IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510) - Listening

Topic: Understanding Implication

This section focuses on developing your ability to identify what is implied in spoken English, even when it is not directly stated. Understanding implication is crucial for comprehending the full meaning of a conversation or audio passage. You will need to draw inferences based on context, tone, and the speaker's words.

What is Implication?

Implication is a suggestion or meaning that is not explicitly stated. The speaker hints at something without directly saying it. Listeners need to 'read between the lines' to understand the intended meaning.

Identifying implication requires you to consider:

• Context: The surrounding situation and topic of conversation.
• Tone of Voice: Is the speaker being serious, sarcastic, humorous, or concerned?
• Word Choice: Certain words can hint at underlying meanings.
• Relationship between speakers: How do the speakers relate to each other? This can influence the meaning of their words.

Common Signals of Implication

Certain phrases and words often signal that the speaker is implying something:

• Hesitation: "Well...", "I suppose...", "Actually..." These often introduce a contrasting or unexpected point.
• Understatement: Downplaying something to make a point. ("It was a bit chilly" when it was freezing).
• Irony: Saying the opposite of what you mean, often for humorous effect.
• Omission: Leaving out information that is clearly understood by the listener.
• Non-verbal cues (in audio): Changes in tone, pauses, sighs, laughter.

Example Scenarios and Questions

Here are some examples of how implication might be used in a listening passage, along with the types of questions you might encounter:

Scenario 1: A friend is talking about a test.

Dialogue:

Friend A: "I didn't really sleep well last night."

Friend B: "Oh, really? Did you study late?"

Friend A: "Not exactly. I was up with a terrible headache."

Implied Meaning: Friend A is implying that the headache was a result of stress related to studying for the test, even though they didn't explicitly say they studied late.

Possible Question: What can you infer about why Friend A didn't sleep well?

Answer: Friend A likely didn't sleep well because they were stressed about studying for the test.

Scenario 2: A teacher is talking about a student's work.

Dialogue:

Teacher: "Sarah's essay was... interesting."

Parent: "Interesting? Is that a good thing?"

Teacher: "Well, it certainly wasn't what I expected."

Implied Meaning: The teacher is implying that Sarah's essay was not good, despite using the word "interesting."

Possible Question: What does the teacher really think about Sarah's essay?

Answer: The teacher likely thinks Sarah's essay was not good.

Practice Tips

1. Pay close attention to the speaker's tone and body language (if available).
2. Consider the context of the conversation.
3. Look for words or phrases that suggest something is being left unsaid.
4. Don't be afraid to make inferences – explain your reasoning.
5. Practice with different types of audio passages (conversations, interviews, presentations).

Type of Implication	Example Phrase	What it implies
Hesitation	"Well..."	The speaker is about to introduce a contrasting or unexpected point.
Understatement	"It's a little cold." (when it's freezing)	The situation is much worse than described.
Irony	"That's just great!" (when something bad happens)	The speaker actually means the opposite of what they say.
Omission	A conversation about a problem without mentioning the cause.	The cause of the problem is likely known or understood by both speakers.