This paper examines the effect which certain environmental variables have upon learning to speak English as a second language. (Author)

Reviews research and empirical evidence to refute three first language acquisition myths: (1) comprehension precedes production; (2) children acquire language in a systematic, rule-governed way; and (3) the impetus behind first language acquisition is communicative need. (Author/CB)

An experience approach to composition for intermediate or better students is detailed. It utilizes students' own interests and knowledge, prepares them for writing, makes transitions from oral to written English and encourages individual purposes in writing. Weaknesses of controlled composition are mentioned. (SCC)

Six methodological principles are discussed for the teaching of pronunciation in English as a second language; ten points of approach located between methodology and technique are listed. (CHK)

Opportunities for autonomous interaction and creative communication should accompany the necessary skill-getting activities in second language learning. Paper presented under contract with the English Language Branch--Defense Language Institute, Lackland Air Force Base, Lackland, Texas, and delivered in 1971 to staff members of the Branch. (VM)

Some data dispute the common assumption of linguists that speakers of nonstandard varieties of English lack functional command of Standard English. Hawaiian high school students were found equally competent in Standard and Hawaiian English. Implications of this finding for educational practices in Hawaii are discussed. (CHK)

Presents evidence of generalizations concerning the relationship between age, rate, and eventual attainment in second language acquisition: (1) adults proceed faster than children in early stages, (2) older children acquire second language faster than younger children, and (3) acquirers exposed to second languages during childhood achieve higher…

Discusses the teaching of oral communication skills in programs of English as a Second Language. Speaking and listening are discussed because major skill areas, pronunciation is presented as a subset of both speaking and listening development. (114 references) (GLR)

Presents study designed to examine trait structure of a cloze test using confirmatory factor analysis. Results suggest that a modified cloze passage, using rational deletions, is capable of measuring syntactic- and discourse-level relationships in a text, and this advantage may outweigh considerations of reduced redundancy which underlie random…

Paper prepared with the support of the Defense Language Institute English Language School, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas under contract F41609-70-C0033, and delivered in 1970 to staff members of the DLIELS. (DS)

A study is reported investigating whether reported sequence of acquisition of grammatical morphemes for second language learners would be found to exist in tasks other than that requiring speech production. (Author/RM)

THRICE is an acronym for a set of rules and exercises for foreigners learning correct English pronunciation. The THRICE technique was developed for non-native speakers who have a good knowledge of English but whose pronunciation is poor; the student is taught appropriate speech delivery through self-conditioning techniques. (CK)

Revised version of a paper presented at the TESOL Convention, March 1971, New Orleans, Louisiana. (VM)

An effective approach to minimizing the difficulties ESL learners have with the English verb phrase is to associate a clear function with each form. Three main contexts for teaching and lines of development are discussed. (Author/ND)