ESL Term:

Functional Syllabus

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functional syllabus: Language programs with functions being the primary organizing feature. The course content is based on functions not grammatical structures. A typical unit might be Giving Advice. The content of the unit would include:

                        I think you should . . .

                        Why don't you . . .

                        If I were you, I would . . .

                        You'd better . . .

This could be a very basic unit taught to  beginners even though the grammatical complexity of these expressions is quite high (including a second conditional with subjunctive mood!). This can be contrasted to structural syllabuses where the syllabus is ordered according to grammatical complexity.

Other examples of functions include asking for directions, telling stories about the past, talking about rules, and requesting information.