TASKS vs ACTIVITIES

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ESL forum > Games, activities and teaching ideas > TASKS vs ACTIVITIES

TASKS vs ACTIVITIES

hadadeanis

TASKS vs ACTIVITIES

Hello there! "task" and "activity" are words that can create confusion. Most people think these two words to be similar as they appear to have similar meanings. I would like to know what is the difference between them. I am in doubt. Could anyone please help me? Thank you.

17 Aug 2013

ascincoquinas

Hi there!

task1 S2 W1 See pronunciation table in "How to use dictionary" pages

[countable]

1 a piece of work that must be done, especially one that is difficult or unpleasant or that must be done regularly [= job]

ac‧tiv‧i‧ty S1 W1 See pronunciation table in "How to use dictionary" pages

plural activities

1 [countable usually plural] something that you do because you enjoy it

leisure/recreation/outdoor/cultural etc activities

Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROM

outdoor activities such as hiking or climbing

2 [uncountable and countable] things that people do in order to achieve a particular aim

political/economic/business etc activity

Everyone is free to engage in peaceful political activity.

criminal/terrorist/illegal etc activity

fund-raising activities

3 [uncountable] a situation in which a lot of things are happening or a lot of things are being done:

the noise and activity of the city

There �s an amazing level of activity in the town centre currently.

physical/mental activity

Regular physical activity helps to control your weight.

17 Aug 2013

ueslteacher

I �m sure Paola meant learning activities and task in the context of learning.

Some clarification of task here maybe task is what you have to achieve (the result) and activities are what you do to achieve it... Confused

I �d be glad to hear some experienced teachers � opinions too.

Sophia

17 Aug 2013

cunliffe

The definitions given are good.

Sophia, I really like that link - what is the difference between a task and an exercise? - and I �m going to include a summary in the newsletter I do for my colleagues.

I agree task implies that there will be a process, then an outcome; a finished product. An activity is for practice, reinforcement or fun.

18 Aug 2013

cindyfreksen

In a teaching world these words can be defined in a myriad of different ways! I used Task-based Language Learning and Teaching by Rod Ellis when writing my bachelor.

He defines a task:
"Tasks � are activities that call for primarily meaning-focused language use." (Ellis, 2003 side 3)

A task according to him has a learning element, but more importantly a communicative element.
Hope that that helps!
Cindy

18 Aug 2013