CAN YOU SAY THAT AGAIN?

 This lesson focuses on asking someone to repeat what they have said, a common situation in conversations when something is unclear or difficult to understand. Students will learn polite ways to ask for repetition, essential vocabulary, and useful expressions for clarification. The lesson covers the grammar of question formation and modal verbs, offering a range of practical scenarios.

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Grammar:

1. Modal Verb: "Can" for Requests

   • Can you say that again?
     Example: "Can you repeat that, please?"

2. Polite Request with "Could"

   • Could you say that again, please? (more polite)
     Example: "Could you repeat the instructions?"

3. Question Formation

   • Can you...
     Example: "Can you explain that once more?"

4. Tag Questions for Clarification

   • You mean...?
     Example: "You mean the meeting is tomorrow, right?"

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Vocabulary:

1. Repeat – To say something again.
2. Clarify – To make something clearer or easier to understand.
3. Understand – To grasp the meaning of something.
4. Speak up – To talk louder.
5. Explain – To make something clear by describing it in detail.
6. Instructions – Detailed steps or directions.
7. Misunderstanding – A failure to understand something correctly.
8. Ask – To request information.
9. Pronounce – To say a word in a particular way.
10. Meaning – What something signifies or represents.

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Useful Expressions:

1. "Can you say that again, please?"
2. "Could you repeat what you just said?"
3. "I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again?"
4. "Sorry, could you explain that one more time?"
5. "Can you speak a bit slower, please?"
6. "What do you mean by that?"
7. "Could you clarify that for me?"
8. "Sorry, I missed that. Can you repeat?"
9. "I didn’t understand. Could you go over that again?"
10. "Could you spell that out for me?"

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Sentences:

1. "Can you say that again? I didn’t hear you."
2. "Could you repeat the address, please?"
3. "I didn’t catch your name. Can you say it again?"
4. "Can you speak more slowly? I didn’t understand."
5. "Sorry, I didn’t hear you. Can you say that one more time?"
6. "Could you explain what you mean by that?"
7. "I’m not sure I understood. Can you repeat the last part?"
8. "Could you clarify what you meant by 'deadline'?"
9. "Sorry, can you repeat the directions?"
10. "Can you spell your name again for me?"

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Questions and Answers:

1. Q: Can you say that again?
   A: Sure, I said the meeting is at 3:00 PM.

2. Q: Could you repeat that, please?
   A: Of course, the instructions are in your email.

3. Q: I didn’t catch what you said. Can you repeat?
   A: Yes, the answer is in the second paragraph.

4. Q: Can you explain that again?
   A: Certainly, let me go over it one more time.

5. Q: Could you clarify what you meant by 'task'?
   A: I mean the assignment we have to finish by Friday.

6. Q: Can you repeat the last part of the sentence?
   A: Sure, I said, 'We need to finish this today.'

7. Q: Could you spell that out for me?
   A: Yes, it’s spelled 'R-E-S-E-R-V-A-T-I-O-N.'

8. Q: I missed that, can you say it again?
   A: No problem, I’ll repeat it for you.

9. Q: Could you speak a little louder, please?
   A: Certainly, is this better?

10. Q: Can you say that one more time, please?
    A: Sure, the restaurant is on 5th Avenue.

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Conversation:

John: Excuse me, can you repeat the name of the street?
Sally: Yes, it’s Oak Street.
John: Sorry, can you say that again? Did you say 'Oak'?
Sally: Yes, Oak Street. O-A-K.
John: Got it, thanks! Also, can you tell me the time of the meeting again?
Sally: Sure, it’s at 2:00 PM tomorrow.
John: Great, I didn’t catch that the first time.

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Reading:

"The Importance of Asking for Clarification"

In any conversation, there are times when you may not understand what someone is saying. This could be due to background noise, speaking too fast, or unfamiliar words. It's perfectly normal to ask for clarification, and doing so is essential in ensuring effective communication.

For example, if you’re in a meeting and miss a crucial detail, it's better to ask, "Can you say that again, please?" instead of guessing and potentially making a mistake. Clarifying information not only helps you but also shows the other person that you're actively listening and interested in what they are saying.

Imagine you’re asking for directions, and the person speaks too quickly. Instead of nodding and hoping you understood, you can say, "Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Could you repeat it?" The person will likely be happy to slow down and give the instructions more clearly.

In professional settings, asking for clarification can also avoid misunderstandings. If your boss gives you a task and you’re unsure of what they mean, asking, "Could you explain that one more time?" shows that you want to get things right.

Asking someone to repeat themselves is a natural part of conversations. Whether you're speaking with friends, colleagues, or strangers, remember that it's always okay to seek clarification to ensure understanding.