The Nature of Speaking

Multiple-choice exercise

Choose the best answer for each question

  1. When speaking is described as innovative, the reference is to phenomena such as ...
    1.   the use of simplified grammar
    2.   the invention of new words
    3.   the need to use modality carefully
    4.   the very informal nature of slang
  2. We went to the course and played half a round and it started to rain and I suggested going off and John agreed. is an example of ...
    1.   hypotaxis
    2.   simplification
    3.   false starting
    4.   parataxis
  3. I went to the shop ... well, I went to the supermarket actually ... and bought a loaf of bread. is an example of.
    1.   repetition
    2.   reformulation
    3.   simplification
    4.   false starting
  4. Context dependency refers to ...
    1.   discourse competence
    2.   strategic competence
    3.   noticing the hearer's reactions
    4.   where, when and who we speak to
  5. What's B's utterance in this dialogue?
    A: Have you got a minute?
    B: Sure. What do you need?
    1.   Preferred Response followed by Initiate: elicit
    2.   Preferred Response followed by Initiate: inform
    3.   Temporised Response followed Initiate: elicit
    4.   Preferred Response followed by Follow up (turn passing)
  6. The three main processing pressures are:
    1.   time, preparation level and topic familiarity
    2.   time, preparation level and roles of speakers and listeners
    3.   time, size of audience and topic familiarity
    4.   familiarity with the audience, preparation level and topic familiarity
  7. The four sorts of Initiation are:
    1.   Concede, Request, Direct, Inform
    2.   Elicit, Request, Direct, Tell
    3.   Elicit, Request, Enquire, Inform
    4.   Elicit, Request, Direct, Inform
  8. Formulaic expressions include things like:
    1.   I don't care
    2.   ... and then ... and so ...
    3.   Hmm. Are you certain it's him?
    4.   Far be it from me to argue but ...