This document discusses the differences between accuracy and fluency in language learning. Accuracy refers to correct use of grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary and discourse. It focuses on error-free production. Fluency refers to ease, flow and comprehensibility of language. It focuses on expressing oneself without undue pauses or difficulties. Activities and materials for accuracy practice discrete items out of context, while fluency activities use authentic whole texts and simulate real-life communication, assessing information transfer over correctness. Both accuracy and fluency present issues when over-emphasized in language teaching.

1. ACCURACY VS
FLUENCY
DAYANG, ROSE, HASANAH, FIY, FAI,
SHEYR

2. DEFINITION
 Refers to the use of correct
forms where utterances do
not contain errors affecting
the phonological, syntactic,
semantic or discourse
features of a language
(Bryne, 1988)
 Accuracy refers to the
correctness of the language
being produced by the
speaker.
 Ability to produce
grammatically correct
sentences.
DEFINITION
 Fluency is derived from the
Latin word fluens which
means “to flow”.
 May be defined as the
ability to get across
communicative intent
without too much hesitation
and too many pauses to
cause barriers or a
breakdown in
communication (Crystal,
1977; Bryne, 1986; Nation,
1991)Freedom from word
identification problems
ACCURACY FLUENCY

3.  Decoding and
comprehending
simultaneously.
 The speaker is
comfortable using the
language and can be
reasonably understood
by other speakers of
the TL.
 The ability to
read/speak accurately,
quickly and with
appropriate intonation
and expression. (Put Reading
First 2001, p. 21)

4.  Clear and articulate
speaking or writing.
 Language free from
grammar mistakes.
 Words spelled
and/or pronounced
correctly.
 Language
appropriate to the
situation and/or
context.
 The ability to produce
written and / or spoken
language with ease.
 Speak with a good but
not necessarily perfect
command of intonation,
vocabulary and
grammar.
 Communicate ideas
effectively.
 Produce continuous
speech without causing
comprehension
difficulties or a
breakdown in
communication.
ACCURACY FLUENCY

5. ACTIVITIES
Purpose:
to help students achieve
accurate perception
and
production of a target
item which can be
sound,
a word, or a sentence
structure.
ACTIVITIES
Purpose:
to help students
practice
language in listening,
speaking, reading,
and/or
writing activities to so
develop fluency
in using the language in
spontaneous
communication.
ACCURACY FLUENCY

6. MATERIALS
a) texts are usually
composed of separate
("discrete") items:
sentences or words.
b) texts may be used in
any mode (skill),
regardless of how they
are used in real life .
c) the target items are
usually practiced out of
context or situation.
MATERIALS
a) texts are usually whole
pieces of discourses:
conversation, stories,
etc.
b) texts are usually used
as they would be in real
life: dialogues are
spoken, articles and
written stories are read.
c) authentic materials from
real life are used.
ACCURACY FLUENCY

7. ACTIVITIES
a) students' attention is
focused on a particular
target item.
b) their output is usually
predictable.
c) their performance is
assessed on how few
language mistakes
are made
d) errors are corrected
e) tasks do not usually
simulate real-life
situations.
ACTIVITIES
a) students' attention is
focused on communicating
information and expressing
ideas.
b) their output may not
always be predictable.
c) their performance is
assessed on how well
ideas are expressed or
understood.
d) students' errors are not
corrected unless it
interferes with
communication
e) tasks often simulate real-
life
situations.
ACCURACY FLUENCY

8.  Fluency task should:
-build students’
confidence.
-be a chance for students
to recycle language and
vocabulary
-allow students to talk
about what they wish to
talk about.
-need to listen to each
other
-be good for diagnosis:
students can
experiment with
language
-give students space so
they can personalise
-have a positive effect on
classroom dynamics

9. -if they have an
authentic task which
works in real time,
then the language
will have a direct
effect on the
outcome of the task.
-in life, communication
in paramount and
requires a genuine
use of language.
-fluency is a process
not a product.

10.  correction of errors
that are provided
inadvertently may
discourage learners
from speaking.
 Fossilization
errors that have
become a permanent
part in the way a
learner speaks
(Nation 1989)
 communication in a
target language is
not always the most
effective way to
develop speaking
skills.
ACCURACY (ISSUES) FLUENCY (ISSUES)

11. References
 http://www.auburn.edu/~nunnath/engl6240/acc
uracy.html
 (Brown, 2001, p. 268)
 http://www.geocities.co.jp/collegeLife/9546/pap
ers/paper2.htm
 http://miguelbengoa.com/elt/?p=693