TMN3701
ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 9 JULY 2026
,Teaching English first additional language - TMN3701
Assignment 3 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Sociolinguistic competence and the importance of understanding standard
and non-standard English (8)
Sociolinguistic competence refers to a person's ability to use language appropriately
according to the social situation, audience, purpose and context of communication. It
involves understanding which words, expressions and language styles are suitable in
formal and informal situations.
For EFAL learners, sociolinguistic competence is important because learners
communicate in different contexts such as classrooms, workplaces, homes and social
media platforms. While non-standard forms of English such as SMS language, slang
and colloquial expressions are acceptable in informal communication with friends and
family, formal contexts require the use of standard English.
Understanding the boundaries between standard and non-standard English helps
learners to:
communicate effectively with different audiences;
distinguish between formal and informal language situations;
improve the quality of academic writing;
prepare for professional and workplace communication;
avoid inappropriate language use in examinations and official documents; and
develop the ability to code-switch between different language registers.
Therefore, sociolinguistic competence is an essential component of communicative
competence in EFAL classrooms.
, 1.2 Guided writing activity (16)
(a) Rewriting SMS language into standard English (8)
The teacher writes the following SMS abbreviations on the board and asks learners to
rewrite them in standard English:
SMS Language Standard English
IDK I do not know
2N8 Tonight
FYI For your information
TY Thank you
CU L8R See you later
LOL Laughing out loud
Learners discuss the meanings in pairs before rewriting them in full sentences using
standard English.
Example:
"IDK if I can come 2N8" becomes "I do not know if I can come tonight."
"TY for your help" becomes "Thank you for your help."
(b) Transactional writing task: Formal letter requesting permission (8)
Learners write a formal letter to the principal requesting permission to hold a Grade 6
Cultural Day celebration at school.
Instructions for learners:
ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 9 JULY 2026
,Teaching English first additional language - TMN3701
Assignment 3 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Sociolinguistic competence and the importance of understanding standard
and non-standard English (8)
Sociolinguistic competence refers to a person's ability to use language appropriately
according to the social situation, audience, purpose and context of communication. It
involves understanding which words, expressions and language styles are suitable in
formal and informal situations.
For EFAL learners, sociolinguistic competence is important because learners
communicate in different contexts such as classrooms, workplaces, homes and social
media platforms. While non-standard forms of English such as SMS language, slang
and colloquial expressions are acceptable in informal communication with friends and
family, formal contexts require the use of standard English.
Understanding the boundaries between standard and non-standard English helps
learners to:
communicate effectively with different audiences;
distinguish between formal and informal language situations;
improve the quality of academic writing;
prepare for professional and workplace communication;
avoid inappropriate language use in examinations and official documents; and
develop the ability to code-switch between different language registers.
Therefore, sociolinguistic competence is an essential component of communicative
competence in EFAL classrooms.
, 1.2 Guided writing activity (16)
(a) Rewriting SMS language into standard English (8)
The teacher writes the following SMS abbreviations on the board and asks learners to
rewrite them in standard English:
SMS Language Standard English
IDK I do not know
2N8 Tonight
FYI For your information
TY Thank you
CU L8R See you later
LOL Laughing out loud
Learners discuss the meanings in pairs before rewriting them in full sentences using
standard English.
Example:
"IDK if I can come 2N8" becomes "I do not know if I can come tonight."
"TY for your help" becomes "Thank you for your help."
(b) Transactional writing task: Formal letter requesting permission (8)
Learners write a formal letter to the principal requesting permission to hold a Grade 6
Cultural Day celebration at school.
Instructions for learners:
