This document compares linear and cyclic gradation in language teaching. Linear gradation presents content in a strictly sequential order, moving from one item to the next without repetition. Cyclic gradation revisits content multiple times at increasing levels of complexity. The document argues cyclic gradation more closely mimics natural language learning by providing repeated exposure and gradual familiarization with topics over time. This approach leads to stronger retention and a more coherent understanding of the target language compared to linear gradation.

1. LINEAR VS CYCLIC GRADATION
-BUSHRA AHMAD
MA ELT (II SEMESTER)
16ETM05

2. WHAT IS GRADATION
◦ The next step after selection
◦ Organising/arranging course content
◦ In the order to be taught
◦ To achieve objectives efficiently
◦ Rationale – strong foundation, clear chain of connection
◦ Orderly progress through successive stages

3. GRADATION
LINEAR CYCLIC

4. ◦ Successive gradation
◦ More popular in the past
◦ With research in FLT – replaced
◦ Moves strictly in one direction
◦ Items presented one by one
◦ Discussed in detail
◦ Practised extensively
◦ Aim – achieve mastery
LINEAR GRADATION

5. …LINEAR GRADATION
B CA … Z

6. ◦ Difficult to retain learning
◦ Since each item presented only once
◦ Only encountered briefly in revision units in the same
context
◦ Progress slow in the beginning
◦ Considerable time before real life communication
◦ Demotivating
OBJECTIONS

7. CYCLIC GRADATION
◦ Concentric/spiral gradation
◦ Bosco and Di Pietro (1970) - …”presentation of a point in
a way:
◦ Leading to gradual familiarisation
◦ By returning to it at different intervals in the course of
instruction
◦ …mastery is achieved by successive approximation to
a given standard.”

8. ◦ First exposure – limited to certain essential aspects
◦ Item keeps recurring
◦ Work with the same topic more than once
◦ Each time in a new context/increased complexity
◦ Integrated with previous learning
◦ E.g. Corder (1973) – simple present
◦ 1. Present State, 8. Habitual action, 104. Timeless truths,
118. Verbs of perception
CYCLIC GRADATION

9. A
B + a
C + b
G + a

10. LINEAR GRADATION CYCLIC GRADATION
TARGET
PROFICIENCY

11. ADVANTAGES
◦ Corder (1973) – closer to the way language is structured
◦ Howatt (1974) – resembles the natural process of
language learning
◦ Constant revision
◦ Gradual familiarisation  coherent system of language
for communication

12. THANK YOU