Questões de Concursos Ensino da Língua Estrangeira Inglesa

Read the text to answer questions from.

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) was a 1970s reaction to much that had gone before, and has guiding principles: first, language is not just patterns of grammar with vocabulary items slotted in; it also involves language functions such as inviting, agreeing and disagreeing, suggesting, etc., which students should learn how to perform using a variety of language exponents (e.g. we can invite by saying “Would you like to come to the cinema?’, ‘D’you fancy coming to the cinema?’, ‘What about coming to the cinema?’, ‘How about a film?’, ‘Are you on for a film?, etc). Students also need to be aware of the need for appropriacy when talking and writing to people in terms of the kind of language they use (formal, informal, tentative, technical, etc). CLT is not just about the language; it is actually about how it is used.

The second principle of Communicative Language Teaching is that if students get enough exposure to language, and opportunities for language use, and if they are motivated, then language learning will take care of itself. Thus, CLT has a lot in common with the acquisition view of language absorption. As a result, the focus of much CLT has been on students communicating real messages, and not just grammatically controlled language. The deployment of many communicative activities, where students use all and any language they know to communicate, shows this aspect of CLT at work.

(Harmer, J. 1998. Adaptado)

O texto I refere-se à questão.

Learning English as a second language can be a long and challenging process. Students often face difficulties such as unfamiliar grammar rules, pronunciation differences, and vocabulary gaps. However, one factor that significantly affects success in learning is motivation. Motivated students tend to participate more actively in class, complete assignments, and practice the language outside the classroom.

There are two main types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from the student’s internal desire to learn, such as personal interest in English culture or the joy of learning new languages. On the other hand, extrinsic motivation is related to external rewards, like passing an exam, getting a job promotion, or meeting school requirements. Both types of motivation play an important role in language learning.

Teachers can use different strategies to increase student motivation. One effective method is to create engaging and meaningful activities. For example, using real-life situations like roleplays, interviews, or debates can make students feel that what they are learning is useful and relevant. Also, providing positive feedback and celebrating small achievements helps build student confidence and encourages continuous effort.

Another essential factor is setting realistic goals. When students see progress over time, such as learning a certain number of new words per week or being able to hold a short conversation, they feel more motivated to continue. Clear and achievable targets make the learning process less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

Finally, it is important for teachers to understand the individual needs and interests of their students. Adapting lessons to include topics that students enjoy, such as music, movies, or travel, can make classes more dynamic and inspiring. Motivation is not something fixed; it can grow with the right teaching approach and a supportive classroom environment.

Language is a multifaceted tool that serves as a means of communication, expression, and understanding. Within the realm of language acquisition, four primary skills play a central role: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each of these skills contributes uniquely to one's language proficiency and plays a vital role in different aspects of life. In this post, we will delve into the relative importance of these four key language skills and how they complement each other.

Speaking is often considered the most critical language skill, as it directly enables human communication. It facilitates interaction with others, both socially and professionally, allowing individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions effectively. The ability to speak fluently is especially crucial in situations like business negotiations, job interviews, and everyday conversations. Effective speaking enhances one's confidence, builds relationships, and fosters cultural understanding.

Listening is the counterpart to speaking, and it is equally essential in effective communication. Without strong listening skills, misunderstandings can arise, leading to breakdowns in communication. Active listening involves not only hearing words but also comprehending their meaning, tone, and context. Proficient listening enhances language learners' ability to engage in meaningful conversations, understand cultural nuances, and respond appropriately. In educational settings, strong listening skills are crucial for learning and comprehension.

Reading expands one's knowledge and understanding of language. It allows individuals to access a vast wealth of information, literature, and culture. Through reading, individuals can explore diverse perspectives, historical accounts, and contemporary issues. Reading also plays a significant role in academic and professional contexts, where individuals are required to process, analyze, and synthesize written information. Strong reading skills lead to improved vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking.

Writing is the skill that allows individuals to express their thoughts and ideas in a structured and organized manner. It serves as a means of documentation, creativity, and self-expression. In academic and professional settings, effective writing is essential for creating reports, essays, emails, and other forms of communication. It also plays a crucial role in preserving knowledge, culture, and history through the written word. Strong writing skills enable individuals to convey their thoughts with clarity and precision.

While each of these four language skills holds significance on its own, their importance is interconnected. They complement and reinforce each other, creating a holistic language proficiency. For instance, strong listening skills aid in developing accurate pronunciation when speaking. Reading enhances vocabulary, which in turn improves writing. Writing practice can lead to a deeper understanding of grammatical structures, benefiting both speaking and listening.

Moreover, in the modern world, technology has blurred the lines between these skills. Communication platforms, such as social media and instant messaging, require a combination of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Multimedia content, including videos and podcasts, encourages learners to engage in both listening and speaking activities.

In conclusion, the four key language skills - speaking, listening, reading, and writing - each hold a unique and essential place in language acquisition and proficiency. Their relative importance depends on the context, goals, and individual preferences. However, it is the interplay of these skills that results in a well-rounded and effective communicator. Language learners benefit most when they strive for balance and competence in all four skills, enabling them to navigate the complexities of language in diverse personal, educational, and professional settings.

The paper reflects on the role of technology in English language teaching (ELT) methodologies and on the impact of globalization and internationalization in education in general and in the ELT in particular. The study is based on the assumption that access to information and technology is necessary to build social capital (WARSCHAUER, 2003) and that this access requires some English knowledge and digital literacy (FINARDI; PREBIANCA; MOMM, 2013). Departing from a bibliographic review on the use of ELT methodologies and the role of technologies in these methodologies, the study proposes that both the resistance to and the uncritical use of technologies and methodologies may bring negative consequences to the development of English language proficiency and social development in Brazil. The study concludes that in the post-method (BROWN, 2002; KUMARAVADIVELO, 2003) and information era (LEVY, 1999) technologies have a relevant and crucial role that should be critically considered in ELT methodologies. The study also suggests that the informed use of technologies and methodologies, allied with the teaching of English as an international language are essential to leverage the development and the internationalization of education in Brazil in a critical way in relation to the effects of globalization.

(FINARDI, Kyria Rebecca; PORCINO, Maria Carolina. 2014. Adaptado)

By Stephanie Hirschman

October 2, 2023

Flipped learning is very much a buzz word these days, and it’s worth thinking about whether this approach is suitable for your

lessons. It’s quite easy to define: whereas a more traditional model of teaching involves some sort of initial input (for example a

lecture or demonstration) followed by some sort of related output (for example a discussion or experiment) with some homework to follow, in flipped learning, this order is disrupted. Students do their homework before the class meets by watching a recorded lecture or video or reading an article. This enables them to spend the lesson time on activities which make a more significant contribution to their deep understanding and mastery of important ideas, for example, discussion, roleplay or presentations. It sits well within blended learning as the pre-lesson homework is likely to be accessed online, while the class activities are conducted face-to-face.