An Analysis of the Speaking Tasks: The Case of Grade 12 English Textbook
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Date
2011-05
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AAU
Abstract
The main purpose of the present study was to analyze the extent to which the speaking tasks
(activities) in the currently in use Grade 12 English textbook were well structured and organized
in such a way that they could promote speaking skills. To this end, the speaking tasks were
identified and analyzed based on the basic components of communicative tasks as well as the
evaluatjon check ist for ommunicative tasks suggested by Nunan (1989). Textbook analysis
(content analysis) was used as a major instrument to obtain information regarding how
appropriate and suitable the speaking tasks (activities) were for the students. To analyze and
interpret the data, the researcher used qualitative research method. I(Findings of the study
indicated that less credence is given to the oral communicative tasks., The speaking activities in
the Grade 12 students' English textbook do not meet most of the relevant criteria stated in the
checklist which students require in order to take part orally. The findings also showed that even
though the goals of oral communicative activities in the course book meet the needs and interests
of learners, some of them are not explicitly stated. Again it has been found that the contents as
input and the activities in the course material do not give szifjicient information due to absence of
varied and interesting activities, adequate supporting and authentic materials and so on. It is
also noted that since the tasks (activities) which are depicted in the textbook lack variety and do
not make use of authentic materials (illustrations), they lack motivational values. Therefore, it is
recommended that textbook writers (developers) should consider incorporating the six basic
components of communicative tasks in the students' textbooks when preparing the materials.
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organized in such a way that they could promote speaking skills