At a British parents' evening, teachers rarely say "Your child is weak at reading". They say "She could do with reading a bit more at home". If you translate directly from a language where feedback is more direct, you may miss the real message, or think everything is perfect when the teacher is gently asking for help. In this episode: • Before you listen: key words • The scene with decode lines • Listen again for details • Decoding indirect messages • Shadowing • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: parents' evening — an evening when parents meet the class teacher a slot — a booked time, here ten minutes Year 6 — the last year of primary school, for children aged ten to eleven How's she getting on? — how is she doing? (neutral, very common) she's settled in really well — she feels comfortable and happy now a pleasure to have in class — very nice to teach (warm praise) she could do with... — she needs a bit more... (gentle advice) working at the expected level — doing as well as most children her age has come on loads — has improved a lot (casual) half-term — a one-week holiday in the middle of a school term She could do with reading a bit more — she needs to read more The only thing I'd say is... — here is the one problem He can be a little chatty — he talks too much in class She's getting there — she's improving, but not there yet It'd be lovely if... — please do this (polite request) He's a pleasure to have in class — he behaves very well She's working towards the expected level — she is a little behind Real British English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — modern British accent, everyday grammar, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang, he/she/it for things, and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.