Name: Natasya Permata Puteri Student’s ID: 2110117320020
Course: Academic Reading and Writing A2 Lecturer: Dr. Jumariati, S. Pd., M. Pd.
Comparisons and Contrasts Between Speaking and Writing Skills
In the process of learning English as a Foreign Language, there are four main skills:
speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Two of them, speaking and writing are classified as productive skills, where students must actively produce language. Meanwhile, listening and reading are classified as receptive skills, where meaning is extracted from existing discourse.
Despite this categorization, there are important similarities and differences that require further understanding. Therefore, this paper will compare and contrast speaking and writing skills as two key aspects of productive language skills.
In comparison, speaking is similar to writing in terms of producing and organizing language elements. Harmer (2007) state that writing and speaking are productive skills. Which are activities in producing language. When writing, it is important to choose words carefully, construct sentences and organize the text cohesively. In speaking, it demands a quick decision-making process in word selection, forming sentences and engaging in direct conversation. Although the methods are different, these two skills both require effort to organize the elements of language so that the message can be conveyed properly.
In contrast, speaking differs from writing in its nature. Speaking requires individuals to process information and language directly, without the opportunity to think about it first. As explained by an expert, "The ability to speak fluently presupposes not only a knowledge of language features, but also the ability to process information and language on the spot"
(Harmer, 2001, p. 269). Writing, on the other hand, is the process of transforming thoughts into written language, giving the writer space to consider words and sentence structure more carefully.
In addition, as Harmer (2004) states, writing often serves as preparation for various activities such as sentence introduction in discussion activities. The writing process allows
them to formulate and organize ideas before engaging in oral interaction. In contrast, speaking enables direct communication with an audience, allowing for a spontaneous and interactive exchange of ideas. So, while writing facilitates the preparation and discovery of ideas, speaking allows for immediate expression and rapid response in interpersonal communication.
In summary, comparing speaking and writing as productive language skills reveals both similarities and differences. Both require careful consideration of language elements for effective communication. However, speaking demands quick, on-the-spot processing, while writing allows for more deliberate thought. Writing also serves as valuable preparation for activities like discussions, aiding in idea organization. Speaking, on the other hand, enables direct, interactive communication. Together, these skills form a dynamic interplay essential for effective language acquisition and communication.
References:
Harmer, J. (2001). The Practice of English Language Teaching: Third Edition (p. 269).
England: Pearson Education Limited.
Harmer, J. (2007). The Practice of English Language Teaching: Fourth Edition (p. 275).
England: Pearson Education Limited.
Harmer, J. (2004). How to Teach Writing (p. 33). England: Pearson Education Limited.
References: XXXXXX
P. Johnson, A. (2008). Teaching Reading and Writing: A Guidebook for Tutoring and Remediating Students (p. 232). Rowman & Littlefield Education, America, the U.S.
Brown, S. (2006). Teaching Listening: Presentation of Extensive Listening Tasks Leading to Personalized Speaking (p. 10). Cambridge University Press, United States, America.
