Teaching a foreign language, it is important to give students a visual representation of the life, traditions, and linguistic realities of English-speaking countries

Video materials selection criteria

• The careful selection and sequencing of films and videotapes is crucial. Depending on student proficiency levels, students' needs, and instructional and curricular objectives, a variety of film and videotape types could be used effectively in the ESL classroom. Not all films or videotapes, however, are suited to all students, levels of ability, or educational objectives (Maxwell 1983). Selection is further complicated by the fact that each film or videotape will dictate different types of activities, thus requiring careful previewing by the teacher.