Even though all language aspects are essential for the students to master EFL, speaking is one of the most important skills that teachers should help their learners develop, since it helps them put into practice not only their speaking abilities but also all the language that they have acquired. Why? Because if teachers choose appropriately the speaking activities they provide, according to their students’ language level and special needs, it will be possible for both students and teachers to know what language aspects learners need to improve, since during just one speaking activity one needs a good vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and even a good comprehension of what others say, all that in order for a communicative process to be successful. Moreover, most of the students get highly motivated when performing speaking activities.
It is necessary, however, to clarify what a speaking activity is and what it is not. Teachers may confuse speaking activities with controlled language practice activities, in which students are to practice a specific aspect of language (grammar, vocabulary, etc.) through speaking but, in these cases, speaking is not the main skill to be developed.
Practice a specific aspect of language (grammar, vocabulary, etc.) through speaking but, in these cases, speaking is not the main skill to be developed.
SPEAKING: MAKING YOUR CLASSES A SUCCESS
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