ESL Listening & Speaking Skills Development Flashcards
6 cards from real ESL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 ESL Listening & Speaking Skills Development flashcards as text
What is 'discourse competence' in ESL communication?
Answer: The ability to organize spoken or written language into coherent, connected stretches beyond the sentence level
Discourse competence involves linking sentences cohesively, managing conversational structure, and maintaining topic coherence across an exchange.
Which listening activity requires learners to reconstruct a short text from notes taken while listening?
Answer: Dictogloss
In a dictogloss, learners listen, take brief notes, then collaborate to reconstruct the text—integrating listening, writing, grammar, and discussion.
What is the 'silent period' in second language acquisition and how does it relate to speaking instruction?
Answer: A natural phase where learners absorb input before producing speech, which teachers should respect rather than force early output
Krashen proposed that some learners need a period of listening and building comprehension before they are ready to speak, and forcing early output can raise anxiety.
What does 'wait time' in ESL speaking instruction refer to?
Answer: The pause a teacher gives after a question before calling on a student, allowing processing time
Research shows that increasing wait time after asking a question leads to longer and more complex student responses.
Which aspect of speaking is assessed when a teacher evaluates a student's ability to maintain topic and use cohesive devices in oral production?
Answer: Discourse management
Discourse management refers to the ability to organize and sustain coherent spoken text, including use of linking devices and topic maintenance.
What is the benefit of using authentic materials (e.g., podcasts, news clips) in ESL listening instruction?
Answer: They expose learners to natural speech rates, accents, and discourse patterns found in real-world English
Authentic audio exposes learners to the messy realities of real spoken English—false starts, reductions, varied accents—better preparing them for actual listening situations.
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