Which classroom activity best promotes negotiation of meaning and requires clarification or paraphrasing?

• A. Monologue speaking with no feedback.
• B. Copying from a model text.
• C. Information-gap tasks requiring clarification and reformulation.
• D. Grammar drills with repetition.

Answer: (C)

Negotiation of meaning happens when learners work to make their messages understood, asking for clarification and rephrasing as needed. Information-gap tasks are designed so each learner has different pieces of information, so they must interact to complete a shared goal. That interaction creates a natural need to ask questions, request repetition or clarification, and reformulate what they’re saying to ensure understanding. This ongoing back-and-forth gives students frequent practice in paraphrasing and confirming meaning, which is exactly what you’re looking for.

Other activities don’t promote this same level of interactive meaning-making. A monologue with no feedback offers no opportunity to negotiate understanding. Copying from a model text focuses on imitation rather than real-time communication. Grammar drills with repetition emphasize form over meaningful interaction, so they don’t cultivate the same negotiation skills.