Assignment C, Part 2.2
Essay on using authentic materials and internet
Write a 500-700 word essay in which you:
a) Explain the value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching (See Units 5 and 9 and do your own
research).
b) Say why you feel the text you have chosen would be appropriate for this class and explain the reasons for your
vocabulary selection. If you have adapted your text, explain the rationale for the changes you made in this section.
c) Say why you feel the activities you have chosen would be appropriate for this class.
d) Comment on the advantages and disadvantages of using the internet for teaching and language resources. (See Unit
10)
Please write the essay under the four headings given. The sections do not all have to be the same length.
a) The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching
There are various advantages to using authentic material. Teachers have the opportunity to source
materials that are relevant and would specifically appeal to their students. Authentic materials are usually
high in level, the grammar and vocabulary are not graded and therefore the challenge of understanding the
text is greater. As a result, students will feel a considerable sense of accomplishment when they are capable
of understanding the target language as spoken by the natives. With continued exposure, they will be able
to recycle new vocabulary and develop their language skills.
Authentic materials provide the student with real life examples of the everyday use of a language thereby
exposing them to the day to day functions of the target language. This will prepare them for the real world
and assist them in accurately identifying situations that warrant formal language and those requiring
informal language. Authentic materials can provide the student with valuable insight regarding the
idiosyncrasies of a native language, the target culture and general perspectives regarding certain issues
within that English based culture. Authentic texts should incite more interest and motivate student to
access more examples as there are various topics and styles available that may interest the students as
opposed to out-dated, graded textbooks.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
The original text was altered slightly by removing unnecessary information that was not pertinent to the
rest of the article so as to meet the word cap allocated. I have a mixed nationality class, ages varying by two
decades. I chose this text as I felt it would appealing to my class. The idea of visiting new places and
experiencing different cultures is exciting, especially given this class comprises people who have come to a
new country and have immersed themselves in a new culture. There are so many interesting places to visit
in the world and considering we have not been able to enjoy something that was taken so for granted,
namely travelling due to the Covid epidemic. I felt it was a warranted escape from the bleak lockdown we
have found ourselves in.
The vocabulary I chose was mainly based on Vocab Kitchen’s assessment of the text. I felt these words
would be challenging for the students. I also selected figures of speech that are particular and most likely
unfamiliar to non-native English speakers.
b) Why my activities would be appropriate for this class
The Dictionary quiz was designed to better acquaint the students with unfamiliar vocabulary in the
authentic text and improve their ability to determine the meaning, form, word class and pronunciation.
Essay on using authentic materials and internet
Write a 500-700 word essay in which you:
a) Explain the value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching (See Units 5 and 9 and do your own
research).
b) Say why you feel the text you have chosen would be appropriate for this class and explain the reasons for your
vocabulary selection. If you have adapted your text, explain the rationale for the changes you made in this section.
c) Say why you feel the activities you have chosen would be appropriate for this class.
d) Comment on the advantages and disadvantages of using the internet for teaching and language resources. (See Unit
10)
Please write the essay under the four headings given. The sections do not all have to be the same length.
a) The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching
There are various advantages to using authentic material. Teachers have the opportunity to source
materials that are relevant and would specifically appeal to their students. Authentic materials are usually
high in level, the grammar and vocabulary are not graded and therefore the challenge of understanding the
text is greater. As a result, students will feel a considerable sense of accomplishment when they are capable
of understanding the target language as spoken by the natives. With continued exposure, they will be able
to recycle new vocabulary and develop their language skills.
Authentic materials provide the student with real life examples of the everyday use of a language thereby
exposing them to the day to day functions of the target language. This will prepare them for the real world
and assist them in accurately identifying situations that warrant formal language and those requiring
informal language. Authentic materials can provide the student with valuable insight regarding the
idiosyncrasies of a native language, the target culture and general perspectives regarding certain issues
within that English based culture. Authentic texts should incite more interest and motivate student to
access more examples as there are various topics and styles available that may interest the students as
opposed to out-dated, graded textbooks.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
The original text was altered slightly by removing unnecessary information that was not pertinent to the
rest of the article so as to meet the word cap allocated. I have a mixed nationality class, ages varying by two
decades. I chose this text as I felt it would appealing to my class. The idea of visiting new places and
experiencing different cultures is exciting, especially given this class comprises people who have come to a
new country and have immersed themselves in a new culture. There are so many interesting places to visit
in the world and considering we have not been able to enjoy something that was taken so for granted,
namely travelling due to the Covid epidemic. I felt it was a warranted escape from the bleak lockdown we
have found ourselves in.
The vocabulary I chose was mainly based on Vocab Kitchen’s assessment of the text. I felt these words
would be challenging for the students. I also selected figures of speech that are particular and most likely
unfamiliar to non-native English speakers.
b) Why my activities would be appropriate for this class
The Dictionary quiz was designed to better acquaint the students with unfamiliar vocabulary in the
authentic text and improve their ability to determine the meaning, form, word class and pronunciation.
