GRADE 8 English : CONSUMER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – LISTENING AND SPEAKING:SELECTIVE LISTENING Notes

English: Listening & Speaking — Selective Listening

Topic: Consumer Roles and Responsibilities | Age: 13 (Kenya)

Learning objectives

Use selective listening to notice important grammatical words in spoken messages (modals, verb tenses, imperatives).
Recognise grammar that shows responsibility, permission, obligation and instructions in consumer situations.
Practice changing short heard sentences into reported speech and passive forms for classroom talk.

Key grammar to listen for (with consumer examples)

1. Modals of obligation and advice (must / should / have to)

Example: "You must keep the receipt." ✅ — must = strong obligation
Example: "You should check the product before you pay." ✅ — should = advice

2. Modals of permission and ability (may / can / cannot)

Example: "You may return the item within 7 days." ✅ — may = permission
Example: "I can show you the warranty card." ✅ — can = ability/offering help

3. Imperatives (commands/instructions)

Example: "Keep your receipt." ✅ — imperative used in instructions/warnings

4. Passive form (used in notices/warranties)

Example: "Products are inspected before sale." ✅ — passive: used when the action matters more than who does it

5. Reported speech (listening for what was said)

Direct: "Keep the receipt," the seller said. → Reported: The seller said that we should keep the receipt.

Selective listening tips (what to focus on)

Listen for single words that show rules: must, should, may, can, return, warranty, receipt, urgent.
Note verbs and their form (present, past, passive) — these change the meaning of the message.
Pay attention to short commands (Keep, Don’t, Check) — they often show responsibility.
Write down numbers and time words (7 days, 30 days, one year) — important for consumer rights.

Class activities — practice selective listening

Activity 1 — Listen for modals 🔊
Teacher reads these short consumer sentences one by one. Students listen and write the modal they hear.

"You must keep the receipt."
"You may return the goods within 7 days."
"You should check the goods before buying."
"You can ask for help at the counter."

Answers: 1 must; 2 may; 3 should; 4 can

Activity 2 — Spot the imperative 🔊
Teacher reads a short announcement from a shop. Students listen and tick sentences that are imperatives (commands).

a) "Please keep your receipt."
b) "You will get a refund."
c) "Return the product within 7 days."
d) "We offer a one-year guarantee."

Answers: a) and c) are imperatives (commands/request). b) and d) are statements.

Activity 3 — Passive vs Active (listening for form) 🔊
Read each sentence. Students decide if it is active or passive and underline the verb form.

"The shop gave a free sample." (_________)
"Samples are given to new customers." (_________)
"You must return faulty goods." (_________)
"Faulty goods will be replaced." (_________)

Answers: 1 active; 2 passive; 3 active (modal + base verb); 4 passive (will be + past participle)

Activity 4 — Reported speech (listen and change) 🔊
Teacher reads each direct sentence. Students write how to report it.

Seller: "Keep the receipt." → Reported: __________________________
Seller: "You may return it within 7 days." → Reported: __________________

Suggested answers: 1 The seller told us to keep the receipt. 2 The seller said that we may return it within 7 days.

Quick practice quiz (for homework)

Write down one sentence you would expect to hear from a shop that shows obligation. (Use "must" or "have to").
Change this direct sentence into reported speech: "Show me your receipt," the cashier said.
Listen to an announcement at a market (teacher or audio). Note any numbers and modals you hear — list three.

Tips for teachers: read sentences at normal speed, then slowly. Ask learners to listen only for grammar words (modals, imperatives, tense). Repeat each sentence twice and allow learners 20–30 seconds to write before checking answers.

Simple visual reminder:

🔍 Listen for: must / should may / can Keep / Return

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Topics

GRADE 8 English CONSUMER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – LISTENING AND SPEAKING:SELECTIVE LISTENING Notes