Listening: Listening for Inference, Attitude, & Opinion B1 - Lesson 1: Understanding Simple Implied Meanings in Context

Listening B1

The Detective Ear: Inference

Lesson Goals

• Understand "Inference" (reading between the lines).
• Recognize when "No" sounds like "Maybe".
• Identify feelings that are not spoken directly.

Often, people do not say exactly what they mean. They hint at it. Inference means using clues to guess the true meaning. Think of communication like an iceberg.

1. The "Polite" Request

In English, saying "Do this" is often rude. We use hints to ask people to do things.

🗣️ They say: "It's a bit cold in here." 🧠 They mean: "Please close the window."

🗣️ They say: "Do you have a watch?" 🧠 They mean: "What time is it?"

2. The "Soft" No

It is common to avoid saying "No" directly because it feels harsh. We give a reason instead.

🗣️ You ask: "Do you want to go to the cinema?" 🗣️ They answer: "I have a lot of homework." 🧠 They mean: "No."

Strategy: Context Clues

To infer correctly, ask yourself: Where are they? Who are they?

If someone looks at their empty plate and says "That was delicious," but they are still looking at you...

Inference: They might want more food!

Practice Activity: What do they mean?

Listen to the short clips. Choose the hidden meaning.

1. Clip 1: "Look at those dark clouds."
   (Means: It will rain / It is night time)
2. Clip 2: "This bag is very heavy."
   (Means: I like the bag / Please help me carry it)
3. Clip 3: "I just had a big lunch."
   (Means: I am not hungry / I want dinner)

Vocabulary List

• Inference (noun) /ˈɪnfərəns/ [ការសន្និដ្ឋាន] - A guess based on clues or evidence.
• Imply (verb) /ɪmˈplaɪ/ [បញ្ជាក់ន័យ] - To suggest something without saying it directly.
• Indirect (adj) /ˌɪndəˈrɛkt/ [ដែលមិនផ្ទាល់] - Not going straight to the point.

Your Mission 🎙️

Observe people today (in Khmer or English). Find one time someone used a Hint instead of asking directly.

Example: Did someone say "I'm thirsty" instead of "Give me water"?