Traditionally, language-learning materials beyond the initial stages have been sourced from literature: prose, fiction and poetry. While there is a trend for inclusion of a wider range of contemporary and authentic texts, accessible and culturally appropriate pieces of literature should play a pivotal role at the secondary stage of education. The English class should not be seen as a place merely to read poems and stories in, but an area of activities to develop the learner’s imagination as a major aim of language study, and to equip the learner with communicative skills to perform various language functions through speech and writing.

 

 

The general objectives at this stage are:

• to build greater confidence and proficiency in oral and written communication

• to develop the ability and knowledge required in order to engage in independent reflection and inquiry

• to use appropriate English to communicate in various social settings

• equip learners with essential language skills to question and to articulate their point of view

• to build competence in the different registers of English

• to develop sensitivity to, and appreciation of, other varieties of English, like Indian English, and the culture they reflect

• to enable the learner to access knowledge and information through reference skills (consulting a dictionary / thesaurus, library, internet, etc.)

• to develop curiosity and creativity through extensive reading

• to facilitate self-learning to enable them to become independent learners

• to review, organise and edit their own work and work done by peers At the end of this stage, learners will be able to do the following:

• give a brief oral description of events / incidents of topical interest

• retell the contents of authentic audio texts (weather reports, public announcements, simple advertisements, short interviews, etc.)

• participate in conversations, discussions, etc., on topics of mutual interest in non-classroom situations

• narrate the story depicted pictorially or in any other non-verbal mode