| Task-based language teaching (TBLT) is a relatively new teaching methodology which is evolved from communicative language teaching (CLT). In the 1980s, it began to be applied in second language teaching. It emphasizes "learning by doing" and aims to enable learners to master the target language by completing tasks. The task is a series of activities in which students use the target language to achieve a specific outcome. In a task-based classroom, learners focus on language meaning rather on language form. In May,2001, the Department of Chinese Education issued New English Curriculum Standards in which task-based language teaching is proposed.Motivation is one of the most important affective factors. It has a direct influence on learners'persistence and enthusiasm, which finally affects students' learning achievement. In Chinese senior high school, there are art students, who are not good at academic subjects, among which English is one of their weakest subjects. Lacking learning motivation can mainly account for this phenomenon. TBLT is claimed to have positive effect on art students'English learning motivation. However, there is no empirical study to prove it. Therefore, the current study is of significance.The paper aimed at finding whether TBLT had positive effect on the English learning motivation of art students in Chinese senior high school. In order to make the research finding more convincing, questionnaires, classroom observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The result of the questionnaires shows:the English learning motivation of art students in control class doesn't change. However, the English learning motivation of art students in experimental class is increased. The result of the semi-structured interviews shows that the motivational state of students in experimental class is changed. The result of the class observation shows that motivated behaviors of students in experimental class are initiated since the adoption of TBLT.
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