Speaking: Functional Language B1 - Lesson 4: Narrating Events & Experiences in Detail

Speaking: Functional Language B1

Narrating Events & Experiences in Detail

Listen to the dialogue example here.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to structure a story, use time expressions, and add details to make your narrative clear and interesting.

Conversation Scenario 💬

Listen to Dara tell his friend Thida about his recent trip. Notice how he uses sequencing words and descriptive language to narrate his experience.

Thida: Hi Dara, how was your holiday? You went to Mondulkiri, right?

Dara: It was incredible! First, we took a minibus from Phnom Penh, which was a long but scenic journey. We arrived in Sen Monorom in the evening.

Thida: What did you do after that?

Dara: The next morning, we visited an elephant sanctuary. It was an unforgettable experience. We got to feed the elephants and watch them bathe in the river. While we were watching them, our guide told us all about the local conservation efforts.

Thida: Wow, that sounds amazing!

Dara: It was! Finally, on the last day, we went to the Bousra waterfall. It was absolutely huge and powerful. The whole trip was fantastic.

Your Storytelling Toolkit 🛠️ (Click 🔊)

Use these tools to structure your story and make it more engaging for your listener.

1. Sequencing Words

Use these words to guide your listener through the story from beginning to end.

• To start: First,... / To begin with,...
• To continue: Then,... / Next,... / After that,...
• To end: Finally,... / In the end,...

2. Time Clauses

Connect two actions by explaining when they happened.

• When the sun set, the view was beautiful. (Connects a specific moment)
• While I was walking, I saw some monkeys. (Connects two actions happening at the same time)

3. Descriptive Adjectives

Use stronger adjectives to make your story more vivid and interesting.

• Instead of "good," try: fantastic, wonderful, amazing, incredible.
• Instead of "big," try: huge, enormous, massive.

Pronunciation Tip

🗣️ The "-ed" Ending in Past Tense Verbs

The pronunciation of "-ed" at the end of regular past tense verbs has three sounds. Listen closely:

• /t/ sound: After unvoiced sounds like p, k, s. (Examples: hoped , walked , passed )
• /d/ sound: After voiced sounds like l, v, n. (Examples: called , lived , rained )
• /ɪd/ sound: After 't' or 'd' sounds. (Examples: wanted , needed , decided )

Practice Narrating 🎯

Activity 1: Put the Story in Order (Self-Check)

Read the jumbled sentences about a trip to the market. How would you order them to make a good story? Think about it, then click below to see a good example.

• I bought some fresh mangoes and dragon fruit.
• I decided to go to Phsar Leu.
• I rode my moto home.
• I walked around to see what looked good.

Show Possible Answer

"First, I decided to go to Phsar Leu. When I got there, I walked around to see what looked good. Then, I bought some fresh mangoes and dragon fruit. Finally, I rode my moto home."

Vocabulary Glossary

• Narrate (Verb) | និទាន
  To tell a story or describe a series of events.
• First / Finally (Sequencers) | ដំបូង / ជាចុងក្រោយ
  Used to introduce the first and last events in a series.
• After that (Phrase) | បន្ទាប់ពីនោះ
  A phrase used to talk about what happens next.
• Unforgettable (Adjective) | ដែលមិនអាចបំភ្លេចបាន
  So special or wonderful that it is impossible to forget.
• Scenic (Adjective) | ដែលមានទេសភាពស្អាត
  Having beautiful natural scenery.
• Conservation (Noun) | ការអភិរក្ស
  The protection of animals, plants, and natural resources.

Your Mission ⭐

Your mission is to tell someone a story about something you did recently (your weekend, a meal you cooked, etc.).

1. Start your story with "First,..."
2. Use at least one other sequencing word like "Then,..."
3. Add at least one descriptive adjective (e.g., delicious, beautiful, unforgettable).
4. End your story with "Finally,..."

Example: "First, I went to the shop. Then, I bought some delicious bread. Finally, I went home."