Language function

A function in English language teaching is a skill such as describing, comparing, expressing opinions or giving instructions.

Students need to practise functions both verbally and in writing and in both formal and informal contexts.

Role plays and simulations, whether as pairwork or group work, are ideal vehicles for practising the language of functions.

Key functions

• agreeing/disagreeing
• comparing
• compromising
• complaining
• concluding
• describing
• generalising
• giving examples
• giving opinions
• expressing doubt
• hedging
• interrupting/pre-empting interruptions
• making recommendations
• persuading
• playing for time
• summarising
• summing up

See also

• Notion
• Notional-functional syllabus

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