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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Worksheet133.18 KB

Language level

Average: 4.5 (564 votes)
Profile picture for user Sreyda

Submitted by Sreyda on Wed, 09/07/2025 - 16:33

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It’s best way for learning.

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Submitted by baris5561551 on Wed, 09/07/2025 - 15:52

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Yes ı think the video is very useful for elementary speakers. Because it teaches us how to respond a situation when we are not sure or when we don't hear somebody properly.

Profile picture for user MounirBr44

Submitted by MounirBr44 on Wed, 02/07/2025 - 18:04

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That's very interesting and useful for me. 

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Submitted by nsreen on Sun, 22/06/2025 - 23:21

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thank you this great application 

Profile picture for user Eskafeca

Submitted by Eskafeca on Thu, 12/06/2025 - 12:47

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Yes, I learned useful phrases for checking my understanding.

Submitted by juhcorreia on Tue, 10/06/2025 - 16:00

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 very useful for sure!

Submitted by MOHD2025 on Wed, 04/06/2025 - 12:44

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The beginning is good

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Submitted by haifa23 on Mon, 02/06/2025 - 13:24

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Did you find the video useful? Yes, It’s so good. I will use the new new phrases in shaa Allah.
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