INTEGRATED SKILLS BY HARMER

In his book 'The practice of English Language Teaching', 4th Edition, Jeremy Harmer argues that
integrated skills should be taught in the classroom rather than separating the four language skills
(reading, writing, listening, and speaking) into different lessons. Harmer contends that this approach
is more effective in helping students acquire and use the language.

Harmer argues that language learning should be seen as a holistic process where the four skills are
interdependent and interconnected. For instance, in a real-life situation, a person listens to
someone else, responds by speaking, reads something, and writes something in response. Therefore,
it makes sense for learners to practice these skills together in a classroom setting.

Moreover, Harmer suggests that separating language skills can be ineffective because it can lead to
a lack of integration in the learner's mind. If reading is taught separately from writing, for example,
learners may not be able to apply what they have learned to real-life situations. By integrating the
skills, learners can practice the language in a more natural and meaningful way, making it easier for
them to acquire and retain the language.

In addition, Harmer highlights the benefits of using authentic materials and tasks to integrate
language skills. By using real-life materials such as newspapers, magazines, and videos, learners can
practice multiple skills at once, leading to more effective learning outcomes. For instance, a listening
task that includes a reading component and a writing response can engage learners and encourage
them to use the language in a more natural way.

In conclusion, Harmer advocates for the teaching of integrated skills in the classroom, arguing that it
is a more effective approach for language learning. By using authentic materials and tasks, learners
can practice the language in a more natural and meaningful way, leading to better learning
outcomes.

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The chapter starts by discussing the importance of teaching language skills in a balanced way.
Harmer points out that learners need to develop all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and
speaking) to become competent communicators in the language. Therefore, it is crucial for teachers
to provide opportunities for learners to practice each skill in the classroom.

Harmer argues that language skills are interconnected and interdependent, meaning that they are
not separate entities but are part of a larger system. He suggests that teaching the skills separately
can lead to a lack of integration in the learner's mind and make it difficult for them to use the
language in a natural way. Instead, he advocates for the integration of language skills in the
classroom.

The author highlights the benefits of task-based learning and communicative language teaching in
integrating language skills. Task-based learning involves learners completing a meaningful task that
requires them to use the language in a natural way. Communicative language teaching, on the other
hand, focuses on developing learners' communicative competence by providing opportunities for
them to interact in the language.

Harmer also emphasizes the importance of using authentic materials and tasks in language teaching.
Authentic materials are those that are produced for native speakers of the language, such as
newspapers, magazines, and videos. By using authentic materials and tasks, learners can practice
multiple skills at once, leading to more effective learning outcomes.
The chapter also discusses the role of the teacher in guiding learners towards developing their
language skills. Harmer suggests that teachers should provide learners with opportunities to use the
language in a variety of contexts and encourage them to use strategies to improve their skills.
Teachers should also monitor learners' progress and provide feedback to help them improve their
language skills.

Overall, the chapter emphasizes the importance of integrating language skills in language teaching
and provides practical suggestions for teachers to achieve this in the classroom. By teaching language
skills in an integrated way, learners can develop their communicative competence and use the
language in a natural and meaningful way.

Jeremy Harmer suggests several ways of integrating language skills in his book 'The Practice of
English Language Teaching', fourth edition. Here are some of the ways he recommends:

1. Task-based learning: In task-based learning, learners complete a meaningful task that

requires them to use the language in a natural way. The task should involve the integration
of multiple language skills, such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking. For example,
learners could read a news article, discuss it with a partner, and write a summary of their
discussion.
2. Communicative language teaching: Communicative language teaching focuses on
developing learners' communicative competence by providing opportunities for them to
interact in the language. The teacher should create activities that require learners to use the
language in a meaningful way, such as role-plays, debates, and discussions.
3. Using authentic materials: Authentic materials are those that are produced for native
speakers of the language, such as newspapers, magazines, and videos. By using authentic
materials in the classroom, learners can practice multiple skills at once, leading to more
effective learning outcomes. For example, learners could watch a news video, read the
accompanying article, and write a summary of the story.
4. Integrated skills lessons: Integrated skills lessons involve teaching multiple language skills in
a single lesson. The teacher should create activities that require learners to use multiple skills
at once, such as listening and writing, or reading and speaking. For example, learners could
listen to a recording of a conversation and then write a summary of the conversation.
5. Project-based learning: In project-based learning, learners work on a project over a period of
time that involves the integration of multiple language skills. The project should be designed
to be meaningful and engaging for the learners and should require them to use the language
in a natural way. For example, learners could work on a project to create a brochure for a
tourist attraction, which involves researching information, writing text, and creating images.

Overall, integrating language skills requires careful planning and design of activities that require
learners to use the language in a natural and meaningful way. By integrating language skills in the
classroom, learners can develop their communicative competence and use the language more
effectively.
 WRITING SKILL BY HARMER

In "The Practice of English Language Teaching" 4th Edition, J. Harmer discusses various approaches to
teaching writing comprehension, as well as strategies to help students improve their writing skills.
Here are some of the key points he covers:

1. Helping students improve spelling: Harmer suggests using activities that focus on spelling
and word recognition to improve writing skills. These activities could include spelling tests,
word games, or dictation exercises. The teacher can also encourage students to use a
dictionary or spell-checker when writing.
2. Product and process approach to writing: Harmer highlights the importance of both product
and process approaches to teaching writing. The product approach focuses on the final
written product, such as a composition or essay, and the process approach focuses on the
steps involved in writing, such as brainstorming, drafting, and revising. Both approaches are
important for developing writing skills.
3. Creative writing: Harmer encourages teachers to incorporate creative writing activities into
their lessons. These activities can help students develop their imagination and creativity, as
well as improve their writing skills. Examples of creative writing activities include writing
poems, short stories, or scripts.
4. Collaborative writing: Collaborative writing involves students working together to create a
piece of writing. Harmer suggests that collaborative writing activities can be a great way to
motivate students and help them learn from each other. Teachers can assign group writing
tasks, such as creating a dialogue or a story, or have students peer-review each other's
writing.
5. Building the writing habit: Harmer recommends that teachers encourage students to write
regularly as a way to build their writing skills. Teachers can assign short writing tasks as
homework or in-class activities. They can also encourage students to keep a journal or blog,
which can help develop writing fluency.
6. Teacher roles: Harmer points out that teachers play an important role in helping students
develop their writing skills. Teachers can provide feedback on students' writing, encourage
revision and editing, and provide guidance on the writing process. Teachers can also model
good writing practices, such as using proper grammar and punctuation.
7. Combining writing with other skills: Harmer suggests that teachers can integrate writing
with other language skills, such as reading and speaking. For example, teachers can assign
reading comprehension activities that require students to summarize or respond in writing.
Teachers can also have students present their written work to the class, which can help
develop speaking skills.

In conclusion, J. Harmer emphasizes the importance of teaching writing comprehension in a holistic

way that includes product and process approaches, creative writing, collaborative writing, building
the writing habit, teacher roles, and combining writing with other skills. By incorporating these
strategies into their teaching, teachers can help students develop their writing skills and become
more confident writers.