EFL Student´s Difficulties in Speaking: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

This research was designed to explore the speaking difficulties faced by EFL learners in a public high school. The researcher followed a descriptive study design in which a survey was used to collect data. The participants were high school students in a public educational institution in Zamora. Results indicated that students’ speaking problems relate to linguistic, psychological, and social problems. They reported that the speaking activities based on pair-work collaboration and practice such as conversations, dialogues, oral presentations, and speech participation helped learners involve the target language and provided them effective feedback. Concerning pair-work, students had significant expectations about it. They established that pair-work is successful in improving oral abilities. This study establishes support for the English teaching field and orientation for further studies. Nevertheless, they mentioned that one disadvantage of pair-work is that the students have different English levels. The suggestions of this study propose carrying out other instruments to collect data.