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Letters | Hong Kong textbook writers should use examples from everyday English instead of stock phrases
- Language teaching material often includes expressions that are rarely heard in daily speech
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Since the launch of the new senior secondary English language curriculum in 2012, the Hong Kong Examination and Assessment Authority has annually published the Hong Kong Diploma of Education Examination Papers. This publication also reports on candidate performance in different papers.
In the speaking paper, an indiscriminate use of formulaic expressions or stock phrases, such as “I agree with you” or “that’s a good idea”, is commonly observed.
Apart from student skills and abilities, the quality of textbook material is critical. Hong Kong textbooks often invent examples of different kinds of speech, such as opining and agreeing, which are not frequently used when people converse naturally.
Not only are a number of expressions listed in the textbooks not found in an authentic English environment, these books do not include the more common expressions in everyday spoken English.
Textbook writers should enhance the authenticity of their material by using examples from genuine English.
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