| The issue of what method is the most effective to teach English to adult ESL learners is quite complicated regardless of whether they are beginners or advanced. No approach seems perfect. Behind these complications are two problems: (1) adults' first languages (L1) sometimes help their English acquisition, but sometimes hinder it; (2) adults' process on ESL is quite different from that of children.; Chapter 1 clarifies in what ways adults' L1 helps them master English, and in what ways their L1 hinders them from developing their English proficiency.; Chapter 2 examines bilingual children's abilities to acquire two languages separately. This chapter discusses further on children's sensitive period in language acquisition.; Chapter 3 reaches a conclusion about the most effective method in teaching English as a second language (TESL) for adult learners. A combination of minimal structural teaching, TPR, and extensive reading seems to be the best. Moreover, reading can guide communicative discussion, depending on learners' level. |
