Ruth The question makes you think. For immediate progress in the early stages of learning I believe vocabulary is the most important. It is necessary for all other skills. However the needs of the student must be the chief consideration when teaching ESL.

MGHines Ruth, good points. I find many students are never introduced to anything but the most basic of vocabulary. When I teach, I usually lean towards reading because that can help to build vocabulary, introduce idioms and work on their listening/speaking thro...  moreRuth, good points. I find many students are never introduced to anything but the most basic of vocabulary. When I teach, I usually lean towards reading because that can help to build vocabulary, introduce idioms and work on their listening/speaking through comprehension checking questions.