Assignment C - Part 3
Essay
600-700 word Essay on Using Authentic Materials and the Internet
Please write the essay under the four headings given.
a) The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching:
It is a great way of improving not only students' general skills but also their
confidence in real life situations and communication. Unlike boring course books or
any other materials that intentionally made for teaching a foreign language, the
authentic materials can make the learning process more fun, engaging and
motivating for students. Course books are of course good for teaching the basis of
the language and also safe to follow as a syllabus but it is not enough on its own.
Therefore, authentic materials will be a great support to course books where
teachers and students can utilize a wide range of resources such as songs, maps,
application forms, magazine articles, emails, etc. Teachers can choose the materials
depending on students' level, age, interests. These materials can also provide
information about the target culture so while students learn the language they can
get some ideas of the culture and culture's perspective on an issue.
I believe without exposure of authentic materials, students might struggle to cope
when using the language anywhere outside the classroom.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items. Rationale for
changes to text, if applicable.
The authentic text I have chosen is about happiness vs. money. The importance of
money is an undeniable fact in our life but what about its effects on happiness. I
believe it is an interesting topic and all my students will have a strong opinion about
it. Students will be vibrant and motivated during the lesson regardless what
nationality they are, what job they do or what they study.
I have selected 12 vocabulary items to pre-teach including chunks of words and
phrasal verbs. Those words that my students can understand the text in general after
defined or being elicited and add them in their vocabulary book. They might find
some words more challenging than others however after practising them in
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