In the C-ELVIS framework, which purpose corresponds to the letter E?

In the C-ELVIS framework, which purpose corresponds to the letter E?

• A. Capacity
• B. Effect on hearer
• C. Legally operative facts
• D. Verbal act

Answer: (B)

In this framework, the letter E stands for the effect on the hearer. The main idea is to focus on what the utterance is trying to make the listener believe, feel, or do. So the purpose is not just conveying information or performing an act, but creating a specific response in the person who hears it. For example, when someone says, “I will pay you tomorrow,” the point is to induce the hearer to expect payment and perhaps act based on that expectation—the effect on the hearer. That aligns with the E category. By comparison, capacity refers to the speaker’s legal ability to enter into obligations; legally operative facts are facts that themselves bring about legal consequences; a verbal act is the act of speaking itself. These map to other aspects, not the intended effect on the listener, which is why the effect on the hearer is the best fit for the letter E.

In this framework, the letter E stands for the effect on the hearer. The main idea is to focus on what the utterance is trying to make the listener believe, feel, or do. So the purpose is not just conveying information or performing an act, but creating a specific response in the person who hears it. For example, when someone says, “I will pay you tomorrow,” the point is to induce the hearer to expect payment and perhaps act based on that expectation—the effect on the hearer. That aligns with the E category.

By comparison, capacity refers to the speaker’s legal ability to enter into obligations; legally operative facts are facts that themselves bring about legal consequences; a verbal act is the act of speaking itself. These map to other aspects, not the intended effect on the listener, which is why the effect on the hearer is the best fit for the letter E.