Listening, Group Work and Discussion
Section: Speaking & Listening | Syllabus: Cambridge Primary English First Language (0058)
Active Listening and Giving a Reasoned Response
- Active listening means fully concentrating on what someone is saying
- Look at the speaker, don't interrupt, and think about what is being said
- After listening, give a reasoned response that refers to at least one specific point the speaker made - not just a vague reaction like "that's interesting"
Speaker's statement: "I think we should ban plastic bottles at school because they create so much litter, and the recycling bins are always overflowing by lunchtime."
Question: Give a reasoned response that reflects on what was heard, referencing at least one specific point the speaker made.
Identify a specific point to reference: "the recycling bins are always overflowing by lunchtime". Build a reasoned response around that specific point, giving your own reasoning. Answer"I agree with your point about the recycling bins overflowing by lunchtime - that shows the current system isn't coping, so banning plastic bottles could genuinely help reduce that problem."
Taking Roles in Group Work and Considering Other Viewpoints
- Take different assigned roles within a group, and help assign roles to others - e.g. leader, note-taker, timekeeper, presenter
- Show consideration of another point of view, even when you disagree with it - acknowledge what the other person said before responding
Assigning roles and taking turns helps everyone in a group contribute
Extending a Discussion and Encouraging Turn-Taking
- Extend a discussion by building on your own and others' ideas - use phrases like "Building on what .................................................. said..." rather than simply repeating a point
- Encourage others to take turns - invite quieter group members to contribute, rather than dominating the discussion yourself
Scenario: In a group discussion about the school garden, Sam suggests planting vegetables.
Question: Show how you could extend the discussion by building on Sam's idea, and encourage a quieter group member, Priya, to contribute.
Build on Sam's idea rather than just agreeing or repeating it: "Building on what Sam said about planting vegetables, we could also set up a rota so different classes take turns looking after them." Encourage turn-taking by inviting a quieter member with a direct question: "Priya, what do you think - is there anything you'd add?" Answer"Building on what Sam said about planting vegetables, we could also set up a rota so different classes take turns looking after them. Priya, what do you think - is there anything you'd add?"
Common Mistakes
MistakeGiving a vague response like "that's interesting" without referencing anything specific the speaker said
Fixalways refer to at least one specific point when responding, to show you were really listening
MistakeDominating a group discussion without inviting others to contribute
Fixactively invite quieter members to share their views, e.g. by asking a direct question
Interactive revision notes, videos and practice questions load below.