Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part1. General Principles -- Part2. Practical Examples

Fluency practice in the English as a second language (ESL) classroom is the subject of this book. Ways are suggested in which students may be induced to talk in the classroom using the vehicle of discussion. Part 1 isolates and generalizes a number of elements that are essential for a good discussion, such as interesting topics, group work, role play, the task as focus, and organization of process. Part 2 consists of practical examples of discussion activities based on exercises that have been found effective in actual classroom practice. These include brainstorming activities such as guessing games, organizing activities including comparing and combining, and compound activities such as composing letters and conducting debates and surveys. Although some of the ideas are useful with beginning students, most have greater applicability to intermediate and moderately advanced students. (Author/JB)