Which one of the following is not a principle of teaching English?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:

The **Substitution table method** is a technique or device used for practicing sentence structures and vocabulary in a controlled manner, primarily within the structural approach to language teaching. It provides a framework for students to replace words or phrases in slots to generate multiple grammatically correct sentences. Since it is a **teaching technique** or **device** for drilling, and not a foundational, philosophical, or pedagogical rule that guides the entire process of language instruction, it is correctly identified as **not** a general principle of teaching English. Principles, in this context, are broad, essential guidelines that govern how a language should be taught, such as connecting content to reality or systematically structuring the learning material.

The incorrect option is 1:
**Principle of linking life** (or correlation with life) is a fundamental principle of teaching, including English. It emphasizes that lessons should be related to the students' real-life experiences, environment, and needs to make the learning meaningful, relevant, and engaging. This connection ensures practical application of the language skills being learned.

The incorrect option is 3:
**Habit formation** is a key principle, especially in the behavioral and audiolingual approaches, emphasizing that language learning involves developing automatic responses and patterns. This principle suggests that correct language usage should be reinforced through repetition and practice until it becomes habitual, which is crucial for fluency and accuracy.

The incorrect option is 4:
**Gradation** is a core organizational principle of language teaching, meaning that teaching material (vocabulary, structures, skills) must be carefully selected and arranged in a logical sequence. Instruction should proceed from simple to complex, known to unknown, and concrete to abstract, ensuring a systematic and manageable learning load for students.