Essay tests are widely used to assess ESL/EFL learners' writing abilities for instructional, administrative, and research purposes. Relevant literature was searched to identify 70 empirical studies on ESL/EFL essay tests. The majority of these studies examined task, essay, and rater effects on essay rating and scores. Less attention has been given…

A description of materials developed to supplement an activity-based French program for grade eight. (PMP)

A number of exercises for promoting communication and self-expression in the classroom are described. (RM)

This article deals with the role of attitudes in second language acquisition suggested by a social psychological interpretation of the processes involved, and examines several extracurricular programs designed to improve student attitudes and motivation. (CLK)

Effective instructional resources for language study include tapes of French-language news broadcasts, plays, poetry, newspaper extracts, slides, and community-directed conversations. Ways in which these resources may be used in the classroom include reading for comprehension, writing, discussion, and basic skill practice such as dictation and…

Presents a unit of activities based on a reading of Albert Camus'""L'Etranger." The activities, which can be adapted to various levels and abilities in an intermediate French class, incorporate reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Sample materials and a bibliography are appended. (AM)

Discusses the use of pictures in the language classroom and presents controlled and non-controlled activities incorporating pictures. (AM)

Discusses the suitability of functional syllabuses as a basis for general course design, and means whereby functionally oriented materials may be integrated within existing language programs. (Author/AM)

Discusses the notion of "social language" and problems of syllabus design for teaching social language to foreign students studying in the United Kingdom. Presents exercises which stress the communicative aspect of language. (AM)

Considers the implications of research on intentional learning processes for the role of the second language teacher. It is recommended that teachers take on the task of helping their students refine their competence as learners. Techniques for classroom practice are suggested. (MSE)

A rationale is presented for describing the communicative competence of language students in terms of proficiency guidelines. Techniques are discussed for helping students develop communicative proficiency in the four skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and for evaluating students' proficiency levels in relation to…

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages' Provisional Proficiency Guidelines are criticized for their narrow view of language use and the inadequacy of their construct of "proficiency." The appropriateness of the guidelines as a basis for developing a syllabus or designing a curriculum is questioned. (MSE)

Ten "do's" and eight "don'ts" for beginning teachers to use to enhance the classroom atmosphere and forge a bond of confidence between teacher and student are outlined. The suggestions, based on experience, are designed to help the teacher avoid pitfalls and use positive strategies from the first day of class. (MSE)

Kinesics, a form of nonverbal communication, is defined and described; the manner in which visual signals are expressed verbally in contemporary Spanish literature is characterized and exemplified; similarities and differences in exemplary gestures are examined across cultures; and the pedagogical implications are discussed. (MSE)

Four vocabulary instruction problems are addressed on practical and theoretical levels: how to select vocabulary, organize it effectively, convey the meaning of words, and improve retention of new words through meaningful practice. Suggestions are given for using creative activities that are both educationally and linguistically sound. (MSE)