MIDTERM EXAMINATION

SPEAKING FOR ACADEMICS AND PROFESSIONALS

Name : Billy Januar Pamungkas

Class : 3A

Answer these questions in a paragraph, if it is necessary, you can provide some theories
to support your explanation.
1. In your opinion, what is “academic speaking”? and why is it important in the context
of higher education?
Answer : In my opinion academic speaking is speaking skills and linguistic knowledge in
performing speaking in various ways formal academic context. According to (Christianson &
Watanabe,2009). Academic speaking is also a medium to help students feel more relaxed
communication, such as leading and participating in discussions. So Academic speaking is very
important for students because when we engage in discussions, we need to speak within a
formal academic context.

2. Explain the differences between academic presentations and business presentations.

And what should you prepare for academic presentation?
Answer : The goal of the business presentation is to deliver certain idea, message, sell a service
or a product. Meanwhile academic presentations are created to deliver information about a
certain subject. And to prepare an academic presentation we must Choose a topic that makes
sense to you and your audience. Do good research, organize your talk, and practice. Use images
to help explain your ideas. Be confident when you speak and engage with your audience. Dress
neatly, arrive early, and don't talk for too long.
3. Choose one topic from the presentation, and explain how you integrate that topic into
a real classroom learning?
Answer : The topic “Active Learning” in the real classroom can employ a number of strategies.
First, classroom discussions can be the foundation of active learning, where students are
encouraged to ask questions and actively engage with the material, thereby promoting critical
thinking and engagement. . Second, incorporating hands-on activities, such as experiments,
group projects, or interactive tasks, can make learning more hands-on and engaging. These
activities give students the opportunity to apply what they have learned, thereby reinforcing
their understanding. Additionally, presenting real-life problems related to the topic and asking
students to work in groups to find solutions is another effective approach. This not only
develops problem-solving skills but also promotes teamwork. Finally, allowing students to take
turns explaining concepts to their peers through peer teaching can strengthen their
understanding and encourage active participation. By integrating active learning into the
classroom, an environment is created in which students are deeply engaged in their learning,
making the learning experience more enjoyable and effective.
 4. How do you ensure the English-speaking material is interesting and relevant to students.
Answer : Using the traditional method with the procedure is the first step is to provide the text
while students read the entire text then search at least 10 words whose meaning is difficult or
unknown to students, written and interpreted with the help of a dictionary and also searched
through asking and discussing with other students, so that students are also directed to interact
with other friends to discuss words that are difficult to put together, and last to memorize. The
second is a mini dictionary. The steps of this strategy are; first the teacher directs students make
mini dictionaries before the learning process begins, after that the teacher Starting learning by
displaying a text then directing students to look for words that students don't have know it, then
write it in the mini dictionary that students have made previously, then look for it the meaning
of the word and finally memorize it, so that students understand the content of the word the
whole story in the text. The third is role play, with steps directing students to pair up with
around 2 people ask students to have a dialogue or monologue then invite students to act out
the dialogue or monologue in front of the class.
5. What strategies can teachers employ to provide targeted and constructive feedback that
fosters speaking proficiency?
Answer : According to Ur (2000 p: 121), there are three ways the teacher solves some of the
problems encountered in the speaking class. 1 Use the group work 2 Base the activities on
simple words 3 Give some instruction or training in discussion skills.
Employ collaborative activities where students work together in groups. This fosters peer
interaction, enhances speaking opportunities, and encourages students to express themselves
in a more relaxed and supportive environment. Design activities that focus on using basic and
easily understandable vocabulary. This approach helps lower the language complexity,
reducing barriers to communication and allowing students to build confidence in their speaking
abilities. Teach students how to engage in conversations, listen actively, ask questions, and
express opinions coherently. These skills are essential for meaningful communication.

6. Discuss the impact of technology on the conceptual basis of teaching and learning
speaking. How can digital tools both enhance and challenge traditional practices in this
context?
Answer : With the aid of technology, we can simply watch foreign films and pick up the
language from native speakers. Many applications also provide us with the ability to converse
with native speakers. Nevertheless, using technology for speaking exercises in language
learning also presents certain difficulties, including the absence of human interaction to foster
social and conversational skills, concerns about the accuracy and efficacy of the technology,
accessibility issues, and a potential lack of technological know-how.
 7. Explain the challenges of mother tongue interference in language learners. What
strategies can be employed to help learners minimize the impact of their native language
on their English speaking?
Answer : Challenges related to language learners' native language intervention often arise from
the transfer of linguistic structures and habits from the first language (L1) to the second
language (L2) for example the first language is Indonesia(L1) and second language such as
English(L2). To minimize the influence of L1 on L2, teachers teach lessons such as listening
or watching videos directly with native speakers and make it a habit for their students to always
listen to something directly from native speakers so they get used to listening to native speakers'
pronunciations.
8. Examine the effects of limited exposure to the English language on speaking
proficiency. What methods can educators use to increase exposure and immersion in
English for learners?
Answer : An effective approach involves establishing an English-rich classroom environment
through the incorporation of English-language materials, labels, and resources. Encouraging
students to engage in predominantly English communication during class sessions promotes an
immersive language learning experience. Furthermore, the integration of real-life scenarios and
practical activities that necessitate English usage, such as group discussions, projects, or
debates, can greatly enhance the immersion process. Additionally, the utilization of technology,
including interactive language learning apps and online resources, offers learners
supplementary avenues for practicing and immersing themselves in the language outside the
traditional classroom setting.
9. Analyze the impact of shifting from teacher-centred to learner-centred classroom
approaches on speaking development. How do interactive classroom dynamics enhance
speaking skills?
Answer : Transitioning from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered classroom approach can
significantly influence the development of speaking skills. In a teacher-centered approach, the
emphasis is on the instructor, who primarily imparts content, leaving students in a relatively
passive role, mainly listening and responding to teacher directives. Conversely, adopting a
learner-centered approach empowers students to engage more actively in their learning process.
Shifting from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered classroom approach encourages students
to participate actively and fosters a supportive learning environment. These factors collectively
contribute to improved speaking development, as they create ample opportunities for students
to practice and enhance their communication skills.
10. How can limited vocabulary impact not only speaking fluency but also the overall
communication effectiveness of English learners? What strategies can teachers employ
to address this barrier?
Answer : Communication strategy, according to Goh (2007) is a plan or way how to solve
communication problems. It helps the students to deal with their vocabulary knowledge when
they want to talk for example when we want to say something in English but there is one object
that we don't know. Using this strategy, the teacher helps the student to develop their speaking
skill. ( storytelling, public speaking or presentations and social media campaigns)