What are the key features of the “lexical approach” in English language learning? How has it changed the way that language , and vocabulary in particular, can be taught and learned?’

The default essay title for the module is:

‘What are the key features of the “lexical approach” in English language learning?  How has it changed the way that language , and vocabulary in particular, can be taught and learned?’

 

If you wish, you may develop an alternative question, discussing your idea  (and agreeing a question wording)   with your supervisor. This might centre on any of the following topic:

 

  • Teaching phrasal verbs

 

Essay content.

The essay requires you to :

  • Carry out a review of the literature in this topic
  • Identify key concepts
  • Discuss links to possible practice

 

When carrying out your review, remember to ‘read up’, starting with introductory texts (including our course text) and  strengthening your understanding of basic ideas before looking at advanced material.

 

The essay requires you to identify key ideas rather than report every idea exhaustively. Demonstrate judgment by looking at the literature overall and determining which ideas are central to the topic.

 

Demonstrate that you understand the ideas by providing personal expansion and examples where necessary.  Make sure that you synthesize (link, combine) material from sources rather than reporting sources one by one.

 

The essay will require you to link ideas to practical applications for teaching and learning. Where this is not done explicitly in the literature, suggest ways that they might be applied.

 

The essay can be organised either by presenting material: a) by concept, discussing concepts first and then linking immediately to application; or b) separating into two (‘concepts’, then ‘application’ sections). Make sure in either case that theory and suggested practices are linked in the discussion.

 

 

Layout, Organisation and References   Note that, as with any academic work, you are expected to show your familiarity with published academic work on the subject, including your textbooks and other relevant material and acknowledge ideas and quotations using standard referencing format.