Can-Do Statements (Interpretive Listening)

 

Think about your own second language abilities and read through these statements. If you can do tasks similar to those listed, select "Yes." Otherwise, select "No" and continue the self-assessment. Because this quiz covers from Novice-Low to Advanced-High, you will probably reach a point where you stop saying "Yes." That is to be expected, so don't worry and simply finish the quiz.

I can understand simple information when presented with pictures and graphs. For example, I can do things like:

• understand some facts about the weather when weather symbols are used.
• understand when someone describes physical descriptions from a photo or an art work.
• follow along with simple arithmetic problems when I can see the figures.

I can sometimes understand the main topic of conversations that I overhear. For example, I can do things like:

• sometimes understand if people are referring to me.
• sometimes understand if people are talking about their homes or asking for directions.
• sometimes understand a simple transaction between a customer and a sales clerk.

I can understand the basic purpose of a message. For example, I can do things like:

• determine if I am hearing an announcement or an advertisement.
• understand what a radio advertisement is selling.
• understand when and where an event will take place.
• understand a voice message accepting or rejecting an invitation.

I can understand messages related to my basic needs. For example, I can do things like:

• understand a clear and repeated announcement about a flight’s departure time and/or gate.
• understand teacher announcements about when an assignment is due.
• understand the date and time of when a voice message was recorded.

I can understand questions and simple statements on everyday topics when I am part of the conversation. For example, I can do things like:

• understand questions about my work or class schedule.
• understand questions about my likes and dislikes.
• understand simple compliments about what I am wearing or what I am doing.

I can understand basic information in ads, announcements, and other simple recordings. For example, I can do things like:

• understand when, where, and who is playing in a concert from a radio advertisement.
• understand the main message of an e-card greeting.
• understand what service is being offered in a TV ad.
• identify the type of film from a movie preview.

I can understand the main idea of what I listen to for personal enjoyment. For example, I can do things like:

• understand basic questions or statements during a video conference.
• understand a short YouTube clip.
• understand peers’ recorded descriptions about themselves or their avatars.

I can understand messages related to my everyday life. For example, I can do things like:

• understand a voice message about the time and place of meeting.
• understand a box-office recording about the times of the performances or events.
• understand that an event is being postponed or cancelled.

I can easily understand straightforward information or interactions. For example, I can do things like:

• understand the descriptions of avatars in a new video game.
• understand an interview between a student reporter and foreign visitors about activities they have done and are planning to do while in town.
• understand a tour guide’s description of a city’s history and attractions.

I can understand a few details in ads, announcements, and other simple recordings. For example, I can do things like:

• understand a few details about a nutritional recommendation in a public service health announcement.
• understand the services offered in an ad about a car repair service.
• understand a few details from public service announcements such as severe weather warnings or safety alerts.

I can sometimes understand situations with complicating factors. For example, I can do things like:

• understand a voice message from an exchange student telling why she will be late.
• understand a phone message about a change in meeting times and place.

I can understand descriptions and stories of events that have happened or will happen. For example, I can do things like:

• understand short presentations about famous people in history.
• understand a voicemail outlining the details of a plan for an upcoming outing.
• follow a video conferencing session in which the speakers recount their experience on a recent trip.

I can understand the main idea of popular genres. For example, I can do things like:

• follow televised promotions for upcoming programs.
• follow a YouTube comparison of two popular vacation locations.
• follow simple oral stories, recorded books, summaries, or short excerpts from speeches.
• understand some simple information from a movie trailer.

I can understand the main idea and many details of descriptions or interviews. For example, I can do things like:

• understand an interview with a famous person, such as a rock star, politician, or actor.
• understand a Web-based presentation giving a virtual tour of a city, a museum, or university.
• understand an introduction that outlines the achievements of a speaker.

I can understand accounts of events. For example, I can do things like:

• understand a voicemail message on how someone missed a meeting because of an accident.
• understand a family member recounting an event in a recorded memoir.
• understand some autobiographical details of a well-known figure.
• understand a commentator’s summary of a sporting event on TV.

I can understand directions and instructions on everyday tasks. For example, I can do things like:

• understand multi-step instructions in a recipe presented on TV or YouTube.
• understand when a friend tells me how to play a sport or game.
• understand the details when a teacher presents how to complete a homework assignment to the class.

I can easily understand detailed reports and exposés. For example, I can do things like:

• understand an interview in which the relationship of texting and traffic accidents is detailed by victims’ reports on their experiences.
• understand a radio report on the increased crime rate in the community that includes descriptions of specific incidents of crime.
• understand a televised exposé on celebrities as heroes.

I can often understand various viewpoints in extended arguments. For example, I can do things like:

• follow the argument when students debate the advantages and disadvantages of study abroad supported by examples of their personal experiences.
• understand the main points made in a conversation I overhear where two people are arguing the pros and cons of social networking.
• understand a YouTube debate on the legal age of drinking.

I can understand discussions and presentations on many concrete and abstract topics. For example, I can do things like:

• understand the benefits of marathon running as detailed in a podcast.
• understand many points made in a YouTube presentation advocating for changes to immigration laws.
• understand a group leader’s justification for protesting a cut in programs.