Important Considerations for Skill Development
Language Functions
If you are preparing students for an ESL/EFL exam, it’s important to remember that we don’t want to just “teach to the test”. Instead, it is important to help the students recognize the language functions and how each of those functions differ. For example, describing requires a detailed response and the ability to use words that paint a picture, and elaborations that give a comprehensive overview of the topic. On the other hand, to compare and contrast requires a response that shows understanding of both sides while a hypothesis requires some imagination. The table below shows the sample prompts using the same topic with different language functions.
| Functions |
Sample prompt |
| List |
- Tell me three qualities you would look for in a roommate.
|
| Narrate |
- Do you have a roommate? What has been your experience living in the US with a roommate?
|
| Describe |
- What are three qualities that you would look for in a roommate, and why are they important?
|
| Compare and contrast |
- How do people find roommates in your country? How is it similar or different from finding roommates in the US?
|
| Explain |
- Which would you prefer? A roommate with the same culture or a roommate with a different culture? Why?
|
| Hypothesize |
- If you could find a perfect roommate, what would that person be like?
|
English for Teaching Purposes
If you are preparing International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) for an ESL exam focusing on the test takers’ ability to use English for Teaching Purposes, it’s important to show them how these functions connect to their teaching strategies.
One possible way to structure a lesson plan or one-on-one session (if you are a speaking consultant) is to focus on one type of language function. Using the same language function, work on the different components and move from general conversation topics to teaching skills to illustrate how those functions need to be the underlying principles.
The table below shows an example of how to move from general to specific for the “compare and contrast” function.
Steps and sample activities to move from general to specific contexts
| Steps |
Sample Activities |
| Define concepts |
- Explain the difference between compare and contrast and what it means. For example, compare the similarities and contrast the differences.
- Illustrate: Similarities between cats and dogs vs differences between cats and dogs
|
| Focus on language functions |
- Compare and contrast is a higher-level skill, so it will require a combination of different language functions, e.g. define, classify, explain, illustrate.
- Illustrate by showing sample steps:
- Similarity statement: There are similarities between cats and dogs.
- Explain: They are both mammals and have four paws. Also, they are commonly domesticated as pets.
- Differences statement: However, there are differences as well.
- Classify: Cats are considered to be part of the felidae family while dogs are from the canidae family.
|
| Identify grammar and signal words |
- Draw attention to the use of signal words commonly used in compare and contrast, e.g. Also vs However, On one hand & on the other hand, etc.
|
| Practice in general context |
- Use one sample prompt from the figure above to practice a conversation topic that requires a compare and contrast. For example:
- How is studying in the USA similar or different from studying in your country?
|
| Connect to teaching (assumes some other language functions have been covered; if not, be sure to review them) |
- Ask students to think about how compare and contrast is used in their discipline.
- Ask students how they could apply the previous steps into their teaching.
- For example, teaching a concept about Chemical Reaction may include the following language functions:
- Describe or Define followed by an Explain and/or Illustrate – What is a Chemical Reaction? Example: Cake-batter rising
- Classify: What are the types of chemical reactions?
- Compare and Contrast illustration about the characteristic changes, e.g. Endothermic and Exothermic reaction.
- More Explain: why there are endo and exothermic reactions.
|
| Practice in specific context |
- Ask students to practice with a teaching topic from their discipline using an outline that fits the “compare and contrast” function.
- During the initial role-play, practice the types of language functions. During the second role-play, put attention on signal words and expressions surrounding the topic and language functions.
|
| Homework |
- Assign homework:
- Use the https://www.esl-lab.com/ or https://www.procon.org/ and identify one or two topics for self-practice. (See the two options in the next section.)
- Ask students to prepare a TEACH outline from their recitation or undergraduate textbooks and practice the presentation.
|
- Speaking proficiency encompasses fluency, accuracy, and complexity. Fluency is about smooth delivery, accuracy is about correct language use, and complexity involves using varied language.
- Effective speaking requires adapting language to the audience. Strategies include analyzing the audience and using storytelling techniques.
Key Points