ENG1515
Assignment 1
Due 17 April 2026
, Question 1
1.1 Intelligibility
Intelligibility refers to how clearly a message is understood by the listener or reader. It is
not only about correct grammar or pronunciation, but whether the meaning is
successfully communicated. A speaker can make small language errors and still be
intelligible if the listener understands the intended message. For example, a learner
saying “I go yesterday school” is grammatically incorrect, but the meaning remains
understandable, so the utterance is intelligible. In teaching contexts, intelligibility
focuses more on meaningful communication than on perfection (UNISA, 2023; Harmer,
2015).
1.2 Objective language
Objective language refers to communication that is neutral and fact-based rather than
emotional or biased. It focuses on observable information and avoids personal opinions
or exaggerated expressions. In this module, objective language means presenting ideas
clearly and fairly so that the reader can interpret the message without being influenced
by strong feelings or personal judgment. For example, saying “The learner scored 45%
on the test” is objective, while “The learner did terribly” reflects subjective judgment
(UNISA, 2023; Crystal, 2010).
1.3 Denotation and connotation
Sentence: I could hardly walk; my shoes were killing me.
1.3.1 Denotative meaning
The literal meaning is that the speaker’s shoes are causing severe discomfort, making it
difficult to walk.
Assignment 1
Due 17 April 2026
, Question 1
1.1 Intelligibility
Intelligibility refers to how clearly a message is understood by the listener or reader. It is
not only about correct grammar or pronunciation, but whether the meaning is
successfully communicated. A speaker can make small language errors and still be
intelligible if the listener understands the intended message. For example, a learner
saying “I go yesterday school” is grammatically incorrect, but the meaning remains
understandable, so the utterance is intelligible. In teaching contexts, intelligibility
focuses more on meaningful communication than on perfection (UNISA, 2023; Harmer,
2015).
1.2 Objective language
Objective language refers to communication that is neutral and fact-based rather than
emotional or biased. It focuses on observable information and avoids personal opinions
or exaggerated expressions. In this module, objective language means presenting ideas
clearly and fairly so that the reader can interpret the message without being influenced
by strong feelings or personal judgment. For example, saying “The learner scored 45%
on the test” is objective, while “The learner did terribly” reflects subjective judgment
(UNISA, 2023; Crystal, 2010).
1.3 Denotation and connotation
Sentence: I could hardly walk; my shoes were killing me.
1.3.1 Denotative meaning
The literal meaning is that the speaker’s shoes are causing severe discomfort, making it
difficult to walk.
