English Language Textbook and Development of Oral Communicative Competence in Grade VIII Students of Public Sector Schools in Punjab

Oct 15, 2026

The study examines how the English for Class 8 textbook endorsed by the Punjab Textbook Board aligns with Pakistani learners’ language learning needs. It evaluates whether the textbook supports language acquisition and meaningful use, with a particular focus on developing oral communicative competence. Using a qualitative approach, findings indicate limited opportunities for oral skill growth, because activities are insufficient in sociolinguistic and discourse-level aspects and often rely on discrete, non-meaningful exercises. Supplementary visual materials are recommended to strengthen effectiveness.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Status of English Language in Pakistan

Purpose and Scope of the Study

Research Objectives

Research Questions

Textbook and its Evaluation

English Language Textbook and Development of Oral Communicative Competence in Grade VIII Students of Public Sector Schools in Punjab Naureen Mumtaz Syed *, Uzma Quraishi** and Asma Shahid Kazi*** Abstract The researcher attempted to ascertain the extent to which the English language textbook, English for Class 8, endorsed by the Punjab Textbook Board is compatible with Pakistani learners’language learning needs. The purpose of the study was to investigate the degree the prescribed textbook facilitates language acquisition, its meaningful application, and development of oral communicative competence. A qualitative approach was employed. The findings of this study reflect that the textbook does not cater to the target learners’ future academic and professional language needs because the incorporated activities do not focus on sociolinguistic and discourselevel aspects of the target language. Furthermore, many activities offer meaningless and discretepoint exercises which do not contribute to any oral skill development. There are limited opportunities to develop oral communicative competence. By incorporating adequate visual supplementary material the prescribed English language textbook can become an effective tool for developing oral communicative competence. Keywords: Textbook evaluation, Foreign language acquisition, Communicative competence, National curriculum * PhD Scholar, Lahore College Women University, Pakistan. 437-Pak Block, Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore. E-mail: [Sagitarius437@yahoo.com](Sagitarius437@yahoo.com) ** Professor, Lahore College Women University, [Pakistan. E-mail: uzmaquraishi@yahoo.com](Pakistan. E-mail: uzmaquraishi@yahoo.com) *** Assistant Professor, Lahore College Women University, Pakistan. E-mail: [asmakazi@hotmai.com](asmakazi@hotmai.com) Introduction English is assumed to be one of the most important languages understood by and used for communication purposes by people across the world (Anwar, Ihsan, Hayat, & Pevez, 2016) . However, in Pakistan, only 11% of the total population uses this language as a means of communication (Tariq, Bilal, Sandhu, Iqbal, & Hayat, 2013) . The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the degree to which the textbook helps in acquiring competence of all four integrated skills, especially as laid down in the standards of the National Curriculum, 2006. It emphasizes especially on the speaking skill. The researcher as a practitioner has perceived that even though Pakistani language learners do possess an advanced level of proficiency in English as a second language and competence in grammar; students by and large, are not properly trained in sociolinguistic rules of speaking English. The researcher has observed that most Pakistani learners maintain constant contact with English language; 14-16 years of education, however, they are unable to achieve the desired level of functional proficiency, more so in the oral communicative competence. This study is based on the assumption that the textbook is an important tool to develop oral communicative competence and language skills among the target learners. The researcher, therefore, evaluated the current English language textbook and its effectiveness at grade VIII level. The prescribed textbook is taught across the province of Punjab; male and female student enrollment in North and Center region of Punjab is 2,313,033,(School Education Department, 2017), therefore, it has a huge impact on grade VIII’s learners language development. The prescribed English language textbook was revised in 2015; making it even more important for the researcher to investigate its effectiveness in terms of oral communicative competence development. Like any other developing country, teachers in Pakistan depend on the textbook to a large extent; this is researcher’s standpoint. It is, therefore, important to assess the quality of the recommended textbook in terms of oral communicative development. Research Objectives

FAQs

What was the main aim of the study?

To determine how compatible the Grade 8 English language textbook (English for Class 8) is with Pakistani learners’ language learning needs, especially for developing oral communicative competence.

What research approach was used?

A qualitative approach was used to assess the textbook’s contribution to language acquisition and oral communicative competence development.

What limitations did the study identify in the textbook activities?

Many activities were described as meaningless, discrete-point exercises and were not focused on sociolinguistic or discourse-level aspects, resulting in limited opportunities for oral communicative competence.

Oct 15, 2026

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