Abstract:

The purpose of the following paper is to present two specific types of speaking activities. In addition, the authoress outlines their underlying methodological and theoretical premises such as for instance Communicative Language Teaching and the Lexical Approach. Those activities were created by the teacher for university students with a view to developing their productive speaking skills by simultaneously boosting their L2 creativity and critical thinking as well as assisting them in overcoming inhibitions connected with spontaneous performance in L2. The activities are aimed at practicing language functions such as hypothesizing, argumentation, persuasion, supporting and expressing one’s viewpoint which are consistent with C2 level descriptors in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages established by the Council of Europe. The presented and discussed activities can be used in many phases specified in a lesson scenario during lessons focused on various skills or even integrating them, e.g. as warm-up, pre-listening, pre-reading or post-reading activity. Furthermore, their development is a beneficial creative activity for the teacher himself and can be performed while tailoring the coursebook for the specific needs of his students including their professional background or major.

Keywords:

Productive speaking skill, CLT, advanced learner, language functions, Lexical Approach.