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
As a language teacher, authentic materials such as: poems, advertisements, menus,
songs, newspaper articles, will be used on a regular basis. These authentic materials
bring students into contact with the language as it is used in the culture, and meets
actual communicational needs. They enable students not just demonstrate their
knowlegde of a grammar point or a lexical term, but rather to communicate meaning
in a meaningful situation (Covitica, 2002).
In addition to this, authentic materials when used in reading and listening exercises
can give students more of a sense of achievement and is a vitally important tool in
enabling students to understand day to day English (TEFL Academy, Unit 9).
In terms of value to teachers, authentic materials can be an extremely effective time
saving tool, as when used correctly from trustworthy sources, this means that
teachers are not required to make their own resources which could subsequently take
time away from other important tasks that they may have.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
When teaching students of a higher level, it is important to ensure that the reading
materials provided to the students not only engage them, but are more purposeful so
that they are interested in what they are reading, and might potentially learn
something new (Okojie and Okojie-Boulder, 2020).
I have chosen this particular text as due to the fact I have a mixed nationality class of
15 higher level students, I chose to use a global subject which both effects everyone
and in also relatable. This passage of writing, will not only allow the students to
improve their reading skills, but will enable them too critically reflect on this subject
and develop their awareness of a world issue, which will allow them to speak
confidently about this subject in day to day life.
The 12 vocabulary items were chosen as they are specifically graded to the students
linguistic level. Certain vocabulary such as “stimulus” and “distressed” may be
unfamiliar words to the class, however through the students obtaining this
terminology, they will consequently be improving their speaking and writing
competency through using these words regularly.
My chosen text is certainly neutral, however with certain texts a teacher could be
required to remove certain parts, especially when dealing with a mixed nationality
class. It is important to take into consideration, whether certain extracts from texts
could potentially create friction or cause offence to anyone within the class.
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
As a language teacher, authentic materials such as: poems, advertisements, menus,
songs, newspaper articles, will be used on a regular basis. These authentic materials
bring students into contact with the language as it is used in the culture, and meets
actual communicational needs. They enable students not just demonstrate their
knowlegde of a grammar point or a lexical term, but rather to communicate meaning
in a meaningful situation (Covitica, 2002).
In addition to this, authentic materials when used in reading and listening exercises
can give students more of a sense of achievement and is a vitally important tool in
enabling students to understand day to day English (TEFL Academy, Unit 9).
In terms of value to teachers, authentic materials can be an extremely effective time
saving tool, as when used correctly from trustworthy sources, this means that
teachers are not required to make their own resources which could subsequently take
time away from other important tasks that they may have.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
When teaching students of a higher level, it is important to ensure that the reading
materials provided to the students not only engage them, but are more purposeful so
that they are interested in what they are reading, and might potentially learn
something new (Okojie and Okojie-Boulder, 2020).
I have chosen this particular text as due to the fact I have a mixed nationality class of
15 higher level students, I chose to use a global subject which both effects everyone
and in also relatable. This passage of writing, will not only allow the students to
improve their reading skills, but will enable them too critically reflect on this subject
and develop their awareness of a world issue, which will allow them to speak
confidently about this subject in day to day life.
The 12 vocabulary items were chosen as they are specifically graded to the students
linguistic level. Certain vocabulary such as “stimulus” and “distressed” may be
unfamiliar words to the class, however through the students obtaining this
terminology, they will consequently be improving their speaking and writing
competency through using these words regularly.
My chosen text is certainly neutral, however with certain texts a teacher could be
required to remove certain parts, especially when dealing with a mixed nationality
class. It is important to take into consideration, whether certain extracts from texts
could potentially create friction or cause offence to anyone within the class.
