Module teaching and integrating language skills lesson 1

What are authentic materials?

Authentic materials are language materials that were originally designed to be used by first language speakers and were not intended for use by language learners (Nunan & Miller, 1995). Authentic materials are everyday materials ‘that have been produced to fulfill some social purpose in the language community.’ (Peacock, 1997) but can be used in language teaching or learning. The following materials can be classified as authentic materials:

1. 
   Maps
   
2. 
   Transport schedules
   
3. 
   Telephone directories
   
4. 
   Menus
   
5. 
   Comics and cartoons
   
6. 
   Advertisements
   
7. 
   Brochures
   
8. 
   Recipes
   
9. 
   Pamphlets
   
10. 
    Product labels and packaging
    
11. 
    Receipts
    
12. 
    Shopping lists
    
13. 
    Signs
    
14. 
    Blogs
    
15. 
    Wikis
    
16. 
    Messages
    
17. 
    Newspapers
    
18. 
    Magazines
    
19. 
    Communication (cards, letters, etc.)
    
20. 
    Music
    
21. 
    Music videos
    
22. 
    Film
    
23. 
    Radio broadcasts
    
24. 
    Television programmes
    
25. 
    Literature
    
26. 
    Internet websites
    
27. 
    Guides (city/theatre)
    
28. 
    Bills
    

• 
  (1 min) Put participants in 4 groups and ask them to answer the following question:
  

~ Why is it useful to use authentic texts in English language teaching?
(15 min) Invite a spokesperson from each group to report to the whole group. Summarise the mentioned points on the board.