideas more precisely. Those are just a few ideas I had, but I hope they are of some use.

Good luck with it and keep going!

Best wishes,

Jonathan

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Doaa Naeem on Fri, 30/09/2022 - 23:03

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It's very useful thanks for your effort.

Submitted by Liliana2621 on Fri, 23/09/2022 - 09:33

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Thx the course is really helpfull for my learning.Btw I want a friend to practise my english skills.Can you guys join me?