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Pragmatic Competence Analysis Flashcards

7 cards from real CEFR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Pragmatic Competence Analysis flashcards as text
  1. Which of the following best exemplifies an 'indirect speech act' in everyday English?

    Answer: 'It's cold in here.'

    'It's cold in here' functions as an indirect request to close the window, conveying more than its literal propositional meaning.

  2. According to CEFR descriptors, at which level can learners typically 'understand a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating register shifts'?

    Answer: C1

    C1 descriptors include comprehension of idiomatic expressions and sensitivity to register shifts, reflecting advanced pragmatic awareness.

  3. Which Gricean maxim is violated when a speaker deliberately gives more information than required?

    Answer: Maxim of Quantity

    The Maxim of Quantity requires contributions to be as informative as required but not more, so over-informing violates this maxim.

  4. A learner consistently uses formal language with peers and casual language with teachers. This reflects a problem in:

    Answer: Register appropriacy

    Register appropriacy — matching the level of formality to the social situation and relationship — is a core component of pragmatic and sociolinguistic competence.

  5. In CEFR terms, 'functional competence' refers to a learner's ability to:

    Answer: Use language to perform communicative functions such as requesting or narrating

    Functional competence in CEFR covers the ability to use language to accomplish real communicative purposes like requesting, apologizing, or explaining.

  6. Which of the following is an example of 'pragmatic failure' rather than a grammatical error?

    Answer: Responding 'Yes, I do' to 'Could you pass the salt?' without passing it

    Interpreting 'Could you pass the salt?' literally (as a yes/no question) rather than as a request is a classic pragmatic failure.

  7. When CEFR descriptors mention 'repair strategies,' they refer to a speaker's ability to:

    Answer: Handle communication breakdowns and clarify misunderstandings

    Repair strategies are pragmatic tools for addressing and resolving communication breakdowns, such as asking for clarification or rephrasing.