Longman International English Course (Unit Test 4)

Author: Molinsky, S., Bliss, B. (Eds.)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: There are two main approaches to writing textbooks for the foundational stage of English learning: one is grammar-based and the other is communicative function-based. Both approaches have their own emphases, yet each also has its drawbacks. Grammar-based textbooks focus on helping students systematically master grammatical structures, emphasizing the proficiency and accuracy of constructing sentences. However, they often neglect the development of students' communicative skills. The extreme manifestation of this is knowing grammar but being unable to speak fluently. Communicative function-based textbooks prioritize cultivating students' ability to use language for communication, but they often overlook the need for accuracy in language (including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc.). The extreme manifestation of this is speaking boldly but making numerous language errors. Communication is the fundamental purpose of learning a foreign language. If you spend a lot of time studying grammar rules but still cannot communicate with others, it is almost like studying in vain. Conversely, the grammatical rules of a language (broadly speaking, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation) are the foundation of the language. No sentence can exist without grammar. Those who only seek to meet immediate communicative needs without striving for a solid language foundation will eventually find themselves unable to express themselves clearly and lacking the ability to meet challenges, and will be mocked. Ideal textbooks and corresponding teaching methods should strike a reasonable balance between grammatical ability and communicative ability, as well as achieve an organic integration of the two. In recent years, many textbooks written domestically and internationally have made efforts in this direction and achieved varying degrees of success. This set of "Side by Side," adapted and published by Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press after being introduced from Longman Publishing Group, is considered a relatively successful example. In the four books of this series, each lesson has a grammatical focus point, along with communicative scenarios where the grammatical item is frequently used. As a result, students can immediately apply the grammar they learn to language communication.