Listening Comprehension Skills: Dialogues & Narratives

Understanding Dialogues and Narratives

In the WAEC English Language Paper 3, you will be tested on your ability to understand and interpret dialogues and narratives. These can cover a range of topics including social, cultural, economic, and political issues.

Here are some key points to help you prepare:

• Active Listening: Pay close attention to the speaker's words, tone, and pace.
• Note-taking: Jot down key points and ideas as you listen.
• Context Clues: Use the context to infer meanings of unfamiliar words or phrases.
• Identify Main Ideas: Focus on the main ideas and supporting details.
• Recognize Speaker's Intent: Understand the purpose behind the speaker's message.

Types of Questions

You may encounter different types of questions, such as:

• Detail Questions: Ask about specific information mentioned in the dialogue or narrative.
• Main Idea Questions: Focus on the overall message or theme.
• Inference Questions: Require you to read between the lines and make logical conclusions.
• Vocabulary Questions: Test your understanding of words used in the context.

Strategies for Success

1. Preview Questions: Quickly skim through the questions before listening to know what to focus on.
2. Listen Actively: Engage with the content by visualizing the scenes or scenarios described.
3. Summarize: After listening, briefly summarize the dialogue or narrative in your own words.
4. Review: Go over your notes and ensure you have captured the essential points.

Example

Dialogue: A conversation between two friends discussing their plans for the weekend.

• Question: What are the friends planning to do on Saturday?
• Answer: They plan to go hiking in the nearby hills.