I am interested in whether the following would be thought of as 
consensus positions among those of you on list (self-proclaimed as 
interested in the teaching of English grammar). I am certainly open to a 
list discussion, but those of you who would feel more comfortable just 
saying yes/no (or maybe) and/or those of you who would prefer to be 
anonymous can also feel free to email me directly and save wear and tear 
on the list. If the response is strong, I'll pass on the results. Unlike 
some surveys in our recent history, I don't presuppose a right answer 
and am happy to listen to nuanced responses. It's not a trick quiz.

1)  Acquiring a language is easy for a native speaker. It happens 
naturally, without direct instruction.

2) Achieving high levels of literacy is hard, but for the most part it 
happens without direct instruction.

3) Acquiring the language of Standard English is hard, but for the most 
part it happens without direct instruction.

4)  Learning to read complex texts is hard, but for the most part it 
happens without direct instruction.

5) Learning to write effectively is hard, but for the most part it 
happens without direct instruction.

6) Learning about language is hard. It does not happen without direct 
instruction.

Craig

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