1st Edition

The Twenty Most Effective Language Teaching Techniques

By I.S.P. Nation Copyright 2025
336 Pages 7 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

336 Pages 7 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

336 Pages 7 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

From leading scholar and applied linguist Paul Nation, this book describes and explains the 20 most effective and efficient language teaching techniques and why they work. Backed by decades of research and expertise, Nation examines the principles of learning connected to these techniques, as well as the factors affecting their choice and usage. These techniques are organized around the four... Read more

Introduction

Chapter 1             Language teaching techniques and the four strands

Chapter 2             A system of tasks for language learning

Chapter 3             Group work and language learning

Chapter 4             The principles of learning

Listening

Chapter 5             Extensive listening and viewing

Chapter 6             Dictation

Chapter 7             Easy listening

Speaking

Chapter 8             Informal conversation

Chapter 9             Problem-solving speaking

Chapter 10           Prepared talks

Chapter 11           Hearing and pronunciation practice

Chapter 12           4/3/2

Reading

Chapter 13           Extensive reading

Chapter 14           Intensive reading

Chapter 15           Speed reading     

Writing

Chapter 16           Extensive writing with feedback

Chapter 17           Information transfer

Chapter 18           Guided writing

Chapter 19           Substitution tables

Chapter 20           10-minute writing

General purpose

Chapter 21           Linked skills activities

Chapter 22           Projects

Chapter 23           Vocabulary flash cards

Chapter 24           Learner training

Research

Chapter 25           Researching language teaching techniques

Appendix 1          A feedback system for writing and self-checking procedures

References

Index

Biography

I.S.P. Nation is Professor Emeritus in Applied Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.