Analyzing language : MEANING 1. What does a particular sentence mean ? 1. How can I state the meaning as simply as I can, as clearly as I can, and if possible, using language that is itself less complex than the language I am trying to explain ? The meaning of grammar items will be dealt in the same way as vocabulary, by attempting to split the sentences up into their component concepts.

An EXAMPLE “I managed to do it”. The essential meanings are : 1. I tried; 2. It was difficult; 3. I succeeded. Consider these sentences : 1. I managed to win first prize 2. I managed to shoot the governor 3. I managed to stop crying.

CONCEPT QUESTIONS  These questions focus attention on the core meaning. They are basically the same as the statements, but in the question form, with very simple answers – yes, no, perhaps.  Consider the concept questions for I managed to do it : 1.Did I try ?(yes) 2.Was it difficult ?(yes) 3.Did I succeed ?(yes)

Example of Concept questions 1. She’s been reading since she came home.  Is she reading now ?(yes)  When did she start reading ?(when she came home)  Was she reading all the time ? (yes)  Will she stop reading now ?(perhaps; I don’t know) 2. Helen used to smoke.  Did Helen smoke ?(yes)  On a number of occasions ?(yes)  Regularly / Often ?(perhaps)  Does she smoke now ?(no)

 The reasons for being clear about meaning are obvious. If the T understands what the meaning is and can focus on it in simple and clear ways, then it is obviously more useful to the Ss than when she explains at length, fails to pinpoint the essential components of meaning and uses complex language.  By asking concept questions we can also establish whether Ss are clear about meaning  A focus on form is useful, but it will have considerably less use if there is no parallel focus on meaning.