For beginners, learning all possible English expressions is more important than communicating their ideas and thoughts in basic grammar. Discuss.

There are so many different ways in expressing an idea. For example, these two sentences convey the same meaning.

A. I did some running yesterday.

B. I have done some running this week.

For beginners, learning all possible English expressions is more important than communicating their ideas and thoughts in basic grammar. Discuss.

In the Far East, primary education emphasises accuracy and detailed study of English grammar. Because English is their second language, people believe laying a solid foundation of grammar is a key to excel in exams and eventually master the language. Some other people recommend teaching English in British style which brings out children’s innate ability in communication. In this discussion, I will talk about whether children excel in English through expressing thoughts and ideas in basic grammar, or whether studying the breadth and depth of English grammar makes children good communicators.

The United Kingdom is a multicultural country, and there are thousands of bilingual families speaking native languages and practising traditional cultures at home. English is technically a second language to these children. Many start speaking English at five years old, when they join reception at school. Many parents of these families are non-native speakers and may struggle to support children’s English language development through verbal communication. Some may argue that these children study with native English-speaking friends and therefore can read and write better English. However, it is not unusual to hear people speaking non-standard English or adding swear words in between phrases. It is in fact not everyone graduating from universities. Non-native speaking families share similar problems with parents living in non-English speaking countries.

Some people believe that taking the British approach in learning English makes Far East children good English communicators. It is believed that encouragement develops the love of learning in children. When children love learning, they become independent learners and excel themselves with what they do. The same principle applies to learning English. Children in the UK are encouraged to express their thoughts and ideas in writing through basic grammar and knowledge in English from reading. Emphasis is to communicate thoughts. This makes children enjoy the process of learning English.

Following a robust reading scheme in the British curriculum, learning to read is the blueprint in primary education. Schools use various reading schemes such as “Read with Oxford” in early years education. Gradually, children read more complex novels such as Michael Morpurgo’s books, The Chronicles of Narnia series etc. Apart from reading, children are encouraged to express their thoughts and ideas in writing as young as five years old. Parents are advised to read with children at home. At school, children read with teachers and learn to write in basic grammar. Teachers usually encourage children to use alternative expressions when sentences do not make sense to the children themselves. Making mistakes in writing is never an issue in lessons and it is not apparent to me that advanced grammar is taught at school.

Like any Far East countries, many people love private tutoring. It provides ambitious learners with advanced English learning in grammar, vocabulary, writing and reading. Children learn to read classic texts with experienced tutors and practise skills in comprehension papers. They learn to develop advanced writing techniques. Even so, the emphasis is not about grammar. Learners are taught to understand characters’ situations, writing techniques, characters’ personalities and feelings, the mood of a text. As they gradually advance these skills, grammar is made relatable to them, and relevant practice is easily accessible online or in workbooks.   

To many people, the foundations of mastering English language and becoming good communicators are not about mastering grammar, but understanding of the world: history, current affairs, music, drama, different cultures and interpersonal skills. These make learning English relatable to children. To ensure enough exposure to all these, it is not unusual for schools to arrange museum visits, pantomimes, residential trips, Book Week, and other cultural activities.

On the other hands, the English language curriculum in the Far-East adhere to a robust syllabus emphasising the meticulous learning of grammar. It is widely believed that laying a solid foundation in grammar eventually leads to mastering writing and reading skills. Apart from this, qualified English tutors to support English learning are rare to find in the Far East. Having a good grasp of grammar is like a self-help life safer to most people.

Without any doubt, grammar rules are the building blocks of English language. There are different ways to express the same meaning. If children learn a variety of expressions, it is believed that they will be able to communicate their ideas without problems. Moreover, they will be able to understand English texts easily if they have the breadth and depth of knowledge in grammar.

Undeniably, it makes every sense that teaching proper grammar to young learners has been the life mission to most dedicated educators. Many people think that it will be a drastic change to the entire teaching system. Places like China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan produce hundred thousand of elites every year contributing gazillion pounds to the economy. There is no reason to risk changing the existing system to an alternative English teaching method.     

Bearing in mind all these arguments, it is beneficial for young learners to know different expressions for the same meaning but unnecessary. I want my children and children’s children to be happy in the learning journey. If there is an alternative and effective learning method out there for younger generations, it is worth the risk to change to improve the quality of life. Spending all efforts in learning rules is boring and I doubt this can stimulate any creativity in children although they may be good communicators. One method of teaching may not suit all. Some intelligent children may be streamed out of the entire system and lost forever, and it is the loss of the society ultimately. In the old time, it is hard to find qualified English tutors, but with the latest technology, tutors can be found online easily.