Pronunciation in the ESL Speaking-Assessment. Literary Review

Seminar paper from the year 2021 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Other, grade: 12, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (Anglistik), course: Speaking, language: English, abstract: This paper aims to show the extent to which pronunciation is crucial in the assessment of speaking. With the rediscovery of pronunciation instruction in ESL classrooms, the importance of pronunciation as an integral part of the language course in language proficiency came to the forefront. Reinforcing pronunciation was seen as particularly important as learners could have difficulty understanding if they had problems with pronunciation. In addition, teaching pronunciation could help learners to better understand native speakers and generally improve their own ability to communicate easily and effectively. This paper deals with the importance of pronunciation in the assessment of ESL language proficiency. The first part deals with the relevance of speaking skills for ESL learners and the definition of pronunciation. It also shows why pronunciation should be taught in ESL classes. In addition, it highlights what constitutes stable and acceptable pronunciation and how teachers can ensure that their students achieve good pronunciation. It also examines whether pronunciation plays a role as an evaluative aspect in the assessment of speaking. In the second part, the role of pronunciation in the assessment of speaking in ESL classes is discussed and ways of assessing pronunciation are presented.