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
“Authentic material are written or spoken texts used with learners without changing the level of
language” (British Council, 2020)
Authentic materials were not designed for language teaching but, if used correctly, can be a great
aid for the classroom.
Using authentic materials can make the process of English learning more fun and engaging for
students. Authentic materials are everywhere you just need to know where to look and, if needed,
how to adapt those materials to the needs of the group you are teaching. Most of the texts or
audios that can be found on course books are out dated or they are of no interest to the group we
are teaching. Therefore, we need to take into consideration different factors when selecting
appropriate materials for a given group:
Is the material appropriate for their age, gender, religion etc…?
Is the material too advance or too simple?
Is the material interesting enough?
Authentic materials means authentic lessons. But, the material has to be analysed and checked
before working with it in the classroom. Some teachers may use authentic materials without a prior
observation of the material which can lead to a very difficult material to work with and a loss of
interest.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
Taking into consideration that I am teaching a mixed group of 15 students with different
nationalities and reasons to learn English in a foreign country for them, I had to find a common
thing that they all have and could be used to engage them all in a conversation. Thus, I believed
that getting to know the country they are living in would be a great starting point to generate
language. I have chosen a text about Scotland as my authentic material as it is the country where I
spent 11 magical years many years ago. The country in itself has a lot to offer from beautiful
landscapes and mountain ranges to beautifully enchanted cities full of history. There are many
hidden treasures within the short text proposed that will take students into a cultural and historical
voyage. Making English learning a true and exciting experience.
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
“Authentic material are written or spoken texts used with learners without changing the level of
language” (British Council, 2020)
Authentic materials were not designed for language teaching but, if used correctly, can be a great
aid for the classroom.
Using authentic materials can make the process of English learning more fun and engaging for
students. Authentic materials are everywhere you just need to know where to look and, if needed,
how to adapt those materials to the needs of the group you are teaching. Most of the texts or
audios that can be found on course books are out dated or they are of no interest to the group we
are teaching. Therefore, we need to take into consideration different factors when selecting
appropriate materials for a given group:
Is the material appropriate for their age, gender, religion etc…?
Is the material too advance or too simple?
Is the material interesting enough?
Authentic materials means authentic lessons. But, the material has to be analysed and checked
before working with it in the classroom. Some teachers may use authentic materials without a prior
observation of the material which can lead to a very difficult material to work with and a loss of
interest.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
Taking into consideration that I am teaching a mixed group of 15 students with different
nationalities and reasons to learn English in a foreign country for them, I had to find a common
thing that they all have and could be used to engage them all in a conversation. Thus, I believed
that getting to know the country they are living in would be a great starting point to generate
language. I have chosen a text about Scotland as my authentic material as it is the country where I
spent 11 magical years many years ago. The country in itself has a lot to offer from beautiful
landscapes and mountain ranges to beautifully enchanted cities full of history. There are many
hidden treasures within the short text proposed that will take students into a cultural and historical
voyage. Making English learning a true and exciting experience.
