Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Practice Test 2025 - Free TESOL Practice Questions and Study Guide

Communicative language teaching (CLT) is fundamentally centered on the idea that language learning is most effective when it's rooted in real communication. Emphasis is placed on interaction—the primary means through which learners acquire a new language. By engaging in meaningful conversations and activities, learners develop their linguistic skills in a context that simulates actual language use.

Additionally, CLT advocates for the use of authentic materials, such as newspapers, videos, and real-life dialogues, which reflect the language as it is used in everyday situations. This exposure helps learners gain practical language skills that grammatical exercises or memorized vocabulary alone cannot provide. By encouraging students to work collaboratively in pairs or groups and to participate in role plays, CLT not only enhances their language competency but also boosts their confidence in using the language socially.

The approach departs from traditional methods that might prioritize strict grammar rules or rote memorization, highlighting the importance of functional language use over theoretical knowledge. Therefore, the essence of communicative language teaching is capturing the richness of language in social contexts through interaction and real-world materials.