Listening: Listening for Gist A2 - Lesson 2: Identifying the Speaker's Main Purpose (e.g., asking for information, giving instructions) in simple scenarios

Listening for Gist A2

Why are they speaking?

Lesson Goals

• Identify the "Purpose" of a conversation.
• Recognize signal words for Requests vs. Instructions.
• Understand if a speaker is Asking or Telling.

When you listen, ask yourself: "What does the speaker want?" Do they want to know something? Do they want me to do something?

1. The 3 Main Purposes

❓ Asking for Information

The speaker doesn't know something and wants an answer.

Signals: Where is...? / Can you tell me...? / What time...?

📋 Giving Instructions

The speaker is telling you how to do something.

Signals: First... / Then... / Don't forget to... / Press the button...

☕ Making an Offer/Request

The speaker wants to give you something or needs help.

Signals: Would you like...? / Can I help you...? / Could you please...?

Practice Activity: What is the purpose?

Read (or listen to) these short clips. Match them to the purpose.

• Clip 1: "Excuse me, does this bus go to the Central Market?"

  Purpose: Asking for Information

• Clip 2: "Please open your books to page 10 and read the first paragraph."

  Purpose: Giving Instructions

• Clip 3: "Would you like some cold water? It is very hot outside."

  Purpose: Making an Offer

Vocabulary List

• Purpose (noun) /ˈpɜːrpəs/ [គោលបំណង] - The reason why someone does or says something.
• Instruction (noun) /ɪnˈstrʌkʃn/ [ការណែនាំ] - Information telling you how to do something.
• Request (noun/verb) /rɪˈkwɛst/ [សំណើ / ស្នើសុំ] - To ask for something politely.

Your Mission 🎙️

Listen to a YouTube video (cooking or tutorial). Can you hear the Instructions? Write down one "Signal Word" they used (e.g., "First", "Next", "Then").