Abstract: Silence, the same as speech, is one of the means of human communication. However, frequent silence may lead to lack of interaction in English classes. By using questionnaires, this study investigates the main causes of silence in English classes in Nanjing Baijiahu Middle School in order to shed some light on the issue in junior middle schools. It was found combined together, five factors may lead to the students’ silence in English classes: teachers factors, students factors, teacher-student relationship, social culture and other factors such as classroom atmosphere and seating arrangement. Such a comprehensive understanding of the above causes will help to find out appropriate ways to break silence in English classroom.

Key words: silence; causes; English classes

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review...2

2.1 Definition of Silence and Classroom Silence

2.2 Related Research at Home and Abroad

3. Research Methodology..4

3.1 Research Questions

3.2 Participants

3.3 Instruments

3.4 Data Collection

3.5 Data Analysis

4. Findings and Discussions...5

4.1 Factors of the Students 

4.1.1 Language Competence

4.1.2 Physical and Mental Situation 

4.1.3 Personality

4.1.4 Learning Habits

4.2 Social Culture

4.2.1 Face-saving

4.2.2 Examination Culture

4.2.3 Authority of Teacher

4.3 Teacher-student Relationship

4.4 Factors of the Teachers

4.4.1 Questioning Techniques

4.4.2 Teaching Styles

4.5 Other Factors

5. Conclusion

Bibliography.

Acknowledgements