Examining the Lexical Profile and Speaking Skills of English L2 Learners

Abstract

This paper describes a pilot study that examined the lexical profile and formulaic phrase usage of EFL university students on speaking tests administered as part of a discussion course. The course aimed to develop productive vocabulary and overall speaking skills of learners through the instruction, study, and focused practice of academic vocabulary and formulaic sequences suitable for discussions. Results suggest that the course was effective, even for learners who were already proficient speakers, with increased usage of NGSL 3 and NAWL words, resulting in a more sophisticated lexical profile overall. In addition, the explicit instruction and practice of formulaic sequences based on the suggestions of Dörnyei and Thurrell (1994) resulted in increased utilization of conversational strategies such as performing confirmation checks. Implications and future directions for research are discussed.