Question

One of the following is NOT an objective of giving dictation in the class. What is that?

• A. Two improve the two faculties of child's mind-listening and writing
• B. To iimprove spelling
• C. To distinguish facts from opinions
• D. To spot areas of weakness and strength

Answer 1

Answer:

C. To distinguish facts from opinions

Objectives of Dictation in Teaching

• To improve spelling and punctuation: Dictation exercises are a primary tool for reinforcing correct spelling and the proper use of punctuation marks. Students hear the words and their grammatical context, aiding retention.
• To enhance listening comprehension: The act of listening attentively to the dictated text develops students' ability to understand spoken English accurately. This is crucial for language acquisition and classroom learning.
• To develop writing fluency and speed: Regular dictation practice helps students improve their handwriting, increase their writing speed, and build confidence in transcribing spoken words into written form.
• To reinforce grammar and sentence structure: As students write, they subconsciously absorb correct grammatical structures and sentence patterns presented in the dictated text. This passive learning is highly effective.
• To assess understanding of vocabulary and usage: Dictation can reveal a student's familiarity with specific vocabulary and how those words are used in context. Errors can highlight areas needing further instruction.
• To practice careful observation and accuracy: Dictation demands a high level of concentration and attention to detail. Students must carefully listen, recall, and transcribe, fostering a habit of accuracy.

Why 'To distinguish facts from opinions' is NOT an objective of dictation:

• Distinguishing facts from opinions is a higher-order thinking skill that involves critical analysis and evaluation of content.
• While dictation exercises expose students to various forms of writing, their primary focus is on the mechanical and structural aspects of language (spelling, grammar, punctuation) and listening skills.
• Analyzing the veracity or subjective nature of information requires a different pedagogical approach, often involving reading comprehension, discussion, and debate, rather than simple transcription.