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 (667 votes)

Submitted by RaulA. on Mon, 23/02/2026 - 18:45

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i found the video very useful because we can be part of the natural conversation between two native speakers

Submitted by teayaras on Sun, 08/02/2026 - 12:54

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no, it is very useful. i am glad i can hear the video

Submitted by Daiana5511 on Thu, 05/02/2026 - 21:20

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But where is the speaking practice????

There's no speaking task where the system corrects pronunciation!!! 

This is just a listening activity, not a speaking one!!

Hello Daiana5511,

The materials on LearnEnglish are designed for self-access so you can use them yourself without a teacher. For the kind of correction you are referring to, you need a lesson with a teacher and you can find lessons like this online with the British Council. Here's a link to those kinds of courses with our English Online team:

https://englishonline.britishcouncil.org/?country=le

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

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Submitted by private tutor.- on Tue, 03/02/2026 - 05:10

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I have no problem playing the videos in the video zone section.
The problem is only with the videos in the speaking skills section. 
 

Thank you
 

Hello private tutor

Normally this issue occurs due to people's location, or possibly their internet service provider, but assuming you are in the location listed in your account, there shouldn't be an issue.

Have you tried using a different browser or different device to view the videos? Please try if not.

And if there is some sort of error message displayed, please copy the details here so I can investigate further.

Best wishes
Kirk
LearnEnglish team

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Submitted by private tutor.- on Mon, 02/02/2026 - 13:37

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Hi 


I am trouble playing the videos in the speaking skills at all levels.


Thank you