What are the four main language skills taught in TEFL?

The four main language skills emphasized in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) are listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These skills are essential for effective communication in any language and form the foundational elements of language learning.

Listening is crucial as it allows learners to absorb and understand the spoken language. Speaking enables them to express themselves verbally and engage in conversations. Reading helps students comprehend written texts, expanding their vocabulary and knowledge of language structure. Writing is important for articulating thoughts and ideas clearly and correctly in written form.

The other options include skills that either are not primary language skills or introduce concepts that do not align with the traditional framework of language learning in TEFL. For instance, translating is not considered a core skill in TEFL; rather, it is often a skill that learners develop as they become more proficient in a language. Similarly, vocabulary is fundamental to language use, but it is not categorized alongside the four main skills. Singing and public speaking are also not standard components of language instruction in TEFL.