Explanations • What are functions? We can describe language by using words to talk about grammar (grammatical description). But we can also describe language by saying how it is used. This is the function of the language (functional description). If I were you, I'd leave now. grammatical description: second conditional functional description: giving advice • Choosing what to say Our choice of words can be influenced by the situation we are in, by the person we are talking to, and by what we are talking about. Compare these different phrases for asking permission. Asking permission from a friend: Is it all right if I use the phone? Asking permission from the same person, but about a more serious topic: Do you think I could possibly phone Australia? Asking permission from a stranger: Do you mind if I open the window? The first example was informal and friendly. The second two examples were more formal and polite. There are no exact rules about when to use an informal phrase and when to use a polite phrase, but usually we use polite language when we: • talk to strangers or people we don't know well. • talk to people who have higher status. • talk about sensitive topics. • This unit practises the following functions and possible responses. Asking for and giving advice Agreeing and disagreeing Apologising Complaining Ending a conversation Asking for and giving directions Greeting Asking how someone is Asking for information Introducing yourself and others Inviting Accepting and declining invitations Offering something Offering to do something 105 FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE Match each sentence (a-j) with a function from 1-10. a) That's very kind of you, I'd love to 4 b) Well, it's been nice talking to you, but I'm afraid I have to go c) Could you tell me how to get to the post office? d) You might have told me you were having a party! e) Shall I carry this bag for you? f) What do you think I should do? g) Actually, I don't think that's right h) Would you like to come round for a drink later? i) Jack, this is my brother, Mark j) Could you tell me what time the bank opens? 1 Complaining 6 Asking for directions 2 Inviting 7 Introducing other people 3 Asking for information 8 Offering to do something 4 Accepting an invitation 9 Disagreeing 5 Asking for advice 10 Ending a conversation 2 Match each sentence (a-j) with a function from 1-10. a) Would you like some more tea? .6. b) I think you'd better phone the police c) I'd love to come, but I'm already going out that evening d) Good morning, I'm Brenda Watson, the Marketing Manager e) I'm sorry I'm late - it won't happen again f) Would you like me to do the washing-up? g) Excuse me, but is the bus station anywhere near here? h) Hi, Sally, how are you? i) I think that's the point exactly j) It's at the end of this street, opposite the church 1 Declining an invitation 6 Offering something 2 Introducing yourself 7 Agreeing 3 Greeting a friend 8 Apologising 4 Offering to do something 9 Giving directions 5 Asking for directions 10 Giving advice 106 GRAMMAR 18 FUNCTIONS 1 3 Choose the most suitable response. a) Do you feel like going to the cinema this evening? 1) That would be great. 2) Thank you very much for your kind invitation. b) More coffee anybody? 1) Would it be all right if I had some more? 2) I'd love some. c) I wish you wouldn't smoke in here! 1) I don't agree, I'm afraid. 2) Sorry, shall I open the window? d) Well, it was nice talking to you, but I have to dash. 1) Yes, I enjoyed talking to you too. 2) OK, see you. e) Could you tell me whether this train stops at Hatfield? 1) I believe I could. 2) I believe it does. f) Shall I collect the tickets for you? 1) That would be a real help. 2) Yes, I think you shall. g) What would you do in my situation? 1) I think you should ask for a loan from the bank. 2) I thought you would ask for a loan from the bank. h) How do you do. I'm Bill Thompson. 1) Very well thank you. 2) How do you do. 107 FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE 4 Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words, including the word given. a) Can I offer you a lift home? like Would you like a lift home? b) What time does the next train leave? tell Could the next train leaves? c) I think you should sell the car. I'd If I the car. d) Shall I mow the lawn? to Would mow the lawn? e) Am I going the right way for Downwood? this Is Downwood? f) Do you have to make so much noise! wouldn't I so much noise! g) What's your advice? should What do do? h) Let's go for a pizza. going How a pizza? Key points 1 Our choice of words depends on the situation, our relationship with the person we are talking to, and what we are talking about. 2 We should respond in an appropriate way, informally or politely (see point 1) and in accordance with how the other person speaks to us first. 3 If we do not use polite forms, there is a risk that the other person will think we are being rude. We may not get the result from the conversation that we want. Explanations This unit practises the following functions and possible responses. Things to say on special occasions or at special moments Asking for and giving an opinion Pausing to think Asking for permission Giving and refusing permission Expressing preferences Promising Reassuring Recommending Refusing to do something Making and responding to a request Suggesting Thanking 109 FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE Match each sentence (a-j) with a function from 1-10. a) Wait a minute, let me see 5. b) What did you think of the film, then? c) I'll definitely bring your camera back tomorrow d) Would it be all right if I left a bit early today? e) Sorry, no, I won't do it f) Could you possibly turn on the air conditioning? g) I think I'd rather have fish, actually. h) Why don't we have a party next weekend? i) That's very kind of you, I appreciate it j) Don't worry, everything will turn out all right 1 Promising 6 Making a request 2 Refusing 7 Thanking 3 Suggesting 8 Asking for an opinion 4 Expressing a preference 9 Reassuring 5 Pausing to think 10 Asking permission 2 Match each sentence (a-j) with a function from 1-10. a) Congratulations! 4 f) Excuse me! b) Look out! g) Pardon? c) Oh bother! h) Bless you! d) Whoops! i) Cheers! e) Well done! j) You poor thing! 1 Praising someone's performance 2 Expressing annoyance 3 Wishing someone good health when drinking 4 Expressing happiness at someone's success 5 Attracting attention or asking someone to move out of your way 6 Expressing sympathy 7 Expressing that something has/has nearly gone wrong 8 Giving a warning 9 Showing that you have misheard or misunderstood 10 Said when another person sneezes 110 GRAMMAR 19 FUNCTIONS 2 3 Choose the most suitable response. a) What do you think of my new car? 1) It's all right I suppose. 2) I think a lot. b) Do you promise to pay me back at the end of the month? 1) I'll pay. 2) I promise. c) Can I use your phone? 1) You may not. 2) Of course. d) Where do you suggest I stay? 1) I recommend the Hilton. 2) Let's stay at the Hilton. e) Do you want beer or wine? 1) I'd prefer beer, please. 2) I'd rather beer, please. f) I can't stop worrying about my exam tomorrow. 1) That's all right, never mind. 2) I'm sure you'll do well. g) Janet, make us some tea, will you? 1) No I won't, I'm afraid. 2) I can't, I'm afraid. h) Would you mind moving your bag from the seat? 1) Oh, sorry. 2) No, I wouldn't. i) How kind, you really shouldn't have bothered. 1) It was nothing, really. 2) Don't worry, I didn't bother. j) Is it all right if I use your bike? 1) Please accept it with my best wishes. 2) Sure, go ahead. Ill . well thank you. 2) How do you do. 107 FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE 4 Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do. Accepting and declining invitations Offering something Offering to do something 105 FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE Match each sentence (a-j) with a function from 1-10. a) That's very. Refusing to do something Making and responding to a request Suggesting Thanking 109 FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE Match each sentence (a-j) with a function from 1-10. a) Wait a minute,