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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Language level

Average: 4.6 (296 votes)
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Submitted by WinterBear_7 on Thu, 25/01/2024 - 14:08

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I can't even open the video. I tried several times but it's not working for me.

Hello WinterBear_7,

I'm sorry for the inconvenience. The video is working for me and I don't see any problems on our end.

Are you able to see the videos on this Starting out page or this Video zone page?

If not, I'd suggest trying a different browser or device to see if you can see the videos there.

Best wishes,
Kirk
LearnEnglish team

Submitted by cgfcabral on Wed, 03/01/2024 - 15:55

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It was useful but how can I check if my pronunciation is correct?
And one more thing, I couldn't do task 3, because I couldn't find the audio for it.
Please, can someone check that?

Hello cgfcabral,

There is a video on this page between the Preparation and Transcript sections. If you cannot see it, I'd recommend trying a different browser or device to check if you can see it. As far as I can tell, the video is working. I can see and hear it.

The idea is that you can compare your pronunciation to what you hear in the video.

If you need more help, please let us know what browser and device you're using and we'll do our best.

Best wishes,
Kirk
LearnEnglish team

Submitted by kiethoang20140303 on Mon, 01/01/2024 - 11:11

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Thanks very much

Submitted by Geo Mahmoud on Fri, 29/12/2023 - 20:43

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DO you find the video useful?
yes. it‘s very good

Submitted by Imane Al herchi on Fri, 29/12/2023 - 11:36

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Hello, yes I found the video very useful. Thank you

Submitted by Anjo on Tue, 26/12/2023 - 20:00

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I think the video very good for learn english.

Submitted by ikrama idrees on Wed, 13/12/2023 - 08:13

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Hello Dear Learn English Support Team.
I've always recommended my learner to watch these videos at home but I've always had the same complaint about the quality of these videos that they won't play - a video will pause every few seconds. I would really appreciate if you could resolve this issue for us.