THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CRITICAL THINKING ABILITY OF IRANIAN EFL LEARNERS AND THEIR SPEAKING SKILLS

In line with the studies in English as a foreign/second language (EFL/ESL) contexts confirming the positive relationship between learner factors and language proficiency, this study investigated the relationship between critical thinking ability and the speaking skills of Iranian students. For this purpose, 40 male and female freshmen majoring in English were selected as the experimental group. Afterwards, Peter Honeyʹs (2004) appraisal test was given to them. At the end of the semester, each student was interviewed and graded. The results of the study revealed that there is a strong relationship between the ability to think critically and speak skillfully. Due to the findings of the present study, it is suggested that critical thinking be developed as a core academic skill so that multiple educational outcomes are accomplished by learners. As far as English language classrooms are concerned, teachers should ask challenging questions in order to raise learners’ critical awareness.