Four aspects of English pragmatics that are often puzzling to students of English as a Second Language (ESL) are discussed and exemplified: certain mechanics (ellipsis; blended words; a-grammaticality); vague superordinates (generic verbs such as "get,""let,""do,""be,""have"; preposition with metaphoric extension such as "up,""in,""off,""through"; minimalist reference such as "stuff,""...or something,""...and all"; contextual anaphor such as "that's IT,""THAT's it"; attitude marking (suprasegmentals; contrast; intensification; intensification/mitigation); and "doing words" (reactions; signals; confirmation checks). Reasons and contexts for misunderstanding are examined briefly in each case. A methodology for raising ESL student awareness of English pragmatics and daily language use is then outlined. Use of videotape recordings of authentic spoken English, where context is both visible and reviewable and where some variables can be filtered out for study, is recommended over exclusive use of materials made explicitly for ESL instruction. Variables to be filtered out include the spontaneous nature of the language, its sounds, visual aspects of the language, and context. Worksheets and a dictation exemplifying this approach are included. Contains 39 references. (MSE)