Speaking

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Questions and Answers

What do many students primarily want to achieve in their English language studies?

To master grammar rules

To learn to read effectively

To write better essays

To improve their speaking skills (correct)

Students overwhelmingly recognize the importance of being an effective listener in speaking situations.

False

Name one common reason students may feel a discrepancy between their speaking ability and their understanding of grammar.

Lack of accessible partners to talk with

Proficiency in speaking is often incorrectly equated with accuracy and _____ in the students' perspective.

speed Signup and view all the answers

Match the speaking characteristics with their definitions:

Fluency = The ability to speak without hesitation Lexis = A range of vocabulary necessary for communication Reciprocity = The exchange of dialogue between speakers Planned speech = Speech that involves pre-organization and scripting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically associated with the definition of 'fluency' in speaking?

Having correct grammar in speech Signup and view all the answers

An effective speaker in English must not only produce words but also be aware of conversational norms.

True Signup and view all the answers

What can one characteristic that defines a wedding speech be?

Planning or scripted content Signup and view all the answers

Which speaking event is characterized by maximum distance, formality, and no reciprocity?

Giving a speech Signup and view all the answers

All speech events are characterized by the same level of formality.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one key characteristic that distinguishes informal speaking events?

Spontaneity and reciprocity Signup and view all the answers

In a script for a speech, there is typically an introduction and a __________.

conclusion Signup and view all the answers

Match the following speaking events with their characteristics:

News broadcast = Maximum distance, formal, planned, no reciprocity Job interview = Distance, some planning, power relationship Discussing a film = Informal, spontaneous, reciprocity Buying vegetables = Formal, transactional with formulaic responses Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase is typically used when making a toast?

Could I have your attention please? Signup and view all the answers

Speakers in a conversation often rely on written scripts.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of informal speech events?

Lack of planning Signup and view all the answers

The use of ___________ and facial expression is important in conversation to clarify the message.

gesture Signup and view all the answers

Match the following phrases with their corresponding speaking events:

Can I help you, please? = Buying vegetables How do you do? = Meeting someone for the first time First the main news items. = News broadcast Why did you leave your last job? = Job interview Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'speaking' as it occurs in real-time?

It is often less densely packed with information. Signup and view all the answers

Conversation can be either transactional or interactional.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are two strategies speakers use to enhance communication during conversations?

Reformulation and real-time decision-making Signup and view all the answers

In speech events characterized by ___________, the speaker is often aware of reciprocal interactions.

informality Signup and view all the answers

Which of these events is categorized as informal and characterized by reciprocity?

Having a drink with friends Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of speaking in a Grammar Translation classroom?

Students read aloud or recite exercises in the target language Signup and view all the answers

In the Audio-Lingual method, mistakes in speaking are encouraged.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does communicative competence combine?

knowledge of grammar and socio-linguistic competence Signup and view all the answers

___ is the ability to use language to communicate meaningfully in a culturally appropriate way.

socio-linguistic competence Signup and view all the answers

Match the following speaking methodologies with their descriptions:

Grammar Translation = Focuses on reading and reciting in target language. Audio-Lingual = Involves drilling sentences for accuracy. Communicative Approach = Emphasizes meaningful communication. Task-Based Learning = Students identify language needs in tasks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following issues is a potential problem area for students in speaking?

Narrow intonation range Signup and view all the answers

Grammatical accuracy is not important in effective speaking.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Communicative Approach to language teaching?

meaningful communication Signup and view all the answers

Students learn what they identify they ___ in the classroom.

need Signup and view all the answers

Match the following experts to their contributions:

Noam Chomsky = Theoretical ability to form sentences. Dell Hymes = Communicative competence encompassing culture. Thornbury = Defined accuracy in language learning. Halliday = Contributions to the Communicative Approach. Signup and view all the answers

In Task-Based Learning, students are often given which kind of tasks?

Tasks with no pre-taught language Signup and view all the answers

Fluency deals primarily with the correctness of grammatical structures.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is accuracy judged by in language learning?

the extent to which the learner's output matches external standards Signup and view all the answers

Errors in speaking are regarded as ___ in the learning process.

part of the learning process Signup and view all the answers

What is a common problem in face-to-face speaking?

Inability to express disagreement Signup and view all the answers

The Lexical Approach emphasizes the importance of vocabulary over grammar in language learning.

True Signup and view all the answers

Name one common feature of conversational gambits in language teaching.

Transitional phrases Signup and view all the answers

The book 'Discourse' by Cook focuses on understanding how language functions in __________ contexts.

real-life Signup and view all the answers

Match the following authors with their contributions:

Thornbury, S. = How to Teach Speaking Ur, P. = Discussions that Work Brown, G. & Yule, G. = Teaching the Spoken Language Brumfit, C.J. = Communicative Methodology in Language Teaching Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of roleplay in language learning?

It ensures all students are spectators Signup and view all the answers

Roleplay allows students to interact without any spectators.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is one key aspect of roleplay that helps shyer students?

It provides a ‘mask’ Signup and view all the answers

Roleplay helps students deal with _________ by preparing them for unpredictable situations.

unpredictability Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components of roleplay with their descriptions:

Imagination = Students use creativity in their roles Environment = A safe space for interaction Peer Interaction = Students help and support each other Preparation = Teachers thoroughly plan and set up activities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the teacher's role in a successful roleplay activity?

To provide guidance and organize feedback Signup and view all the answers

Roleplays can be conducted without thorough planning by the teacher.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a common problem that teachers might anticipate during speaking activities?

Students may lack necessary speaking skills Signup and view all the answers

A successful discussion involves all students participating in a meaningful ________ of ideas.

exchange Signup and view all the answers

Match the identified problems in speaking activities with their solutions:

Students lack language = Anticipate and pre-teach necessary language Certain students dominate = Allocate roles to ensure balanced participation Students feel inhibited = Implement anonymous correction methods Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding roleplay's connection to reality?

It links imagination to real-world scenarios Signup and view all the answers

Clear aims should be communicated to students during roleplay activities.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial element teachers must consider when planning speaking activities?

Choosing appropriate and meaningful topics Signup and view all the answers

Too much ________ can negatively affect fluency in speaking activities.

time pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes fluency?

The capacity to produce language in real-time without undue pausing Signup and view all the answers

Fluency in writing does not exist.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be an accurate listener?

It means correctly picking out specific information from a text without making many mistakes. Signup and view all the answers

Fluency involves the ability to adjust the message according to the responses of the ________.

listener Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Fluency = The ability to communicate an intended message Accuracy = The ability to correctly interpret and produce language Lexical phrases = Prefabricated speech for efficient communication Real-time processing = Producing language without undue hesitation Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy can support fluency when a speaker lacks specific vocabulary?

Use circumlocution Signup and view all the answers

The length of speech delivery is the primary factor that defines fluency.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'prefabricated speech' in the context of fluency?

It refers to using common lexical phrases for more efficient communication. Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized during fluency activities to maintain communication flow?

Avoiding interruptions Signup and view all the answers

Errors in student speech should be corrected immediately during fluency activities.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability to use language without verbal or grammatical mistakes?

Accuracy Signup and view all the answers

Peer correction is __________ in the classroom and may require training.

valuable Signup and view all the answers

Match the following speaking concepts with their definitions:

Complexity = Using structures typical of higher level learners Adjacency pair = Two consecutive spoken turns Interactional communication = Language used to maintain social relations Transactional language = Communication aimed at getting things done Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is considered more important than constant accuracy during fluency practice?

Meaningful communication Signup and view all the answers

Frequent correction during fluency activities can enhance language learning.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one of the key characteristics of transactional language.

Aimed at doing business or getting things done. Signup and view all the answers

Errors in communication are now viewed as __________ of learning.

indicators Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential reason for students to require guidance in error identification?

They may lack training in providing feedback Signup and view all the answers

Fluency can only be achieved through perfect accuracy in speaking.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are 'back channelling' signals used for in conversation?

To show interest and attention. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks is likely easier for lower-level students?

Planning a tour for classmates Signup and view all the answers

Students should be encouraged to express themselves as __________ as they can.

correctly Signup and view all the answers

Higher-level students prefer tasks that involve predictability and familiarity.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one essential consideration when planning fluency activities?

Realistic production time and student preparation Signup and view all the answers

The more students know about a topic, the more _____ they will have in completing related tasks.

confidence Signup and view all the answers

Which function of conversation primarily involves sharing viewpoints?

Exchange information Signup and view all the answers

Students should be unaware of the importance of gestures and body language in conversation.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the four maxims of the co-operative principle?

Quantity, Quality, Relation, Manner Signup and view all the answers

The concept of _____ refers to how consecutive utterances are related to one another.

adjacency Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of conversation indicates when someone should finish their turn?

Turn-taking Signup and view all the answers

Conversations can include inappropriate topics without causing any issues.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following conversational aspects with their definitions:

Co-operative Principle = Guidelines for effective communication Adjacency = Relations between utterances Turn-taking = Management of speaking turns Stress and intonation = Signaling conversation dynamics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies can help students manage difficulties in conversation?

Taking turns appropriately Signup and view all the answers

What should students be made aware of to support their speaking abilities?

Conversational norms and cultural appropriateness Signup and view all the answers

A conversation's _____ and endings can vary based on cultural factors.

openings Signup and view all the answers

Students do not require help in identifying speakers' intentions during conversations.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes fluency in speaking?

Understanding and manipulating language in real time Signup and view all the answers

Communicative activities are always fluency-focused.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of freer speaking activities in language learning?

To allow students to manipulate any relevant language and communicate more freely. Signup and view all the answers

A fluency activity may involve students listening to recordings of speakers to notice aspects of their __________.

interaction Signup and view all the answers

Match the following speaking activities with their descriptions:

Roleplay = Simulating real-life scenarios Debating = Arguing different sides of a topic Story-telling = Narrating a sequence of events Brainstorming = Generating ideas in a spontaneous manner Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is considered effective for developing fluency?

Roleplay Signup and view all the answers

Fluency in speaking does not require an awareness of conversational norms.

False Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the production stage of a language lesson?

Students manipulate language relevant to the task, often engaging in freer speaking. Signup and view all the answers

The method that posits mastery of language and fluency follows after accuracy is the __________ approach.

Present-Practice-Produce Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of speaking activities with their intended focus:

Problem-solving = Finding solutions to given challenges Project work = Collaborative tasks with specific outcomes Instruction-giving = Conveying information or directions Ordering activities = Arranging items or concepts in a sequence Signup and view all the answers

What is the desired outcome of a fluency-focused activity?

Allowing for free expression with awareness of language features Signup and view all the answers

Freer speaking activities are teacher-centered.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge students may face in developing fluency?

Hesitation or anxiety while speaking. Signup and view all the answers

Activities like __________ and simulations are designed to create conditions similar to real speaking.

roleplay Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of controlled activities in conversational competence?

To help students gain confidence in participation Signup and view all the answers

Gestures and body language are universally the same across all cultures.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one activity type that can help students develop their conversational ability?

Fluency activities Signup and view all the answers

The process of analyzing one's own and others' interaction is referred to as providing ______ activities.

feedback Signup and view all the answers

Match each conversational activity type with its main focus:

Clarifying what you mean = Correcting self Restating what someone else has said = Rephrasing others’ statements Finishing your story = Completing narratives Summarizing = Condensing main points Signup and view all the answers

What is one outcome of raising students' awareness of native speakers' conversational practices?

Improved ability to interpret conversations Signup and view all the answers

Fluency activities should never involve correction of errors.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one key aspect of conversational competence that can be developed through feedback activities.

Awareness of communication strategies Signup and view all the answers

Students need to practice ______ in speaking to express their own ideas and opinions.

making decisions Signup and view all the answers

Which activity helps develop students' understanding of culturally appropriate gestures?

Listening to recorded conversations Signup and view all the answers

Errors in speaking are regarded as negative and should always be avoided in practice.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a key objective of feedback activities in conversation practice?

To provide information for improvement Signup and view all the answers

Nolasco and Arthur state that understanding ______ features is crucial for effective communication.

culture-specific Signup and view all the answers

Match the following phrases with their corresponding conversational skill:

What I mean is = Clarifying what you mean So what you're saying is = Restating what someone else has said So in the end = Finishing your story In other words = Rephrasing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Student Motivation in English Language Study

Students overwhelmingly prioritize speaking ability, often contrasting with their grammatical understanding, writing skills, and test-taking abilities.
Reasons for this include: lack of speaking partners, education systems not emphasizing speaking, focus on written exams, negative experiences with a formal English approach, or informal learning with native speakers.
Students often have an imprecise understanding of what 'speaking' the language entails.
Teachers also sometimes have a vague understanding, causing potential misunderstandings of communicative practice aims.
Students' understanding and perception of language "fluency," particularly spoken fluency, will potentially need to be better defined to aid instruction and learning (e.g, speaking speed versus length).

Fluency and Types of Speaking

Students often associate fluency with grammatical accuracy and speed, neglecting vocabulary range, and effective language use in diverse situations.
Key aspects of fluency, including effective listening, conversation conventions, and characteristics of different speech events (genres), are often overlooked by students.
Speaking depends significantly on the situation; speech events like speeches and anecdotes require differing conventions (e.g., planning/spontaneity, reciprocity, formality, social distance, power issues, lexis).
Conventions are guidelines, not strict formulas.

Categories of Speaking Events

Maximum distance, formal, planned, no reciprocity: news broadcasts, speeches.
Medium distance, formality, some planning/spontaneity, some reciprocity, power relationship: presentations, job interviews, political debates.
Informal, spontaneous, reciprocity, affective issues: discussing films, dining/drinking with friends, deciding gifts.
Formal (varying degrees), transactional, formulaic: buying tickets, shopping, meeting someone new.

Characteristics of Speaking and Conversation

Speaking occurs in real-time, generally unplanned, and unpredictable.
Spoken content is often less dense than written communication.
Fluency allows language manipulation without perfect grammatical correctness.
Speaking includes unfinished thoughts, restructuring sentences, simultaneous speech, and listener participation cues ("Mm," "Oh").
Reformulation strategies enhance communication.
Requires listening skills, adherence to conversation conventions (culture-dependent), and body language use.
Speakers make real-time decisions to address communication issues.
Speaking can be transactional or interactional.

Student Problems in Speaking

Operating in real-time
Unpredictability of most speaking events
Structuring and conveying information, appropriate language use, and phonology
Effective listening skills
Vocabulary availability and appropriate use
Speaking pace
Intonation range
Sound articulation
Appropriate participation (interrupting, disagreeing)
Grammatical accuracy
Physical distance considerations

Speaking Development Across Language Teaching Approaches

Grammar-Translation method: speaking largely in the native language; focuses on translation exercises, reading aloud.
Audio-lingual method: drills focus on correct grammar, pronunciation, and word order, in decontextualized situations.
Communicative approach: emphasizes skill transfer for real communication; activities shift from controlled to freer expression tasks.
Task-Based Learning (TBL): learners identify needed language, tasks are often without pre-taught language, models often given with pre-task practice.

Accuracy and Fluency

Accuracy is traditionally measured against a native-speaker ideal, judging linguistic systems (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation).
Appropriateness is a factor in accuracy.
Accuracy is an aspect of fluency, but not automatic or sufficient for fluency.
Fluency involves: understanding and manipulating appropriate language; responding to the message; adhering to spoken and conversational conventions; and using all these skillfully without undue hesitation (except for thinking).
Different perspectives on fluency exist; one emphasized fluency as production without undue pausing or hesitation, while another emphasized the length of an uninterrupted production run. A third view describes fluency as the ability a speaker has to communicate their message effectively and as intended.

Other Language Skills

Terms "accuracy" and "fluency" apply to other skills beside speaking.
A "fluent writer" produces coherent text naturally, while an "accurate listener/writer/reader" correctly identifies information and has few mistakes.

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Description

This quiz explores students' motivations when learning English, emphasizing the prioritization of speaking skills over grammatical and writing abilities. It discusses factors contributing to this disparity and the importance of a comprehensive understanding of fluency. The role of teachers in guiding communicative practice is also examined.

Speaking

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Questions and Answers

What do many students primarily want to achieve in their English language studies?

Students overwhelmingly recognize the importance of being an effective listener in speaking situations.

Name one common reason students may feel a discrepancy between their speaking ability and their understanding of grammar.

Proficiency in speaking is often incorrectly equated with accuracy and _____ in the students' perspective.

Match the speaking characteristics with their definitions:

Which of the following is NOT typically associated with the definition of 'fluency' in speaking?

An effective speaker in English must not only produce words but also be aware of conversational norms.

What can one characteristic that defines a wedding speech be?

Which speaking event is characterized by maximum distance, formality, and no reciprocity?

All speech events are characterized by the same level of formality.

What is one key characteristic that distinguishes informal speaking events?

In a script for a speech, there is typically an introduction and a __________.

Match the following speaking events with their characteristics:

Which phrase is typically used when making a toast?

Speakers in a conversation often rely on written scripts.

What is a common feature of informal speech events?

The use of ___________ and facial expression is important in conversation to clarify the message.

Match the following phrases with their corresponding speaking events:

Which of the following describes 'speaking' as it occurs in real-time?

Conversation can be either transactional or interactional.

What are two strategies speakers use to enhance communication during conversations?

In speech events characterized by ___________, the speaker is often aware of reciprocal interactions.

Which of these events is categorized as informal and characterized by reciprocity?

What is an important aspect of speaking in a Grammar Translation classroom?

In the Audio-Lingual method, mistakes in speaking are encouraged.

What does communicative competence combine?

___ is the ability to use language to communicate meaningfully in a culturally appropriate way.

Match the following speaking methodologies with their descriptions:

Which of the following issues is a potential problem area for students in speaking?

Grammatical accuracy is not important in effective speaking.

What is the primary focus of the Communicative Approach to language teaching?

Students learn what they identify they ___ in the classroom.

Match the following experts to their contributions:

In Task-Based Learning, students are often given which kind of tasks?

Fluency deals primarily with the correctness of grammatical structures.

What is accuracy judged by in language learning?

Errors in speaking are regarded as ___ in the learning process.

What is a common problem in face-to-face speaking?

The Lexical Approach emphasizes the importance of vocabulary over grammar in language learning.

Name one common feature of conversational gambits in language teaching.

The book 'Discourse' by Cook focuses on understanding how language functions in __________ contexts.

Match the following authors with their contributions:

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of roleplay in language learning?

Roleplay allows students to interact without any spectators.

What is one key aspect of roleplay that helps shyer students?

Roleplay helps students deal with _________ by preparing them for unpredictable situations.

Match the following components of roleplay with their descriptions:

Which of the following describes the teacher's role in a successful roleplay activity?

Roleplays can be conducted without thorough planning by the teacher.

What is a common problem that teachers might anticipate during speaking activities?

A successful discussion involves all students participating in a meaningful ________ of ideas.

Match the identified problems in speaking activities with their solutions:

Which statement is true regarding roleplay's connection to reality?

Clear aims should be communicated to students during roleplay activities.

What is a crucial element teachers must consider when planning speaking activities?

Too much ________ can negatively affect fluency in speaking activities.

Which of the following best describes fluency?

Fluency in writing does not exist.

What does it mean to be an accurate listener?

Fluency involves the ability to adjust the message according to the responses of the ________.

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Which strategy can support fluency when a speaker lacks specific vocabulary?

The length of speech delivery is the primary factor that defines fluency.

What is meant by 'prefabricated speech' in the context of fluency?

What should be prioritized during fluency activities to maintain communication flow?

Errors in student speech should be corrected immediately during fluency activities.

What is the term for the ability to use language without verbal or grammatical mistakes?

Peer correction is __________ in the classroom and may require training.

Match the following speaking concepts with their definitions:

What aspect is considered more important than constant accuracy during fluency practice?

Frequent correction during fluency activities can enhance language learning.

Name one of the key characteristics of transactional language.

Errors in communication are now viewed as __________ of learning.

What is a potential reason for students to require guidance in error identification?

Fluency can only be achieved through perfect accuracy in speaking.

What are 'back channelling' signals used for in conversation?