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B2 · Unit 7
Extended speech · note-taking & summarizing
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Extended Speech Skills

In this unit, students practice listening to extended speech (talks, lectures, meetings), identifying the speaker’s main claim and supporting reasons, and producing clear notes and a short summary. Focus: listening + summary writing.

Objectives Signal Words Note-taking Listening Tasks Summarizing Practice Mini Assessment Materials

SWBAT (Objectives)

  • Identify the speaker’s main claim, reasons, examples, and conclusion in extended speech.
  • Use signal words (however/therefore/for example) to follow argument structure.
  • Take efficient notes using abbreviations, symbols, and key words (not full sentences).
  • Write a 70–100 word summary that is accurate, neutral, and well organized.
  • Avoid common summary errors (opinions, copying phrases, missing main point).

Signal Words (Follow the Argument)

Structure

firstly / secondly / finally · to begin with · moving on · to conclude

Contrast & concession

however · nevertheless · on the other hand · despite this · in contrast

Cause/effect & results

therefore · as a result · consequently · this leads to · for this reason

Examples & clarification

for example · for instance · in other words · specifically · namely

Signal Words Handout (PDF) Argument Map Template (PDF)

Note-taking (Fast + Clear)

Rules for good notes
  • Write key words, not full sentences.
  • Use abbreviations: gov’t, env, dev, imp, w/ (with), b/c (because).
  • Use symbols: ↑ increase, ↓ decrease, → leads to, ≠ contrast.
  • Leave space for adding details later.
  • Mark main idea vs details (stars, headings, indentation).
Sample guided notes (template)
Topic / Claim: ___________________________
Reason 1: _______________________________
• Example / evidence: _______________________________
Reason 2: _______________________________
• Example / evidence: _______________________________
Counterpoint: ____________________________
Conclusion: ______________________________
Guided Notes Template (PDF) Abbreviations & Symbols (PDF)

Listening Tasks (Extended Speech)

Pre-listening (2–3 min)
  • Predict: What could the speaker argue?
  • Preview 8 key words (teacher provides).
  • Set a purpose: main claim + 2 reasons.
During listening (Round 1)
  • Listen for structure (intro → reasons → conclusion).
  • Write only headings + key words.
  • Circle signal words you hear (however/therefore).
During listening (Round 2)
  • Add supporting details (examples/data).
  • Mark any counterargument (“Some people say…”).
  • Write the final conclusion in 6–10 words.
Optional listening sources (teacher can swap)

Use any short lecture/podcast clip (3–6 minutes) with clear argument structure. Replace the placeholder link below with your chosen audio/video.

Listening Link (placeholder)
Listening Worksheet (PDF)

Summarizing (70–100 words)

Summary rules
  • Include: main claim + 2 reasons + conclusion (if present).
  • Stay neutral (no “I think”).
  • Use your own words (paraphrase).
  • Be brief: remove minor examples and extra details.
  • Use 2–3 discourse markers for clarity (however/therefore).
Simple summary template
The speaker argues that ____________. First, ____________. Second, ____________. However/Nevertheless, ____________. Therefore/As a result, ____________.
Model summary (example)
The speaker argues that cities should invest more in public transit. First, improved transit reduces congestion and saves commuting time. Second, it lowers pollution by decreasing car usage. Nevertheless, the speaker admits that these projects are expensive and require long-term planning. Therefore, governments should evaluate both costs and future benefits before choosing infrastructure priorities.
Summary Template (PDF) Paraphrase Bank (PDF)

Practice (From Notes → Summary)

Practice 1: Clean your notes

Underline the main claim and circle the two best reasons.
Cross out small details. Add 2 signal words.

Practice 2: Write a 1-sentence “core”

Write one sentence that captures the speaker’s main idea + direction (recommendation/argument).

Practice 3: Expand to 70–100 words

Use the template to add reasons and a conclusion. Keep it neutral and accurate.

Notes → Summary Practice (PDF)

Mini Assessment (10–12 minutes)

Part A: Listening check
  • Main claim (1 sentence)
  • Two supporting reasons (bullets)
  • One counterpoint (if included)
Part B: Summary (70–100 words)
  • Neutral, accurate, organized
  • No copied long phrases
  • 2–3 signal words for clarity
Scoring focus

Accuracy (meaning) · Coherence (structure) · Concision (no extra details) · Language control

Assessment Sheet (PDF) Summary Rubric (PDF)

Materials & Downloads

  • Unit 7 Slides — PPTX
  • Signal Words Handout — PDF · Argument Map — PDF
  • Guided Notes Template — PDF · Abbreviations & Symbols — PDF
  • Listening Worksheet — PDF · Listening Link (placeholder) — TXT
  • Summary Template — PDF · Paraphrase Bank — PDF
  • Notes → Summary Practice — PDF
  • Assessment Sheet — PDF · Summary Rubric — PDF

Swap placeholders with real file paths. Keep links consistent: /levels/b2/assets/.