Microsoft Word M03 How To Teach Speaking 2002-03. doc

Step 2: Awareness activities 

Students need to become aware of  what  native  speakers  do  in  conversation  if  they  are 

themselves to achieve communicative competence in the target language. The focus of the 

awareness activities will be then on promoting the following issues: 

-  the ability to "sound" English by drawing attention to critical elements which can be 

usefully imitated (weak forms); 

-  development of the ability to interpret what is being said; 

-  a feeling for what is appropriate in conversation; 

-  awareness of strategies used to further conversation; 

-  awareness of the target culture. 

Awareness activities can be used from the earliest stages of learning.