NGUYỄN VÂN ANH VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Nguyễn Vân Anh COVER PAGE ENGLISH LANGUAGE USING DEBATE TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE THE SPEAKING SKILL OF THE 3RD YEAR STUDENTS MAJORING IN ENGLISH FOR TOURISM AT HA LONG UNIVERSITY MA THESIS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSE: 2016 – 2018 HANOI, 2018 VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Nguyễn Vân Anh USING DEBATE TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE THE SPEAKING SKILL OF THE 3RD YEAR STUDENTS MAJORING IN ENGLISH FOR TOURISM AT HA LONG UNIVERSITY Field: English Language Code: 8220201 Supervisor: Assoc Prof Dr Hồ Ngọc Trung HANOI, 2018 DECLARATION BY AUTHOR The researcher, Nguyễn Vân Anh, fully declares that this thesis “Using Debate Technique to Improve the Speaking Skill of the rd Year Students Majoring in English for Tourism at Ha Long University” is the result of my own progress of researching and I am the sole author of this thesis With the exception of the reference indicated in the thesis, to the best of my knowledge, this thesis is conducted without using any other researchers and / or scholars Furthermore, this thesis is submitted and fulfilled the requirements of the M.A degree after a carefully examining progress Author’s Signature Nguyễn Vân Anh Approved by SUPERVISOR Assoc Prof Dr Hồ Ngọc Trung Date:…………………… i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis is completed after many working hours, as well as the contribution from numerous people with their effort, enthusiasm and assistance; and this thesis is whole heartedly dedicated to them First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Assoc Prof Dr Hồ Ngọc Trung for all of his encouragement and timely guidance Had it not been for his support, in addition to his comments and advice, I would not finish this thesis Next, I would like to convey my sincere appreciation and thanks to Mr Đặng Nguyên Giang and the staff of the Department of Foreign Languages, Graduate Academy of Social Sciences for granting me the honor of writing this thesis as well as their assistance and most valuable comments Additionally, I would be most grateful for all of the help from teachers at Ha Long University Their help encouraged me a lot in the progress of completing the thesis Furthermore, I would like to send my special thanks to all of the students at Ha Long University for their enthusiasm; their answers and responses helped me a lot with the analysis of the thesis Last but not least, I would like to express my gratitude to my beloved family, who always support me during the progress of conducting and finishing this thesis ii TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION BY AUTHOR i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii ABSTRACT vii LIST OF TABLES viii LIST OF FIGURES ix CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Rationale 1.2 Aim(s) of the Study 1.3 Research Questions 1.4 Scope of the Study 1.5 Significance of the Study 1.6 Research Methods 1.7 Structure of the Study CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Concepts of Speaking 2.1.1 Definition of Speaking 2.1.2 The Elements of Speaking 2.1.3 Principles of Teaching Speaking 10 2.1.4 Teacher’s Roles in Teaching Speaking 11 2.1.5 Components of Teaching Speaking 13 2.1.6 Techniques in Teaching Speaking 15 2.1.7 Characteristics of Successful Speaking 17 2.2 Concepts of Debate 18 2.2.1 Definition of Debate 18 2.2.2 Benefits of Debate 19 2.2.3 Debate as an active learning strategy 20 2.2.4 Parts of Debate Technique 21 2.2.5 Procedure of Debate Technique 22 2.2.6 Debate Technique for the Improvement of Speaking Skills 23 2.3 Summary 24 iii CHAPTER METHODOLOGY 25 3.1 Setting of the Study 25 3.2 General Situation of the Experimental Class 25 3.3 Research Method 27 3.3.1 Action Research: An Introduction and the Reason for the choice 27 3.3.2 Research Design 28 3.3.3 Target of Classroom Action Research 29 3.4 Research Procedure 30 3.4.1 Step 1: Planning 30 3.4.2 Step 2: Action 30 3.4.3 Step 3: Observation 31 3.4.4 Step 4: Reflection 32 3.5 Data Analysis 32 3.5.1 Method of Collecting Data 32 3.5.1.1 Observation 32 3.5.1.2 Tests 33 3.5.1.3 Documentation 34 3.5.2 Technique of Data Analysis 34 3.5.2.1 Mean 34 3.5.2.2 Standard Deviation 35 3.5.2.3 T-Test Analysis 35 3.5.2.4 Reflection 38 3.6 Summary 40 CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS 41 4.1 Findings and Discussions for Cycle 41 4.1.1 Planning 41 4.1.2 Action’s Implementation 41 4.1.3 Observation 43 4.1.4 Reflection 44 4.1.5 Test’s Result Calculation: Cycle 44 iv 4.1.5.1 Calculating the Test Score 44 4.1.5.2 Calculating Mean 45 4.1.5.3 Calculating the Standard Deviation and t0 46 4.1.5.4 Interprpetation 46 4.2 Findings and Discussions for Cycle 46 4.2.1 Planning 47 4.2.2 Action Implementation 47 4.2.3 Observation 50 4.2.4 Reflection 50 4.3 Findings and Discussions for Cycle 50 4.3.1 Planning 51 4.3.2 Action Implementation 51 4.3.3 Observation 53 4.3.4 Reflection 54 4.3.5 Test’s Result Calculation: Cycle and Cycle 54 4.3.5.1 Test’s Results 54 4.3.5.2 Calculating Mean 56 4.3.5.3 Calculating the Standard Deviation and t0 56 4.3.5.4 Interprpetation 56 4.4 Cycle 57 4.4.1 Planning 57 4.4.2 Action’s Implementation 57 4.4.3 Observation 59 4.4.4 Reflection 59 4.4.5 Test’s Result Calculation: Cycle 60 4.4.5.1 Test’s Results 60 4.4.5.2 Calculating Mean .61 4.4.5.3 Calculating the Standard Deviation and t0 62 4.4.5.4 Interprpetation 62 4.5 Summary 62 v CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION 64 5.1 Recapitulation 64 5.2 Concluding Remarks 64 5.3 Implications 65 5.4 Limitations and Suggestions for Further Studies 65 REFERENCES 69 APPENDIX 1: LESSON PLANS I Lesson Plan for Debate Activity – Cycle I Lesson Plan for Debate Activity – Cycle III Lesson Plan for Debate Activity – Cycle V Lesson Plan for Debate Activity – Cycle VII APPENDIX 2: TESTS IX Pretest IX Post-test XIII Post-test XX Post-test XXX Post-test XXXII vi ABSTRACT There are numerous ways of improving speaking ability for students, and this thesis is conducted not beyond this purpose In particular, this thesis mainly focuses on the way of applying Debate Technique in teaching speaking, especially in the scope of universities Generally speaking, Debate Technique is considered one of the most effective ways of teaching speaking skills; and applying this teaching method in classes showed the evidence of effectiveness in reality Additionally, it is undeniable that using Debate Technique, in teaching English in general and the skill of speaking in particular, now becomes more and more popular at schools and universities because of the value it brings Therefore, this thesis concentrates on the implementation of Debate Technique and proves that its use can help student’s speaking skills to be enhanced After analyzing and synthesizing the statistics, the researcher discussed and recommended some implications along with suggestions for further research Finally, it is much hoped that the results of the study could be useful for the development of teaching and learning English speaking skill at Ha Long University vii LIST OF TABLES Table 3.1: List of the members of the Experimental Class 25 Table 3.2: Teaching aspects for an observation sheet 31 Table 4.1: Team division: Cycle 42 Table 4.2: Observation checklist – Cycle 43 Table 4.3: Test score – Cycle 45 Table 4.4: Value of Mean – Cycle 45 Table 4.5: Team division: Cycle 48 Table 4.6: Observation checklist – Cycle 49 Table 4.7: Team division: Cycle 52 Table 4.8: Observation checklist – Cycle 53 Table 4.9: Post-test Score – Cycle and Cycle 55 Table 4.10: Value of Mean: Cycle and 56 Table 4.11: Team division: Cycle 58 Table 4.12: Observation checklist – Cycle 58 Table 4.13: Test score – Cycle 60 Table 4.14: Mean calculation – Cycle 61 viii notes In the third part, you will have to ask you partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Part Interlocutor-student interaction Interlocutor (to student A): OK I am going to ask you questions  Do you often watch sport games on TV?  What sport you play?  What sport you like the most? Interlocutor (to student B): And now, here are the questions for you  How many hours a day you spend on learning English?  Do you think English is important to you in the future?  Is English interesting? Part 2: Topic development Topic 5A: Present about Hanoi capital – one of the tourist destinations of Vietnam You should say about: - Location - Climate - Some tourist sites in Hanoi Topic 5B: Talk about one of the famous heroes in Vietnamese history You should say about: - General information about the hero - His/ Her childhood and characters - His/ Her victory/ success Interlocutor: (to both students): Here are your topics Now you have minute to prepare Interlocutor (to student A): Now, please present your topic (to student B): Please listen and take notes Interlocutor (to student B): Now, it’s your turn Please present your topic (to student A): Please listen and take notes Part 3: Student-student interaction Interlocutor (to both students): Now, you will have to ask your partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented XIX Post-test Time allowed: 8-10 minutes/ pair Test Format Greetings The Examiner asks questions to greet and get information of the candidate to fill in the marking sheet (Good morning What is your full name, please? … ) The candidate answers Part 1: Interlocutor-student interaction The interlocutor asks each student questions on different topics Part 2: Topic development Each student will be given a topic and have one minute to prepare before speaking about it in 3-4 minutes While their partner is speaking, the students need to listen and take notes Part 3: Student-student interaction Each student will ask their partner questions related to the topic that he/ she has presented Marking criteria (10 scores) Criteria Maximum score Topic content (appropriateness, spontaneity, speed, linking devices) Fluency and cohesion Lexical resource, Grammatical range and accuracy, Pronunciation Speaking Tests Test No Interlocutor (to student A): Hi Can I have your full name, please? (to student B): And your name, please Thank you (to both students): In this speaking test, there are three parts In the first part, I will ask each of you questions on different topics In the second XX part, each of you will be given a topic and have minute to prepare before speaking While your partner is presenting the topic, you need to listen and take notes In the third part, you will have to ask you partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Part Interlocutor-student interaction Interlocutor (to student A): OK I am going to ask you questions  What you like doing in your free time?  Why you like it?  What kinds of music you like? Interlocutor (to student B): And now, here are the questions for you  Do you have a lot of friends?  What you often with your friends?  What is important to have a good friendship? Part 2: Topic development Interlocutor: (to both students): Here are your topics Now you have minute to prepare Topic 1A: Talk about ethnic groups of Vietnam You should say about: - How many ethnic groups there are - The main ethnic minorities - Some features about their languages and culture Topic 1B: Talk about natural features of Vietnam You should say about: - Location - Topography - Climate Interlocutor (to student A): Now, please present your topic (to student B): Please listen and take notes Interlocutor (to student B): Now, it’s your turn Please present your topic (to student A): Please listen and take notes Part 3: Student-student interaction XXI Interlocutor (to both students): Now, you will have to ask your partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Test No Interlocutor (to student A): Hi Can I have your full name, please? (to student B): And your name, please Thank you (to both students): In this speaking test, there are three parts In the first part, I will ask each of you questions on different topics In the second part, each of you will be given a topic and have minute to prepare before speaking While your partner is presenting the topic, you need to listen and take notes In the third part, you will have to ask you partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Part Interlocutor-student interaction Interlocutor (to student A): OK I am going to ask you questions  What food you like eating?  Do you like cooking your own food?  Do you often eat in restaurant? Interlocutor (to student B): And now, here are the questions for you  What animals you like?  Do you like to have a pet?  Have you ever hit your pet? Part 2: Topic development Interlocutor: Now, let’s move to part 2, topic development (to both students): Here are your topics Now you have minute to prepare Topic 2A: Present about Quang Ninh You should say about: - Location - Socio-economic featires - Some famous tourist sites in Quang Ninh Topic 2B: Talk about one of your favorite legends of Vietnam You should say about: - Name of the legend - The details of the legend XXII - The meaning of the legend Interlocutor (to student A): Now, please present your topic (to student B): Please listen and take notes Interlocutor (to student B): Now, it’s your turn Please present your topic (to student A): Please listen and take notes Part 3: Student-student interaction Interlocutor (to both students): Now, you will have to ask your partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Test No Interlocutor (to student A): Hi Can I have your full name, please? (to student B): And your name, please Thank you (to both students): In this speaking test, there are three parts In the first part, I will ask each of you questions on different topics In the second part, each of you will be given a topic and have minute to prepare before speaking While your partner is presenting the topic, you need to listen and take notes In the third part, you will have to ask you partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Part Interlocutor-student interaction Interlocutor (to student A): OK I am going to ask you questions  How often you come back home?  What’s the weather like today?  Do you like this weather? Why/ Why not? Interlocutor (to student B): And now, here are the questions for you  How often you listen to music?  What kind of music you like?  Who is your best friend? Part 2: Topic development Interlocutor: Now, let’s move to part 2, topic development (to both students): Here are your topics Now you have minute to prepare Topic 3A: Talk about ancestor worshipping custom of Vietnam XXIII You should say about: - How important worshipping ancestors is - What Vietnamese put on the altar to worship their ancestors - When worshipping ancestors take place Topic 3B: Present about Hanoi capital – one of the tourist destinations of Vietnam You should say about: - Location - Climate - Some tourist attractions in Hanoi Interlocutor (to student A): Now, please present your topic (to student B): Please listen and take notes Interlocutor (to student B): Now, it’s your turn Please present your topic (to student A): Please listen and take notes Part 3: Student-student interaction Interlocutor (to both students): Now, you will have to ask your partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Test No Interlocutor (to student A): Hi Can I have your full name, please? (to student B): And your name, please Thank you (to both students): In this speaking test, there are three parts In the first part, I will ask each of you questions on different topics In the second part, each of you will be given a topic and have minute to prepare before speaking While your partner is presenting the topic, you need to listen and take notes In the third part, you will have to ask you partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Part Interlocutor-student interaction Interlocutor (to student A): OK I am going to ask you questions  How often you have English classes?  Which is more difficult, English or Chinese?  Tell some kinds of fast food XXIV Interlocutor (to student B): And now, here are the questions for you  Do you often go out?  How much money you spend a month?  Is money the most important thing in our life? Part 2: Topic development Interlocutor: (to both students): Here are your topics Now you have minute to prepare Topic 4A: Talk about wedding custom of Vietnam You should say about: - How important wedding custom is - What people in the betrothal ceremony - What people in the wedding ceremony Topic 4B: Present one of your favorite world heritages of Vietnam You should say about: - General information about the heritage - Some attractions of the heritage - Activities that tourists can join at the heritage site Interlocutor (to student A): Now, please present your topic (to student B): Please listen and take notes Interlocutor (to student B): Now, it’s your turn Please present your topic (to student A): Please listen and take notes Part 3: Student-student interaction Interlocutor (to both students): Now, you will have to ask your partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Test No Interlocutor (to student A): Hi Can I have your full name, please? (to student B): And your name, please Thank you (to both students): In this speaking test, there are three parts In the first part, I will ask each of you questions on different topics In the second part, each of you will be given a topic and have minute to prepare before speaking While your partner is presenting the topic, you need to listen and take XXV notes In the third part, you will have to ask you partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Part Interlocutor-student interaction Interlocutor (to student A): OK I am going to ask you questions  What’s your favourite season?  What did you have for breakfast today?  What food you like? Interlocutor (to student B): And now, here are the questions for you  Do you like travelling?  Which is the largest country in the world?  What is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay? Part 2: Topic development Interlocutor: Now, let’s move to part 2, topic development (to both students): Here are your topics Now you have minute to prepare Topic 5A: Present about Hanoi capital – one of the tourist attractions of Vietnam You should say about: - Location - Climate - Some tourist destinations in Hanoi Topic 5B: Talk about ethnic groups of Vietnam You should say about: - How many ethnic groups there are - The main ethnic minorities - Some features about their languages and culture Interlocutor (to student A): Now, please present your topic (to student B): Please listen and take notes Interlocutor (to student B): Now, it’s your turn Please present your topic (to student A): Please listen and take notes Part 3: Student-student interaction Interlocutor (to both students): Now, you will have to ask your partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented XXVI Test No Interlocutor (to student A): Hi Can I have your full name, please? (to student B): And your name, please Thank you (to both students): In this speaking test, there are three parts In the first part, I will ask each of you questions on different topics In the second part, each of you will be given a topic and have minute to prepare before speaking While your partner is presenting the topic, you need to listen and take notes In the third part, you will have to ask you partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Part Interlocutor-student interaction Interlocutor (to student A): OK I am going to ask you questions  What food you like eating?  Do you often eat in restaurant?  Which you prefer, eating in a restaurant or at home? Interlocutor (to student B): And now, here are the questions for you  Do you play any computer games?  What games you like the most?  Have you ever had a pet, for example a dog or a bird? Part 2: Topic development Interlocutor: Now, let’s move to part 2, topic development (to both students): Here are your topics Now you have minute to prepare Topic 6A: Talk about natural features of Vietnam You should say about: - Location - Topography - Climate Topic 6B: Talk about one of the traditional food dishes of Vietnam You should say about: - Name of the dish - Ingredients to make the dish - How to make the dish Interlocutor (to student A): Now, please present your topic XXVII (to student B): Please listen and take notes Interlocutor (to student B): Now, it’s your turn Please present your topic (to student A): Please listen and take notes Part 3: Student-student interaction Interlocutor (to both students): Now, you will have to ask your partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Test No Interlocutor (to student A): Hi Can I have your full name, please? (to student B): And your name, please Thank you (to both students): In this speaking test, there are three parts In the first part, I will ask each of you questions on different topics In the second part, each of you will be given a topic and have minute to prepare before speaking While your partner is presenting the topic, you need to listen and take notes In the third part, you will have to ask you partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented Part Interlocutor-student interaction Interlocutor (to student A): OK I am going to ask you questions  How often you have English classes?  Which is more difficult, English or Chinese?  Tell some kinds of fast food? Interlocutor (to student B): And now, here are the questions for you  Where did you go last night?  Do you often go out?  How much money you spend a month? Part 2: Topic development Interlocutor: (to both students): Here are your topics Now you have minute to prepare Topic 7A: Talk about one of famous world heritages of Vietnam You should say about: - General information about the heritage - The attractions of the heritage XXVIII - Activities that tourist enjoy doing at the heritage site Topic 7B: Talk about Quang Ninh You should say about: - Location - Socio-economic features - Some famous tourist sites in Quang Ninh Interlocutor (to student A): Now, please present your topic (to student B): Please listen and take notes Interlocutor (to student B): Now, it’s your turn Please present your topic (to student A): Please listen and take notes Part 3: Student-student interaction Interlocutor (to both students): Now, you will have to ask your partner questions related to the topic your partner has presented XXIX Post-test Time allowed: 12-15 minutes/ group Test Description Students are divided into groups of three or four (4 four-member groups + three-member group) Each group will be given a topic and have to make a presentation for it in 12-15 minutes Every member of the group has to talk about at least one of the points related to the topic They will have one week to work together to prepare power point slides and practice for the presentation before it After each group has presented their topic, other students in the class are welcomed to give questions and comments on their presentation (Scores are independently given to each student.) Test Format Greetings The group leaders introduce the members in their groups to the class Part 1: Group presentation Each group presents their topic to the class Teacher observes and listens to them and take notes onto the marking sheet Part 2: Presenter-listener interaction Students in the class give questions and comments on the presentation The presenters answer the questions Part 3: Feedback Teacher gives feedbacks on the students’ presentation Marking criteria (10 scores) Criteria Maximum score Topic content (appropriateness, spontaneity, speed, linking devices, ppt slides) Fluency and cohesion XXX Lexical resource, Grammatical range and accuracy, Pronunciation Manner (eye contact, gestures, body languages) Topics - Topic 1: World heritages in Vietnam - Topic 2: Traditional craft villages of Vietnam - Topic 3: Traditional customs of Vietnam - Topic 4: Vietnamese cuisine - Topic 5: Popular tourist destination of Vietnam XXXI Post-test Time allowed: 8-10 minutes/ student Test Description Each student will be given a topic and have to make a presentation for it in 8-10 minutes He/ She will have one week to work independently to prepare power point slides and practice for the presentation before it After each student has presented his/ her topic, other students in the class are welcomed to give questions and comments on the presentation Test Format Greetings The group leaders introduce the members in their groups to the class Part 1: Group presentation Each group presents their topic to the class Teacher observes and listens to them and take notes onto the marking sheet Part 2: Presenter-listener interaction Students in the class give questions and comments on the presentation The presenters answer the questions Part 3: Feedback Teacher gives feedbacks on the students’ presentation Marking criteria (10 scores) Criteria Maximum score Topic content (appropriateness, spontaneity, speed, linking devices, ppt slides) Fluency and cohesion Lexical resource, Grammatical range and accuracy, Pronunciation Manner (eye contact, gestures, body languages) XXXII Topics - Topic 1: Present about the natural conditions of Vietnam - Topic 2: Present about one of the traditional food dishes of Vietnam - Topic 3: Present about one of the famous heroes in the history of Vietnam - Topic 4: Present about one of the legends of Vietnam - Topic 5: Present about the custom of ancestor worshipping of Vietnam - Topic 6: Present about the wedding custom of Vietnam - Topic 7: Present about one of the traditional festival of Vietnam - Topic 8: Present about ethnic groups of Vietnam - Topic 9: Present about handicrafts of Vietnam - Topic 10: Present about the tourism development of Vietnam - Topic 11: Present about one of the world cultural heritage of Vietnam - Topic 12: Present about one of the world natural heritage of Vietnam - Topic 13: Present about the strengths to develop tourism of Vietnam - Topic 14: Present about the weaknesses of tourism of Vietnam - Topic 15: Present about tourist potentials of Hanoi capital - Topic 16: Present about tourist potentials of Hochiminh city - Topic 17: Present about tourist potentials of Hue ancient city - Topic 18: Present about tourist potentials of Da Nang city - Topic 19: Present about tourist potentials of Quang Ninh province - Topic 20: Present top 10 attractive tourist destinations of Quang Ninh province XXXIII ... I have decided to carry out a study entitled Using Debate Technique to Improve the Speaking Skill of the rd Year Students Majoring in English for Tourism at Ha Long University for my MA thesis... Aim(s) of the Study The aim of the study is to improve the speaking skills of third year students who major in English for Tourism at Ha Long University by using debate technique In order to achieve... ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Nguyễn Vân Anh USING DEBATE TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE THE SPEAKING SKILL OF THE 3RD YEAR STUDENTS MAJORING IN ENGLISH FOR TOURISM AT HA LONG