Which example illustrates a language function in literacy tasks?

• A. Solving a math problem.
• B. Arguing a position or point of view.
• C. Recalling a fact.
• D. Listening for details.

Answer: (B)

Language function in literacy tasks is about using language to accomplish a communicative goal, such as making a claim and supporting it with reasoning and evidence, or defending a stance. The best example shows a student using language to argue a position or point of view—presenting a claim and justifying it with reasons, examples, or textual evidence. This is a core way students practice literacy: they articulate a stance and rely on language to persuade and explain their reasoning.

The other options don’t center on using language to perform a literacy task. Solving a math problem focuses on numerical procedures rather than how language is used to communicate in literacy. Recalling a fact is about memory retrieval, not how language serves a literacy purpose. Listening for details is about comprehension, not producing or defending a viewpoint through language.