Listening question types - Function of an utterance

Learning Outcomes

After studying this article, you will be able to accurately identify and answer TOEFL Listening function questions by analyzing the intended meaning or purpose behind a speaker’s specific words. You will practice recognizing indirect meaning, implied intent, and how the context determines what the speaker is accomplishing—such as giving advice, making a suggestion, expressing doubt, or changing the topic. You will learn strategies for quickly spotting distractors and avoiding common exam errors.

TOEFL iBT Syllabus

For TOEFL, you are required to:

• Recognize question types that test the function or purpose of an utterance in Listening sections.
• Understand the difference between what is explicitly stated and what is intended (pragmatic meaning).
• Identify why a speaker said something—whether to give advice, make a suggestion, apologize, agree/disagree, or change topic.
• Distinguish indirect requests, opinions, refusals, or invitations from literal statements.
• Use context, speaker tone, and key words to determine implicit intention.
• Avoid being misled by surface wording and instead infer the speaker’s true meaning from context.

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. In TOEFL Listening, if a professor says “So, you’re taking notes, right?” at the start of a point, what is the likely function of this question?
2. A student says, “I wish I could, but my calendar is completely full this week.” What is the function of this utterance in the conversation?
3. If an answer choice repeats a speaker’s words exactly but ignores the overall context, is it usually correct for a function question?
4. Which clue best signals that a speaker is politely refusing an invitation, even if they do not use the word “no” directly?

Introduction

Function questions in TOEFL Listening ask what a speaker intends to do by making a specific statement. You must go beyond the direct words and consider context, tone, and implied meaning to correctly answer these problem types. Proficiency of function questions will improve your overall score and help you avoid being tricked by distractors.

Key Term: Function Question
A TOEFL Listening problem that asks what the speaker is trying to achieve or why something was said, not just what was said directly.

Key Term: Pragmatic Meaning
The intended meaning behind a speaker's words in context, which may differ from the literal wording.

Function of an Utterance: What Is Being Tested?

Function questions require you to:

• Recognize the purpose behind a statement (e.g., suggesting, refusing, apologizing).
• Infer the speaker’s intent when it is not explicitly stated.
• Understand context clues, background, and speaker relationships.
• Use tone of voice and conversational cues to select the correct interpretation.

Why Focus on Function in TOEFL Listening?

Function questions measure real-world language skills. On campus, people often imply meaning or use polite language to avoid saying things directly. The TOEFL will present such situations and expect you to detect implicit intent. Missing these signals is a common source of error.

Key Term: Indirect Speech Act
A statement or question that accomplishes its real purpose indirectly, such as refusing, requesting, or warning without using obvious key words.

Common Function Types

The most frequent functions tested include:

• Giving advice or a suggestion.
• Making a request or inquiry.
• Apologizing or admitting fault.
• Changing topic or introducing new information.
• Expressing doubt, uncertainty, or indirect disagreement.
• Refusing politely or turning down an invitation.
• Complimenting or showing appreciation.

Context and intonation are essential for distinguishing these.

Signals and Strategies for Function Questions

• Read the question carefully. If the question asks “Why does the speaker say this?” or “What does the professor mean when she says this?”, it is a function question.
• Listen for intonation and emphasis—does the speaker sound skeptical, surprised, apologetic, or insistent?
• Check for context: What was just said, and why might the speaker respond this way?
• Identify indirect refusals: e.g., when a student says, “That’s my busiest week,” they likely mean “no.”
• Be aware of suggestions or recommendations: e.g., “Maybe you could…” signals advice.

Distractors and Common Errors

Incorrect answers often:

• Repeat the exact wording of the statement but ignore function.
• Give a literal paraphrase instead of the speaker’s intention.
• Choose a function that does not fit the conversational context.

Function Questions in the TOEFL Listening Format

You may hear:

• [Audio replay] "Why does the woman say this?"—followed by a short audio clip.
• Options will mix literal and pragmatic interpretations. Always select the answer that best fits the function of the utterance in the given situation.

Worked Example 1.1

Transcript Excerpt:

Professor: So, to begin with, you’re taking notes, right? Cultures that value the individual…

Question: What is the function of the professor’s statement, “you’re taking notes, right?”

Answer:
To signal the start of a main point and alert students that the following information is important. The professor is not just asking a question—she is instructing students to pay attention and probably write down what comes next.

Worked Example 1.2

Conversation:

Woman: Are you coming to the library tonight? Man: I’d like to, but I already promised to help my roommate study for an exam.

Question: What is the man's function in his reply?

Answer:
He is politely declining the invitation. Although he says he'd like to come, by mentioning a conflicting promise, he is indirectly refusing.

Worked Example 1.3

Situation in a lecture:

Student: “I’m still not sure how this formula works…” Professor: “Why don’t you come to my office hours tomorrow?”

Question: What is the function of the professor’s suggestion?

Answer:
The professor is offering the student extra help and encouraging the student to seek assistance during office hours.

Exam Warning

Many students lose points on function questions by choosing an answer that restates the exact words used by the speaker, rather than their actual purpose or intent. Always consider the context and avoid relying solely on repeated phrases.

Revision Tip

Practice identifying function by summarizing what the speaker intends rather than what they say. For each new listening exercise, ask yourself: “What was the real point of this utterance?”

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Distinguish function questions from detail and main idea questions in TOEFL Listening.
• Understand how context, tone, and conversational cues indicate a speaker’s intent.
• Recognize common indirect functions, such as polite refusals, advice, or topic changes.
• Select answers that match implied meaning, not just literal statements.
• Avoid common errors—do not select answers based only on repeated words.
• Practice identifying purpose and intent in both academic and everyday situations.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Function Question
• Pragmatic Meaning
• Indirect Speech Act