Listening for Signal Words and Phrases
Recognising words that organise and connect speech Topic: Instructions, Processes & Comparisons👩🏫 Teacher notes
Teacher Notes
Aim: Students use signal words to follow the structure of spoken texts.
Tip: Write signal categories on the board before playing audio. Students call out category when they hear one.
Audio 5A (Tea): A process — easy sequence tracking. Audio 5B (Cities): Comparison — contrast/addition language.
Challenge (Online vs Classroom): Academic argument; good for discussion follow-up.
Aim: Students use signal words to follow the structure of spoken texts.
Tip: Write signal categories on the board before playing audio. Students call out category when they hear one.
Audio 5A (Tea): A process — easy sequence tracking. Audio 5B (Cities): Comparison — contrast/addition language.
Challenge (Online vs Classroom): Academic argument; good for discussion follow-up.
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
| Function | Signal Words & Phrases |
| Sequence (order) | first / next / then / after that / subsequently / finally / in the end |
| Addition | also / and / in addition / furthermore / moreover / as well as |
| Contrast | but / however / although / on the other hand / whereas / despite this |
| Cause / Effect | because / so / therefore / as a result / consequently / due to |
| Example | for example / for instance / such as / like / to illustrate |
5A
How to Make Tea
Speed:
Audio Script
Making a cup of tea is very easy. First, fill the kettle with water and turn it on. While you wait, put a tea bag into your cup. Next, when the water is boiling, pour it carefully into the cup. Then, wait for about three minutes. After that, take out the tea bag. Finally, add milk and sugar if you like them. Your tea is ready! Be careful, because it is very hot.
Making a cup of tea is very easy. First, fill the kettle with water and turn it on. While you wait, put a tea bag into your cup. Next, when the water is boiling, pour it carefully into the cup. Then, wait for about three minutes. After that, take out the tea bag. Finally, add milk and sugar if you like them. Your tea is ready! Be careful, because it is very hot.
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:
Audio Script
I have lived in both Istanbul and Izmir, and they are very different cities. Istanbul is a very big and busy city. However, Izmir is smaller and quieter. Both cities are beautiful because they are next to the sea. I love Istanbul for its history — for example, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. On the other hand, I prefer Izmir for everyday life because it is more relaxed. In addition, the weather in Izmir is very sunny and warm in summer.
I have lived in both Istanbul and Izmir, and they are very different cities. Istanbul is a very big and busy city. However, Izmir is smaller and quieter. Both cities are beautiful because they are next to the sea. I love Istanbul for its history — for example, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. On the other hand, I prefer Izmir for everyday life because it is more relaxed. In addition, the weather in Izmir is very sunny and warm in summer.
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:
Audio Script
Today I'm going to explain how to register for a library card. First, go to the main library reception desk. Next, fill in a registration form with your personal details. You will need to provide your name, address, and a form of identification. After that, a member of staff will check your details. Then, they will print your library card — this usually takes about five minutes. Finally, you can start borrowing books immediately. You can borrow up to six books at one time. Books must be returned within three weeks. If you return books late, there is a small fine of ten pence per day.
Today I'm going to explain how to register for a library card. First, go to the main library reception desk. Next, fill in a registration form with your personal details. You will need to provide your name, address, and a form of identification. After that, a member of staff will check your details. Then, they will print your library card — this usually takes about five minutes. Finally, you can start borrowing books immediately. You can borrow up to six books at one time. Books must be returned within three weeks. If you return books late, there is a small fine of ten pence per day.
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:
Audio Script 5D
PRESENTER: There are many debates in education today, and one of the biggest is whether online learning is better than traditional classroom study. Online learning has several clear advantages. First, it is extremely flexible. Students can study wherever and whenever they want. Furthermore, online courses are often significantly cheaper than face-to-face programmes. For example, a university course online might cost half as much as the same course on campus. However, many students struggle with online learning. One major problem is motivation. Without a fixed schedule and classmates around you, it can be very easy to lose focus. In addition, subjects that require practical skills — such as medicine, engineering, or art — are very difficult to teach online. On the other hand, classroom learning offers structure and social interaction, which many students find essential. Research suggests that students who study in person have higher completion rates — they are more likely to finish their courses. To summarise: online learning is great for flexibility and cost, whereas in-person study is better for motivation and practical skills. In my opinion, the best solution is a blended approach — combining the flexibility and affordability of online learning with the structure, motivation, and hands-on practice that only a classroom can provide. This way, students can enjoy the best of both worlds: studying theory online at their own pace, while attending in-person sessions for discussions, practical work, and social interaction.
PRESENTER: There are many debates in education today, and one of the biggest is whether online learning is better than traditional classroom study. Online learning has several clear advantages. First, it is extremely flexible. Students can study wherever and whenever they want. Furthermore, online courses are often significantly cheaper than face-to-face programmes. For example, a university course online might cost half as much as the same course on campus. However, many students struggle with online learning. One major problem is motivation. Without a fixed schedule and classmates around you, it can be very easy to lose focus. In addition, subjects that require practical skills — such as medicine, engineering, or art — are very difficult to teach online. On the other hand, classroom learning offers structure and social interaction, which many students find essential. Research suggests that students who study in person have higher completion rates — they are more likely to finish their courses. To summarise: online learning is great for flexibility and cost, whereas in-person study is better for motivation and practical skills. In my opinion, the best solution is a blended approach — combining the flexibility and affordability of online learning with the structure, motivation, and hands-on practice that only a classroom can provide. This way, students can enjoy the best of both worlds: studying theory online at their own pace, while attending in-person sessions for discussions, practical work, and social interaction.
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?