Abstract
Pakistan is one of the developing countries where English is taught from primary to graduation level as a compulsory subject, but it is observed and quoted by a number of researchers in their research that the EFL learners are found weak in one of the basic language learning skill i.e., speaking. Keeping in view this issue of learners this research study was conducted to investigate the types of difficulties the male and female learners of EFL face in acquisition of speaking skills competence and to get their suggestions, which they expect from teachers or authorities to do in their endeavors of improving speaking skill competence in overcoming the difficulties faced by them. The sample consisting of 120 undergraduate students from 10 universities was selected. A questionnaire having 10 close-ended and 05 open-ended items was distributed among the participants. The analysis of quantitative data suggests that comparatively males give more importance to skill for success in career than female, moreover they are more hesitant than females because of lack of confidence, afraid of mistakes and of being criticized, etc. while analysis of qualitative data reveals that only 27% participants are satisfied by their speaking skills competence, 51% were unable to reason what is important for mastering speaking skills, 20% said, they are unable to speak because of lack of confidence, 38% feel speaking skill is the most difficult skill, while 35% favored classroom activities for improving speaking skill competence. On the basis of findings from the suggestions of the participants, it is concluded that if teachers arrange classroom activities, then there will be a positive impact on students’ confidence as activities will improve the speaking skill competence of the learners.
Highlights
1.1 Statement of ProblemIt is commonly observed that students find it difficult to speak English though in Pakistan, they are taught English as a compulsory subject from lower to higher level of education
Pakistan is one of the developing countries where English is taught from primary to graduation level as a compulsory subject, but it is observed and quoted by a number of researchers in their research that the EFL learners are found weak in one of the basic language learning skill i.e., speaking. Keeping in view this issue of learners this research study was conducted to investigate the types of difficulties the male and female learners of EFL face in acquisition of speaking skills competence and to get their suggestions, which they expect from teachers or authorities to do in their endeavors of improving speaking skill competence in overcoming the difficulties faced by them
The analysis of quantitative data suggests that comparatively males give more importance to skill for success in career than female, they are more hesitant than females because of lack of confidence, afraid of mistakes and of being criticized, etc. while analysis of qualitative data reveals that only 27% participants are satisfied by their speaking skills competence, 51% were unable to reason what is important for mastering speaking skills, 20% said, they are unable to speak because of lack of confidence, 38% feel speaking skill is the most difficult skill, while 35% favored classroom activities for improving speaking skill competence
Summary
It is commonly observed that students find it difficult to speak English though in Pakistan, they are taught English as a compulsory subject from lower to higher level of education. Zhang (2009) argued that speaking remains the most difficult skill to master for majority EFL learners, and they are still incompetent in communicating orally in English. They are found hesitant to respond to the queries in English though they are very proficient in their own or mother language. English is taught in almost all countries of the world as a foreign or second language and students learn to read and write just to understand the contents of the books and pass their examinations but when they have to express their ideas orally, they find it very difficult
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