listening english l1 speaking and listening

Functional Skills
English
Level 1

Learning Resource 8
Speaking and Listening

SLIr/L1.1-6

SLc/L1.1-4

SLd/L1.1-3

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
Excellence in skills development

8

Contents
8a


Listen for and Identify Information

SLlr/L1.1

Pages

2 - 13

8b

Listen for and Understand Information

SLlr/L1.2

Pages

14– 40

8c


Clarify and Confirm Understanding

SLlr/L1.3 – 4

Pages

41– 54

8d

Make Relevant Contributions

SLlr/L1.5

Pages

55 – 57

8e


Responding to Questions

SLlr/L1.6

Pages

58 – 62

8f

Speaking to Communicate

SLc/L1.1

Pages

63 – 70

8g


Asking Questions

SLc/L1.2

Page

8h

Expressing Oneself Clearly

SLc/L1.3

Pages

72 – 74

8i

Presenting Information in a Logical Sequence SLc/L1.4


Pages

75 – 82

8j

Taking Part in Discussions

Pages

83 - 90

©West Nottinghamshire College

SLd/L1.1 – 3

71

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Excellence in skills development

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.1

8

Information
Understanding and making notes from listening to what another person is saying is a vital
skill that has to be practised. Throughout our lives, we are listening and picking up spoken
information ranging from an announcement on a train telling us which station the train is
about to arrive at, to having to take notes during a presentation at work.
If you are listening to something for pleasure, for example to a television or radio
broadcast, you will find that your concentration will vary depending on how alert or tired
you are feeling, how interested you are in what you are watching or listening to and how
many other distractions – such as other people and noise or alternative things to look at
such as art work around the room – are vying for your attention. In these instances, how
much of what you are hearing you really listen to or understand is not vital.

However, if you are holding a conversation with other people, it is important that you listen
carefully and make sure you follow the flow of the conversation. Additionally, it may be
that the information or explanation you are listening to is vital for carrying out a task
successfully.
Exercise 1
Each person in the group should prepare a short talk or presentation about some event
they have attended for example a sports event, an exhibition, a concert, or even a holiday.
This should be quite informal but should include specific information such as dates, times
and places. It can be supplemented with illustrations or any other way of helping to make
your information interesting to the audience.
The rest of the group should note down any points they think are interesting during
the talk and then compare notes to see what each person found noteworthy.
Do you notice any facts or information which the majority have noted?
If so, list these and try to work out why most people listened to and understood
these points.
It might help to fill in the grid.
Fact/Piece of Information

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What Made it Noteworthy?

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SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.1

8

There are a number of techniques a speaker might use to help you to understand the most
important points.
The speaker may:









ask the group a pertinent question;
question the group about the content of the presentation;
ask you to note or remember something;
emphasise some point that was particularly important;
alter the tone or volume of his/her voice to emphasise make a particular point;
use humour to bring your attention to certain points;
use illustrations in some way.

Listening Techniques
There are a number of techniques you could train yourself to use to help you understand
and note the main points of anything you are listening to.










Make sure you are prepared to listen – that you are physically comfortable, that
you have notepaper and a pen or pencil ready to use.
Clear your mind of all other concerns so that you can concentrate on the
information being given.
If someone else is trying to engage or distract you, remind them that you need
to follow what is being said and that it is only polite to remain silent and
unobtrusive when another person is speaking.
Do not try to note everything that is said, you should aim to list the facts you are
given only.
If something triggers a special memory for you, use this as a short cut e.g. if
something reminds you of a holiday you took in North Wales, you might only
need to note “Caernarvon, 2003”. This will of course only mean something to
you so it is no use as a technique if you are taking the notes for someone else!
Listen for special cues that the speaker might use to help you to follow what is
being said. These verbal cues are used by all good, practised speakers to help
their audience understand the main points. These could include:
1.

2.
3.
4.

“There are three things to remember about this….”
“I will now tell you the times and dates.”
“It is important to note….”
“I shall be saying more about that later.”

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SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.1

8

Exercise 2
You will hear a number of announcements or presentations which would be given in
a variety of situations. For each, you are given a set of questions to answer or
instructions to follow.
Text 1 – In a store (Note for tutor – this text appears on Page 10)
1)

What two advantages are there to a shopper who takes out a store card today?
a ……………………………………………………………………….........................
b ……………………………………………………………………….........................

2)

At what times are you invited to visit the café/restaurant?
………………………………………………………………………..............................

3)

Where is the café/restaurant?
………………………………………………………………………..............................

4)

Where is the customer services located?
................…………………………………………………………………………………

Text 2 – On a bus station (Note for tutor – this text appears on Page 10)
1)

2)

Which buses can passengers take to Carlington?
a

………………………………………………………………………..............

b

………………………………………………………………………..............

Which number bus should passengers take at Carlington?
………………………………………………………………………………...................

©West Nottinghamshire College

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SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.1

8

Text 3 – At an airport (Note for tutor – this text appears on Page 10)
1)

What is the number of the Merlion Air flight to Singapore?
…………………………………………………………………………………...............

2)

At which Gate is the flight boarding?
…………………………………………………………………………………...............

3)

What two documents should passengers have to show at the Gate?
a …………………………………………………………………………………...........
b ..…………………………………………………………………………....................

Text 4 – On a train station (Note for tutor – this text appears on Page 10)
1)

At which platform is the train featured in the announcement standing?
…………………………………………………………………………………................

2)

What is the final destination of this train?
……………………………………………………………………………….................

3)

At what time should this train have departed?
……………………………………………………………………………….................

4)

Name any two intermediate stations.
a …………………………………………………………………………………...........
b ..…………………………………………………………………………....................

5)

What should passengers for Shrewsbury do?

………………………………………………………………………………….................

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SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.1

8

Text 5 – At a Parent/Teacher Association meeting (Note for tutor – this text appears
on Page 11)
1)

How much money still needs to be raised to complete the Sensate Project?
..................………………………………………………………………………………

2)

When will you be able to buy tickets for the Christmas Grand Draw?
……………………………………………………………………………………............

3)

a

On what date is Twelfth Night to be performed?

………………………………………………………………………………….............
b

How much will tickets cost?

………………………………………………………………………………………….

4)

c

List any three of the jobs for which the school is asking for volunteers.

i

…………………………………………………………………..........................
ii

…………………………………………………………………..........................

iii

…………………………………………………………………..........................

a

How long will the First Aid course last?

………………………………………………………………………………………….
b

On what date will this course start?

…………………………………………………………………………………………
c

What should people do to enrol onto this course?

…………………………………………………………………………………………

©West Nottinghamshire College

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LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.1

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5)

8

Complete the table to note the information given for other forthcoming events.
Event

Date

Cost

Other Information

You might like to try this exercise more than once. Each time you add more details to the
table, compare the amount of information you have been able to note with how much you
noted the previous time you listened to the information.
How many times do you need to listen before you can complete the whole table?
Text 6 – At a company presentation (Note for tutor – this text appears on Page 12)
1)

What kind of business is Fastique Ltd?
…………………………………………………………………………….......................

2)

How many outlets are there in total?
………………………………………………………………………………....................

3)

What is different about the associated boutiques?
………………………………………………………………………………....................

4)

What two business arrangements do all the outlets share?
a …………………………………………………………………….............................
b …………………………………………………………………….............................

5)

From the information given, draw a simple organisation chart to show how the
company is structured.

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SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.1

8

Text 7 – In a holiday resort (Note for tutor – this text appears on Pages 12-13)
You will hear a number of probably unfamiliar place names during the next exercise.
These are all genuine places on the island of Crete. The list of names and their proper
spellings have been given to you to help you understand the information you will hear.
Note to speaker
Before reading the text, read the list of place names out loud slowly so your listeners can
hear how you are pronouncing the names and can start to become familiar with them.
Place names:
Crete
Chaneion Bay
Paneion Bistro
Minos Club
Knossos
Herakleion
Phaestos
Ierapetra
Samaria Gorge
Sougia
Levoukia
1)

A competition is mentioned. Note any four pieces of information you are told
about it.
a …………………………………………………………………….............................
b …………………………………………………………………….............................
c

…………………………………………………………………….............................

d …………………………………………………………………….............................
2)

What are you told about the water centre?
................................................................................................................................

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3)

a

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.1

8

Between what times can children be left at the Minos Club?
.......…………………………………………………………………………………

b

What activities are available?
.......…………………………………………………………………………………

c

What special event is planned for Wednesday morning?
.......…………………………………………………………………………………

4)

d

What two pieces of information do people need to know in order to book
their children onto this event?

i

.......…………………………………………………………………………………

ii

.......…………………………………………………………………………………

Information is given about four excursions. Note this information and present it
in the form of a table.

The information for the first excursion has been given to you as an example of the notes
you will need to make to be able to create your table.
Knossos + Herakleion Museum – Tuesday, half-day, depart 8.45 am, cost - 65 Euros.

©West Nottinghamshire College

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SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.1

8

Texts for Exercise 2
The following texts could either be read out by a teacher or could be recorded.
Text 1
In a store
Great news for all you shoppers today! Masons Stores are pleased to announce that if
anyone takes out a store card today, not only will you get 10 per cent, yes that’s a whole
ten per cent off your purchases in the store for a whole month, but we will also give you a
voucher for a cup of tea or coffee and a cake in our café/restaurant on the fourth floor of
the store, valid for any time between 9.00 and 11.30 this morning or between 2.00 and
4.30 this afternoon. Why not come along now to customer services on the ground floor of
the store, right behind the beauty counters and take out a store card today? You won’t
regret it!
Text 2
On a bus station
We regret to inform you that services to Leewell have had to be suspended. Passengers
for Leewell should take the number 34 or 51 bus to Carlington and change to the number
16X.
Text 3
At an airport
Merlion Air announces the departure of Flight 719 to Singapore. This flight is now
boarding at Gate 11. Will passengers please have their passports and boarding cards
ready for inspection?
Text 4
On a train station
The train now standing at Platform 5 is the delayed 10.20 to Cardiff Central via Didcot,
Grantham, Birmingham New Street, Worcester, Cheltenham, Bristol Temple Meads and
Newport. Will passengers for Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury please change at
Birmingham?

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LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.1

8

Text 5
At a Parent/Teacher Association meeting
I would like to welcome you to Holbridge School and to the first PTA meeting of this new
academic year.
Last year was very successful and we look forward to an equally successful year this year.
First, some news of an on-going project. I am pleased to announce that by the end of
June, £2,000 had been raised for the Sensate Project to create a garden which can be
enjoyed by people with a range of disabilities. Work will start next month on a small part of
the site and will be continued throughout the year as funds allow. We will need to raise
another £5,000 over the course of the next three years to complete this garden.
Mr Deacon has kindly agreed to run the Christmas Grand Draw again this year. Tickets
will be on sale from October. If anyone can donate a prize, please give your names to Mrs
Ellis during the evening.
The English department will be putting on a production of Twelfth Night on 10th December.
Tickets will be on sale at a cost of £2.50 from 21st October. We will be grateful for
volunteers to help to sell tickets, make costumes, help to create the stage sets and to
provide assistance behind the scenes on the night of the production. Please give your
names to Mrs Ellis.
Following the success of the First Aid course last year, another course will begin on 3rd
November, lasting for eight weeks at a nominal cost of £20.00. If you wish to avail yourself
of this special opportunity, please take an application form from the table at the back of the
hall.
Other dates for your diary:


Outing to Stretton Park, Saturday 30th September. There are still a few places left
at a cost of £12.50.



Bonfire Party, 5th November. Please bring drinks and nibbles. A contribution of
£2.00 per person is requested to help cover the cost of fireworks.



PTA Christmas Social Evening, 18th December. There will be a bar from 7.30 pm
and a buffet at 9.00 pm. The cost will be £6.00 per person. All are welcome.

©West Nottinghamshire College

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LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.1

8

Text 6
Company presentation
Fastique Ltd began as a single boutique in the town of Welham which merged with a
competitor. The new company did well enough to go on expanding buying up a string of
small shops in the teenage and young separates market. It now has a string of fifteen
wholly-owned and six associated boutiques. All twenty-one outlets are under contract to
use Fastique’s wholesale purchasing and distribution arrangements although the six
associated boutiques have retained their original, local names.
The company is run by a headquarters team of three directors and three buyers, but it has
recently begun to encounter problems in keeping all its outlets adequately managed
without serious breaks in continuity. This has led to the appointment of two assistant
buyers who will also stand in at the retail outlets when there is a gap in local management.
Text 7
Travel representative in a resort
Good morning everyone and welcome to Crete and to the Chaneion Bay Hotel. My name
is Emma and I want to tell you about all the activities which you will be able to join during
your holiday here.
There will be a bathing belles competition at the poolside on Monday afternoon starting at
2.00 pm. Entrance is free, so all you lovely ladies get out your bikinis and join us at the
pool. The winner will receive a credit voucher for 20 Euros off a meal for two in the
Paneion Bistro.
Guests are welcome to visit the water centre, next to the beach bar where you will be able
to book to try parascending. You can hire a motorised water ski or hire snorkelling
equipment.
For children, the Minos Club is open from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 2.00 pm to
4.30 pm every day. All the activities are supervised by fully qualified staff and include
group games, individual activities such as painting and sand art, and on Wednesday
morning, there will be an outing along the beach to the Nature Reserve. Anyone wanting
their children to take part in this outing should book by 3.00 pm on Tuesday. The cost will
be 7 Euros.
We are also pleased to offer a number of excursions.


Knossos and the Herakleion Museum on Tuesday. This is a half-day excursion
departing at 8.45 am from outside the hotel at a cost of 65 Euros.

©West Nottinghamshire College

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LEVEL 1
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8



The south coast with the opportunity to visit the ruins of the palace at Phaestos.
The afternoon will be spent in the small town of Ierapetra where you will be able
to buy lunch. This is a full-day excursion at a cost of 75 Euros. Departure will
be on Thursday at 8.15 am.



The Samaria Gorge, departing at 7.00 a.m. on Friday. This is a full day’s walk
through one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe. The walk will be led by
an experienced guide. Participants should be fairly fit and be used to walking.
Strong shoes or hiking boots will be needed. A picnic lunch will be provided.
Walkers will be picked up by motor launch and taken to meet the coach at
Sougia at 4.00 p.m. arriving back at the hotel at about 5.30 p.m. The cost for
the day will be 60 Euros.



A half day’s drive through the White Mountains, calling at traditional Cretan
villages with lunch at the craft centre in Levoukia. Departure will be at 11.30
a.m. on Friday, returning at about 4.00 p.m. The cost will be 45 Euros.

If anyone wishes to make a reservation for any of these wonderful excursions, please
come and see me or David, the other rep, in the reception area up to 12.00 noon today or
tomorrow between 9.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. You may pay by cash In Euros or by credit
card.

©West Nottinghamshire College

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Information

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

8

Face-to-Face Conversation

When we are having a face-to-face conversation with someone, we get all kinds of clues
from their expressions and gestures as well as from their tone of voice. Most people
“speak” with their hands to illustrate what they are trying to say or even to replace some
words.
When we are taking part in a social chat or watching the television, we “pick up on” the
parts that interest us or just listen to enough to be able to follow the conversation or
broadcast.
A lot of what we hear and understand in these circumstances is unconscious and
automatic.

Exercise 3

Listening to Narratives

The group should be divided into two groups. Both groups should listen to the same thing.
This could be:




a short story read by the teacher;
a television broadcast or recorded programme (a narrative/fictional story-type
programme);
a short film.

One of the groups should take notes while they are watching and listening with the
aim of being able to write a short summary of the story.
The other group should simply watch and listen and make their notes at the end of
the story.
The two groups should then compare notes.
Which group recorded the most information?
Which group recorded the details more accurately?
Were there any differences in the type of information recorded by each group?

©West Nottinghamshire College

14

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

Excellence in skills development

Exercise 4

8

Listening to Information

This exercise can be done in pairs or in groups.
One person, (or small group of people) watches a clip from a news broadcast and
explains what they have watched to the other(s) who makes notes and then
describes what the news broadcast was all about.
Watch the broadcast again together to check how much they have both (or all)
understood.
Information

Following Simple Instructions

It is not easy to follow instructions. You have to listen very carefully. Listen for the use of
an imperative verb, - that is a verb which gives you an instruction to do something standup, go, drink, do, look, read.
Exercise 5

Listening to Descriptions

This exercise should be done with half of the listener(s) being able to see the person
giving the instructions and the other half not being able to see the speaker.
Members of the group should take it in turns to be the speaker. The speaker should
select a card and describe the object on the card as a series of shapes, colours,
materials without stating the name or purpose of the object.
For example
A can of tomatoes
This object is made of a shiny, silvery metal. It is a cylinder with a round, flat piece of
metal on each end of the cylinder. There is a piece of coloured paper wrapped all the way
around the cylinder. This paper has writing on it and a picture of red, roundish-shaped
objects.
Use Resource Sheet 1 to practise describing the following objects.









Cereal box
Clock
Roll of wallpaper
Globe of the world
Bicycle
Handbag
Chair
Cup and saucer

Speakers might like to come up with ideas of their own for objects to describe.
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SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

8

Resource Sheet 1 (2 Pages)

Coat

Clock

Oat
Cereal

Cereal Box

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Handbag

16

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Chair

Cup and Saucer

©West Nottinghamshire College

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

8

Roll of Wallpaper

Globe of the World

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Exercise 6

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

8

Listening to Instructions

The teacher should read these instructions at a pace at which the group could
reasonably be expected to carry out the actions.
Materials needed are:







coloured A4 paper;
white paper;
scissors;
glue;
pens or pencils;
rulers.

Make a simple card.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

Take a piece of coloured A4 paper.
Lay down the paper so the short sides are at the top and bottom.
Cut the paper in half across the middle.
Fold one of the pieces in half to make a booklet shape.
Cut out a piece of white paper 3 inches (7.5 cm) by 4 inches (10 cm).
With the coloured booklet facing you with the short side to the top, stick the
white paper onto the centre of the coloured paper with the short side to the top.
7) In the middle of the white paper, draw a small circle.
8) Draw a line coming down from this circle.
9) Draw an oval shape coming out at an angle and pointing upwards from the
bottom of the line at the right hand side of the line.
10) Draw an oval shape coming out at an angle and pointing upwards from the
bottom of the line at the left hand side of the line.
11) Draw a line down the centre of each of these two oval shapes.
12) Draw six oval shapes all around the circle in the centre of the white paper, so
they are evenly spaced.
Ask the group to compare what they have made with the
original. See Resource Sheet 2.

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LEVEL 1
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8

Resource Sheet 2
To be laminated and passed around.

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8

There are many different sets of instructions which could be used for practising following
instructions. These could be linked to many vocational areas.
For example:





Catering – folding napkins;
Health care – putting an arm in a sling;
Motor vehicles – changing a tyre;
Computing – setting up a database.

Information

Understanding without Seeing the Speaker

It is even more difficult to understand what you are told when you cannot see the speaker
to get the visual cues from them on which we all rely.
The speaker has to be very careful to say exactly what they mean and to say it slowly
enough that the listener(s) can understand what they are hearing.
The listener(s) must listen to every word very carefully and have to try to visualise what
they are hearing. Visualisation is a very good technique, it is like a mental rehearsal of the
actions you are being instructed to take.

Exercise 7

Following Instructions to Draw Geometrical Shapes

This exercise should be done with half of the listener(s) being able to see the person
giving the instructions and the other half not being able to see the speaker.
Members of the group should take it in turns to be the speaker. This person should give
instructions for the listeners to draw the shapes on the cards.
Are there any differences in the results between the group which could see the speaker
and the one which could not?
If so, why do you think this was?

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LEVEL 1
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Resource Sheet 3 (3 pages)
Shape 1

Shape 2

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LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

8

Shape 3

Shape 4

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SLlr/L1.2

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Shape 5

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Shape 6

Exercise 8

Following Instructions to Draw Simple Figures

Members of the group should take it in turns to be the speaker. This person should give
instructions for the listeners to draw the pictures on the cards without stating what the final
drawing should represent.

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LEVEL 1
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8

Resource Sheet 4 (2 pages)

Post Box
Collection
Times
09.00
18.00

Postbox

Snowman

Clock

Bicycle

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SPEAKING AND LISTENING
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Chest of Drawers

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©West Nottinghamshire College

Aeroplane

House

Train

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Exercise 9

8

Layout of a Bungalow

Back Door

List of Rooms

Listeners

Bathroom
Bedroom 1
Bedroom 2
Cloakroom
Conservatory
Hallway
Kitchen/Diner
Sitting/Living Room
Study

You have been given the
layout of a typical
bungalow. The outside
doors have been marked
for you.
Listen to the instructions
and mark in the position
of the other rooms. You
have been given a list of
these rooms to help you.

Front Door

Porch

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Exercise 10

8

Layout of a Street

Listeners
You have been given the layout of a typical street in a town centre. The café has been marked in for you. Listen to the instructions
and mark in the positions of the other shops and businesses. You have been given a list of the shops and businesses to help you
with how to spell them.
Shops and Businesses
Bakery
Café
Car Park
Library
Men’s Clothing Shop
Town Hall
Left

Shoe Shop
Sports Shop
Stationers
Supermarket
Post Office
Toy Shop
Right

Café

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Exercise 11

8

Layout of a Sitting/Living Room
Listeners

You have been given the layout of a
typical sitting/living room in a house.
The door and window have been
marked in for you. You have to
listen to the instructions and mark
in where the furniture is placed.
You have been given a list of these
to help you.
Window

List of Furniture
Armchair
Armchair
Bookshelf
Chest of Drawers
Coffee Table
Door
Fireplace
Footstool
Lamp

©West Nottinghamshire College

Magazine Rack
Sofa
Stool
Stool
Stool
Sound System
Television
Window

Door

29

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

Excellence in skills development

Exercise 12 Learner Sheet

8

Layout of a Library

Listen to the instructions and mark onto the plan the position of each subject.
8

9

10

7

11
19

23

26

29

6

12
20

24

5

13
27

4

30
14

21
25

3

15
28

2

16

1

18
Enquiries and Book Issue Desk

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31

22

17

Entrance/Exit

30

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

Excellence in skills development

8

Exercise 12 Tutor Sheet
Each learner will need a copy of the layout of the library from the previous page. Explain “Listeners, you have been given the layout of a
typical library. The entrance is marked for you.” You will be given instructions about how all the subjects in the library are arranged.
Mark these into the correct numbered boxes.
Notes to Tutor
Use the answer sheet to tell you the layout of the library. Some learners may need to be given the list of subjects in advance.
Then use instructions such as next to, to the right/left of, behind etc until all the classifications have been given.
Classification
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)

Fiction
Crafts and hobbies
Home Improvements
Sewing
Cookery
Fashion
Travel
Geography
History
Reference
English
Art
Design
Law
Business Studies

©West Nottinghamshire College

16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)

Computing
Foreign Languages
Magazines
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Geology
Mathematics
Engineering
Construction Crafts
Religion
Sport
Health and Fitness
TV and Media
Hair and Beauty
Reading Area

31

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

Excellence in skills development

Information

8

Understanding Directions

If you need to get directions to a place or to another town, you need to understand and
note the instructions you are given precisely, or you would find yourself totally lost.

Exercise 13

Listening to Directions

Take it in turns for one person to use the maps with the route to be taken shown.
The rest of the group have to use the maps given to draw in the directions.
Note
The person giving the instructions should not state the final destination.
Scripts
Map 001
1)

Leave the leisure centre and at the end of the access road turn right.

2)

Turn right again at the junction then take the first left.

3)

Turn right by the museum.

4)

Turn left opposite the library.

Where are you going?
Mark your route on the map.
Art Workshop

Museum
Bank

Supermarket

Library

Salon

Leisure centre

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32

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SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

8

Map 002
1)

Exit the hospital via the approach road.

2)

Turn right then left onto the main road through the town.

3)

At the next T-junction, turn right.

4)

Take the next right and go into the second building on the right.

Mark your route on the map.

Hospital

©West Nottinghamshire College

33

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

Excellence in skills development

8

Map 003
1) Go to the end of the road and turn right.
2) At the traffic lights, turn right.
3) Go as far as the roundabout and take the first exit road.
4) Go into the second building on your right.
What is the number of this building?
Mark your route on the map.

5

6

4
8

9

3

12

7

11

2

10

1
START
HERE

©West Nottinghamshire College

34

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

Excellence in skills development

8

Map 004
1) Exit the chemist shop and turn left.
2) Turn right at the traffic lights.
3) Pass the bank on your left and go into the third shop on your left.
Which shop is this?
Mark your route on the map.

Car Park
Hotel
Bus Station

Cafe

Bank

Nursery

Surgery

Shoe Shop

Playground

Chemist

Dress
Shop

Pet
Shop

Restaurant

Sports
Shop

Card
Shop

START HERE

©West Nottinghamshire College

35

Excellence in skills development

Information

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

8

Listening on the Telephone

It can be much more difficult to understand information or instructions which are given over
the telephone. This is because we rely a great deal on the other person’s expressions and
actions when we are in a conversation. On the telephone (unless it is through a videoconferencing link), these cues are missing. We have to rely totally on the words spoken
and on the tone of voice used.
When you are giving instructions over the telephone
1)

Speak slowly.

2)

Give only a small amount of information in each sentence or phrase you say.

3)

Give the other person time to understand and make notes if they need to.

4)

Check with the other person if they have understood – you can do this by
asking them to repeat what you have said.

5)

At the end of a set of instructions, repeat or summarise them so the other
person can check their notes.

When you are taking instructions over the telephone
1)

Have notepaper and a pen or pencil ready to use.

2)

Note down the main points using the type of language and in a format you can
understand. If you do not understand it as you write it, you certainly will not
understand it later.
Listen carefully, without any distractions.

3)
4)

Ask any questions you need to ensure you understand – you will not look foolish
by seeking clarification.

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36

Excellence in skills development

Exercise 14

8

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

Listening to Telephone Messages and Conversations

You will hear a series of telephone messages and conversations.
Listen to them and answer the following questions.
Script 1
Elaine Meadows is phoning her husband, Jim’s place of work.
1)

What has Jim done which is causing him a problem?
................…………………………………………………………………………………

2)

What is Elaine informing the company will be the result of this?
..................………………………………………………………………………………

Script 2
1)

On what phone number should Sue Woods be contacted?
..................………………………………………………………………………………

2)

What is the number of the invoice which the call is about?
….....................………………………………………………………………………….

Script 3
1)

2)

What two pieces of information is the rescue company given to help them to
locate Mr Belton near to Riffington?
a

……………………………………………………...............................…………...

b

.……………………………………………………………………..........................

What is his membership number?
……………………………………………………………………………………….........

Script 4
1)

For where in Rexton does the caller need a phone number?
……………………………………………………………………………………….........

2)

What is the telephone number given?
……………………………………………………………………………………….........

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Excellence in skills development

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

8

Script 5
1)

For when was the meeting originally scheduled?
i.

2)

………………………………………………………………………………………

On what date is it proposed that the meeting be rescheduled for?
………………………………………………………………………………………........

Script 6
1)

What is Mrs. Litman’s house number?
………………………………………………………………………………………........

2)

What is Mrs Litman’s postcode?
……………………………………………………………………………………….........

3)

What two medical problems is Mrs Litman complaining about?
a …………………………………………………………………................................
b …………………………………………………………………….............................

4)

Her appointment is booked for what time?
……………………………………………………………………………………….........

©West Nottinghamshire College

38

Excellence in skills development

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

8

Scripts for telephone messages exercises
The following scripts could be read out or preferably pre-recorded.
Script 1
Hello, this is Elaine Meadows. I am phoning to tell you that my husband, Jim, has hurt his
back and won’t be at work for the rest of the week.
Script 2
Hello, this is Jamie from Batlink Enterprises. Could Mr Harris please contact Sue Woods
on 01865 543901 extension 4522, regarding invoice number BD3592 as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Script 3
This is a message for Everyready Rescue. My name is Michael Belton. I have broken
down on the A14, on the southbound carriageway near to Riffington. My membership
number is BEL9367. Please can you send someone as soon as possible.
Script 4
Caller:

Hello, enquiries? I need a phone number for the Rexton council offices.

Operator:

In which county is that?

Caller:

Dorshire.

Operator:

One moment please. The number you require is 01356 792401.

Caller:

Thank you.

Script 5
Hello Geoff, this is Sam from Sales. Just to tell you that the meeting with Ivoplex, next
Wednesday at 11.30 in Trowbridge has been cancelled. Could you check your diary for
the 25th to see if we can reschedule and get back to me on this. Thanks.

©West Nottinghamshire College

39

Excellence in skills development

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.2

8

Script 6
Caller:

Hello, is that the surgery? I need a doctor.

Receptionist: What is your name and address please?
Caller:

It is Jan Litman, 33 Stretfield Avenue, Moreton, MD7 6BS.

Receptionist: What is the problem Mrs Litman?
Caller:

I have had a bad cough for over a week now, and I am having trouble
breathing.

Receptionist: Can you come to this evening’s surgery?
Caller:

For what time?

Receptionist: Is 5 o’clock alright for you?
Caller:

Yes, I’ll be there. Goodbye.

©West Nottinghamshire College

40

Excellence in skills development

Information

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.3 SLlr/L1.4

8

Non-Verbal Communication

Every person, from the time they are born, learns facts, information and how to behave
towards other people by listening to what others say, how they say it and how they behave
when they are interacting with other people.
The words used are of course of huge importance, but equally important is how something
is said, the tone of voice used and the facial expressions and gestures being used at the
same time. It is easy for a skilled speaker to say the right or expected words, but the way
in which they say it will often betray their real feelings and transmit a very different
message, if you know how to decode it.
Showing feelings and emotions
These clues are known as body language or more properly as non-verbal
communication (NVC).
We show a whole range of emotions through NVC. These include:

anger

irritation

depression

boredom

discomfort

Shock

amusement

nervousness

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41

Excellence in skills development

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.3 SLlr/L1.4

pleasure

relaxation

restlessness

mental fatigue

dislike/disgust

impatience

guilt

shyness

happiness

haste

interest

fear

love

shame

embarrassment

sadness

surprise

hate

©West Nottinghamshire College

8

42

Excellence in skills development

Exercise 15

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.3 SLlr/L1.4

8

Non-Verbal Communication

What NVC is being shown in the following pictures?

©West Nottinghamshire College

43

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.3 SLlr/L1.4

Excellence in skills development

Exercise 16

8

Showing Feelings and Emotions

Print the emotions given in the list on the previous 2 pages onto cards.
In small groups, take it in turns to draw a card and to act out the emotion shown. The rest
of the group has to guess what emotion is being acted out.
These cards could be provided or done as a photocopiable sheet like flashcards.
Information
The use of NVC is only partially under our control. An experienced public speaker or actor
will practise controlling their expressions and gestures and will rehearse using the ones he
or she feels they need to ‘get their message across’.
The gestures we use are usually learned and are the result of how we are brought up in
the society to which we belong. Facial expressions are much more difficult to hide or
simulate and are similar to all cultures. What is important to realise is that NVC can
provoke emotional responses in other people – whether we intended this or not.
Think – Have there been occasions when you have listened to what someone is saying
and thought ‘what a nice person they are’, but later have felt very uneasy and have felt that
you would prefer not to have to meet them again? If so, it is because their NVC didn’t
match up with the words they were speaking and something in you recognised this and
distrusted them.

Exercise 17

Recognising Non-Verbal Communication

What NVC do we usually use in the following situations?
1)

When you are introduced to someone who looks really pleasant at a party

2)

When you meet someone who is going to interview you

3)

When waiting to go in to see the doctor or dentist

4)

Sitting, chatting to close friends

5)

Sitting in a meeting when you are totally bored with what is being said

6)

Saying hello or good-bye to a friend or family member

©West Nottinghamshire College

44

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.3 SLlr/L1.4

Excellence in skills development

Exercise 18

1)

8

Non-Verbal Communication and Feelings and Emotions

The radio is playing in the background while two flat mates are studying. One of
them gives a big sigh, gathers her books and goes to her room.
What might she be feeling?

2)

The tutorial group is having a lively discussion when one member, suddenly changes
the subject.
What might he be feeling?

3)

Some friends are chatting. As the chat continues, one friend starts tapping her feet,
drumming her fingers and shifting in her seat.
What might she be feeling?

©West Nottinghamshire College

45

Excellence in skills development

Information

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.3 SLlr/L1.4

8

NVC to Accompany Speech

NVC is used to accompany and reinforce speech. This is done in several ways. These
include:








the use of pauses to emphasise what is being said by giving the listener the
opportunity to think about what they are hearing;
pitch – changes in pitch are used to ask questions and to make comments – a
falling pitch makes a response from the listener more likely.
stressing certain words and phrases is used for emphasis;
gestures used to emphasise or illustrate. If gestures are withheld or severely
controlled, speech is often impaired;
a direct gaze used towards the listener(s) in order to elicit a response, for
emphasis, to send information or to obtain information about the reactions of the
listeners;
feedback including nods, vocalisations (speech or speech-like noises), glances,
facial expressions – these show attention, understanding, agreement or
disagreement.

Useful definitions




Pitch – whether the voice is high or low.
Tone – character of a sound e.g. depth, warmth or coldness in the voice.
Pace – the speed of speech.

Exercise 19

Reacting Using NVC

In pairs, take it in turns to take a card and read what is written on the card using the
appropriate type of speech pattern and NVC. The other one of the pair should try to
react in an unnatural way to what they are hearing.

I’m afraid I have some very bad news to give
you. Your grandmother has had a bad
accident.

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46

Excellence in skills development

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.3 SLlr/L1.4

8

Quick! Call the Fire Brigade.

Isn’t it a lovely day, let’s go out.

I must inform you that your account is
overdrawn and we are unable to advance
you any more money.
Congratulations. You’ve passed!

There seems to be a real problem here,
the machine will have to go back to the
manufacturer.
I don’t believe it! We’ve won the Lottery!

©West Nottinghamshire College

47

Excellence in skills development

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.3 SLlr/L1.4

8

Motorists are advised of the danger of
flooding on the roads and fallen trees
following the overnight storms.
Curators at Kew Gardens today
announced the first signs of spring. We
should all be able to look forward to
some warmer weather.
Hurry up! The train’s about to leave.
Great news! I’ve been given the day off
tomorrow.
I’m sorry to tell you that the condition is
more serious than we at first thought and
you’ll have to have an operation.
I’m sorry about this, but I’ve just crashed
into your car in the car park.
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48

Excellence in skills development

Exercise 20

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.3 SLlr/L1.4

8

Inappropriate NVC

Using the same cards, change roles but this time, the person reading the card
should use inappropriate speech patterns and NVC. The listener should react in the
most natural way to the words they hear.
Did you notice how difficult it is to speak or to react in an unnatural way to any given set of
words? We automatically use the most appropriate tone, speed of speech and gestures
depending on what we are saying or hearing.
Exercise 21

Speech Patterns and Gestures

Discuss with your partner or in small groups what were the most common speech
patterns and gestures used in each of the situations given on the cards. List these
using the tables on the following pages.

©West Nottinghamshire College

49

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LEVEL 1
SLlr/L1.3 SLlr/L1.4

Excellence in skills development

Card

Tone of Voice

Speed of
Speech

Facial
Expressions

Gestures

Eye-Contact

8

Orientation
(How You
Position Your
Body)

I’m afraid I have some
very bad news to give
you. Your
grandmother has had
a bad accident.
Quick! Call the Fire
Brigade