Question

Which skills are considered productive skills in language teaching?

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

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Writing and Speaking

Understanding Productive Skills in Language Teaching

• Productive skills are also known as active skills or expressive skills in language learning.

• These skills involve the learner in producing language, rather than simply receiving or understanding it.

• They are crucial for effective communication as they enable learners to convey their thoughts, ideas, and feelings to others.

Key Productive Skills:

• Speaking:

  • Involves the oral production of language.

  • Requires learners to use pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar accurately and fluently.

  • Practiced through activities like conversations, discussions, presentations, role-plays, and debates.

  • Often considered the most challenging productive skill for many learners due to the real-time pressure.

• Writing:

  • Involves the written production of language.

  • Requires learners to organize their thoughts coherently, use appropriate vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

  • Practiced through activities like essay writing, report writing, letter writing, creative writing, and summarizing.

  • Allows learners more time for planning and revision compared to speaking.

Distinction from Receptive Skills:

• Productive skills are often contrasted with receptive skills (also known as passive skills or input skills).

• Receptive skills include listening and reading, where the learner receives and comprehends information.

• Both sets of skills are vital for overall language proficiency, but productive skills demonstrate the learner's ability to use the language actively.