This study examines the effects of different grouping techniques, regardless of the level of proficiency, in true beginners' oral ability in the target language. Statistical analysis revealed that the students benefit from lowproficiency subjects versus low-proficiency groups more than the other grouping techniques. Thus, this kind of group-work offers a powerful tool for the attainment of both English and basic skills and refutes the idea that mixed-language proficiency groups are expected to help students use the target language, as pointed out in some of the studies previously reviewed..