MACTAL, MAUREEN JANE R.

WEEK #4

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT OF GRAMMAR

REFLECT

Answer the following questions:

1. How does attitude affect the choice of grammatical structures to use? Give illustrations on each
component of attitude.

ATTITUDE

Attitude affects the choice grammatical structures to use the overall contextual meaning when applied
to grammar. A good example of it is the use of formal and informal words in sentences. According to
Larsen Freeman identifies those broad categories on which social use of grammatical structures
depend. They are attitude. Power and identity. According to her the components of attitude are:
Psychological Distance, Assessment, Politeness, Moderation, Tact and Deference.

2. What is the effect of power when choosing grammatical structure to be used? Cite

Examples.

POWER

Power is another broad category which determines how grammar structures are used.

Power consists of the following:

1. Importance- two sentences may have the same meaning but the choice of which one to use depends
on how the speaker favors the option when gives the more important agented-focus position.

Ex. Suppose it was found out that Thomas Edison did not work on his inventions alone but someone
named Jones worked with although all the ideas came from him. The relationship may be described as
Edison worked with Jones or jones worked with Edison. Those who know Edison will give more
importance to him so they will say jones worked with Edison.

2. Gender-Sargent (1997) assumes that women make more use of intensifiers that men because they
are concerned that they are not going to be needed.

Ex. That music is really a very inspiring one.

3. Assertiveness-This pertains to how someone confidently expresses his or her opinion.

Ex. I don’t think she will finish her work on time – negative, weaker

I think she won’t finish her work on time – positive, stronger.

4. Presumptuous-Using an uninverted question indicates that the person asking the question knows the
other person well enough to predict the other answer.

Ex. You are joining the English Club?

5. Conviction-This refers to how sure or certain a person is in what her is saying.

Ex. I know he will change – stronger

I know that he will change – weaker

3. Why is identity considered a broad category on which the choice of grammatical structure depends?
Give concrete illustrations.

Identity can affect the use of words or language in writing or speaking. Using formal use of language
towards elderlies or superiors, and use of informal for friends or someone with closer relationships are
possible examples of identity. Identity of proper and improper language can also be a factor affecting
grammar structure. Another major category which determines the choice of grammar structure is
identity. Personality, Age and Group membership and discourse.

4. Which of the three broad categories on which choice of grammatical structures depends has a
greater influence in the choice of grammar to use? Justify your answer.

Larsen Freeman identifies those broad categories on which social use of grammatical structures
depend. They are attitude. Power and identity. According to her the components of attitude are:
Psychological Distance, Assessment, Politeness, Moderation, Tact and Deference. Power is another
broad category which determines how grammar structures are used. Power consists of the following:
importance, gender, assertiveness, presumptuous and conviction. Another major category which
determines the choice of grammar structure is identity. Under this category are the following:
personality, age and group membership and discourse.