Formation of discursive competence in EFL class

Abstract

The educational system of the present day in Russia puts forward new and new challenges: searching for novel ways of forming various competences of university students, with discursive competence dominating. In this paper, the authors make an attempt to prove that teaching students to write with argumentation in EFL class can become the basis for the formation of their discursive competence. Materials and instruments as well as teaching techniques of forming discursive competence in EFL class are investigated. The leading research method implemented in this study is an experiment conducted by the authors with the aim in view to assess the level of discursive competence that students can reach in EFL class. Drawing on methodical literature and personal teaching experience, the authors offer an authentic model of forming discursive competence in EFL class. The findings of the research can serve as general recommendations for university faculty and can be used in EFL class.