Language and be easier to govern. If people do not understand what you are saying, then their communication cannot be ruled" (Ayoob, 1999, p. 4). Isolated teaching of skills wasn't working with students, so some teachers chose to abandon the teaching of grammar altogether (Hoffman, 2006). In response, the NCTE's official 1986 stand on teaching grammar states: Resolved, that the National Council of Teachers of English affirm the position that the use of isolated grammar and usage exercises not supported by theory and research is a deterrent to the improvement of students' speaking and writing and that, in order to improve both of these, class time at all levels must be devoted to opportunities for meaningful listening, speaking, reading,