English Proficiency Workshop Prof. Edilberta C. Bala

Functional English Activities The following are common language functions based on Leo Jones’ (1981) description of functions. Try to use the expressions for each language function in a variety of situations. You may add expressions to the list. Giving and following directions turn left outside turn right on top of go straight below inside under

b. Asking and giving information Could you help me? I’m trying to find my way to … I was wondering if you could help me. I’d like to know… Would you mind telling me … Well, let me see … That’s very interesting question. I’m not sure. I’ll find out … I’m not really sure. I’m terribly sorry. I really don’t know. I’ve no idea. I’m afraid.

Getting people to do things Would you mind lending me …. Could you possible lend me …. I wonder if you could possibly lend me your …. Tell me the time. Speak more clearly. Write legibly. Proofread your work.

Talking about past events Had you already …..? Were you going to …..? How did you feel when …..? Then what did you do ….? I remember quite clearly that …..? After that ….. Have you ever ……? I can’t remember all the details, but …..? That reminds me of the time ….. That takes me back ….. What would you have done if …..? Well, of course, I could have …..

Talking about the future If you became an instant millionaire….. If you pass the examination ….. Suppose you came into a lot of jewelry ….. ….. what would you do? ….. what would it be like? ….. how would you feel? Oh, I think I’d ….. I suppose I’d ….. I expect I’d …..

Offering to something, asking permission and giving reasons Let me get it for you. Would you like me to get it for you? Can I help you with that? Thanks a lot. Thanks That’s very kind of you. I’m going to ….. Do you mind if I …..? Would it be at all possible for me to …..? Would you mind if I …..? Okay. Yes, go ahead. I’m sorry. That’s not possible. Please don’t go. The reason is ….. It’s because ….. That’s my reason ….. That’s why I’d like to …… Well …..

Giving opinions, agreeing and disagreeing The point is ….. I’d say that ….. If you ask me ….. I’d like to point out that ….. That’s a point. I see what you mean, but ….. Well, you have a point there, but ….. I’m not sure I quire agree ….. Let me put it another way ….. That’s not quite what I meant ….. Would you agree that …..? Do you think it’s …..?

Describing things, instructing people how to do things, checking understanding What does it look like? What color is it? What shape is it? How does it work? It’s round ….. It’s purple ….. It moves up and down ….. First, ….. Second ….. After you’ve done that ….. Make sure you remember to ….. Don’t forget to ….. Do you see what I mean? Is that clear? That’s right. Sorry, can you say that again, please?

Talking about similarities, talking about differences, stating preferences ….. have quite a lot in common. There isn’t much difference ….. ….. are more or less the same height. Neither of them ….. ….. have very little in common. ….. a great deal larger than ….. ….. a tremendous number of differences ….. From my point of view, the best ….. I’d much prefer that one because ….. As far as I am concerned, the best …..

Making suggestions and giving advice Have you ever thought of ….. You could always ….. If I were you, I’d ….. Why don’t you …. You’d better …..

Complaining, apologizing and forgiving and expressing disappointment I’m sorry to trouble you, but ….. I’m sorry to have to say this, but ….. I’ve got a bit of a problem here, you see….. I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize. I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I just don’t know what to say. I’m not quite sure how to put this, but ….. I’ve got a bit of apology to make, you see….. I’ve got a confession to make …..

Complaining, apologizing and forgiving and expressing disappointment Cont. Please don’t blame yourself. Oh, never mind, it doesn’t really matter. It’s not really your fault. I’m really disappointed that ….. If only ….. I wish ….. Well, it’s no good crying over spilt milk. That’s life. It’s nothing to worry about, I suppose.

Describing places, describing people It is near ….. It is far from ….. It is located ….. ….. a row of bungalows ….. ….. beautiful orchids around ….. Here are some questions you may want to answer: Where is it? What does it look like? What’s interesting about it?

In describing people, consider the following characteristics: general personal impression age hair character height eyes sports weight complexion hobbies face clothes

Telling a story Did I ever tell you about the time I ….. That reminds me of the time I ….. Anyway ….. As I was saying ….. To get back to the story ….. To cut a long story short ….. Anyway, what happened in the end was …..

Expressing moods and feelings: anger, sadness, indifference Good grief! What a nuisance! I’ve just about had enough of ….. It makes me sick the way they ….. Take it easy! There’s no need to get upset. I’m sorry to hear that.

Oh God! I just don’t know what to do ….. It’s just been one of those days ….. Come on! It can’t be as bad as all that ….. Try and look at the bright side ….. I couldn’t care less. Please. What’s the point. Don’t be so boring! What a misery you are!

Saying good bye Bye for now! See you! See you next week! Have a good weekend. Cheerio! I’ve come to say goodbye. Thanks for everything. Keep in touch! Don’t forget to give me a ring!