Listening: Listening for Inference, Attitude, & Opinion (Advanced) C1 - Lesson 2: Identifying Underlying Assumptions and Unstated Points of View

🤔Listening: C1 - Identifying Unstated Assumptions

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define "underlying assumptions" and "unstated points of view" in spoken discourse.
• Identify key underlying assumptions a speaker makes, even if not explicitly stated.
• Infer a speaker's unstated point of view based on their arguments and word choice.
• Analyze how these unstated elements influence the overall message and its interpretation.

Welcome, C1 learners! Beyond understanding what a speaker says, advanced listening involves identifying the hidden foundations of their arguments. This means hearing the underlying assumptions they take for granted and the unstated points of view that shape their message. This lesson will teach you how to listen for what is left unsaid.

Uncovering Hidden Foundations

Every argument is built on a foundation of beliefs. A critical listener learns to examine that foundation. Click the cards to learn more.

Underlying Assumption

Underlying Assumption: A belief that a speaker accepts as true to make their argument, but does not state directly. To find it, ask: "What must they believe for their argument to make sense?"

Unstated Point of View

Unstated Point of View: A perspective or opinion that is not directly articulated but can be inferred from the speaker's word choice, focus, and what they choose to emphasize or omit.

✍️ Interactive Activities

Activity 1: What's the Assumption?

Read the following statement. What is a necessary underlying assumption for this statement to be true?

"We obviously need to invest more in technology to improve our schools."

The speaker is assuming that:

Technology is currently very cheap.

Students do not enjoy using technology.

More technology directly leads to better educational outcomes.

Activity 2: Analyze the Discussion

Listen to this discussion about the future of work. Pay attention to the unstated views and assumptions of each speaker.

Listen to the discussion excerpt:

Analyze the speakers' perspectives:

1. Based on the challenges raised, what is Speaker B's likely unstated point of view?

They believe remote work is a simple solution with no downsides.

They are completely against any form of remote work.

They are cautious and believe a full shift to remote work has serious challenges that require careful thought.

2. What is an underlying assumption in Speaker A's statement that companies who don't adapt "will simply be left behind"?

🚀 Strategies for Uncovering Hidden Meanings

• Listen for What's Taken for Granted: Constantly ask yourself, "What must this speaker believe is true for their argument to make sense?"
• Analyze Word Choice: Words like "obviously," "clearly," or "undeniably" often signal that the speaker is presenting an assumption as a fact.
• Consider the Gaps: What is the speaker *not* talking about? A person who only discusses the benefits of a plan likely holds an unstated positive view and might be ignoring the risks.
• Connect the Dots: A speaker's unstated viewpoint is often revealed by the pattern of their arguments over time. Synthesize their points to see the bigger picture.
• Question the Foundation: Once you identify an assumption, the next step in critical thinking is to ask, "Is that assumption valid?"

Summary: This lesson focused on the C1 skill of listening beneath the surface. Advanced comprehension involves identifying the unstated assumptions and viewpoints that form the foundation of a speaker's message. By analyzing word choice, focus, and logical gaps, you can develop a more critical and complete understanding of any spoken discourse.