Routine sequences in pre-university students' discussion

Abstract

L2 learners tend to resort to the use of formulaic language or lexical phrases to ease communication when deciding on what to say and how to say it while speaking. Frequent exposure to a contextualized L2 discourse enables L2 learners to develop familiarity towards typical patterns that occur in speaking activities such as in a discussion and speech. Although predictable, these routines are essential in communication. In an oral test context such as MUET (Malaysia University English Test), the knowledge of expressions or phrases is essential for the formulation of ideas since the spontaneity aspect of a discussion causes the L2 learners to structure the utterance using certain routines to convey information. This paper reports part of an on-going study on the of routines in pre-university students’ discussions based on three case studies. The paper focuses on routine sequences in organizing and presenting information in discussions.