A recognised weakness of the direct method is:

1. The direct method centres on oral training and the target language. 2. Its listed demerits include minimising systematic written work and reading activities. 3. It also needs trained teachers and is more time-consuming to prepare. 4. Heavy translation is the opposite of the method. 5. Speaking is its strength, not a weakness. 6. Real objects are used heavily, so that cannot be a weakness. **Why the other options fail:** - Heavy translation is what the method avoids. - Neglect of speaking is the opposite of its strength. - And it relies on real objects and pictures, so lacking them is wrong. _Source: Wikipedia, "Direct method (education)", section "Demerits" (revision 1368030046)_