B1 Listening for Detail: Understanding Detailed Instructions or Directions
Welcome back! In this lesson, we will practice understanding more detailed1, multi-step instructions. This involves following a longer sequence2 of actions and paying close attention to specific details.
1. How to Listen for Detailed Instructions
When listening to detailed instructions, try to create a mental map or a movie in your head. Visualize each step. Pay close attention to sequence words (First, Next, Then, After that, Finally) and specific details like numbers, directions (left/right), and important objects or landmarks3.
2. Practice 1: Detailed Directions
Listen to these directions to a guesthouse. Your targets are: 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 based on the directions:
- What is the first landmark you will see?
- Which turn should you take after passing the pagoda?
- What building is opposite the guesthouse?
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Answers: 1. A large pagoda. 2. The second right turn. 3. A pharmacy.
3. Practice 2: A More Complex Recipe
Now, let's follow a recipe for a fruit smoothie. Your targets are: 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 according to the recipe?
- A) The recipe uses four ingredients4.
- B) You should add the yogurt before you add the fruit.
- C) The final step is to blend everything for about one minute.
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Answer: B) is incorrect. The instructions say to add the yogurt *after* the fruit is in the blender.
Final Quiz: Follow the Process
Listen to these instructions for sending an email with an attachment. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Instructions: (Listen to the audio)
- What is the first step in the process?
- What icon should you look for to attach a file?
- What should you do right before you press the 'Send' button?
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Answers: 1. Compose a new email and write your message. 2. The paperclip icon. 3. Wait for the photo to upload.
Homework Task
1. Assemble Something: Find video instructions for something simple, like "how to make a paper airplane" or "how to tie a necktie." Listen to the instructions without watching the video first. Can you visualize the steps?
2. Guide a Friend: Give a friend detailed, multi-step directions to get from your current location to a nearby shop or cafe. Use at least three steps and mention one landmark. For example: "First, walk out the front door and turn right..."
Vocabulary Glossary
- Detailed (adjective) - Khmer: លម្អិត - Including many small facts or pieces of information; not general. ↩
- Sequence (noun) - Khmer: លំដាប់ - The order in which related events, actions, or things follow each other. ↩
- Landmark (noun) - Khmer: សញ្ញាសម្គាល់ - An object or feature of a place that is easily seen and recognized, used for giving directions. ↩
- Ingredient (noun) - Khmer: គ្រឿងផ្សំ - One of the food items you use to make a particular dish. ↩