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Download Speaking by Speaking Skills for Social Competence – PDF, Audio, Answer key

Mastering Social Conversations: A Deep Dive into Compass Publishing : Speaking by Speaking Skills for Social Competence

 

Review of “Speaking by Speaking Skills for Social Competence” by Compass Publishing

Introduction The ability to communicate effectively in social settings is a vital component of language learning, especially when it comes to English, which serves as a global lingua franca. “Speaking by Speaking Skills for Social Competence,” published by Compass Publishing, addresses this need by offering a structured curriculum designed to foster practical conversational skills. The book aims to build not just language proficiency but also the sociolinguistic competence necessary for interacting smoothly in various social contexts. Tailored for upper-intermediate learners, it leverages real-world social scenarios to help learners enhance both their linguistic and social competencies.

In this review, we will delve into the key aspects of the series, including its structure, pedagogical approach, strengths, and potential areas for improvement.

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Structure and Content

Target Audience and CEFR Alignment The book is aimed at pre-advanced learners, roughly corresponding to the B2 level on the CEFR scale. This means that the learners using this book are expected to have a solid foundation in English grammar and vocabulary and are now looking to improve their speaking fluency in social interactions. The book does an excellent job of setting clear language proficiency goals, including mastering colloquial phrases, idioms, and expressions that are commonly used in everyday interactions.

Two-Part Organization The book is divided into two main parts, each focusing on different types of speaking situations:

• Formal Speaking: Here, students practice how to converse in professional or structured social environments. This includes role-playing scenarios like business meetings, formal interviews, or academic presentations.
• Casual Conversations: In contrast, the second part covers more informal social settings, where the learners engage in dialogues such as small talk, making requests, or discussing personal topics.

Each part comprises several units, and each unit features a variety of activities, such as warm-up tasks, listening exercises, structured speaking activities, and readings, all of which are centered around a key social competence. This holistic approach ensures that learners not only practice speaking but also develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, and reading skills in tandem.

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Pedagogical Approach

Sociolinguistic Framework One of the standout features of this book is its use of a sociolinguistic framework to guide learners through various speaking tasks. Sociolinguistics, which is the study of how language functions in social contexts, plays a crucial role in this book’s methodology. The learners are introduced to the idea that language use varies depending on factors like the speaker’s relationship with their interlocutor, the formality of the setting, and the speaker’s intent. This approach makes the book highly effective for students looking to become more confident in navigating social norms and expectations while speaking English.

Choral Reading and Brainstorming Another effective technique employed in the book is choral reading. This method allows learners to practice their pronunciation and intonation by reading aloud in groups. This feature is particularly useful for learners who struggle with confidence, as speaking in unison helps reduce anxiety and enhances fluency.

Brainstorming sessions are also an integral part of the lessons, helping learners activate their prior knowledge and expand their vocabulary before engaging in speaking tasks. Vocabulary building is emphasized through a variety of brainstorming activities where students generate words related to a specific theme or topic. This also sets the stage for more effective communication as students have access to a wider lexical range when they begin their speaking exercises.

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Strengths

• Interactive Learning: The book’s strong focus on interaction is one of its primary strengths. It encourages active participation through pair work, group discussions, and role-playing. This emphasis on communication makes the learning experience dynamic and mirrors real-world conversation, thus preparing learners for the spontaneity of live interactions.
• Grammar in Context: Another impressive feature is its integration of grammar exercises within speaking tasks. Unlike traditional grammar lessons that focus solely on form, this book helps learners apply grammatical structures in practical speaking situations. This contextualization is ideal for learners who struggle with transferring grammatical knowledge into everyday conversations.
• Visual Aids and Charts: The inclusion of visual aids like charts, diagrams, and role-play instructions adds an extra layer of engagement. Learners can visually map out conversation structures, which helps them understand and organize their thoughts during speaking tasks. This feature is particularly useful in more complex conversation scenarios, such as negotiations or debates.
• Listening and Speaking Integration: Another notable aspect is the seamless integration of listening and speaking exercises. Listening activities are carefully designed to complement speaking tasks, allowing learners to hear native speakers or advanced learners using the target language naturally before attempting similar tasks themselves. This approach reinforces learning through exposure and imitation.
• Adaptability: The book is also highly adaptable to different learning environments. Teachers can use the materials in both large classroom settings and one-on-one tutoring scenarios. Additionally, its clear layout makes it suitable for both in-class instruction and self-study, giving learners flexibility in how they choose to engage with the content.

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Areas for Improvement

While “Speaking by Speaking Skills for Social Competence” has many strengths, there are areas that could be improved to enhance its effectiveness.

• Cultural Context: Given that the book is designed for global learners, it could benefit from a broader representation of cultural norms. The current material tends to focus heavily on Western, particularly American, social conventions. Incorporating a wider range of cultural scenarios would make the book more globally relevant, especially for students who plan to use English in multicultural settings.
• Advanced Level Challenges: Although it is aimed at B2-level learners, some of the activities might not present enough of a challenge for learners on the cusp of advanced proficiency. Incorporating more complex speaking tasks, such as debating or formal public speaking, could stretch learners further and prepare them for even higher levels of communication competence.
• Limited Technology Integration: While the book does offer a wide range of print-based activities, it could integrate more modern technology-driven learning tools, such as mobile apps or online resources for further practice. In an era where digital learning is rapidly becoming the norm, offering a blended learning model with interactive online resources would greatly enhance the learning experience.

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Conclusion

“Speaking by Speaking Skills for Social Competence” from Compass Publishing is a well-structured and engaging resource for upper-intermediate English learners who wish to develop their speaking skills in social contexts. Its emphasis on sociolinguistic awareness, interactive learning, and real-world conversational practice sets it apart from many other speaking-focused language textbooks. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in terms of cultural inclusivity and the introduction of more advanced speaking challenges, the book remains an excellent choice for learners who are looking to become more confident and competent communicators in social situations.

Overall, this series not only helps learners become proficient in English speaking but also equips them with the social tools necessary for effective communication in a variety of settings. Teachers, too, will find the book adaptable and rich with resources that cater to a wide range of learning needs and classroom environments.

 

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