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: 4.5 (434 votes)

Submitted by DLCH on Wed, 02/10/2024 - 14:09

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The video was fobidden. How can I to watch?

Hello DLCH,

Are you able to view either of the following videos on our site?

  1. https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/general-english/video-zone/why-dogs-stick-their-heads-out-car-windows
  2. https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/general-english/video-series/starting-out/episode-01-they-meet

We have found that users in some locations aren't able to see some of our videos.

Best wishes,
Kirk
LearnEnglish team

 

Submitted by albertmary on Mon, 23/09/2024 - 17:13

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Yes, I did, especially the useful phrases. Paul's ears are really blocked  😄.

Submitted by Mezo_22 on Sun, 22/09/2024 - 10:01

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it's a useful video. thanks

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Submitted by hernandez.victor068 on Thu, 19/09/2024 - 16:42

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Hello, I think it is a good idea to put a transcriptor tool. I mean, if you are using Google Translate -for example-, you can use your voice to put in the information. Something similar happen when you are using Google Doc. Therefore, to improve the student's pronunciation, it is a good idea to include a transcriptor tool. That way, the student could check his pronuntiation.

My mother tongue is Spanish and I discovered that sometimes I thought my pronuntiation was correct. But when I used the Google Translate, it said me that my pronuntiation was wrong. I checked it recording my voice and the transcription tool was right, my pronuntiation was wrong, not clear. 

 

That was just a suggestion.

Submitted by hilal. on Mon, 02/09/2024 - 12:56

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thank you its very useful video

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Submitted by KhanhLe98 on Wed, 28/08/2024 - 15:03

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thanks, the video is very well

Submitted by Kirin KHD on Fri, 23/08/2024 - 09:02

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My first elementary course