Read the article about the skill of listening to people. You will receive up to 6 marks for the content of your summary, and up to 6 marks for the style and accuracy of your language. When it comes to communicating with other people, there are two aspects to consider. There is the ability to express yourself, but equally important is the ability to listen to what is being said. We probably all know some people who are really easy to talk to. This is very likely to be because they have good listening skills. You might like to examine the techniques of good listeners as this is one way to improve your own skills. One technique when you are listening is to use visual signals, like nodding, for example. This helps to show the speaker that you really are listening to what they are saying. After all, no-one likes to think that what they are saying is boring! Even something as simple as looking at the other person when they are speaking can make a big difference. Of course, sometimes, the topic of the conversation that you are listening to might not be one that you find particularly interesting. If this is the case, you might need to try and appear to be more positive about the conversation than you actually feel, although that's not always easy to do! However, it is important not to let yourself get distracted by thinking about other things. If you do, the person you are listening to will probably notice this. When someone is talking to you, you shouldn't simply be silent the whole time. Instead, respond by asking open questions - ones requiring detailed answers - and the conversation will move forward. And if you're concerned that you have misunderstood what someone has said, don't feel bad about asking them to explain. Nobody will mind, especially if they feel that you are listening to them. As you can see, there are lots of good ways you can improve your listening skills. How good a listener are you? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Answer:

Award up to a total of 12 marks.
Up to 6 marks to be awarded for Content (Reading)
Relevant Content points to include are:
1 examine the techniques of good listeners
2 use visual signals / nodding
3 look at the other person (when they are speaking)
4 appear to be more positive about the conversation than you actually feel
5 (it is important) not to let yourself get distracted
6 (you should) not be silent (the whole time)
7 (respond by) asking open questions / ask questions requiring detailed answers
8 (don't feel bad about) asking them to explain
Up to 6 marks to be awarded for Language (Writing).
See generic marking criteria for Exercise 4.

Knowledge points:

Solution: