- This book helps students listen for gist and specific information, to make inferences and to progress to content-based activities. Introducing Skills for Understanding is the high-beginning level of the Active Listening series. By activating students" knowledge of a topic before they listen, the text gives them a frame of reference to make intelligent predictions about what they will hear. Students learn to listen through a careful balance of activities, including listening for gist, listening for specific information, and making inferences.