Evaluation of the Speaking Skills In the English Language Course For Students of the First Grade At the Secondary Stage

Abstract

English as a foreign language (EFL) is one of the most important course components of secondary school curriculum in the system of education in Egypt. A great deal oftime, money and energy have been spent on it to the extent that "more than 90 % of students at school learn English as a first foreign language beginning from the fourth grade of Basic Education to the end of secondary stage". 1 As perceived by the Ministry of Education, the secondary stage' is a period of consolidation, of expansion and of preparation. The materials and methods for teaching and learning will reflect the future needs of students as far as these can be predicted. The wider aims of education itself must be fostered so that those students can continue to develop learning strategies, to be creative and to have a true sense of ethical values'. 2 Moreover secondary education has a significant opportunity within

the education system as it comes in the middle between elementary, higher and university education. It plays a twofold role: preparing students for vocational life or for proceeding onto higher education. On the other hand, it aims at preparing them for cooperation in public life with the assertion on establishing religious, behavioral and national values. To do so, secondary education usually seeks to use a set of study courses that may achieve the objectives set forth.