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
I truly believe that authentic materials are of great value in foreign language teaching. Materials
used in textbooks are usually helpful and appropriate for the level of that particular class.
Authentic texts give the students the adequate language exposure to situations and texts that are
used in life situations. It is authentic texts that most students will need to deal with upon
completion of their journey of learning English, so the exposure and practice of working with
authentic texts during their language learning is of paramount importance. Another value that
authentic materials give to students is that it is very motivating for learners to realise that they van
understand an authentic text that is of a real-life situation or example. (The TEFL Academy, Unit
9,2020) In my personal experience in teaching, I find that authentic texts stimulate the interest of
the students far more, because they truly relate to life situations and current affairs which makes
the students want to discuss them further. It also gives students the confidence to look at or
practice the language in a realistic situation (TeachingEnglish.org.uk ,2020). Moreover, I feel that
using authentic texts can really enrich a teacher’s experience. By searching for such texts, a teacher
is researching texts and connecting them to their students abilities and considering the interests of
the students, other than just relying mainly on the course book.
b) Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items
I feel that the selection of the text I have chosen entitled ‘ Screen addiction among teens: is there
such a thing?’ by Anya Kamenetz is appropriate for this class. The language is appropriate for their
level of understanding, yet it consists of certain phrases which the learners may not be familiar left
and create a challenge for them so that it isn’t too simple. Phrases such as ‘doesn’t miss a beat’ and
‘wrapped’ up will expose the students to figurative uses of the English language. The content and
topic of the article has got to do with the use of technology which I believe can be very relatable to
the age group of the students considering the fact that they are within the generation in which a
big chunk of their lifestyle is run by technology.
c) Why my activities would be appropriate for this class
The dictionary activity will help the students enrich their vocabulary by learning the meanings of
new words. It will also familiarise them with extra practice of using a dictionary and getting used to
the fact that every time they encounter a new word, they should make it a habit of opening up a
dictionary and looking it up. The second activity involves using online resources to write an essay
arguing the student’s views. This activity will help the learners judge which points they can take out
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