摘要：Empirical studies have long proven the link between speaking and second language learning. Despite its importance in determining one’s success to master the target language, willingness to communicate is not always high even among motivated and advanced English language learners. The present study seeks to identify the relationship between L2 motivational self system (the ideal self and the ought to self) and out-of-class WTC. It draws on a quantitative research design that involved a sample of 111 pre-service ESL teachers in Malaysia. Two major findings were identified. First, even though proficient, their level of out-of-class WTC was only satisfactory not high as expected. Second, the ideal self was the stronger predictor of their out-of-class WTC. Based on these, the present article ends with a pedagogical suggestion.
