B1 Listening for Detail: Identifying Reasons and Explanations
Welcome! In this lesson, we will practice a very useful skill: listening to identify reasons and explanations1 in conversations. This means understanding why something is happening, or why someone made a certain decision2.
1. How to Listen for Reasons
To find a reason, listen for signal words3 that introduce an explanation. The most common signal word is "because." You can also listen for phrases like "the reason is..." or "that's why..." Sometimes, there is no signal word, and you have to understand the connection from the context.
2. Practice 1: A Simple Reason
Listen to this conversation. Your target is to find the reason why Lina is tired.
Speaker A: "Hi Lina, you look tired today."
Speaker 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.
Click to Show Answer
Answer: B). The signal word "because" introduces the reason: the dog was barking.
3. Practice 2: An Explanation for a Decision
Now, listen to a dialogue where Dara explains his decision. Listen for the explanation for why he is saving money4.
Speaker A: "Dara, you are not buying a new phone? I thought you wanted one."
Speaker 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. It's quite expensive, so I need to be careful with my spending."
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.
Click to Show Answer
Answer: C). The phrase "The reason is..." introduces his explanation for the decision.
4. Practice 3: An Indirect Reason
Sometimes, a reason is given without a signal word. You have to understand the connection from the context. Listen to this dialogue. Why can't Srey come to the party?
Speaker A: "Hi Srey, are you coming to the party on Saturday?"
Speaker B: "Oh, I'd love to, but I can't. I have to help my parents at our family's shop all weekend. We are very busy at the moment."
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.
Click to Show Answer
Answer: C). Even though she doesn't use the word "because," helping her parents is the clear reason she cannot go.
Final Quiz: Find the Reason
Listen to two short dialogues and identify the reason given in each one.
-
Dialogue 1: (Listen to the audio)
Question: What is the reason for learning English?
-
Dialogue 2: (Listen to the audio)
Question: Why are the roads wet?
Click to Show Answers
Answers: 1. To get a better job in the tourism industry. 2. Because it rained for three hours last night.
Homework Task
1. Listen for Reasons: In conversations you have today (in English or Khmer), pay attention to when people give reasons for their actions. What signal words do they use? Do they use "because" or other phrases?
2. Explain Yourself: Think about a decision you made recently (e.g., a food you chose to eat, a movie you watched). Practice explaining the reason for your decision in one or two English sentences, using the word "because."
Vocabulary Glossary
- Reason / Explanation (noun) - Khmer: ហេតុផល / ការពន្យល់ - The cause or justification for an action or event; an answer to a "Why?" question. ↩
- Decision (noun) - Khmer: ការសម្រេចចិត្ត - A choice you make about something after thinking about it. ↩
- Signal Word (noun phrase) - Khmer: ពាក្យសញ្ញា - A word or phrase that gives a clue about the structure of a sentence or the speaker's intention. ↩
- To Save Money (verb phrase) - Khmer: សន្សំលុយ - To keep money for use in the future, instead of spending it now. ↩