One more question left to discuss is
whether the output activities are for practice
or communication. I think it will be
appropriate to include here a few lines of
the textbook writers’ claim that can be seen
at the back cover of the textbook. Headway
is a multi-level course for adults and
young adults who want to use English both
accurately and fluently. Grammar and vocabulary
are taught and explained thoroughly,
and all four language skills are
developed systematically. The Headway
series combines traditional methods of language
teaching and more recent communicative
approaches. Their claim, no doubt,
bears credibility. As discussed in the previous
paragraph, both the writing and the
speaking activities never ask the students
to talk or to write about something impromptu.
Necessary preparations are always
made by giving the learners whatever
input or practice that is felt helpful. This
means the answer to the last question
(whether the output activities are for practice
or communication) cannot be a downright
‘Yes’ or ‘No’. There are many activities
to give the students practice for the
required language forms and there are also
activities that encourage them to talk freely.
So I think I may not be mistaken if I say
that the textbook provides ample opportunities
to practise the language forms (for
practice) and also to use them in a natural
setting (for communication).