Listening: Listening for Specific Information & Detail B1 - Lesson 2: Understanding Detailed Instructions or Directions

Listening for Detail: Following Instructions

CEFR Level B1

Lesson Goals

In this lesson, you will practice listening for detailed, multi-step instructions and directions, focusing on understanding the specific sequence of actions.

How to Listen for Detailed Instructions

At the B1 level, you need to follow instructions with several steps. The key is to listen for "signal words" that guide you through the process. These words tell you the order of the actions.

Pay close attention to words like:

• Sequence words: First, Next, Then, After that, Finally
• Specific details: numbers (e.g., "three minutes," "50 meters"), directions (left/right), and important objects or landmarks.

As you listen, try to create a mental movie or a map in your head. Visualizing each step helps you remember the information accurately.

Key Tip: Note-Taking for Details

When the instructions are complex, don't try to remember everything. Use a pen and paper to take simple notes. You don't need to write full sentences!

• Jot down keywords: pagoda, 50m, yellow building
• Use symbols: Draw an arrow for turns (e.g., → for right, ← for left).
• Write numbers: 3 min, 2nd right, 1 min

This technique helps you capture the critical details without getting overwhelmed.

Practice Activities

Listen to the talks in the audio player and answer the questions for each activity.

1. Activity 1: Following Directions

   Listen to these directions to a guesthouse. Focus on the sequence of turns and key landmarks.

   "Okay, to get to the guesthouse, listen carefully. First, walk down this street for about three minutes until you see a large pagoda on your left. After you pass the pagoda, take the second right turn. Then, walk straight for another 50 meters. The guesthouse is a yellow building on your left, directly opposite a pharmacy."

   Answer these questions:

   1. What is the first landmark you will see?
   2. Which turn should you take after passing the pagoda?
   3. What building is opposite the guesthouse?
   Show Answers

   Answers: 1. A large pagoda. 2. The second right turn. 3. A pharmacy.

2. Activity 2: Following a Recipe

   Listen to a recipe for a fruit smoothie. Focus on the ingredients and the order of actions.

   "To make this delicious mango smoothie, you will need one mango, one banana, half a cup of yogurt, and a spoon of honey. First, cut the mango and banana into small pieces and put them in the blender. Next, add the yogurt and the honey. Finally, blend everything together for about one minute, until it's smooth."

   Which of these statements is INCORRECT?

   • A) The recipe uses four ingredients.
   • B) You should add the yogurt before you add the fruit.
   • C) The final step is to blend everything for about one minute.
   Show Answer

   Answer: B is incorrect. The instructions say to add the yogurt *after* the fruit.

3. Activity 3: Following a Technical Process

   Listen to these instructions for sending an email with an attachment.

   "To send a photo in an email, follow these steps. First, compose a new email and write your message. Next, look for the paperclip icon and click it to attach a file. After you select the photo from your computer, wait for it to upload. Finally, when you are ready, press the 'Send' button."

   Answer these questions:

   1. What is the first step in the process?
   2. What icon should you look for to attach a file?
   3. What should you do right before you press the 'Send' button?
   Show Answers

   Answers: 1. Compose a new email and write the message. 2. The paperclip icon. 3. Wait for the photo to upload.

Vocabulary

• Detailed (adjective) [លម្អិត]

  Including many small facts or pieces of information; not general.

• Sequence (noun) [លំដាប់]

  The order in which related events or actions follow each other.

• Landmark (noun) [សញ្ញាសម្គាល់]

  An object or feature of a place (like a big building or a bridge) that is easy to see and recognize.

• Ingredient (noun) [គ្រឿងផ្សំ]

  One of the food items you use to make a particular dish.

Your Mission

It's time to apply your skills. Try these tasks to practice listening for detail.

1. Follow a Tutorial: Find a short English video tutorial on YouTube for something new (e.g., "how to make cold brew coffee," "5 basic photo editing tips"). Listen once and write down the key steps. Then, watch the video to check your understanding.
2. Guide a Friend: Give a friend detailed directions to get from your current location to a nearby shop or cafe. Use at least three steps, two sequence words (like "first," "then"), and one specific landmark. See if they can repeat the instructions back to you.