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 (617 votes)

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 23/10/2024 - 12:05

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I really enjoy watching the video! The acting, the plot, and the background noise are all on point. I was on the edge of my seat when the character with blocked ears finally passed him the hammer. Overall, the video was a lot of fun to watch, and if it were a series, I can see myself binge-watching it.
 

Submitted by FOUADQA on Fri, 18/10/2024 - 12:43

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yes, the video was wonderful. It's very clear and so fun, I'm really like it. 

Submitted by Mohmmed66mazen on Mon, 07/10/2024 - 18:49

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That was a Great video 👏🏻 

Now I can ask for word meanings in a convenient way 

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  😄.