Understanding Opinion, Attitude And Gist
Overview
The last exercise is the deepest test of listening. The recording is long, and the questions ask not only for facts but for what a speaker thinks and feels, what their overall message is, and how one speaker's view relates to another's. Some of this is stated plainly; much of it is implied, carried in tone, hesitation, emphasis or a single loaded word. You have to hear beneath the surface and hold the big picture as well as the small detail.
This note trains the highest listening skills: catching opinion and attitude even when they are not spelled out, grasping the gist or main point that a long passage builds towards, and tracing the connections and contrasts between speakers in an interview or discussion. You will practise distinguishing what a speaker says from what they mean, and learn the moves that keep a candidate from mistaking a passing remark for the real message.
Objectives
- Identify a speaker's ideas, opinions, feelings and attitudes.
- Understand the overall gist as well as specific detail.
- Trace connections between the views of different speakers.
Audio Lesson
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Flashcards
Quick recall practice on the facts this topic is tested on.
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Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Understanding Opinion, Attitude And Gist. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- What does 'gist' mean in this exercise? A. The first fact mentioned B. The overall main point of a passage C. The longest sentence D. A list of details Answer: B
- A speaker says 'It was, well, certainly an experience.' This most likely means: A. They greatly enjoyed it B. They did not really enjoy it C. They did not attend D. They have no opinion Answer: B
- A speaker describes a beautiful field, then says 'but that is not why I cycle to work.' For a gist question, the field is: A. The main point B. A vivid detail to set aside C. The speaker's only reason D. A second speaker's view Answer: B
- Speaker 2 says 'I do not disagree about the jobs, my only worry is the traffic.' Their relationship to Speaker 1 is best described as: A. Total disagreement B. Total agreement C. Agreement on the benefit, with a reservation D. No connection Answer: C
- Examiner feedback suggests candidates most often slip in Exercise 5 on: A. Hearing the general gist B. The precise supporting detail and quietly implied opinions C. Spelling their name D. The number of speakers Answer: B
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