Implied meaning and pragmatics

Work out what speakers mean but do not say: indirect answers, hints, polite refusals and tactful criticism. Then choose replies that respond to the real message in TOEFL Listen and Choose a Response, TOEFL conversations and IELTS Part 3.

Level C1 25 min5 exercisesLesson 6 of 12 in Listening C1

Trains: TOEFL iBT Listening – Listen and Choose a Response, TOEFL iBT Listening – Conversation, IELTS Listening Part 3

What you'll learn

Interpret indirect answers to yes/no and wh- questions
Recognise hints, polite refusals and tactful criticism, and what the speaker expects to happen next
Use context and small words such as *some*, *well* and *I'd have thought* to infer meaning
Choose the reply that responds to what a speaker means, not only to what they say

Lesson content

9 steps · 5 exercises · 25 min total

1. Warm-up2 questions
2. LearnThe skill and the strategy
3. ModelSee how it's done
4. Practice 1IELTS Part 3: what does the tutor mean? + 1 more
5. Practice 2TOEFL-style conversation questions
6. Practice 3TOEFL-style conversation questions
7. Exam tips3 tips
8. Key vocabulary11 words
9. SummaryReview and finish

Start lesson