TEFL Teaching Language Skills — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between intensive and extensive reading?
- Intensive reading focuses on detailed analysis of short texts; extensive reading involves reading longer texts for general comprehension and pleasure (Correct answer)
- Intensive means fast; extensive means slow
- They are the same thing
- Intensive is for advanced students only
Correct answer: Intensive reading focuses on detailed analysis of short texts; extensive reading involves reading longer texts for general comprehension and pleasure
Intensive reading develops specific skills through careful analysis, while extensive reading builds fluency and vocabulary through quantity.
Question 2: What is a controlled practice activity?
- An activity where students practice specific language structures with limited freedom to deviate (Correct answer)
- Free conversation
- Creative writing
- Debate
Correct answer: An activity where students practice specific language structures with limited freedom to deviate
Controlled practice provides structured opportunities to use target language accurately before moving to freer activities.
Question 3: What techniques help develop listening skills?
- Pre-listening activities, gist listening, detailed listening, and post-listening discussion (Correct answer)
- Only dictation
- Only watching movies
- Listening to the teacher lecture
Correct answer: Pre-listening activities, gist listening, detailed listening, and post-listening discussion
Effective listening instruction includes preparation, different types of listening tasks, and follow-up activities.
Question 4: What is process writing?
- An approach that focuses on the stages of writing: planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing (Correct answer)
- Writing as fast as possible
- Copying from textbooks
- Writing without planning
Correct answer: An approach that focuses on the stages of writing: planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing
Process writing treats writing as a multi-stage process rather than a single-draft product, emphasizing revision and improvement.
Question 5: How can a teacher develop students' speaking skills?
- Through role plays, discussions, information gaps, debates, and presentations with appropriate scaffolding (Correct answer)
- Only through repetition drills
- Only through reading aloud
- By correcting every error immediately
Correct answer: Through role plays, discussions, information gaps, debates, and presentations with appropriate scaffolding
Developing speaking requires varied communicative activities with appropriate support and feedback.
Question 6: What is a dictation exercise?
- Students write what they hear the teacher or recording say, practicing listening and writing skills simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Students dictate to the teacher
- Students read aloud
- Students copy from the board
Correct answer: Students write what they hear the teacher or recording say, practicing listening and writing skills simultaneously
Dictation integrates listening, writing, spelling, and grammar skills as students transcribe spoken language.
What is the difference between intensive and extensive reading?