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Student worksheet

Name: Date: Class:

Unit 3: Understanding fast speech and different voices

Indicative level: CEFR A2–B1 (a rough guide only)

Part 1: Match the phrase to its meaning

Write the letter of the meaning next to each phrase.

  1. connected speech
  2. variety
  3. linking
  4. regional
  5. weak form
  6. pace
  7. reduction
  8. paraphrase
  • A connected to a particular part of a country
  • B one particular way of speaking a language
  • C a shorter, quieter way of saying a small word such as to or of
  • D the way sounds and words change when people speak them together naturally
  • E say the same idea in different words
  • F how fast someone speaks
  • G joining the end of one word to the start of the next, with no clear gap
  • H a sound or syllable that becomes shorter or less clear

Part 2: Choose the best answer

Circle the best answer for each question.

  1. What does connected speech mean?

    1. People speak only on the phone
    2. Words are spoken only in separate, careful pieces
    3. Sounds and words change when spoken together naturally

  2. Which phrase politely asks someone to slow down?

    1. Could you say that a bit more slowly, please?
    2. Your accent is hard
    3. Speak louder

  3. What is a full polite order?

    1. Latte.
    2. Could I get a latte, please?
    3. Milk word fast.
    4. Give latte now.

  4. You caught the start of a question but missed the end. What is a useful phrase?

    1. I do not speak English
    2. Yes, yes, thanks
    3. Sorry, could you say the last part again?

  5. What is a good way to check you understood your order?

    1. Just to check, that's a latte to take away?
    2. I do not know
    3. Yes, okay

  6. What matters most?

    1. Speaking rudely
    2. Clear communication
    3. Avoiding questions
    4. Perfect accent only

Part 3: Put the conversation in order

The lines are mixed up. Write 1 to 8 in the boxes to show the order.

  • Staff: Anything else with that?
  • Customer: Could I get a medium flat white, please?
  • Customer: Sorry, could you say the last part again?
  • Staff: Anything else? Any food?
  • Staff: Hi there, what can I get you?
  • Customer: Sorry, here or...?
  • Staff: Here or takeaway?
  • Customer: Ah, yes. A banana bread, please.

Part 4: Role-play

Work with a partner. Use the phrases from Part 1. Then swap roles.

  • Read the dialogue at natural speed while partners listen for the key word only.
  • Use three different ways to ask for a repeat, one for each question.

One new phrase I used:

Part 5: My progress

Tick what you can do now.

  • I can pick out the key word in a fast café question.
  • I can ask someone to repeat, slow down or say it another way.
  • I can check my understanding by repeating the order back.

Lessons this worksheet comes from

  • What Milk Was That? Cafe Listening Practice
  • Busy Cafe English: What Australians Actually Sound Like
  • How to Ask a Barista to Repeat or Explain
  • Fast Cafe Questions: Listening to Connected Speech
  • Understanding Different Accents in Australian Cafes
  • Australian Coffee Pronunciation

Read and practise these lessons online at chatsifieds.com/resources/australian-coffee-culture/

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