Functional English

Third edition published by

Emile Woolf International
Table of Content
• Introduction to English
• The verb phrase
• The noun phrase
• Other parts of speech
• Vocabulary
• Phrases and idioms
• Sentences
• Comprehension and speed reading
Introduction to English
1.1 The English language
English is the third most common native language in the world (after Mandarin Chinese and
Spanish) but it has the most widespread use of any language.
• It is the first language of the majority populations of many countries (including the United
Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, many Caribbean
countries and a number of Pacific states);
• it is an official language of many commonwealth countries, the European Union and the
United Nations; and
• it is widely learned as a second language (the numbers of people in Pakistan who speak
English and people in China who are learning English are both greater than the population
of the UK).
Which version?

“British English” or “American English”?

English taken to different parts of the world has sometimes evolved in
slightly different ways.
Languages change over time. The English spoken in the UK in 16th
century differs from that spoken today though a modern speaker can
understand it. This applies to the spoken language and to the rules of
written English.
INTRODUCTION TO GRAMMAR
2.1 Parts of speech
A determiner is used to provide extra information
about a noun. It is said to “mark” a noun.
2.2 Sentences
Definitions:
Sentence: A set of words that is complete in itself (expresses a
complete idea), conveying a statement, question, exclamation or
command and typically containing a subject and predicate.
Predicate: The part of a sentence or clause containing a verb and
stating something about the subject.
Constructing sentences

There are some very easy basic rules in constructing sentences:

• They always begin with a capital letter;
• They always end with a full stop, question mark or exclamation mark;
and
• A sentence can contain any number of words but longer sentences
need more skill in their construction.
Parts of the sentence
Definitions:
Phrase: A group of words.
Clause: A group of words containing a verb, a subject and perhaps an
object.
Subordinate clause: A clause that contains extra information about the
main clause.
Types of sentence

• A simple sentence is a sentence that consists of a single clause.

• A clause, and therefore the sentence, may or may not have an object.
• A verb with an object is called a transitive verb whereas one without an object is called an
• intransitive verb.
Assignment # 1
Getting to know each other • Have you attended this or any other Functional English course
1. Introduce yourself: ‘My name is ’ before? If you have, what was the course like?
2. ‘Tell me about yourself?’ • Why have you chosen to graduate in this field?
3. Ask the following questions: • What do you like best about the field you have chosen for
• What is your name?
graduation?
•
• What is your reading preference: books, magazines, or the Internet?
Where are you from?
• What latest books, newspapers, or magazines do you read?
• Tell me one interesting or funny thing about the people who live in your neighborhood.
• How many hours per day do you watch television?
• How many members are there in your family?
• Which is your favourite television programme?
• How many languages can you speak? Which language or languages do you speak with your family?
• Do you remember any story or characters from your favourite
• What is your favorite dish?
programme?
• Do you often listen to music? • Have you ever rung your neighbour’s doorbell and then ran away?
• Is there any particular song that you love to listen to again and again? • What is your favourite family occasion? Why?
• What is your zodiac sign? • Which occasions or festivals did you enjoy most as a child?
• What are the alleged strengths and weaknesses of people born under your star sign? • Do you still enjoy them?
• What is the strongest aspect of your personality? • Were you ever scolded by your parents?
• Which language do you speak with your friends in class, or which language would like to speak with • If so, what were the main reasons for your being scolded?
them?
• Do you have any other interesting childhood memories?
• What polite expressions have you learned at home and at school?

• Do you believe that primary grade children who do not speak English as a first language can follow
instructions in English? Is this your own belief or a learned reality?