5.3.2 & 5.3.2.1 Expressing a Solution to a Problem

5.3.2 Essay on Conversation Confidence: Now read the following text and do the matching activity to check our understanding of the text.

Conversation Confidence: Unlocking the Power of effective communication.

Read the following concept/ term in the first column and their description/ elaboration in the column next to it. Then match, the concepts/ term with their descriptions/ elaboration. Later share your answers with the class.

Concept/ Term	Description/ Elaboration of concept
a. Conversation confidence	1. Podcast, music, movies, announcements, weather forecasts etc.
b. Non-verbal cues in communication	2. Difference in accent, speed, colloquial expressions or cultural differences.
c. Barriers of meaningful communication	3. Tells about the key ways to develop conversation confidence
d. Hindrances of objective listening	4. Joining language clubs, participating in language contests, or delivering short presentations in the target language
e. Challenges of new language	5. The art of expressing oneself clearly, listening attentively, and engaging in productive exchange
f. A way to know the problems of the community	6. Visiting the academy’s social media pages or listening to locally produced news
g. Authentic audio materials	7. Having preconceived notions, biases, lack of empathy or being judgmental
h. Confidence-building activities	8. Body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, hand gestures etc
I. Conclusion	9. Fear in public speaking, being judged or criticised

Answer:

(a+5): Note: Text Book page 70, line 6

(b+8): Note: Text Book page 70, line 20

(c+9); Note: Text Book page 70, line 12

(d+7); Note: Text Book page 70, line 17, 18

(e+2); Note: Text Book page 70, last para

(f+6); Note: Text Book page 71, line 10

(g+ 1) Note: Text Book Page 72, line 6

(h+4); Note: Text Book 72, line second para first line

(i+3); Note: Text Book Page 72, last para

5.3.2.1 Read the text given in Activity 5.3.2 again ask and answer the following questions in pairs/ groups. Later, share your responses with the class

1. Do you link the writer has convinced the reader to care about the problem? If yes, explain your answer.
2. Has the writer identified the causes of the problem in the text? If yes, what are they?
3. What are the solutions suggested in the text to solve the problem?
4. Which solutions do you think is most feasible? Why do you think so?
5. Did the writer use any conclusion to tell you all the key points of the text? Explain your response with an example.

Answer:

a. Yes, I think that the writer has successfully conveyed the importance of strong communication skills, particularly in the context of conversation confidence. He emphasizes that conversations are an integral part of daily life and occur in various settings, such as at work, school, the supermarket, with family at home, and even on the playground. He asserts that strong communication skills are essential for building relationships, both personal and professional. He also acknowledges the challenges and stress that can accompany conversations, especially when they are taking place in a language other than one’s own. Thus the writer makes the reader more likely to care about the problem.

b.Yes, in the text the writer has identified several causes behind the inability to engage in meaningful communication in any language and they are as follows:

i.Many people experience fear and anxiety when speaking in public or participating in group conversations.

ii.people often bring preconceived notions, biases, or judgments into conversations.

iii. Individuals may struggle with non-verbal cues like maintaining eye contact or using appropriate gesture.

iv.Limited vocabulary hinders new language learners from expressing themselves effectively.

v. English language learners struggle with grammar rules and pronunciation difficulties.

vi. New language learners struggle to understand native speakers due to difference in accent, speed, or colloquial expression.

vii. New language learners fear making mistakes.

viii. Cultural differences create barriers to verbal communication.

ix.Limited exposure to authentic conversations can hinder new language learners from developing natural conversations skill

 

c. The writer suggests several solutions to improve conversation confidence for language learners. The solutions mentioned in the text are as follows:

Points	Solution in detail	Ways to implement the solution
1. Stay Informed	Learn about current, relevant news to be prepared for conversations.	The internet facilities access to current and relevant news.
2. Vocabulary Building	Focus on vocabulary building by regular learning and practicing new words.	Different learning applications and extensive reading can increase vocabulary and boost confidence.
3. Pronunciation Practice	Actively practice speaking aloud and follow pronunciation guides to improve your pronunciation skills.	Regular pronunciation practice develops confidence in speaking te language more accurately.
4. Role- Playing Activities	Engage in role-playing activities to practice conversational skills in a safe and structured environment.	By imitating real-life scenarios and exchanging dialogues with peers, learners can improve fluency, confidence, and spontaneity in their responses.
5. Listening Comprehension	Listening comprehension plays a vital role in conversation confidence.	Expose oneself to authentic audio materials, such as podcasts, music, and movies, to enhance understanding of the language in different contexts.
6. Cultural Engagement	Seek opportunities to travel, participate in cultural events, or join language exchange programs to practice conversational skills in real-life situations.	Exposer to native speakers and cultural contexts can enhance understanding and confidence.
7. Errors	Embrace errors as part of the learning process as part of the learning process and view them as opportunities for improvement.	Adopting a positive mindset and learning from mistakes help students overcome fear.
8. Confidence Building Activities	Engaging in confidence-building activities can help new language learners overcome their conventional anxieties.	Joining language clubs, participating in language contests, or delivering presentations in the target language can gradually boost confidence.
9. Positive Mindest and Visualization	Nature a positive mindset, replace self-doubt with affirmations, and visualize successful conversations.	Building a strong belief in one’s abilities can enhance confidence and encourage a more relaxed and fluent communication style.

By implementing these recommendations, learners can work towards improving their language skills and building stronger relationships through more confident and effective communication.

d. The feasibility of each solution depends on individual perfectness, learning styles, and circumstances. However, some solutions may be more universally applicable and easier to implement than others. I think staying informed vocabulary building, and punctuation practices are the most feasible solutions. Regularly reading news articles, using flashcards, utilizing pronunciation guides, and practicing with language learning apps can enhance confidence in conversation with high feasibility.

e. Yes, the writer used a conclusion to summarize all the key points. In conclusion, he said that students have numerous options to overcome the challenge of avoiding conversation and enhance their confidence in communication. Working through these solutions not only improve English conversation skills but also strengthen relationships. Teachers and students can work together to create an environment that fosters the development of conversational confidence by addressing problems and implementing practical solutions.