Question:

Submitted by Octavio Americo Blamssone, Universidade Pedagogica, Mozambique

What are the reasons for poor speaking skills among second language learners?

Dr. Richards responds:

There are many reasons that may account for difficulties learners sometimes have with mastering speaking skills. These could include:

• Inadequate classroom conditions (too many students in a class)
• Lack of motivation
• Poor quality teaching
• Poor quality materials
• Little opportunity provided to practice speaking
• Personality factors (anxiety, shyness etc)