ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to assess the level of English language speaking proficiency of students in GFLMNHS focusing on the following factors such as fluency, pronunciation and vocabulary. Also, this study was able to identify the difficulties hindering English fluency among Grade 8 students at Governor Feliciano Leviste Memorial National High School. This serves as a foundation for creating targeted activities to enhance English speaking skills, helping students communicate effectively for academic achievement. The main data collection tool employed in the study was a questionnaire, which was used to identify the obstacles that impede English speaking proficiency among a specific group of Grade 8 students. The research utilized a descriptive research design, involving 421 Grade 8 students selected randomly through stratified sampling from Gov. Feliciano Leviste Memorial National High School. The data collected was analyzed using statistical tools such as frequency, mean, percentage, and correlation. The research findings indicated that the students possess an average level of English-speaking proficiency in terms of fluency and vocabulary, but demonstrated a high level of proficiency in pronunciation. Meanwhile, the learners encountered various challenges, including the fear of making mistakes, a lack of confidence, difficulties in finding the appropriate words to express themselves in English conversations, a lack of motivation to enhance their English-speaking skills, anxiety related to their accent, and limited exposure to spoken English. Based on the outcome, a series of projects and programs have been suggested to enhance students' proficiency in spoken English.
Keywords: proficiency, fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary