What should students focus on in dialogues during the Listening section?

In the Listening section, students should focus on changes in tone and emphasis because these elements can provide valuable insights into the speaker's emotions, intentions, and the overall context of the dialogue. For instance, a shift in tone may indicate a change in mood, such as moving from neutral to excited or frustrated, which can affect the meaning of what is being communicated. Emphasis on certain words or phrases can highlight key ideas or important details, helping students grasp the main points of the conversation. Recognizing these auditory cues can enhance comprehension and improve the ability to respond accurately to questions about the dialogue.

Focusing solely on new vocabulary words may enhance lexical knowledge but doesn't necessarily aid in understanding the nuances of the conversations. While the speed of speech is important for comprehension, it is changes in tone and emphasis that more directly impact the interpretation of meaning. Background noises might provide context or indicate setting but are not as crucial for understanding the main ideas in a dialogue.