Language functions: practice 2
time to complete: 15-20 minutes
Here we will practice identifying and using functional language for presentations by examining the rest of the presentation transcript.
Task: Read the third extract and identify the following functions:
- process
- description
- cause-effect (x3)
Extract 3
So now we’re going to take a perfectly healthy human eye. We’re going to take the crystalline lens, we’re going to rip it out, we’re going to throw in our table, and we’re going to take a look at it under a microscope. And that’s essentially what you see in the picture in the middle right there. And so you can see that the crystalline lens is actually composed of these very beautiful hexagonal structural proteins. And we know that if we treat these hexagonal structural proteins with a drug known as bloody statin, it actually softens the lens, which is great news. The problem with bloody statin is it actually affects all of the structures in the eye. So we need to make it more specific.
Extracts adapted from YouTube transcript (University of Waterloo 2016)
Now, check the answers below.
- This is not a process in the traditional sense, but these steps help the audience understand the visual that the presenter is referring to.
So now we’re going to take a perfectly healthy human eye. We’re going to take the crystalline lens, we’re going to rip it out, we’re going to throw in our table, and we’re going to take a look at it under a microscope. And that’s essentially what you see in the picture in the middle right there.
- The presenter is describing the crystalline lens.
And so you can see that the crystalline lens is actually composed of these very beautiful hexagonal structural proteins.
- Cause–effect 1 (Why is the drug good?)
And we know that if we treat these hexagonal structural proteins with a drug known as bloody statin, it actually softens the lens, which is great news. The problem with bloody statin is it actually affects all of the structures in the eye. So we need to make it more specific.
- Cause–effect 2 (Why is the drug bad?)
And we know that if we treat these hexagonal structural proteins with a drug known as bloody statin, it actually softens the lens, which is great news. The problem with bloody statin is it actually affects all of the structures in the eye. So we need to make it more specific.
- Cause–effect 3 (Why do need a different drug?)
And we know that if we treat these hexagonal structural proteins with a drug known as bloody statin, it actually softens the lens, which is great news. The problem with bloody statin is it actually affects all of the structures in the eye. So we need to make it more specific.
Task: Read the final extract and complete the gaps using the language in the list.
Extract adapted from YouTube transcript (University of Waterloo 2016)
Now, check the explanations below.
So what I’ve done is I’ve attached bloody statin,
(= emphasising)
I’ve tethered it to a very specialized protein known as an IgG antibody.
(= giving the definition, then the term)
Together this forms an antibody drug conjugate, which is what you see on the right hand side there.
(= referring to a visual)
Now when we treat the eye with this antibody drug conjugate, the antibody component targets the crystalline lens specifically.
(= explaining a cause–effect relationship)
The drug is released only within the vicinity of the crystalline lens
(= description: location)
and the lens gets softer without affecting the other structures in the eye.
(= explaining effect: no effect)
So, that means the lens gets softer, we can contract, change the shape of the crystalline lens, increase the power of our eyes,
(= explaining)
the lens gets softer, we can contract, change the shape of the crystalline lens, increase the power of our eyes so we can see very important headlines such as the one in tomorrow’s newspaper. Thank you very much for your time.
(= explaining a cause–effect relationship)
we can see very important headlines such as the one in tomorrow’s newspaper. Thank you very much for your time.
(= giving an example)
To summarise, functional language is essential for communicating your ideas effectively. It’s therefore important to use it accurately, both in terms of grammar and pronunciation, so that your audience understand what you are talking about throughout your presentation. If you would like to watch the presentation we used in these tasks, you can follow the link below.