Previewing means reading the questions before the recording plays, so you know which details to catch. This lesson shows how the question words predict the answer.
It opens the cluster on listening comprehension. The next lesson covers distinguishing similar-sounding information.
Which question words predict which answers?
Underline the question word in each question. It tells you the type of detail to listen for.
| Question word | Listen for |
|---|---|
| Siapa | A person or a role |
| Bila | A day, date or time |
| Di mana | A place |
| Mengapa | A reason, usually after “kerana” |
| Berapa | A number or an amount |
Worked example: the same announcement, prepared and unprepared
The questions and script are original.
- Bila mesyuarat kelab bermula?
- Di mana mesyuarat diadakan?
- Mengapa Encik Ramli tidak hadir?
Script: Perhatian kepada semua ahli Kelab Sains. Mesyuarat akan diadakan pada hari Rabu, pukul tiga petang, di makmal biologi. Encik Ramli tidak dapat hadir kerana menghadiri kursus di Ipoh. Puan Salmah akan mengetuai mesyuarat itu.
An unprepared listener hears a run of names and places. “Ipoh” and “Puan Salmah” sound important, and the student may write “Ipoh” for question 2.
A prepared listener has marked Bila (time), Di mana (place) and Mengapa (reason). The answers are Rabu, pukul 3 petang, makmal biologi and kerana menghadiri kursus di Ipoh. “Ipoh” is part of the reason for question 3, not the place of the meeting.
The mistake that costs marks
The slip is to catch a detail that sounds right but answers a different question. “Ipoh” is a place, so it fits the pattern of Di mana, yet it belongs to the reason for Encik Ramli’s absence.
Previewing prevents this because each detail has a slot waiting for it. A detail that fits no slot is set aside.
Check yourself
Read the questions, say what type of answer each needs, then answer from the script.
- Siapa yang akan membuka pameran itu?
- Berapa harga tiket untuk pelajar?
- Di mana pameran diadakan?
Script: Pameran Sains akan dibuka oleh Dr. Hanim di dewan sekolah. Tiket untuk pelajar ialah dua ringgit, manakala tiket orang dewasa ialah lima ringgit.
Answer
- Siapa needs a person: Dr. Hanim.
- Berapa needs an amount: dua ringgit (RM2). The adult price of RM5 does not answer this question.
- Di mana needs a place: dewan sekolah.
What to study next
Continue with distinguishing similar-sounding information. You can also practise on a short script with the original listening practice player.
For a teacher to read scripts to you and check which details you miss, see online one-to-one Bahasa Melayu tuition.