Listening for markers of meaning

Question 1

Listening for markers of meaning, like FOR EXAMPLE, can help you CONNECT SOMEONE’S IDEAS. Notice how the following markers introduce examples of what the speaker means.

Answer 1

…I invest a lot in precious metals, SUCH AS as gold, silver and platinum.

…ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES we have to deal with is the trade deficit.

…ONE OF THE PROBLEMS is we’ve lost our manufacturing base.

Question 2

You can also CLARIFY meaning with expressions like IN TERMS OF and AS TO.

Answer 2

…The US is very protectionist IN TERMS OF its imports and exports.

…My country does not have a clear policy AS TO protectionism or free trade.

Question 3

Listen for these markers for introducing CAUSE and EFFECT.

Answer 3

…We have a weak manufacturing base, WHICH IS a problem for us because we need to develop more exports.

…Our economy is weak and, AS A RESULT, people are out of work.

…Countries we trade with have protectionist policies and, BECAUSE OF THAT, we lose money on our exports.

Question 4

Listen for these markers for CATEGORIZING.

Answer 4

…We struggle to export ANY KIND OF manufactured products.

…We do well in the computer and electronics industries. THESE TYPES of industries are very lucrative right now.