WT2 Developing an idea (Adv) - Understanding sentence functi

Developing an idea (Adv) - Understanding language functions

Language functions

• In building an argument, it is necessary to support your position, opinions or ideas with facts, explanations, contrasts, reasons, suggestions, etc.

• These are some of the different functions of sentences which support and connect your ideas meaningfully, and make your writing more convincing and interesting.

How sentence functions work

Advances in technology, though providing numerous benefits, have also created some serious problems. First, one of the most harmful effects has been environmental pollution. The increase in the number of motor vehicles on the roads has caused an increase in air and noise pollution. Second, natural resources are being depleted. The demand for electricity to power new technology has reduced oil and fossil fuel reserves. Many countries began to experience these shortages many decades ago.

How sentence functions work

⁽¹⁾ Advances in technology, though providing numerous benefits, have also created some serious problems. ^(2) First, one of the most harmful effects has been environmental pollution. ⁽³⁾ The increase in the number of motor vehicles on the roads ⁽⁴⁾ has caused an increase in air and noise pollution. ⁽⁵⁾ Second, natural resources are being depleted. ⁽⁶⁾ The demand for electricity to power new technology has reduced oil and fossil fuel reserves. ⁽⁷⁾ Many countries began to experience these shortages many decades ago.

Multiple Choice

⁽¹⁾ Advances in technology, though providing numerous benefits, have also created some serious problems. ^(2) First, one of the most harmful effects has been environmental pollution. ⁽³⁾ The increase in the number of motor vehicles on the roads ⁽⁴⁾ has caused an increase in air and noise pollution.

What is the function of (1)?

• stating a cause

• stating the first problem

• statement of fact (topic sentence)

• stating a fact as an example

• stating a result

Multiple Choice

⁽¹⁾ Advances in technology, though providing numerous benefits, have also created some serious problems. ^(2) First, one of the most harmful effects has been environmental pollution. ⁽³⁾ The increase in the number of motor vehicles on the roads ⁽⁴⁾ has caused an increase in air and noise pollution.

What is the function of (2)?

• stating a cause

• stating the first problem

• statement of fact (topic sentence)

• stating a fact as an example

• stating a result

Multiple Choice

⁽¹⁾ Advances in technology, though providing numerous benefits, have also created some serious problems. ^(2) First, one of the most harmful effects has been environmental pollution. ⁽³⁾ The increase in the number of motor vehicles on the roads ⁽⁴⁾ has caused an increase in air and noise pollution.

What is the function of (3)?

• giving an explanation

• stating the first problem

• stating a fact as an example

• stating a result

• stating a cause

Multiple Choice

⁽¹⁾ Advances in technology, though providing numerous benefits, have also created some serious problems. ^(2) First, one of the most harmful effects has been environmental pollution. ⁽³⁾ The increase in the number of motor vehicles on the roads ⁽⁴⁾ has caused an increase in air and noise pollution.

What is the function of (4)?

• stating a cause

• stating a result

• stating a fact as an example

• giving an explanation

• stating a fact as an example

Multiple Choice

⁽⁵⁾ Second, natural resources are being depleted. ⁽⁶⁾ The demand for electricity to power new technology has reduced oil and fossil fuel reserves. ⁽⁷⁾ Many countries began to experience these shortages many decades ago.

What is the function of (5)?

• stating a cause

• stating the second problem

• stating a fact as an example

• stating a result

• giving an explanation

Multiple Choice

⁽⁵⁾ Second, natural resources are being depleted. ⁽⁶⁾ The demand for electricity to power new technology has reduced oil and fossil fuel reserves. ⁽⁷⁾ Many countries began to experience these shortages many decades ago.

What is the function of (6)?

• giving an explanation

• stating the first problem

• stating a fact as an example

• stating a result

• stating a cause

Multiple Choice

⁽⁵⁾ Second, natural resources are being depleted. ⁽⁶⁾ The demand for electricity to power new technology has reduced oil and fossil fuel reserves. ⁽⁷⁾ Many countries began to experience these shortages many decades ago.

What is the function of (7)?

• stating a cause

• stating the first problem

• stating a fact as an example

• stating a result

• giving an explanation

Some common sentence functions

with examples in italics.

Type the word(s) that you think suggest the function.

Open Ended

Population growth is increasing in all developing countries.

Function: FACT

Which word(s) suggests the function above?

Open Ended

Losing one’s driving license for a drink driving offence is a completely unacceptable punishment.

Function: OPINION

Which word(s) suggests the function above?

Open Ended

Crime rates are increasing due to rising unemployment.

Function: CAUSE

Which word(s) suggests the function above?

Open Ended

It is essential that safety procedures be implemented immediately to avoid further risks to workers.

Function: RECOMMENDATION

Which word(s) suggests the function above?

Open Ended

The school administration should ban junk food from its cafeteria.

Function: SUGGESTION

Which word(s) suggests the function above?

Open Ended

Motorists are required by law to report accidents within 24 hours.

Function: OBLIGATION

Which word(s) suggests the function above?

Open Ended

The number of reported HIV positive cases has decreased: educational programs have made a significant difference.

Function: EXPLANATION

Which word(s) suggests the function above?

Open Ended

Other factors impacting on student performance include: stress, peer pressure and drugs.

Function: EXAMPLE

Which word(s) suggests the function above?

Open Ended

No maintenance has been carried out on roads in the last five years. Consequently, roads have deteriorated significantly.

Function: RESULT

Which word(s) suggests the function above?

Open Ended

Fees for school excursions could be increased to cover the debt.

Function: PROPOSAL

Which word(s) suggests the function above?

Open Ended

Though prices were reduced on all stock, sales still remained sluggish.

Function: CONTRAST

Which word(s) suggests the function above?

Open Ended

Though prices were reduced on all stock, sales still remained sluggish.

Function: CONCESSION

Which word(s) suggests the function above?

Quiz!

Choose the appropriate function for the entire sentence or italic phrase.

Multiple Choice

Question 1:

The last census was conducted in 2005.

• result

• opinion

• fact

Multiple Choice

Question 2:

Chinese is a difficult language to learn.

• fact

• opinion

• general statement

Multiple Choice

Question 3:

If matters were properly investigated, the accident would not have occurred.

• proposal

• condition

• suggestion

Multiple Choice

Question 4:

The drought will continue to affect the southwest regions of the state.

• prediction

• expectation

• proposal

Multiple Choice

Question 5:

Higher fees inevitably lead to fewer members.

• concession

• cause

• contrast

Multiple Choice

Question 6:

More places should be made available in the nursing program to ameliorate the shortage.

• result

• obligation

• recommendation

Multiple Choice

Question 7:

Monies could be recovered over four pay periods.

• solution

• obligation

• expectation

Multiple Choice

Question 8:

There are several cities in the world, which in the last decade have become extremely expensive to live in: Sydney, Paris, New York and Tokyo.

• explanation

• example

• reason

Multiple Choice

Question 9:

The number of teenagers taking drugs has increased dramatically: figures have doubled in the inner city regions.

• example

• explanation

• suggestion

Multiple Choice

Question 10:

By having more training for young drivers, the number of accidents would be reduced.

• effect

• cause

• solution