A01 cohe4573 01 se fm. Qxd

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1
Given the context, how appropriate was Karla’s request in terms 
of overall directness, formality, politeness, and the tone (e.g.,
intonation, gesture, eye contact)?
(a) What part of Karla’s language demonstrates appropriate levels of
directness, politeness, and formality? (*1)
[Learner writes] I was wondering . . . was a polite expression.
[Teacher feedback] Good.
(b) What part of her language may need improvement, considering
the appropriate level of directness, politeness, and formality
called for by this situation? (*1) What should she have said?
Write the actual expressions you think she could have used. (*2)
[Learner writes] Could I get an extension? – I could have asked
more politely here, for example: Do you think it’ll be possible
to get an extension? I was wondering if you could please,
please extend the deadline for me.
[Teacher feedback] Yes, nice analysis and appropriate language!
2
Request strategies (supportive moves):
(a) What requesting strategies did Karla use appropriately? Check
the ones she used on the left column, and write out the
expressions she used in the right. (*1)
Requesting strategies
Karla’s language
✓
Getting a pre-commitment
[Learner writes] Um, will you do me a favor?
✓
Giving a reason for the request
[Learner writes] I have three other papers
[ Teacher feedback] Give more details (e.g., 
I have three other papers due the same
week. I’ve been working very hard but . . .)
Showing consideration for the
hearer/minimizing the imposition
Apologizing
Thanking/expressing gratitude
Sweetener
Promising to pay back

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F U R T H E R I S S U E S I N L E A R N I N G , T E A C H I N G , A N D A S S E S S M E N T
In the classroom setting, a teacher may identify the common misunder-
standings among their learners and emphasize more commonly accepted
interpretations of L2 pragmatic norms. Learners might need some assistance
with linguistic scaffolding, such as grammar or vocabulary explanations, in
(b) What other strategies could she have used? What might she have
said? (*2)
[Learner writes] I could have offered apologies or asked more
humbly, for example:
■
Thank you; that will be really helpful. [Teacher feedback]
Good!
■
I was wondering if you could please extend the deadline for me.
I’d appreciate it. [Teacher feedback] Good.
3
Listener’s interpretation: How do you think Karla’s request sounds to
Professor Johnson, considering the situation? Check the one that
most likely represents the professor’s reactions. Then, explain why
you think that is the case. (*1)
__ Prof. Johnson would be willing to give her an extension because
. . .
✓
He would give her an extension but may not be very happy with
Karla’s language because . . .
[Learner writes] My language is not very polite and the reason
is unclear. It’s not convincing enough for the professor to
happily extend the deadline. But I think he’ll probably give 
her extension considering the fact that she came to ask him.
[ Teacher feedback] Excellent analysis!
__ He may not give her an extension because . . .