Using Authentic Materials and Internet

Assignment Brief

Assignment C, Part 2.2

Essay on using authentic materials and internet

Write a 500-700 word essay in which you:

1. Explain the value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching (See Units 5 and 9 and do your own research).
2. 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.
3. Say why you feel the activities you have chosen would be appropriate for this class.
4. 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.

1. The value of using authentic materials in foreign language teaching 
2. Reasons for the selection of this text and the 12 vocabulary items 
3. Why my activities would be appropriate for this class
4. Advantages and disadvantages of using the internet for teaching and language resources

Sample Answer

The Value of Using Authentic Materials in Foreign Language Teaching

Authentic materials are resources originally created for native speakers, such as newspaper articles, videos, advertisements, and social media posts. Using authentic materials in foreign language teaching is valuable because it exposes learners to real language in context, helping them understand how the language functions naturally. Unlike textbook examples, authentic materials present learners with the diversity of vocabulary, grammar, and cultural nuances found in real-life communication. Research has shown that engaging with authentic materials improves reading comprehension, listening skills, and learner motivation, as students find the content meaningful and relevant to real-world situations. Furthermore, authentic materials provide opportunities for learners to develop pragmatic competence, such as understanding idiomatic expressions, register, and cultural references, which are often absent in simplified teaching materials.

Reasons for the Selection of This Text and the 12 Vocabulary Items

For this class, I have chosen a short online news article about environmental sustainability in urban areas. The text is appropriate because it contains current, relevant content that aligns with students’ interests and the curriculum theme of global issues. It is written at an intermediate language level, making it accessible yet challenging enough to promote vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension skills.

The 12 vocabulary items selected include words such as “sustainability,” “pollution,” “initiative,” “renewable,” “policy,” “community,” “emissions,” “resource,” “awareness,” “implementation,” “conservation,” and “advocate.” These words were chosen because they are key to understanding the article, are relevant to the topic, and can be used in multiple contexts, allowing students to apply them beyond the text.

Some minor adaptations were made to the original text, such as simplifying complex sentence structures and providing synonyms for less common words. These changes ensure that students can engage with the text without being overwhelmed, while still retaining its authentic flavour and informative value.

Continued...