Speech Acts: Request, Refusal, and Acceptance
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Questions and Answers

What is an appropriate response to an invitation that you cannot accept?

  • I'm really excited to join, but I have to decline.
  • That sounds like a fun time, count me in!
  • I'd love to come, but I have prior commitments.
  • Thank you for inviting me, but I cannot attend. (correct)

    • Which response reflects an informal acceptance of an invitation?

  • Sure, I appreciate the invite! (correct)
  • I would be delighted to attend, thank you.
  • It would be an honor to join you.
  • I must humbly decline your offer.

    • What is a polite way to decline an invitation that emphasizes you have other plans?

  • I'm not really interested in that event anyway.
  • I wish I could, but I need to focus on my work. (correct)
  • I'm likely free, but I'd prefer not to join.
  • I can't come because I'm busy having fun elsewhere.

    • Which statement is an expression of enjoyment in response to an invitation?

    <p>That sounds great, thank you for the offer. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following options indicates a formal response to an invitation?

    <p>Thank you, but I really must pass this time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What types of actions do representatives commit a speaker to?

    <p>Truth of a proposition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which speech act is primarily concerned with getting the addressee to carry out an action?

    <p>Directives (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a commissive?

    <p>I promise to help you. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of expressives in speech acts?

    <p>To express psychological states (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following forms of requesting is considered the most polite?

    <p>May I (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of speech act is characterized by phrases like 'I resign'?

    <p>Declarations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an incorrect statement about speech acts' difficulty in a second language?

    <p>All expressions are easily transferable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions does NOT fall under the category of directives?

    <p>Complaining (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the polite response when someone asks you if you would mind doing something?

    <p>No, it's not a problem. (A), No, I wouldn't mind. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phrase is typically used for making informal requests?

    <p>Can you...? (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might you refuse a request politely while providing a reason?

    <p>I’d really like to, but I'm busy right now. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following expressions is used to indicate uncertainty about fulfilling a request?

    <p>You couldn't help me today, right? (A), You wouldn't do this, would you? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an appropriate way to offer an alternative when refusing a request?

    <p>Maybe next week I can help. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should you say first when declining an invitation?

    <p>Thanks for the invitation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common way to request something in a work context?

    <p>I want you to do this now. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option best conveys acceptance when responding positively to a request?

    <p>No problem at all, I'm happy to help. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most polite way to ask for permission to leave work earlier?

    <p>Would it be OK if I left work a bit earlier today? (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phrasing anticipates possible objections when making a request?

    <p>Would you mind if I put off talking to Ben? (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'Would you mind my doing it?' imply?

    <p>I will do it myself. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is the most direct request?

    <p>I want you to help me. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the appropriate response to 'Would you mind helping me with the housework?' if you are willing to assist?

    <p>No, not at all! (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option is the least polite way to make a request?

    <p>I need you to switch off the light. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phrase suggests a polite request but leaves room for a possible refusal?

    <p>Could I possibly leave early today? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should you respond if asked 'Do you think you could arrive ten minutes early tomorrow?' and you can?

    <p>Yes, that works for me. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Speech Acts

    Utterances defined by speaker's intention and listener's effect.

    Representatives

    Speech acts that commit a speaker to the truth of a proposition.

    Commissives

    Speech acts that commit a speaker to future actions.

    Directives

    Speech acts aimed at getting the listener to perform an action.

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    Declarations

    Speech acts that bring about an immediate change in reality.

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    Expressives

    Speech acts that express psychological states.

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    Polite Requests

    Forms like can, could, may, and might for asking.

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    Indirect Questions

    Using might to soften requests in conversation.

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    Polite affirmation

    Responding positively to requests by saying 'No' to agree politely.

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    Informal requests

    Using 'can you' and 'will you' for casual questions or requests.

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    Formal requests

    Using 'we need' for politeness in work contexts to request assistance.

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    Conditional questions

    Phrasing requests with uncertainty using 'you wouldn’t...would you?'.

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    Common ways to ask

    Various phrases to express requests like 'Can you...?' and 'Would you...?'.

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    Polite refusal techniques

    Methods to say 'no' politely, including expressing regret and reasons.

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    Offering alternatives when refusing

    Suggesting another time after declining an invitation or request.

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    Refusal structure

    A format for polite refusals, including gratitude and explanation.

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    Would you mind...?

    A polite way to ask someone to do something.

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    I need

    A direct expression used for urgent requests.

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    I want

    A direct expression but can sound impolite in requests.

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    Would you / Could you...?

    Common phrases to ask someone to perform a task.

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    Do you mind...?

    A polite way of asking for someone's indulgence.

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    Saying Yes

    Responses that confirm requests positively.

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    Saying No

    Responses that decline requests, often with reasons.

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    Polite Refusal

    A way to decline an invitation or offer politely.

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    Formal Acceptance

    Politely agreeing to an offer or invitation in a formal manner.

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    Informal Acceptance

    Casual agreement to an invitation or offer among friends.

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    Common Phrases for Declining

    Standard expressions used to politely say no, e.g., 'I wish I could'.

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    Expressions of Gratitude

    Words used to thank someone when accepting or declining an offer.

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    Study Notes

    Speech Acts: Request, Refusal, and Acceptance

    • Speech acts are defined by a speaker's intention and the effect on a listener.
    • Speech act theory was introduced in 1975 by J.L. Austin and developed by J.R. Searle.
    • Speech acts can be categorized into five types: Representatives, Commissives, Directives, Declarations, and Expressives.

    Representatives

    • Representatives commit the speaker to the truth of a proposition.
    • Examples include asserting, stating, concluding, boasting, describing, and suggesting.
    • Examples: "I am a great actor," "Bill was a doctor."

    Commissives

    • Commissives commit the speaker to some future action.
    • Examples include promising, pledging, threatening, vowing, and offering.
    • Examples: "I am going to help you," "I'll give you a lift tonight."

    Directives

    • Directives are used when the speaker attempts to get the addressee to carry out an action.
    • Examples include requesting, advising, commanding, challenging, inviting, daring, and entreating.
    • Examples: "You'd better study," "Calm down."

    Declarations

    • Declarations affect an immediate change of affairs.
    • Examples include declaring, baptising, resigning, firing from employment, hiring, and arresting.
    • Examples: "We find him guilty," "I resign."

    Expressives

    • Expressives refer to some sort of psychological state.
    • Examplesinclude greeting, thanking, apologizing, complaining, and congratulating.
    • Examples: "This dish is disgusting," "I'm so sorry to hear that."

    Requesting Something

    • Polite requests often use "can," "could," "may," or "might" + infinitive to soften the request.
    • Examples: Can I ask you a favour?, Could I ask you to ...?, May I turn it off?, Might I leave work earlier?

    Indirect Questions

    • "Might" is often used in indirect questions to soften requests.
    • Examples: I wonder if I might leave work a bit earlier today, Would I be able to leave work a bit earlier?, Would it be OK if I left work a bit earlier?

    Asking Other People to Do Things

    • "Would you...?" or "Could you...?" + infinitive are common polite suggestions or requests.
    • Examples: Would you please bring the book?, Could you join us on Sunday?, Do you think you could arrive ten minutes early tomorrow?

    Using "Do you mind...?"

    • "Do you mind...?" + -ing verb is a polite way to ask for something with an anticipated answer potentially being negative

    • Example: Would you mind switching off the IC when you leave?

    • "I need..." is highly direct and used for urgent requests.

    • Examples: I need a doctor, I need the fire extinguisher, Fast!

    • "I want..." can be direct but may sound impolite in requests.

    • Example: I want to speak to the manager right now.

    • Polite refusals of requests, offers, or invitations often begin with thanking or showing regret.

    • Examples: I'm sorry, I'd really like to, but..., I'm really busy right now, I might be able to do it next week.

    • Ways to express acceptance of offers or requests include formal phrases like "Thank you, yes, I would," or informal phrases like "Sure, thanks!"

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    Related Documents

    UNIT 11: Speech Acts (I) - Request, Refusal and Acceptance PDF

    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of speech acts, focusing on how they influence conversation through various intentions and effects. This quiz covers the key types of speech acts, including Representatives, Commissives, and Directives, and their role in communication. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts introduced by J.L. Austin and further developed by J.R. Searle.

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