In this unit, you will learn how to engage in conversations using back-channeling techniques and expressions of future intentions, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively and maintain dialogue.
Mission 1. Exploring the Eiffel Tower
Read the conversation between Sarah and Alex about their visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Pay attention to how they use back-channeling phrases and keep the conversation going. After reading, answer the questions based on your understanding of the conversation, referring to specific parts when needed. Some questions will ask you to reflect on how back-channeling was used in the dialogue. Sarah: Have you ever been to the Eiffel Tower, Alex? Alex: No, I’ve always wanted to go! I’ve seen it in so many pictures, but it must be amazing in person! Sarah: It really is! The view from the top is breathtaking. You can see the whole city of Paris, including the Seine River. Alex: Wow, I can imagine! How high is it? Sarah: It’s about 324 meters tall! And when you’re up there, you can feel the wind—it’s such a unique experience. Alex: That sounds incredible. Did you go to the very top? Sarah: Yes! It was a bit scary at first, but the view was definitely worth it. There are three levels, and each one has a different perspective of the city. Alex: That must have been amazing. How long did you stay at the top? Sarah: We stayed for about an hour. There were so many people, but it didn’t feel too crowded because the space is so big. Alex: I bet the photos from up there must be beautiful! Sarah: Oh, absolutely! I took so many pictures, but none of them really capture the feeling of being up there. Alex: I can imagine. I’ll definitely have to visit someday. Thanks for sharing your experience! Questions: 1. What was Sarah’s opinion about the Eiffel Tower? 2. What did Alex find exciting about the Eiffel Tower? 3. Did Alex ask any questions to keep the conversation going? How did Sarah respond? 4. What information did Sarah provide about the Eiffel Tower’s height? 5. How did Sarah describe the experience of being at the top of the Eiffel Tower? 6. How does back-channeling help make the conversation more engaging and interactive? 7. Can you imagine visiting a similar place? What would you like to ask the person describing it to you?
Back-channeling refers to the verbal and non-verbal cues that listeners give during a conversation to show they are actively engaged and paying attention without interrupting the speaker. It allows the speaker to feel heard and encourages them to continue speaking, creating a smooth flow of conversation. Why back-channelling is important? Back-channeling allows for smooth exchanges in conversations without awkward pauses or interruptions. Encourages Storytelling: It motivates the speaker to share more details and keeps the narrative alive. Helps in Active Engagement: It shows the listener’s active participation and attentiveness, which builds rapport and strengthens the interaction.
Types of Back-Channelling
| Verbal Back-Channeling | Non-Verbal Back-Channeling |
|---|---|
A conversation about a trip to Paris: Speaker: "I visited the Eiffel Tower last summer. It was incredible! We went all the way to the top, and the view was breathtaking. I could see the whole city from up there!" Listener: "Really? Wow, I can’t imagine how amazing that must have been! Did you go during the day or at night?" Here, the listener uses back-channeling phrases like "Really?" and "Wow" to show they are engaged and interested. These responses keep the conversation flowing and encourage the speaker to continue sharing their experience.
Mission 2. A Trip to Rome
Read the conversation between Maria and John about their trip to Rome. Identify the back-channeling phrases and write them with their purpose in the table below, noting how they help keep the conversation flowing. Maria: John, have you ever been to Rome? It’s such a beautiful city! John: No, I haven’t, but I’ve always wanted to go! I’ve heard the Colosseum is incredible. Maria: Oh, it is! It’s so much bigger than I imagined. The history behind it is fascinating too. Did you know it was built almost 2,000 years ago? John: Huh, really? 2,000 years? That’s amazing! I didn’t know it was that old. Maria: Yeah, it’s unbelievable. And when you’re inside, you can almost feel the energy of the gladiators who fought there. It’s like you’re stepping back in time. John: Wow, that sounds incredible. I would love to see it in person. What else did you see in Rome? Maria: Well, we also visited the Vatican. The Sistine Chapel is just breathtaking. You have to see it to believe it! The ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, is such a masterpiece. John: Uh-huh, I’ve seen pictures of the Sistine Chapel, but I bet seeing it live must be a whole different experience. Maria: Definitely. The scale of it is hard to grasp from photos. And it’s so peaceful inside—people are so respectful, and there’s this quietness that makes it even more beautiful. John: Yeah, that sounds amazing. It’s on my bucket list now for sure. Was the food good there? Maria: Oh, the food was incredible! The pasta, the pizza... everything tasted so fresh. And the gelato—honestly, I think I had it every day! John: Huh, that sounds delicious! I’ve heard Italian food is the best. What was your favorite dish? Maria: Definitely the carbonara. It’s so creamy and rich, but not heavy. I still think about it! Fill out the table provided below by identifying the back-channeling phrases you found and matching them with their purpose in the conversation.
| Back-Channeling Phrase | Purpose | Context in Conversation |
|---|---|---|
Mission 3. Match the Back-Channelling
Read the list of statements, then choose the most suitable back-channeling phrase from the options on the right and match them correctly. Write the corresponding letter (A, B, C, etc.) next to each statement.
| Statement | Correct Response | Back-Channeling Phrase |
|---|---|---|
Mission 4. Planning Ahead: Understanding Future Expressions
Read the conversation between Emma and Jack about their summer plans. Focus on the future expressions they use to describe their plans, predictions, and decisions. Afterward, answer the following questions. Emma: So, Jack, do you have any plans for the summer? Jack: Yeah, I’m going to visit my cousins in California. We’ve been planning this trip for a while now. Emma: That sounds amazing! I think I’ll go to the beach with some friends. We haven’t decided exactly when, but we’ll probably go in July. Jack: Nice! Do you think the weather will be good for the beach in July? Emma: I’m not sure, but I’m hoping it will be sunny. If the weather’s bad, we might just have a movie marathon instead. Jack: I’m thinking of going hiking if I have time. I’ve always wanted to hike in the mountains, and this might be the perfect opportunity. Emma: That’s a great idea! I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time. So, when are you leaving for California? Jack: I’ll be leaving next Thursday. We’re flying out early in the morning. Emma: That’s soon! Have you packed yet? Jack: No, not yet, but I’ll probably pack tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to it. Questions: 1. What are Jack’s plans for the summer? 2. What does Emma plan to do in the summer, and when do they plan to go? 3. Why does Emma think the beach trip might be postponed? 4. What is Jack thinking of doing in addition to his trip? 5. When is Jack leaving for California?
Mission 5. Building a Dialogue: Future Plans Edition
Below is a jumbled conversation between two people discussing their future plans to explore famous places in Indonesia. Rearrange the sentences to form a natural dialogue. As you do so, underline or highlight all future expressions (e.g., 'I’m going to,' 'I’ll probably,' 'I plan to') and back-channeling phrases (e.g., 'Uh-huh,' 'Wow,' 'I see'). Once you've rearranged the sentences, write the correct dialogue on a separate piece of paper. Jumbled dialogue:
| Jumbled Dialogue | Order |
|---|---|
Correct order: D → … → … → … → … → … → … → … → … → …
There are several ways to express future actions, plans, or events. These expressions help us talk about things that will happen, are expected to happen, or are planned for the future. Understanding these expressions allows us to communicate more clearly about future events and intentions.
Mission 6. My Future Plans!
Reflect on your future—your plans and what you predict will happen. Write a brief paragraph (5-6 sentences) about your future intentions or expectations, making sure to use at least three different future expressions like 'I plan to,' 'I’m going to,' or 'I’ll probably.'
| Future Expressions | Example Topics for Inspiration |
|---|---|
Example
Looking Ahead: My Future in Words
I’m planning to travel to Bali next summer. I’m going to stay in a beachfront villa for a week and enjoy the beautiful beaches. I believe the weather will be perfect for outdoor activities, and I’ll probably spend most of my time surfing. After Bali, I think I will visit the temples in Yogyakarta, especially the Prambanan temple. By the end of the year, I will have visited at least three new places in Indonesia!
In some parts of the world, people follow a polychronic approach to time, meaning they view time more flexibly and often juggle multiple tasks at once. On the other hand, in monochronic cultures, people tend to focus on one task at a time and value punctuality and schedules. This difference in time perception can affect how people organize their daily activities, work, and even how they communicate! Time really is a fascinating concept, depending on where you are and how you look at it!
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