Recognizing Conversation Cues
CEFR Level B2Lesson Goals
In this lesson, you will learn to identify common phrases (cues) that native speakers use to signal agreement, polite disagreement, and polite interruption in a conversation.
Understanding Interactional Cues
In real conversations, people use specific phrases to manage the flow of the discussion. These "interactional cues" are like traffic signals—they tell you when to stop, go, or proceed with caution. Recognizing them is key to understanding the relationships and intentions between speakers.
Cues for Agreement
When speakers agree, they often use phrases to build on each other's ideas and show support.
- Exactly.
- That's a good point.
- I feel the same way.
- You're absolutely right.
- I couldn't agree more.
- I was just going to say that.
Cues for Polite Disagreement
Disagreeing politely is a crucial skill. Speakers often soften their disagreement with introductory phrases to maintain a positive relationship.
- I see your point, but...
- I'm not so sure about that.
- I understand what you're saying, however...
- To be honest, I have a different perspective.
Cues for Polite Interruption
Sometimes you need to enter an ongoing conversation. These phrases allow you to interrupt without appearing rude.
- Sorry to interrupt, but...
- Can I just jump in here?
- If I could just add something...
- Excuse me, do you mind if I say something?
See It in Action
Listen to this conversation between three friends planning a team event. Notice how they use these cues.
Srey: "I think we should organize a big dinner at a restaurant for the team party."
Bora: "That's a good point. A nice dinner is always a great way to celebrate."
Alex: "Sorry to interrupt, but have we considered our budget? Some restaurants can be very expensive."
Srey: "Hmm, I didn't think about that."
Alex: "I see your point about wanting a nice celebration, but maybe we could have a potluck party at the office to save money?"
Bora: "You're absolutely right! That's a much better idea."
Key Tip: Tone of Voice is Everything
At the B2 level, it's crucial to understand that intonation and tone of voice can change the meaning of these cues.
For example, "That's a good point" said with a warm, positive tone is genuine agreement. However, the same phrase said slowly with a falling tone ("Well... that's a good point...") can signal doubt or even sarcastic disagreement.
Always listen to how something is said, not just what is said.
Practice: What's the Function?
Listen to the phrases in the audio player and choose the speaker's function or intention.
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A speaker says: "I understand what you're saying, however, I think there's another way to look at it."
What is the speaker doing?(a) Agreeing, (b) Disagreeing politely, (c) Interrupting
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A speaker says: "Can I just jump in here for a moment?"
What is the speaker doing?(a) Agreeing, (b) Changing the topic, (c) Interrupting politely
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A speaker says: "Exactly! I feel the same way."
What is the speaker doing?(a) Strongly agreeing, (b) Politely disagreeing, (c) Asking a question
Show Answers
Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-a
Vocabulary
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Interactional Cue (noun phrase) [សញ្ញាអន្តរកម្ម]
A word or phrase showing the speaker's intention (e.g., to agree, disagree).
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Agreement (noun) [ការយល់ព្រម]
The state of having the same opinion as someone else.
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Disagreement (noun) [ការមិនយល់ស្រប]
The state of having a different opinion from someone else.
Your Mission
Apply your skills with these real-world listening and speaking tasks.
- Analyze an Interview: Watch an English panel discussion or a lively interview on YouTube. Listen specifically for the moment one person disagrees with another. What exact phrase did they use to introduce their different opinion?
- Plan Your Disagreement: Imagine your friend wants to visit the Landmine Museum, but you would prefer to go to the Angkor National Museum. How would you express your preference using one of the polite disagreement phrases from this lesson?