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
The value of using authentic materials is that it allows the advanced students to be exposed to
everyday language, that is used in English speaking nations. Some articles will challenge students
with difficult, unseen vocabulary. These words are often imperative to know as they will be used
frequently in everyday English. Authentic texts can vary in topic and style, this also adds an
additional element of learning as native speakers all have their own cultures within different
communities. The foreign student will benefit from being familiar with different styles of English.
This exposure will assist non-native speakers to address and use formal and non-formal language
in everyday life. This would in turn assist in being able to write in the different ways, informal to a
friend and formal at work or in business environment.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
I chose my article as it is truly relevant in the world today. I feel that all students could relate to it in
some way. A foreign student needs to be offey with rules and regulations, in order to understand
these rules, many of the vocabulary words need to be understood. The vocabulary words will give
the students a better understanding of the pandemic and commonly used words in English articles
or documents that pertain to the subject. Some of the words that I chose are specific to the
pandemic, however some would be used in many other circumstances and would be extremely
useful to know, use and understand in everyday life.