6.1.A
The Standard
listen actively to interpret a message, ask clarifying questions, and respond appropriately
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students listen for a speaker’s main message and supporting details. They ask focused questions when meaning is unclear, then respond in a way that fits the message and situation.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can state the speaker’s message and cite details that shaped the meaning. The student asks a focused clarifying question and responds directly to the speaker’s point.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think quiet behavior alone shows active listening. They may ask unrelated questions, repeat what was said without interpreting it, or respond before the speaker finishes.
How to Assess It
- Read a 45-second announcement aloud. Ask students to write the main message, one clarifying question, and an appropriate response.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
In pairs, one student describes a block structure while the other builds it, asks clarifying questions, and compares the finished structures.
After a short class statement, students answer: What did the speaker mean, what remains unclear, and what response fits?
Play Listening Detective by reading short messages and awarding points for accurate summaries, relevant questions, and connected responses.
Role-play receiving directions from a coach, supervisor, or bus driver, then practice clarifying unclear details and giving an appropriate reply.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- 7.1.A
listen actively to interpret a message and ask clarifying questions that build on others' ideas
- 5.1.A
listen actively to interpret verbal and non-verbal messages, ask relevant questions, and make pertinent comments;
- 8.1.A
listen actively to interpret a message by summarizing, asking questions, and making comments;
- 4.1.A
listen actively, ask relevant questions to clarify information, and make pertinent comments;
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