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Concept Mapping Strategy: A Strategic Alternative to the Matter of Spontaneous Speaking of Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners
Hooshang Khoshsima,
Amin Saed,
Afsaneh Hakimzadeh
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
1-8
Received:
12 September 2015
Accepted:
29 September 2015
Published:
8 October 2015
Abstract: This study investigated the effectiveness of Concept Mapping used as a learning strategy to improve the spontaneous speaking of Iranian intermediate EFL learners. To this end, forty EFL learners were selected based on their performance on a standardized proficiency test and randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. The speaking pretest and posttest were scored according to the IELTS Speaking Band checklist. Throughout a twenty two session treatment, the participants in the experimental group used concept mapping strategy, but those in the control group did not practice this strategy and worked on other common activities instead. Finally, a speaking posttest was taken to test the performance of the two groups. Both pretest and posttest were administered by three examiners. Calculating the inter-rater reliability of the examiners showed that there is a significant correlation between raters' scores on pretest and posttest of both groups. At last, the results of independent-sample t-test showed significantly greater gains of the experimental group than the control group. Therefore, results showed that concept mapping had statistically significant effect on spontaneous speaking of intermediate EFL learners.
Abstract: This study investigated the effectiveness of Concept Mapping used as a learning strategy to improve the spontaneous speaking of Iranian intermediate EFL learners. To this end, forty EFL learners were selected based on their performance on a standardized proficiency test and randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. The speaking pr...
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The Impact of Using Keyword Method on Vocabulary Learning and Retention: A Case of Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners
Zeynab Khalafi,
Mohammad Reza Oroji
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
9-13
Received:
15 December 2015
Accepted:
5 January 2016
Published:
11 January 2016
Abstract: This study investigated the impact of using Keyword Method on Iranian Intermediate EFL learners’ vocabulary learning and memorizing. To achieve this end, 40 female students were selected fromone English Language Institute in the form of two intact groups with the same number of students, namely control and treatment groups. The purpose was to teach themforty selected vocabulary items from 504 essential words for TOEFL during one semester. To do so, for the treatment group, the researcher made a booklet including the English words with their Persian keywords for the students, but the control group lacked this booklet. The data obtained through pre-test, post-test and delayed post- test were analyzed via a number of t-tests. The results of the data analysis indicated that the keyword method had a significant effect on both learners’ vocabulary learning and retention. Most of the learners believed that their classroom turned into an interesting atmosphere by adding a little flavor of fun and motivating students.
Abstract: This study investigated the impact of using Keyword Method on Iranian Intermediate EFL learners’ vocabulary learning and memorizing. To achieve this end, 40 female students were selected fromone English Language Institute in the form of two intact groups with the same number of students, namely control and treatment groups. The purpose was to teach...
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An Evaluation of Writing Skills of EFL Learners in Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
14-24
Received:
1 January 2016
Accepted:
11 January 2016
Published:
25 January 2016
Abstract: This study attempts to evaluate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' writing skills using error analysis (EA, hereafter) as a tool for the investigation. EFL is an understudied field in Kurdistan, especially in terms of writing skills and writing errors. The aim of the research is to identify, describe, analyze, and evaluate writing errors, their causes and sources, as well as discussing the role of EFL materials and their relation to EFL writing errors. Therefore, permission was gained to use a Cambridge standard writing test to examine the writing skills of EFL learners from two universities in Kurdistan using informal piloting. Furthermore, the study shows that these particular Kurdish EFL learners have serious problems in writing generally, and have weaknesses leading to errors in grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation - and particularly grammar. Hence, this paper can be a practical ground for EFL teachers, scholars, researchers, and students to understand Kurdish adult learners' writing errors and problems.
Abstract: This study attempts to evaluate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' writing skills using error analysis (EA, hereafter) as a tool for the investigation. EFL is an understudied field in Kurdistan, especially in terms of writing skills and writing errors. The aim of the research is to identify, describe, analyze, and evaluate writing errors...
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Cleft Sentences in Spoken Arabic of Iraq
Tawfeeq Abdulameer Hashim AL-Ghazali
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
25-29
Received:
22 January 2016
Accepted:
1 February 2016
Published:
23 February 2016
Abstract: This study is mainly concerned with cleft constructions as one of the grammatical devices used to highlight certain elements of the sentence or to emphasize a particular idea. The language user should be aware of the elements that can be highlighted and how he can highlight the proper element that serves to give the new information or the particular idea. It-cleft construction has been studied both as a focusing device and thematizing device. The construction is of interest in studies of information structure because it allows a speaker / writer to spread the information of a single proposition over two clauses and, consequently, two information units. It is normally assumed that the cleft construction is a means of steering the focus towards the clefted constituents. The it-cleft can have various types of phrases and clauses as its focus. This study adopts two models of analysis given by Halliday (1994) and Prince (1978) to explore the intricacies of spoken Arabic of Iraq. To the best of my knowledge this study has not been tackled yet; therefore; the present study is an attempt to fill such a gap.
Abstract: This study is mainly concerned with cleft constructions as one of the grammatical devices used to highlight certain elements of the sentence or to emphasize a particular idea. The language user should be aware of the elements that can be highlighted and how he can highlight the proper element that serves to give the new information or the particula...
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Research on Translated Text of Makhioui in Simalungun Wedding Ceremony into Indonesia Language
Rohdearni Wati Sipayung,
Abdurahman Adisaputera,
Amrin Saragih,
Roswita Silalahi,
Syahron Lubis
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
30-39
Received:
20 December 2015
Accepted:
1 February 2016
Published:
24 February 2016
Abstract: The research objective is to formulate the procedures applied by translators in translating Makhiou text on Simalungun wedding ceremony Indonesian language and assess the impact of translation procedure on the quality of translation in terms of accuracy, acceptability and readability. The method used in this research is oriented on the product or the work of translation. Translation unit is examined at the level of the sentence. The translation unit is set so that the study can be done in detail. It can be used as the basis to establish the conclusions of the study. This research uses the descriptive–qualitative approach because it is a verbal text which is translated into written.
Abstract: The research objective is to formulate the procedures applied by translators in translating Makhiou text on Simalungun wedding ceremony Indonesian language and assess the impact of translation procedure on the quality of translation in terms of accuracy, acceptability and readability. The method used in this research is oriented on the product or t...
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A Deeper Understanding of L2 Vocabulary Learning and Teaching: A Review Study
Fooziyeh Rasouli,
Khadijeh Jafari
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
40-46
Received:
25 January 2016
Accepted:
8 February 2016
Published:
25 February 2016
Abstract: Teaching vocabulary is one of the most important ways of developing students’ vocabulary knowledge. This paper provides a thorough review of vocabulary learning and teaching from a research perspective. A great body of scientific research has supported the fact that vocabulary is one of the most significant components of any language which must be dealt with much care and attention in early stages of second/foreign language learning. As an introduction, we describe the role and importance of vocabulary in second language learning. Then, how different methods and approaches have dealt with teaching vocabulary in the classrooms are discussed. Then, two types of vocabulary, incidental and intentional, are thoroughly described. Finally, we elaborate vocabulary learning strategies and explain in detail four factors affecting vocabulary learning strategies of second/foreign language learners.
Abstract: Teaching vocabulary is one of the most important ways of developing students’ vocabulary knowledge. This paper provides a thorough review of vocabulary learning and teaching from a research perspective. A great body of scientific research has supported the fact that vocabulary is one of the most significant components of any language which must be ...
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