Improving high school students doing english tests about language functions

Basically, the function of language is used for communication; we use the language to give and receive messages between ourselves.. That is the reason why I chose the topic" Improving hi

A INTRODUCTION

1 Rationale of the study

Nobody can deny the importance of English in our lives now English isintroduced to the educational curriculum from primary education to tertiaryeducation It is taught at schools, outside schools whenever by not only teachers butalso people who never go to any colleges of education Working as a teacher, I mustconstantly improve methods of teaching English However, the renewal of teachingand learning methods must meet the objectives, requirements of the curriculum andhow to apply on communication Communication depends on many factors in theprocess of learning a foreign language such as the practice of listening andspeaking skills, using correct grammar patterns, correct pronunciation andintonation, right accent, etc Because of that, learners need to master the abovefactors so as to communicate more effectively

When we talk about language functions, we are talking about the reason why

we use a language Basically, the function of language is used for communication;

we use the language to give and receive messages between ourselves We can breakthis down into language functions When we communicate with language, we can:compare and contrast, make a complaint, express love or anger, persuade someone,give advice, ask for something, ask for something politely, hide the truth (lie),warn, give information, explain a process, blame something , avoid saying anythingand so on Each language function can be associated with certain grammaticalforms For example, we often use modal verbs in a polite situation,

- Might I borrow your pen?

- Please, could you give me your pen?

- Give me your pen!

You never say to somebody: Give me!

“Language functions and responds” plays an important role in learning

English It not only helps students to use English naturally but also helps themachieve good results in exams It appears more and more in 15- minute tests, 45-minute tests, final tests, graduation exams, entrance exams Students will havedifficulty doing exercises about it unless they are well taught

In university exams in recent years there have had a separated part aboutcultural communication These questions equal the number of questions aboutword- stress or some other major grammars in English Besides, as we all knowthat the cultural diversity of each country is expressed differently through language

If we do not learn to speak English when communicating we tend to use theVietnamese culture to convey the meaning of words For my students in realcommunication, they say either "Yes" or "No", but may not know how to answersuch other implications There are many causes of this situation such as: they

haven’t concentrated on their learning attentively Or they don’t know how to uselanguage naturally as well as do it correctly in assignments, tests, exams Besides, Ithink they have not had enough experiences, or methods of doing this type ofexercise From these reality and importance, I came to a decision to give some

experiences to better this kind of exercise That is the reason why I chose the topic" Improving high school students' doing English tests about language functions",

which is my research

2 Aims of the study

The research is aimed at:

- Contributing my a few experiences for teaching “Language functions and

responds” at high school.

- Sharing my own initiative experiences for colleagues so that they can use them as references to help students prepare best for their exams

3 Scope of the study

The study has been conducted on the students at Tinh Gia 1 high school in the school year 2018-2019

4 Research methods of the study

- Based on teaching process

- Based on a number of references on communication functions in English

- Based on some comments of my colleagues

B DEVELOPMENT

1 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

To have detailed knowledge about the communication culture of a language

in general and English language in particular, learners have to regularlycommunicate with friends, teachers, native speakers In addition, students should

be equipped with some basic knowledge about the communication They need tohave vocabularies about every field, basic grammar structures The learners, whosefirst language is Vietnamese, use language with oriental culture However, Englishspeakers use their language with western culture Therefore, there are manydifferences In some situations, students may also translate into Vietnamese answer

to choose the correct answer Additionally, they should apply the understanding ofEnglish culture In sum, mastering this aspect of language requires learners as well

as teachers to try their best during learning time

2 PRACTICAL BACKGROUND

Students at Tinh Gia 1 High School come mainly from rural areas They havelittle received help or encouragement from parents or siblings because of theirunawareness of its importance This affects their perception of the importance ofthe English subject All the things they focus on are the grammar section When

they have to do “Language functions and responds” at tests, they will translate

them into Vietnamese to choose their answers or apply structures that they havestudied to solve these exercises When communicating, the students do not takeadvantage of their knowledge at the speaking section in the textbooks

One reason why I focused on this topic is that communicative English plays

an important part in our lives Many students pride their selves on their widevocabulary and good understanding of English grammar However, when theycommunicate with native speakers, they have still difficulty in expressing theirideas Or they do not understand what speakers mean When they are examined inoral tests or written ones, the students will surely feel worried about it

For example: (easy level)

- A: How do you go to school?

- B:

A By bike B Every day except Sundays C I’m fine D At 6.00 pm They

choose it very quickly "A" is a correct answer

But with a more difficult question:

- A: “Do you mind if I smoke?” B: “………….”

A Yes, I don’t mind B No, I don’t think so

They probably choose A or even C In fact, this is a question of permissionwith structure "Do you mind "or "would you mind" and the answer tends tonegative respond The answer is D

And this is the result of this part in oral exams between teachers and students

at 15- minute tests, 45 minute-tests in the early of September in 2018 at class

10A10

Oral test (the maximum score for this part is 5 points)

There are 3 questions in the 45- minute test The maximum score for

0.75 points Here is the total score of every student

45-minute test

…From the results above, they really worry me I started paying much attention

to my teaching method about this part Firstly, I make them practice speaking asmuch as possible during speaking lessons Secondly, I give more assignments thatthey must do not only at school but also at home These tasks will be carefullychecked in the following day Additionally, I encourage them to improve theirlistening skills, which can help them master this kind of exercises Besides, therehave always been some questions in the test, which makes them not ignore this

kind of exercises Furthermore, I also seek documents related and classify theminto many kinds Some are applied for starters, other things are for better students Iespecially concentrate on the students, who are going to take college entranceexams.

I demonstrate extracted parts from graduation and university exams I alwaysemphasize that they usually appear in these exams Of course, I also give someexperiences when copying with them

3 CONTENTS

3.1 Definition

"Functional language" is language that we use to perform various "functions" such

as giving advice or apologizing Functional language typically uses fixedexpressions for each function–for example "if I were you" or "my suggestion is" ingiving advice, and "it was my fault" or "please forgive me" in apologizing

3.2 Some examples of language functions and special notes

1 Apologizing

To apologize to anyone I may say the To accept the apology one might say

Forgive me I’m terribly/ awfully All right/ That’s quite all right

Please accept my apologies for You really don’t have to

I’d like to apologize for … You don’t need to apologize forI’m sorry I didn’t mean to … …

Oh no! Did I do that? I’m sorry Oh, that’s alright It can happen to

Sorry about that It’s not your fault

I (really) must apologize Don’t worry about it

I didn‘t mean that Please accept It’s OK/ That’s OK/alright

I accept (full) responsibility for No need to apologize:

There is no excuse for my actions It doesn’t matter

I can see how you might be No harm done

I don't know what got into me I forgive you

I think I went a bit too far Your apology is accepted

Please don't hold a grudge

If I could turn back the clock,

Please let me know if there is

anything I can do to compensate

for it

Example

A: "I'm sorry about that!" B: "- !"

A No harm done B Of course C.You're welcome D It's OkThe answer is A

Note: we should choose acceptable responds rather than unacceptable ones.

2 Complimenting:

To compliment anyone we can say In response to a compliment you can the following ways or structures: use one of the following statements:

I think your hair is very nice Thanks / Thank you / Thank you

I really love / like your hair It'so It's nice of you to say so

What beautiful hair you have! Thanks Yours is nice too

You really have a / an Adj + N Thanks I Had it cut yesterday

How your house is gorgeous! Thanks That's a nice compliment

This soup is so delicious My How nice of you to say so

Compliments to you! I'm glad you like it

You look very good in this dress! Yeah, it's my favorite, too

(Demonstrating the modesty of thespeaker)

You've got to be kidding!

You did a good job! Good job! For these ones, you may use thanking

What you did was wonderful/ words

desirable/ amazing

You played the game so well

Note: When replying to a compliment we often use thanks (as well as responds to our invitations or offers) and you may add some polite words

Example:

1 Laure: "What a lovely house you have!"

Maria: " _." B Thank you Hope you will drop in

A No problem

C I think so D Of course not, it's not costly

2 A: "Wow! What a nice coat you are wearing!" B: " "

A Certainly Do you like it, too? B I like you to say that

C Yes, of course It's expensive D Thanks My mother bought it for me! (The answers are italicized)

3 Thanking

Thanks a lot / Thanks / Thank My pleasure / It was my pleasure

I cannot thank you enough for You're welcome

It's very kind of you to Thank I'm glad you like it

That was nice kind / sweet / good Do not worry about it

I am grateful to you for That's OK

That's alrightNever mind!

That's alrightThink nothing of it

It was the least I could do

Example

1 A: “I can’t thank you enough for your help.” B: “………….”

A I’d rather not B My pleasure C I don’t mind D My goodness

2 A: “Thank you for your help.” B:“………….”

A With all my heart B It’s my pleasure C Never mind D It is for you

3 A: “Thank you for the nice gift.” B: “………….”

A But do you know how much it costs B You’re welcomed

4 Anne: “Thanks for the nice gift!”

John: “ ”

A In fact, I myself don’t like it B You’re welcomed

C I’m glad you like it. D But do you know how much itcosts?

(The answers are italicized)

Note: in this section the student can be confused with the answer "you are

welcomed" instead of "You are welcome"

4 Some other common things

Ask about health, work or family

ask answer

Very well, thank you, and you

Too bad

so soWhat's happening?

A: I'm so depressed I think I'll B.Take it easy Everything will be

My friend is hopeless Do not worry It's not that bad

Example

1 “How are you doing?” “……….”

A Great Thanks B Yes, I am C I’m reading a novel D I’m afraid not

2 “………….” “Nothing”

A What do you do? B How are you? C Are you a new comer? D What’s new?

3 “ Hi, Tom How’s everything?”

A Not bad How are you? B Hi, How do you do?

4 Lan: Make yourself at home

Peter:

A Not at all Do not mention it B Thanks Same to you

C That's very nice Thank you. D Yes, Can I help you?

( The answers are italicized)

Note: In this section the students may confuse the questions, which leads to choosing incorrect responds.

5, Greeting and introduction:

When being introduced, we often use: responds

I'd like you to meet John

I'd like to introduce John

This is John In return we use:

Glad to meet you

Nice to meet you

Pleased to meet you

To introduce myself, we often use: responds

Hello / Hi, I'm Mary I do not think we've met I'm Mary.Hello / Hi, My name is Mary How do you so I'm Mai

Hello / Hi, I'm Russian name is Lan)

Hello / Hi, my name is Nga Pleased to meet you I'm Mai (My

name is Lan)

Nice / Glad to meet you Paul Nice / Glad to meet you too, Russia

Example

1 Peter: “Hi, Jane” Jane: “……… ”

A How are you? B Hi, too C Ok, See you soon D Hi I’m Nga2.John: “………” “ How do you do I’m Mary”

A Have they met before? B How are things?

C What’s your name? D Hello I’m Lan

(The answers are italicized)

6 Saying goodbye:

Some saying goodbye and some responds

A:Well, I’m afraid I have to be going./I really must go now.B: Thanks for coming.A: It was nice to see you B: Same here

A:Great seeing you B: Same here

A: I’ve really got to go B: OK See you/See you again

A: Bye! Lan B: Bye! Have a good day

A: Bye! Mary B: See you later

A: See you later B: Bye! Tim

A: Bye! Have a nice weekend B: Thanks You too

A: Take care! Have a nice trip B: Thanks Bye!

A: Well, it’s getting later B: Maybe we can talk again

A: Until next time B: Goodbye

A: See you later B: So long Take care

A: See you tomorrow B: Goodbye

Example

1 “But it’s very late, so ……….”

C goodbye for now D it’s great fun, thanks

2 “Oh no, I’m late for my appointment ……….”

A Catch you now B Catch you later

C Nice to see you again D pleased to see you

3 A “……….” - B “Thanks, I will write to you when I come toLondon.”

A God bless you! B Better luck next time!

C Have a nice trip! D Have a go!

(The answers are italicized)

7 Warning:

Note: The negative warning is replied by negative words.

A: Do not push hard against hothouse toy, or you might, break it

B: No, I will not / Thanks I will not

The affirmative warning is replied by affirmative words

A: Watch out! Be careful!

B: OK I will

A: Work hard or you will fail the exam

B: I will

8 Invitation, suggestion:

Invite anyone to go anywhere / do anything, we can say the following ways:

Would you like to go to the movies with me tonight?

Are you free to go to the movies with me tonight?

Do you feel like/ fancy going to the movies with me tonight?

How about/ What about going to the movies tonight?

Let’s go to the movies tonight?

Why don’t we go to the movies tonight?

Shall we go to the movies tonight?

to reply we can use either an acceptance or a refusal

Yes, I’d love/like to I’d love/like to, but…

That’s sounds great! That’s sounds great, but…

That’s sounds like fun That’s sounds like fun, but…

That would be great/ wonderful That’s a good idea, but…

Ok Let’s do that That would be great/ wonderful,

Some other time, perhaps I’m afraid I can’t

I wish I could Sorry, I can’t because … Sorry I

don’t particularly like

To offer to help someone we can use one of the following expressions:

Let me help you

How can I help you? How can I be of help?

Would you like some help? Do you need some help?

What if ? ( if I can )Would you like something to drink?

Let me make you a cup of tea! coffee!

Shall I cook something for you?

accepting Yes, please!

Yes, could I have some orange juice

Thanks, that would be a great help! That would be helpful!

As long as you don’t mind:

It would be nice/ great/ helpful/ if you could!

politely refusing No, thanks:

No, don’t worry!:

No, that’s OK!

Thanks but I can manage!

Example

1 “Why don’t we go out for a walk?” “ ……….” D Never mind

A Why not B Yes, please C Ok, let’s

2: Alice: "What shall we do this evening?" - Carol: " "

A Let’s go out for dinner. B Oh, that’s good!

3 "Let's go to the movie now" -"Oh! " D Good idea

A I don't B Why's that? C I need it

(The answers are italicized)

Note:

If we use this structure:" Would you love / like to ?" We should say:" Yes, I'd love / like to" to accept, or "I'd love / like to but " to refuse Some students prefer using “Yes, I would”, which is not a natural respond in English Maybe they see: Would you…

9 Some other language functions

Giving Advice

I think/I really think you need The best/most important thing

How about you do it ? A wise man once said

Why don't you consider ? It might be an old wives' tale,

Be fine were you

Requesting

, if it's not too much trouble Are you any good at…?

Are you good at ? I could use some help…

Giving bad news to someone

I regret to inform you that Are you sure you want to hearI'm sorry to say (that) this?

Unfortunately, At this moment in time,

I am sorry to have to tell you Despite my best efforts,

I apologize for any It's out of my hands

inconvenience caused Realistically,

I have some bad news for you There's no easy/nice way to say

Do you want the good news or this,

the bad news first? There's good news and bad

I am sorry to have to inform news

you that

Giving good news and responds

A: I passed my exam! B: That's great! Congratulations! Or:

Oh, that's good! I'm glad to hear I'm proud of you!

You've done a good job!

Giving bad news and responds (to encourage someone in trouble)

A: I failed my exam! B:

I know this is too much to bear: Everything Will Be Fine

I think I understand how you Take it easy

You have just got to learn to Do not give up!

accept it and move forward Be strong!

10 Asking permission