In everyday conversations, we often find ourselves in situations where we don’t fully understand something or need to explain it to someone else. Knowing how to ask for and give explanations is an essential skill in English, especially when communicating with others in unfamiliar or challenging situations.
For example, imagine hearing about a new tool or dish for the first time. How would you ask for clarification? Or how would you explain what something is to someone who doesn’t know it? This topic will help you learn and practice the functional language needed to ask for explanations, check understanding, and describe things in a simple and clear way.
Here’s a table of useful phrases to help you get started:
| Situation | Phrases to Use |
|---|---|
| Asking for an explanation | “I haven’t heard of that before.” “What does that mean?” “What is it exactly?” |
| Showing you don’t know a word | “I’ve forgotten the word for it.” “I’m not sure what you’d call it in English.” “I’m not sure how to explain it.” |
| Explaining something in a different way | “It’s a kind of (fruit/tool).” “It’s a bit like (a lemon), but (sweeter).” “It’s used for (making coffee).” |
| Checking understanding | “Do you know what I mean?” “Does that make sense?” |
| Showing understanding | “Oh, I know what you mean.” “Thanks, I’ve got it now.” |
These phrases will help you sound natural and confident when interacting with others. As you practice, you’ll also improve your ability to describe things and check for understanding in English.
Example:
Maria: I found this fruit at the market, but I don’t know what it’s called. 🤔
Tom: Really? What does it look like?
Maria: It’s a bit like a lemon, but it’s smaller and sweeter. 🍋
Tom: Oh, I haven’t heard of that before. What is it exactly?
Maria: I’m not sure how to explain it. It’s a kind of tropical fruit from Australia. 🌴
Tom: Is it used for making juice? 🧃
Maria: Yes! And you can eat it fresh too. Do you know what I mean?
Tom: Hmm… Is it a kumquat?
Maria: Yes, that’s it! 😊 Thanks for helping me figure it out!
Let’s Practice!
Practice 1
Practice 2
Let’s Play: Guess the Object! 🎉
In this fun activity, you’ll practice describing objects and asking for explanations using English. 🗣️
You’ll use picture cards for Student A and Student B. Each card shows an object, but here’s the catch: you can’t say its name! 😲
👉 Your job: Describe the object using helpful phrases.
👉 Your classmates’ job: Guess what it is by asking questions.
How It Works 🛠️
1️⃣ Open your set of cards (Student A or Student B) 🌐 and view your assigned card.
2️⃣ Describe the object without saying its name. Use phrases like:
- ✨ “It’s a type of…”
- 🛠️ “It’s used for…”
- 🤔 “It’s a bit like…”
3️⃣ Your classmates will guess what you’re describing by asking questions.
Example 🎯
Describer: “It’s something you use to write on paper. ✍️ It’s a bit like a pen, but you can erase it.”
Guesser: “Is it a pencil? ✏️”
Describer: “Yes, that’s correct! 🎉”
Why This Activity Is Useful
💡 Build your vocabulary.
🗣️ Speak more fluently.
🤔 Practice explaining and asking for clarification.
Additional Tips 💡
🎨 Be creative! Give unique hints to make it fun for your classmates to guess.
❓ If no one guesses, provide another clue or simplify your description.
🗣️ Use the phrases naturally in your speech to build confidence.
Have fun and keep practicing! 🌟
🚫🚫🚫DON’T SHOW YOUR CARDS TO YOUR PARTNER. DON’T SHARE YOUR SCREEN
🃏 Cards 👇
Student A
Student B
