Functions Worksheets
Functional English is often the most practical. Think of it as the “how to” of communication. It can be as simple as “how to say thank you” or as involved as “how to give a presentation”.
In any case, the worksheets on this page are designed to practice some functional English situations we frequently encounter.
Many of these worksheets and targets grew out of individual classes and needs my students faced. As such, the level and language might not match all groups. Feel free to get in touch with ideas, feedback and requests for the kinds of functional language you’d like to see here.
Making Appointments
Making Reservations
Invitations
Apologizing
Making Complaints
Apartment Problems
Agreeing / Disagreeing
Confirming
Clarifying
Describing People
Reporting a Crime
Describing Faces
Ordering in Restaurants
Shopping Lists
Talking on the Phone
Describing places
Describing Things
Giving Advice
Telling Time
Giving Directions
How to make an espresso
This particular activity is a fun way of setting up clear instructions on how to perform an experiment. You have to give clear, step-by-step instructions, warnings, and talk about amounts. When it’s all done, you get to drink some amazing coffee.
Travel Times
This worksheet gives students an opportunity to practice talking about travel times related to buses, trains, and flights. It’s a simple role play that challenges students to get the departure and arrival times correct.
Awesome Job
This is a great team building activity. It starts off with lots of sample language for encouraging one another and puts it in context. The challenge comes when students guide one another through a simple course with only their partners voice to guide them. There are lots of great variations and as always, clear instructions are included.
Introducing Others
This worksheet includes a simple wall sheet that shows various ways to introduce people to one another ranked from easiest to hardest making it a good reminder for any class.
Visiting a doctor
When talking about sickness and injury, there is a lot of vocabulary involved. Fortunately, most of the language, the sentences and phrases to describe what’s wrong, is fairly simple. After all, the sick or injured person should be able to communicate in the easiest way possible.
