Functions

Subject areas

Grammar

Lexis

List A

Developing an argument

Roles in the family

The basic structures specified for Grade 6 and below exercising consistent control

Vocabulary specific to the topic and subject areas

Defending a point of view

Bullying

The more complex structures of grades 7 to 9, though errors may occur when attempting to use combinations of these structures across sentence boundaries

Modifying words - e.g. basically, quite, certainly

Expressing beliefs

The school curriculum

Intensifiers - e.g. absolutely, completely, totally

Expressing opinions tentatively

Youth behaviour

Tentative expressions - e.g. I may be wrong but ..., Don't you think it might be ...

Summarising information, ideas and arguments

Use of the internet

'Signposting' words - e.g. firstly, finally

Deducing

Designer goods

OR List B

International events

Equal opportunities

Social issues

The future of the planet

Scientific developments

Stress management

Functions

Subject areas

Grammar

Lexis

List A

Justifying an argument

Independence

The basic structures specified for Grade 6 and below exercising complete control

Expressions used before challenging - e.g. That's a good point but ..., Perhaps I didn't explain my point clearly

Inferring

Ambitions

The more complex structures of grades 7 to 9, used in combination and contrast, with only very occasional lapses

Expressions for downplaying and softening - e.g. It's quite difficult, If I could just ask

Softening and downplaying propositions

Stereotypes

Signposting expressions - e.g. I'd like to begin with, On the other hand, So to sum up

Expressing caution

Role models

Language of caution, e.g. It tends to be, It seems as if

Challenging arguments and opinions

Competitiveness

Vague and imprecise language - e.g. a bit more, a hundred people or so

Evaluating different standpoints

Young people's rights

Expressing reservations

OR List B

The media

Advertising

Lifestyles

The arts

The rights of the individual

Economic issues

Functions

Subject areas

Grammar

Lexis

Asserting

Any of the subject areas in previous levels and any other appropriate subject

A comprehensive and reliable mastery of a very wide range of language to formulate thoughts precisely, give emphasis and eliminate ambiguity

A range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms

Denying

Differing linguistic forms to reformulate ideas to convey finer shades of meaning

Language of empathy and sympathy - e.g. I see what you mean but..., That must have been very difficult...

Expressing empathy and sympathy

Expressions used to introduce contradiction or assertion - e.g. Well, I don't see it like that..., That may be true for you ...

Contradicting

Implying

Affirming