Controversial topics in ELT

Abstract

This thesis explores the use of controversial topics in writing activities in English language teaching and their impact on learners' affective domain, affective factors and communicative competence. The theoretical part focuses on communicative competence in ELT, affective domain and factors in ELT and writing language skill and its problems. It also defines controversial topics, justifies the choice of topics in this thesis and outlines possible effects of engaging with controversial topics in writing. The research in the practical part is designed as an action research study conducted in a lower secondary school context. At first it focuses on identifying of controversial topics for particular group of adolescents. The main aim of the study is to analyze how writing about controversial issues influences students' affective factors - motivation, stress levels, as well as their development of communicative competence. Action research consists of two cycles. The baseline cycle was conducted with a neutral topic to research problems or deficiencies in writing tasks. Controversial topics were integrated into writing in intervention.