Listening: Listening for Specific Information & Detail B1 - Lesson 3: Identifying Reasons and Explanations in Conversations

Listening for Detail: Understanding Reasons

CEFR Level B1

Lesson Goals

In this lesson, you will practice listening to identify reasons and explanations. This key skill helps you understand why people make certain decisions or why events happen.

How to Listen for Reasons

When you want to understand the reason for something, you need to listen for specific clues. Often, speakers use signal words to introduce an explanation. These words are like signs on the road that tell you a reason is coming next.

The most common signal word is "because," but there are many others. Sometimes, a speaker might not use a signal word at all, and you need to understand the reason from the context of the conversation.

Key Tip: Listen for "Signal Words"

Train your ears to catch these common words and phrases that signal a reason or explanation:

• because: "I was late because the traffic was bad."
• since: "Since it's raining, we should cancel the picnic."
• due to: "The flight was delayed due to a technical problem."
• The reason is...: "I chose this hotel. The reason is, it has a great location."
• That's why...: "I studied hard. That's why I passed the exam."

Practice Activities

Listen to the dialogues in the audio player. Your goal is to find the reason or explanation in each one.

1. Dialogue 1: A Simple Reason

   A: "Hi Lina, you look tired today."

   B: "I am. I didn't sleep well last night because my neighbor's dog was barking all night."

   What is the reason Lina is tired?

   • A) She worked late last night.
   • B) Her neighbor's dog kept her awake.
   • C) She is feeling sick.
   Show Answer

   Answer: B). The signal word "because" introduces the reason: the dog was barking.

2. Dialogue 2: An Explanation for a Decision

   A: "Dara, you are not buying a new phone? I thought you wanted one."

   B: "I do, but I've decided to save my money for a while. The reason is, I want to take a trip to Japan next year."

   Why has Dara decided to save his money?

   • A) He doesn't like new phones anymore.
   • B) He thinks phones are too expensive.
   • C) He wants to save money for a trip to Japan.
   Show Answer

   Answer: C). The phrase "The reason is..." signals his explanation.

3. Dialogue 3: An Indirect Reason (No Signal Word)

   A: "Hi Srey, are you coming to the party on Saturday?"

   B: "Oh, I'd love to, but I can't. I have to help my parents at our family's shop all weekend."

   What is Srey's reason for not coming to the party?

   • A) She does not want to go to the party.
   • B) She is going to another party.
   • C) She has to work at her family's shop.
   Show Answer

   Answer: C). Even without a signal word, "I have to help my parents..." is the clear reason she can't go.

Vocabulary

• Reason / Explanation (noun) [ហេតុផល / ការពន្យល់]

  The cause or justification for an action; an answer to a "Why?" question.

• Decision (noun) [ការសម្រេចចិត្ត]

  A choice you make about something after thinking about it.

• To save money (verb phrase) [សន្សំលុយ]

  To keep money for use in the future, instead of spending it now.

Your Mission

Apply your new skill with these two tasks.

1. Listen for "Because": In conversations you hear today (in English or Khmer), listen for the word "because" or its equivalent. Each time you hear it, notice the reason that follows.
2. Explain Your Day: Before you go to sleep tonight, think of one thing you did today. Explain the reason for it in a simple English sentence. For example: "I went to the market because we needed rice."