Includes bibliographical references

Introduction

SECTION ONE Prelude

1. The teaching of rhetoric to students of science and technology

SECTION TWO English for Science and Technology

2. An approach to the teaching of scientific English discourse

3. EST in theory and practice

4. The description of scientific language

SECTION THREE Exercise types

5. Two types of communication exercise

6. Gradual approximation

SECTION FOUR Discourse

7. Directions in the teaching of discourse

8. The deep structure of discourse and the use of translation

9. Approaches to discourse

10. Rules and procedures in discourse analysis

SECTION FIVE Procedures of interpretation

11. Interpretative procedures and the importance of poetry

12. The authenticity of language data

13. The process and purpose of reading

SECTION SIX Simplification

14.The simplification of use

15. The significance of simplification

16. Pidgin and babu

SECTION SEVEN Descriptions and applications

17. Linguistic insights and language teaching principles

18. The partiality and relevance of linguistic descriptions

SECTION EIGHT Reprise

19. National syllabuses

20. The communicative approach and its application

Bibliography

"In recent years there has been growing recognition of Professor Widdowson's major contribution to the study of communicative language teaching. This collection of papers, published together for the first time, shows the development of Widdowson's thinking. The papers, which range from theoretical discussion to classroom practice, are not intended to be prescriptive, nor do they try to provide conclusive arguments. Rather they invite the reader to explore ideas, to consider the practical implications of certain theoretical developments, and to examine his own assumptions more closely. This volume bridges the gap between the theoretical and practical aspects of communicative language teaching, and Professor Widdowson's clear and original treatment of the subject will appeal to both teachers and applied linguists." (Book Cover)