A01 cohe4573 01 se fm. Qxd

Situation: Same as in Example 1.
(a) What would most English speakers say?
[Learner writes] Hey, Jenny, can you turn the TV down little bit so
that I can finish studying? It’s kind of hard to concentrate, but I can
probably take some time off afterwards.

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A S S E S S M E N T O F P R A G M A T I C S I N T H E C L A S S R O O M
3 0 5
1 Linguistic ability to use community
norms (a and/or c above)
4
3
2
1
Native-like
proficient
fair
poor
2 Awareness of most probable listener’s
interpretation (d)
4
3
2
1
highly aware
aware
less aware
unaware
3 Match between (b) learner goal/
intention and most likely listener’s
interpretation
4
3
2
1
excellent
good
fair
poor
Total Score
10/12
Teacher’s comments:
You made a very polite request and showed a high level of consideration
for the roommate. She will probably comply with this request, but the
request sounds a little too formal. It also sounds very verbose, a bit 
distancing or scholarly for this informal situation.
(b) Your intention [learner responds below]
___ I want to make a request the way most people do in the
community to get my request granted.
X I would want my request to sound (a little) more ( formal/
informal), ( polite/ impolite), or ________ than most other
people and get my wish granted, but still within the range of
acceptable behavior.
___ I choose not to use common behavior because I want to
communicate my intentions (or not communicate them at all)
in my own way. Specify what community norms you decide not
to use and why you don’t want them: _______________________
___________________________________________________________
___ Other (Specify: _____________________________________________ )
(c) What would you say (if different from (a) above):
[Learner writes] I hope you don’t mind my asking this big favor, 
I’m sorry if it trouble you but I am wondering if it is ever possible
for you to turn the TV down just a little bit? I wish it is no problem
for you. I very appreciate.
(d) How does your roommate most likely interpret your request?
[Learner writes] A little more polite than most Americans but
considerate and nice.