ACCESS Language Functions 5

Question 1

Which sentence demonstrates the language function of hypothesizing?

Accepted Answer

If plants had no sunlight, they would not survive.

Answer

A hypothesis uses conditional language ('if...would') to explore a possible or imaginary scenario.

Question 2

A student says, 'I find it hard to understand idioms in English.' Which language function is the student performing?

Accepted Answer

Expressing difficulty or a challenge

Answer

Stating that something is hard or difficult to do expresses the language function of communicating a challenge.

Question 3

In a group discussion, a student says, 'Building on what Maria said, I think we should also consider...' What function does this phrase serve?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging and extending a classmate's idea

Answer

'Building on what...said' is a discourse strategy used to acknowledge a peer's contribution and extend it.

Question 4

Which sentence best illustrates the language function of defining a term?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into food.

Answer

Explaining what a word or concept means by describing its characteristics or process is the function of defining.

Question 5

A student writes, 'As a result of increased pollution, many fish species are disappearing.' What language function does 'as a result of' signal?

Accepted Answer

Cause and effect

Answer

'As a result of' connects a cause (pollution) to its effect (fish disappearing), expressing a cause-and-effect relationship.

(ACCESS) Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners Practice Test