Teaching English Grammar Penny Ur 2015

Conclusion

• There is such a thing as ‘correct’ and ‘incorrect’, ‘acceptable’ and ‘unacceptable’ usage in the context of English as an international language.
• Where learners use incorrect or unacceptable forms, we should correct them.

A Reservation

With older / more advanced learners I would raise awareness of variants they will encounter.

These are acceptable in input.

But they should aim for standard forms for their own output.

Importance of grammatical accuracy

Questionnaire (1)

4=strongly agree 3=agree 2=not sure 1=don’t agree

1. It is important to me to know that I’m using correct grammar when speaking my second language __

2. It is important to me to know that I’m using correct grammar when writing my second language __

Grammatical accuracy is important because…

• …From the point of view of the hearer/reader, inaccuracy, even if it doesn’t affect meaning, is
• distracting
• ‘uncomfortable’
• may lower respect for the speaker/writer