Match each utterance with its conversational function.
Choose the correct function from the list for each question.
1
Asking for an opinion
2
Delaying / gaining thinking time
3
Presenting a number of arguments
4
Giving an opinion
5
Agreeing
6
Disagreeing
7
Countering
8
Making a logical argument
9
Asking for clarification
10
Expressing solutions and alternatives
11
Making suggestions
12
Complaining
13
Apologising
1. “What’s your opinion of building new homes on land that is currently open space?”
2. “Let me think about that. I don’t think there’s a simple answer because both housing and green space are important.”
3. “On the one hand, there is a need for more homes. On the other hand, open spaces provide recreation and support wildlife.”
4. “In my view, existing urban areas should be used more efficiently before valuable open spaces are built on.”
5. “I agree that open spaces are important for people’s quality of life, particularly in areas where gardens are small or absent.”
6. “I see things differently. If there is a serious shortage of affordable housing, some development of open land may be necessary.”
7. “That may be true, but building homes on every available piece of open land could create other problems, such as loss of wildlife habitat and increased pressure on local services.”
8. “If more homes are built without sufficient green space, the area may become less attractive and less healthy to live in.”
9. “What exactly do you mean by ‘valuable open space’? Are you including small patches of grass and unused land?”
10. “Instead, we might look for opportunities to convert empty buildings, unused offices or other previously developed sites into homes.”
11. “Why don’t we identify unused buildings and previously developed land in the area before considering development of open space?”
12. “I’m not happy about the idea of losing another local green space. Residents already have very few places where they can walk, relax or exercise.”
13. “I’m sorry. I hadn’t realised that the open land being discussed was already protected as a local nature site.”