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.
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.
