Grammar vs speaking in lessons: أفكار لمقال IELTS

Many school language courses concentrate on grammar and written exercises, leaving little time for conversation. I agree with this criticism to a large extent, although grammar still has an important role.

The main problem is that students seldom speak. In a typical class of thirty, each pupil may say only a few sentences per lesson, and the rest of the time is spent on drills, translation and written tests. This exam-driven approach produces graduates who can complete a grammar exercise but freeze when asked a simple question by a foreigner. Lack of speaking practice also damages confidence, so learners become afraid of making mistakes and avoid using the language altogether. Since the main purpose of learning a language is to communicate, this seems to be a serious failure of the system. In many countries, adults complain that they studied a language for ten years at school but cannot hold a conversation.

Defenders of the traditional method make a valid point. Grammar is the foundation of accurate language, and without it learners may produce sentences that are fluent but confusing. Speaking, they argue, needs a base of vocabulary and structure first. Moreover, examinations in many countries assess reading and writing, so teachers feel they must prepare students for those tests.

These arguments explain the present situation but do not justify it. Grammar can be taught through speaking activities, such as role-plays, discussions and pair work, which allow students to apply rules in a realistic context. Examinations could also be changed to include oral components, which would encourage teachers to give them more time.

In conclusion, grammar is necessary, but school lessons should achieve a better balance by giving speaking a much larger role, since communication is the ultimate goal.