Question

Which language skill is typically given the least emphasis in the Grammar-Translation Method?

• A. A. Reading
• B. B. Writing
• C. C. Speaking
• D. D. Listening

Answer 1

Answer:

C. C. Speaking

The Grammar-Translation Method: Emphasis and Limitations

• The Grammar-Translation Method (GTM) is a traditional language teaching approach that originated from the classical method of teaching Latin and Greek. It was widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Its primary focus is on reading and writing skills, with a heavy emphasis on grammatical rules, memorization of vocabulary lists, and direct translation between the native language and the target language.
• In GTM, students learn grammar deductively; that is, they are first given grammar rules, and then they apply these rules to translate sentences.
• The method involves extensive use of the mother tongue (L1) for explaining grammar rules and translating texts.
• Among the four core language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – speaking and listening are given the least emphasis, often being neglected entirely. The goal is typically to enable students to read and translate literature, not to communicate orally.
• Classes in GTM often involve students translating complex literary texts and memorizing large lists of isolated vocabulary words. There is minimal to no focus on pronunciation or communicative competence.
• This method often leads to students having a good understanding of grammatical structures and vocabulary in the target language but a very limited ability to use the language for real-world communication.
• Historical Context for Competitive Exams: The Grammar-Translation Method was prevalent when the primary goal of foreign language learning was to read classical literature and understand grammatical structures, rather than to achieve oral proficiency. It has since been largely criticized and replaced by more communicative approaches like the Direct Method, Audio-Lingual Method, and Communicative Language Teaching (CLT).
• For competitive exams, remember that GTM's hallmarks are: focus on grammar rules, translation, reading, writing, and a significant lack of emphasis on spoken communication.