gradation n
also grading, sequencing
the arrangement of the content of a language course or a textbook so that
it is presented in a helpful way. Gradation would affect the order in which
words, word meanings, tenses, structures, topics, functions, skills, etc.
are presented. Gradation may be based on different criteria such as the
complexity of an item, its frequency in written or spoken language, or
its importance for the learner.
see also selection
grade n
a way of expressing overall results in a test using a number or letter.
graded objectives n
(in language teaching) objectives which describe levels of attainment at dif-
ferent stages within a language programme. These are intended to provide
statements of practical short-term goals for learners and to provide prac-
tical levels of mastery which they could attain after relatively short periods
of study. Graded objectives have been used particularly in programmes for
foreign language teaching in the United Kingdom.
graded reader n
also simplified reader
a text written for children learning their mother tongue, or for second
or foreign language learners, in which the language content is based on a
language grading scheme (see gradation). A graded reader may use a
restricted vocabulary or set of grammatical structures.
grade point average n
also GPA
a measure of scholastic performance used in the US and elsewhere based on
the average of numerical values assigned to letter grades (e.g. A =4, B =3, etc.).
gradience n
see fuzzy
grading n
another term for gradation
grammar^1 n
a description of the structure of a language and the way in which linguistic
units such as words and phrases are combined to produce sentences in the
grammar