Mara lúcia fabiano soares the importance of coursebooks for teachers of English as a foreign language

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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4.2 The features and benefits teachers consider when choosing a coursebook 
 

Regarding this item of the questionnaire “What features / benefits do you consider when 

choosing a coursebook?” a wide range of attributes was mentioned. Noticeably, the most 
recurrent features cited were the visual appeal of the books, appropriate contents and supply of 
extra activities and exercises. 
References to the visual presentation occurred among five different participants. Although 
the main characteristic of coursebooks is to present different kinds of written texts and 
statements, the visual components seem to be very alluring. The analysis of the data about this 
feature showed that T2 considers whether the coursebook 
has lots of pictures.
T3 evaluates the 
lay-out
and whether 
it is attractive visually
. T6 points out the features 
beleza
and 
colorido 
atrativo para o aluno
. T7 mentions 
visually attractive 
and T8 highlights 
visual devices
and 
not to 
be overcoloured
. 
These answers carry the idea that paralinguistic components like headings, pictures, 
illustrations and diagrams are devices that may facilitate the process of absorbing information 
when they accompany written texts. Based on the teachers’ criteria, visual elements seem to be of 
great importance when evaluating a coursebook. This is in accordance with Mirzoeff (2002:25), 
who claims that “In today’s world meanings circulate visually, in addition to orally and 
textually.” 
According to the