Listening: Listening for Gist B1 - Lesson 2: Following the Plot of a Simple Story or Narrative

Following the Plot of a Simple Story

CEFR Level B1

Lesson Goals

In this lesson, you will practice listening to a simple narrative (a story) and understanding its plot—the order of events from beginning to end.

Understanding a Story's Structure

When we listen to a story, we need to follow the plot. The plot is simply the series of events that make up the story. What happens first? What happens next? What happens at the end?

Most simple stories, or narratives, have three clear parts:

• The Beginning: This part introduces the characters (who is in the story?) and the setting (where is the story?).
• The Middle: This describes the main actions or a problem that the characters face.
• The End: This shows the result or the conclusion of the actions. How does the story finish?

Key Tip: Listen for Sequence Words

Speakers often use signal words to help you follow the plot. As you listen, pay attention to words that show the sequence, or order, of events. These words act like signposts for the story's timeline.

• Words for the beginning: First, In the morning, To start...
• Words for the middle: Next, Then, After that, Later...
• Words for the end: Finally, In the end, At last...

Hearing these words can help you organize the events in your mind as you listen.

Activity 1: Dara's Busy Day

Listen to this short story about Dara, a chef in Siem Reap. Focus on the order of his actions.

"Yesterday was a busy day for Dara, a chef in Siem Reap. In the morning, he went to the market to buy fresh vegetables and fish. After that, he went to his restaurant to prepare for lunch. The restaurant was very busy with many tourists. Finally, after a long day of cooking, he closed the restaurant at 10 PM and went home, feeling tired but happy."

1. Which sentence best describes the plot of the story?

• A) Dara went to the market after he closed his restaurant.
• B) Dara cooked for many tourists, went home, and then went to the market.
• C) Dara bought ingredients, worked a busy day at his restaurant, and finally went home late.

Show Answer

Answer: C. This option shows the correct sequence of events from beginning to end.

Activity 2: John the Tourist

Listen to a new story about a tourist's trip. Then, put the three main events in the correct order (1, 2, 3).

"Last week, a tourist named John arrived in Siem Reap. On his first day, he visited the famous Angkor Wat temple. The next day, he took a cooking class to learn how to make Khmer food. Before he left Cambodia, he bought some souvenirs at the Old Market."

Put these events in the correct order:

1. ( ..... ) He took a cooking class.
2. ( ..... ) He bought souvenirs.
3. ( ..... ) He visited Angkor Wat.

Show Answer

Correct Order: (2) He took a cooking class, (3) He bought souvenirs, (1) He visited Angkor Wat.

Vocabulary

• Plot (noun) [ដំណើររឿង]

  The sequence of main events in a story.

• Narrative (noun) [ការនិទានរឿង]

  Another word for a story that has connected events.

• Sequence (noun) [លំដាប់]

  The order in which related events or actions happen.

• Chef (noun) [ចុងភៅ]

  A professional cook, especially the main cook in a hotel or restaurant.

Your Mission

Time to practice with your own stories!

1. Describe Your Day: Think about your day yesterday. In three simple sentences, describe the plot of your day. Use sequence words like "First," "Next," and "Finally."
2. Summarize a Movie Plot: Watch the trailer for a new movie in English on YouTube. In your mind, try to guess the plot. What do you think happens in the beginning, the middle, and the end?