Chapter 5.

Speaking
Methods The input hypothesis states that speaking ability is the result of listening and reading.
Activities The conversation theories show a complementary view; they maintain that learners
develop their oral ability by participating in scaffolded conversations. The cognitive
Assessment learning theories, in contrast, hold that speaking comes from meaningful practices so
that new explicit linguistic knowledge becomes automatic. The output hypothesis and
sociocultural theories emphasize the need to produce and reflect on well-formed
language. Authentic communication requires students to spontaneously produce and
understand culturally appropriate language.
Assessment:
ACTFL Oral proficiency guide lines rate students’ ability from novice though superior
levels, and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) includes and internet-
administered test of spoken English (TSE).