1. Understanding Lexis: Key Concepts
What does lexis refer to in language teaching?
Lexis refers to “the vocabulary of a language, including not only single words but also multi-word units that function as single meaningful items.”
Why is vocabulary a strong predictor of proficiency?
Because “learners with limited grammar but extensive lexical knowledge can often communicate effectively, while those with good grammatical understanding but weak vocabulary struggle to express themselves.”
Why must vocabulary be taught in context?
Because “context helps learners understand meaning, use, and collocation patterns.”
What is chunk-based teaching?
Chunk-based teaching is when “students learn and practice whole expressions rather than individual words.”
How does the lexical approach support reading?
By “highlighting frequent chunks, synonyms, or topic-related vocabulary to promote noticing.”
What are collocations according to the text?
Collocations are “words that naturally appear together and sound ‘right’ to native speakers, such as make a decision, strong coffee, or deep trouble.”
What research shifted focus from grammar to lexis?
The shift came from “cognitive linguistics and corpus studies, which revealed that native speakers rely heavily on repeated lexical patterns.”
What is meant by frequency in lexical teaching?
It refers to “words and chunks that learners will encounter most often in real communication.”
How do collocation grids help learners?
They help learners “see relationships between lexical items.”
How do lexical bundles improve writing?
They “create more natural, coherent texts,” such as using in addition to, for example, or as a result.
What are lexical chunks?
Lexical chunks are “fixed or semi-fixed phrases like on the other hand, I’d like to, or as far as I know.”
How does lexical competence affect reading?
Lexical competence “supports reading comprehension… helping learners understand texts more quickly and accurately.”
What are noticing activities for?
They “make learners consciously observe lexical behavior.”
Why are lexical notebooks useful?
Because they let students “organize vocabulary by themes, chunks, or collocations.”
Why is listening important for lexis learning?
Because “exposure to authentic speech helps learners internalize formulaic expressions and natural patterns.”
How does the text describe connotation differences?
he text says that words like “slim, skinny, and thin share similar denotations but carry different emotional tones.”
Why is lexical competence important in real communication?
Because it “enriches both accuracy and appropriacy of expression” in everyday and professional contexts.
Why is repeated exposure necessary?
Because “vocabulary learning requires recycling, practice, and meaningful use over time.”
What role do digital tools play?
Digital tools such as apps “support lexical development” by offering spaced repetition and systematic practice.
How do lexical frames support speaking?
They provide “scaffolding for fluent expression,” such as The reason is… or What I mean is….
Why are idioms included in lexis?
Because “idioms… carry meanings beyond the literal meanings of the individual words, so they are treated as single lexical units.”
What happens when grammar is taught without lexis?
“Teaching grammar without a strong focus on lexis produces learners who know rules but cannot use language spontaneously.”
What does productive use mean?
It means “enabling learners to incorporate chunks and collocations into speaking and writing tasks.”
How do role-plays help with lexical development?
They “encourage learners to use newly learned expressions in context.”
Why is integrating lexis across all skills effective?
Because it “allows learners to apply lexical knowledge in real communication,” leading to “fluent, automatic language use.”