ACCURACY VS FLUENCY

Shiela S.M. Aringo

 ACCURACY
DEFINITION
Refers to the use of correct forms
where utterances do not contain errors
affecting the phonological, syntactic,
semantic or discourse features of a
language (Bryne, 1988)
Accuracy refers to the correctness of
the language being produced by the
speaker.
Ability to produce grammatically
correct sentences.
FLUENCY
DEFINITION
Fluency is derived from the Latin
word fluens which means to
flow.
May be defined as the ability to
get across communicative intent
without too much hesitation and
too many pauses to cause
barriers or a breakdown in
communication (Crystal, 1977;
Bryne, 1986; Nation,
1991)Freedom from word
identification problems
 Decoding and
comprehending
simultaneously.
The speaker is
comfortable using the
language and can be
reasonably understood by
other speakers of the TL.
The ability to read/speak
accurately, quickly and
with appropriate
intonation and expression.
(Put Reading First 2001, p. 21)
 ACCURACY FLUENCY

Clear and articulate The ability to produce

written and / or spoken
speaking or writing. language with ease.
Language free from Speak with a good but not
grammar mistakes. necessarily perfect
command of intonation,
Words spelled and/or vocabulary and grammar.
pronounced correctly. Communicate ideas
Language effectively.
Produce continuous speech
appropriate to the
without causing
situation and/or comprehension difficulties
context. or a breakdown in
communication.
 ACCURACY FLUENCY

ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES
Purpose: Purpose:

to help students achieve to help students practice

accurate perception and language in listening,
speaking, reading, and/or
production of a target
writing activities to so
item which can be sound,
develop fluency
a word, or a sentence
in using the language in
structure. spontaneous
communication.
 ACCURACY
MATERIALS
a) texts are usually composed
of separate ("discrete")
items: sentences or words.
b) texts may be used in any
mode (skill), regardless of
how they are used in real
life .
c) the target items are usually
practiced out of context or
situation.
FLUENCY
MATERIALS
a) texts are usually whole
pieces of discourses:
conversation, stories, etc.
b) texts are usually used as
they would be in real life:
dialogues are spoken,
articles and written stories
are read.
c) authentic materials from
real life are used.
 ACCURACY
ACTIVITIES
a) students' attention is
focused on a particular
target item.
b) their output is usually
predictable.
c) their performance is
assessed on how few
language mistakes are
made
d) errors are corrected
e) tasks do not usually
simulate real-life situations.
FLUENCY
ACTIVITIES
a) students' attention is focused
on communicating information
and expressing ideas.
b) their output may not always
be predictable.
c) their performance is assessed
on how well ideas are
expressed or understood.
d) students' errors are not
corrected unless it interferes
with communication
e) tasks often simulate real-life
situations.
 Fluency task should:
-build students confidence.
-be a chance for students to
recycle language and
vocabulary
-allow students to talk about
what they wish to talk
about.
-need to listen to each other
-be good for diagnosis:
students can experiment
with language
-give students space so they
can personalise
-have a positive effect on
classroom dynamics
-if they have an
authentic task which
works in real time, then
the language will have
a direct effect on the
outcome of the task.
-in life, communication in
paramount and
requires a genuine use
of language.
-fluency is a process not
a product.
 ACCURACY (ISSUES) FLUENCY (ISSUES)

correction of errors that Fossilization

are provided errors that have
inadvertently may become a permanent
discourage learners part in the way a
from speaking. learner speaks (Nation
1989)
communication in a
target language is not
always the most
effective way to
develop speaking skills.
References
http://www.auburn.edu/~nunnath/engl6240/accur
acy.html
http://www.geocities.co.jp/collegeLife/9546/pape
rs/paper2.htm
http://miguelbengoa.com/elt/?p=693