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Spoken Language
Quick questions on Listening and group discussion: active participation - SQA National 5 English
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is listen actively, not passively?Show answer
Active listening means following what others say and showing it, not waiting silently for your turn. Use non-verbal signals (eye contact, nodding) and verbal signals (referring to a speaker's point) to show you are engaged. Listening closely also gives you something to respond to, which is the basis of genuine interaction.
What is help the discussion move forward?Show answer
An effective participant helps the discussion progress: drawing in a quiet member, summarising where the group has got to, asking a question that opens a new angle, or keeping the talk on topic. These moves show you are managing the interaction, not just contributing to it, and they help a group discussion meet the standard.
What is q1?Show answer
Why is speaking a lot not enough to achieve the interaction criterion? [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Name two ways to show active listening in a discussion. [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Name one way to help a discussion move forward. [1 mark]
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