In-Class 6 Materials

Checking for Understanding

*B2.1 Unit 3B-C*

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 Activity 12.02: Deeper Questioning
Directions: Match the types of the questions to the examples.

#1 Echo Questions:
Repeat the information in question back to the
speaker.
#2 Checking Questions:
Restate the information, then use a question to
make sure you are saying the correct
information.
#3 Probing Questions:
Ask for more information to further clarify.
#4 Hypothetical Questions:
Ask for more information to find out about
different possible situations.
A: You said you don’t manufacture in batches of less than 10. What if
there was a way for us to guarantee 20 units over the next three years?
Would that work for you?
B: I’m a bit confused about the after-sales support you mentioned.
What would that involve?
C: We need to allow at least a week for unexpected delays.
Unexpected delays?
D: So, let me check if I've understood you correctly. Are you saying
that would be impossible, or just difficult?

Activity 12.03: Um, What?

Directions: For each sentence take the role of either listener or speaker, with your partner checking
for understanding, using the different techniques from the previous activity. Afterwards switch roles!
1. We need to delay the shipping process by a week to allow for extra checks on the machinery.
2. One morning I rode an elephant in my pajamas. How he got into my pajamas I’ll never know.
3. Their slender bodies sleek and black against the orange sky, the birds circled high above us.
4. You have just begun reading the sentence you have just finished reading.
5. The company stopped production on the product just as they started it.

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 Activity 12.04: Get Clear
Directions: Answer the following questions with your group.
· What is one thing at work that you always find difficult to describe or explain to coworkers or
clients?
· What are some technical, specific, or difficult tasks / responsibilities you have?
· What are some other situations in your life where it is difficult to describe / explain tasks to others?

Activity 13.01: Encouraging Others to Speak

Inviting a speaker to Use these phrases when you want to ensure the speaker that
A:
continue you are listening and interested.
Inviting a speaker for a 1on1 Use these phrases when you want to
B:
interaction ask someone’s opinion one-on-one.
Use these phrases when you want to
C: Inviting a speaker in a group
encourage a speaker in a group.

What Would You Say If You Were…?

A B C 1. Oh, really?
A B C 2. What makes you think that?
A B C 3. What do you think, John?
A B C 4. Don’t you agree?
A B C 5. James might have something to say on this.
A B C 6. Is that okay with you?
A B C 7. Tell me more…
A B C 8. I’m listening.
A B C 9. Let’s hear what Gaby has to say.

A B C 10. Go on…

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 Activity 13.02: Meeting Conversations
Directions: With your partner, complete the conversation with the phrases from the last activity. Then
switch roles!

Walt: If we all put in extra effort and work longer shifts for a few weeks, we should still be able to make our deadline
for the project.
Jen: I agree. I think we can do it!
You: _______ (encouraging them to continue)

Walt: We would need to check with management to see if they can budget for some overtime for us.
You: _______ (inviting a new speaker)

Harold: Thanks for asking. I think it’s possible, but I don’t know if it’s necessary. We’re in a good spot with the project
and I don’t think we are going to go over our original deadline.
You: ________ (encouraging them to continue)

Harold: Well, I’ve calculated the amount of work we do in a day, and it seems to work out right on schedule.
Jen: Yes, but---
Harold: See, we can look at this graph that I made that shows our average workday.
You: Sorry, Harold, I’m going to interrupt you. ________ (encourage Jen to speak).

Jen: Thanks. I just wanted to point out that Harold’s graph doesn’t account for the holidays between now and the
project deadline.