How to Grasp Mian Ideas of a Discourse

1. Read/watch/listen attentively. TAKE NOTES.

2. Use the 6W1H (or, the reporter) approach for analysis:

a. Who did

b. what (to whom)

c. when, where,

d. why,

e. how and

f. to what effect (results and implications). or

3. Use pentad for analysis: (actually can be understood from the reporter approach)

a. Act: What happened? What is the action? What ideas are involved? To what results and implications?

b. Scene: Where is the act happening? What is the background situation? (including when)

c. Agent: Who is involved in the act? What are their roles?

d. Agency: How do the agents act? By what means do they act?

e. Purpose: Why do the agents act? What do they want?

How to Listen Well

1. You must be willing to listen. (Intention leads to attention and retention.)
2. Language proficiency, both verbal and nonverbal. (vocabulary, intonation, knowledge resources)
3. Related critical and creative abilities. (association, organization, evaluation)
4. Ask follow-up questions (for clarification, explanation, implication and application)