DISTINCTIVE FEATURES, REQUIREMENTS, AND FUNCTIONS OF A WRITTEN SPEECH

Аннотация

This article explores the role and significance of written speech in English language learning, with a particular focus on developing argumentative writing skills among high school students. It emphasizes that writing, alongside other language skills, is a crucial tool for communication, academic expression, and personal development. Drawing on the views of several linguists, the paper distinguishes writing from other forms of speech and outlines the essential characteristics of effective written discourse. Key features such as clarity, coherence, and conciseness are discussed as foundational to producing well-structured texts. In addition, the article analyzes the challenges students face when constructing argumentative texts in English and highlights the importance of teaching strategies that enhance writing competence. Keywords: written speech, argumentative writing, language learning, clarity, coherence, high school education, communicative competence Introduction. In recent years, the role of the English language in our country has been growing steadily, becoming increasingly significant across various domains. As a result, achieving comprehensive proficiency in English is no longer a choice but a pressing demand of the modern age. In order to master the four fundamental language skills—listening, reading, speaking, and writing—substantial opportunities and resources have been provided nationwide to support learners at all levels. Just as in any language, the integration and balanced development of all four skills in English is of vital importance, and the relevance of each skill may manifest differently depending on the field of use. In today’s rapidly globalizing world, the younger generation of learners in our country is demonstrating a strong motivation and determination to acquire English in line with international standards. Among the four language competencies, writing stands out as a critical skill, serving as both a means of academic expression and professional communication. Writing not only reflects the learner’s grasp of grammar and vocabulary but also develops critical thinking, coherence, and clarity—qualities essential for success in academia and beyond. Therefore, fostering effective written communication in English is a key objective in modern education and remains central to the overall language learning process. Main part. Written speech consists of texts that encompass both major and minor communicative functions. In this sense, the concept of written speech and writing can be differentiated through two distinct types of skills: https://scientific-jl.com/new 33 Volume–81_Issue-1_July-2025 JOURNAL OF NEW CENTURY INNOVATIONS 1. Graphical and orthographic skills related to writing letters and words correctly; 2. Skills of expressing ideas in written form using words to convey meaning coherently. Among scholars, there are various perspectives regarding writing and written speech. For instance, J.J. Jalolov emphasizes that writing in foreign language teaching functions both as a means and a goal, highlighting the importance of developing learners' written communicative competence in the target language 1[p. 11]. B.V. Belyayeva, on the other hand, argues against differentiating between writing and written speech, suggesting instead that they can be used synonymously depending on the context. T.V. Medvedeva defines writing as a means of entering into communication through language, while written speech is viewed as a communicative process shaped by specific expressive tools 2[p. 189]. According to B.V. Belyayev, written speech is a form of speech but not an independent speech type, as its existence is closely connected to oral speech 3[136b]. That is, it is dependent on oral expression, which serves as a bridge between thought and language. While hand movement and visual perception are essential in written communication, it is essentially considered a reflection of oral speech in written form. R.P. Milrud states that one of the main goals of foreign language teaching is to develop writing skills, and that writing serves as a means of teaching other types of speech activities, such as speaking, listening comprehension, and reading 4[p. 253]. Written speech is characteristically monologic in nature 5[p. 33–37]. . Writing is an integral component of the educational system, serving as a fundamental tool for both assessment and learning. For high school students, engagement with various writing activities—such as essay composition, research projects, and creative writing exercises—plays a pivotal role in developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Written communication opens up opportunities for learners to grow in multiple domains: 1. Professional Environment: In the professional world, writing is indispensable for communication, documentation, and marketing. Business reports, emails, proposals, and technical documents are examples of the diverse types of writing required across variou