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Listening Skills — Set 5: Listening for Signal Words and Phrases
STUDENT
Set 5

Listening for Signal Words and Phrases

Recognising words that organise and connect speech Topic: Instructions, Processes & Comparisons

Learning Objectives

• Recognise common signal words for sequence, contrast, addition, and reason.

• Understand how signal words show organisation in spoken texts.

• Use signal words to predict what comes next in a listening text.

Listening Strategy: Using Signal Words to Follow Structure
STEP 1 — Before you listen: Think about the text type. Is it a process? A comparison? An argument?
STEP 2 — While listening: Listen for signal words (first, however, because, for example).
STEP 3 — Use signals to PREDICT what comes next: “however” = a contrast is coming.
STEP 4 — Use signals to organise your notes: sequence signals = numbered steps; contrast signals = two sides.
STEP 5 — After listening: Check — did the structure match your prediction?

Signal Words Reference Chart

FunctionSignal Words & Phrases
Sequence (order)first / next / then / after that / subsequently / finally / in the end
Additionalso / and / in addition / furthermore / moreover / as well as
Contrastbut / however / although / on the other hand / whereas / despite this
Cause / Effectbecause / so / therefore / as a result / consequently / due to
Examplefor example / for instance / such as / like / to illustrate
5A

How to Make Tea

Speed:
Exercise 1

Exercise 1. Put the steps in the correct order (1 = first, 6 = last).

1
Take out the tea bag.
2
Pour boiling water into the cup.
3
Add milk and sugar.
4
Fill the kettle and turn it on.
5
Wait three minutes.
6
Put a tea bag in the cup.
Exercise 2

Exercise 2. Write the signal words you hear (one word per blank).

1
, fill the kettle with water.
2
, when the water boils, pour it carefully.
3
Wait for three minutes.
4
, take out the tea bag.
5
, add milk and sugar.
6
Be careful, it is very hot.
5B

Comparing Two Cities

Speed:

LISTENING 5B — Comparing Two Cities

Listen and choose which signal word type is used?

Listen and choose which signal word type is used?
1
"However" shows a ___.
2
"because" — shows a ___.
3
"for example" — shows a ___.
4
"In addition" — shows ___.
5C

Library Registration Process

Speed:
Exercise 1

Exercise 1. Listen and complete the notes. Write ONE WORD OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Library Card Registration

Step 1: Go to the reception desk.

Step 3: Staff check your details.

Step 2: Complete the form.
Step 4: Card is printed (takes about minutes).
Maximum books per loan:
Return period: weeks
Exercise 2

Exercise 2. Listen again and choose the correct answer.

1
Which signal word introduces the action of filling in the form?
2
What does the speaker say immediately after "After that"?
3
Which signal word introduces the final stage of the process?
4
The speaker uses signal words mainly to:
5D

Online vs. In-Person Learning

Speed:
Exercise 1

Exercise 1. What function does each signal word have? Match with A–E. There is one extra

function.

1Furthermore _____
2For example _____
3However _____
4On the other hand _____
5To summarise _____
A Sequence
B Contrast
C Addition
D Example
E Summary
Exercise 2

Exercise 2. Answer using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.

1
What is one clear advantage of online learning?
2
What is the main problem with online learning?
3
Give one example of a subject that is hard to teach online:
4
According to the speaker, what is the best solution?