Michael West's 'New Method' of teaching English lays stress on :

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:Detailed Explanation:

The correct option is 3: Reading.

Dr. Michael West's "New Method" of teaching English, developed in the 1920s and 1930s, was primarily a reaction against the widely popular Direct Method. The Direct Method prioritized the four language skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing), with a heavy focus on oral practice (listening and speaking) in the classroom. West, after extensive research and experimentation, particularly in India where he served as the Director of Education in Bengal, realized that for students in non-native English-speaking environments, the primary need for English was often practical, focusing on comprehension and accessing knowledge—especially through printed materials.

West argued that for many learners, particularly those who were not going to be using English as a daily medium of spoken communication, the ability to *read* was the most crucial and achievable goal. Therefore, the core principle of his New Method was the intensive development of reading ability. To achieve this, West introduced concepts like "controlled vocabulary" (limiting the number of new words introduced to reduce difficulty) and "silent reading" (emphasizing reading for meaning rather than reading aloud). This approach allowed learners to quickly gain independence and develop a love for reading English literature and subject material, making reading the cornerstone of his methodology. His method centered on the belief that reading facilitated vocabulary improvement, offered exposure to language structure, and indirectly supported other skills.Incorrect Options:

The incorrect option is 1: Listening.

While listening is a fundamental language skill and necessary for initial language acquisition, Michael West's method deliberately de-emphasized it in favor of reading. West recognized that a focus on extensive aural-oral practice (listening and speaking) was often impractical and time-consuming in large, examination-oriented classrooms in countries like India, where there was little opportunity to use English socially outside of the classroom.

The incorrect option is 2: Speaking.

Speaking, the primary focus of the Direct Method which West's approach reacted against, was given a secondary role. West believed that demanding proficiency in spoken English from all students was unrealistic given the lack of a "speech-environment" for English outside of school. His method aimed to build a strong foundation in reading first, arguing that proficiency in speaking could be developed later, or that it might not even be necessary for many students whose main goal was accessing written knowledge.

The incorrect option is 4: Writing.

Writing is a productive skill that typically follows the receptive skills (listening and reading). While West's method did incorporate writing, it was not the main focus of the "New Method." Writing tasks were generally used to reinforce the vocabulary and structures learned through reading, making it an auxiliary skill rather than the primary one stressed by his methodology. The focus on silent reading meant that the emphasis was far more on reception and comprehension than on production.