Speaking: Interactive Communication A2
Function: Checking Understanding
Listen to the conversation.
Conversation Scenario: Giving Directions
When you give important information like directions, it's polite to check if the other person is following you. This shows you are a helpful and careful speaker. Click 🔊 to hear each line.
Your Interaction Toolkit 💬 (Click 🔊)
Here are the key phrases for managing understanding in a conversation. Click 🔊 to hear them.
🤔 Checking If They Understand
- Do you understand?
- Does that make sense?
- Do you know what I mean?
- ...right? / ...okay?
✅ Confirming You Understand
- Got it.
- I get it.
- I understand.
- Okay. / Right.
❓ Stating You Don't Understand
- I'm sorry, I'm a bit lost.
- I don't understand.
- Could you say that again?
Tips for Clear Communication
🗣️ Intonation of Checking Questions
To sound helpful and polite (not like you are giving a test!), your voice must go UP ↗ at the end of a checking question.
- Listen: "Do you understand? ↗"
- Listen again: "Does that make sense? ↗"
This rising tone makes the question feel supportive and encourages the listener to ask for help.
💡 Why and When to Check
Why should you check? It shows you are a clear and helpful speaker who cares about the listener.
When should you check?
- After giving important instructions or directions.
- After explaining a new or difficult idea.
- When you see a confused look on the listener's face.
Practice Your Skills 🎯
Activity 1: What's the Best Phrase?
For each situation, choose the best phrase to say. Click "Show Answer" to check.
-
You explain a new game rule to friends. To see if they understand, you say: _______
Show Answer
"Does that make sense?" (or "Do you understand?")
-
Your teacher explains something and you understand it. You say: _______
Show Answer
"Yes, I get it." (or "Got it.", "I understand.")
-
A friend gives you long, confusing directions. You say: _______
Show Answer
"I'm sorry, I'm a bit lost." (or "Could you say that again?")
Activity 2: Role-Play: Giving Instructions
Work with a partner or practice alone. Person A, explain how to make a simple food (like instant noodles). After each step, use a checking question ("Okay?"). Person B must respond by confirming they understand ("Got it"). Then, switch roles.
Example:
A: First, boil some water. Okay?
B: Got it.
A: Then, put the noodles in the water. Does that make sense?
B: Yes, I get it.
Key Phrases for Reference
- Does that make sense? A very common, soft, and polite way to check understanding. (Rising intonation ↗)
- Do you know what I mean? Used to check if someone understands your idea or feeling. (Rising intonation ↗)
- Got it. / I get it. An informal, common way to say "I understand." (Falling intonation ↘)
- I'm a bit lost. A polite way to say you are confused by the information. (Falling intonation ↘)
- Intonation The rise (↗) and fall (↘) of the voice when speaking (the 'music').
Your Communication Mission ⭐
This week, your mission is to be a very clear communicator.
The next time you explain something to a friend in English (even something simple!), practice using a checking question at the end. Just say, "Does that make sense?↗". It's a great habit for a fluent and considerate speaker.