Authentic Materials
One of the best ways to teach or learn English as a Second Language (ESL) or Foreign Language (EFL) is by using authentic materials that have been prepared for native speakers in real-life conditions. Newspapers and magazines in English are usually available in most parts of the world. At a bazaar or bookstore in Istanbul, at a newsstand in Barcelona, at a cultural center in Bogotá, or on a street corner in Paris, you can pick up a local, regional, or international newspaper to use in an English-language. foreign language (EFL) classroom setting. Here are some suggestions to put them to good use.
To help you with incentives, tips, and ideas on what, when, and how to use a newspaper or magazine, I analyzed a British English magazine and an American English newspaper to find ways to get the most use out of each. These suggestions could also apply to online publications, as well as other types of foreign language periodicals, both print and digital.
Front page
The title, issue number, and any teasers that appear can be used to get an overview of the serial and start a short discussion based on the prediction. What is the article going to be about? Who are the people on the cover? What do you know about them, the place or the situation involved?
Table of Contents
These often contain more detailed information and brief descriptions of the articles and features of the serial that can help with discussion or prediction activities. Ask students which article, section, or column they would like to read and why.
Full Page/Half Page Ads
Depending on the content, ads can be used to illustrate tenses, describe colors, clothing, materials, etc. If present, additional advertising content may include websites, addresses, phone numbers, dates, times, other contact information, etc., all useful topics for class work. Do you or your students use the products, or similar? Are the products seasonal? Only for men or women? For a particular age group? Available in your area? Why or why not? Work with any adjectives in the ad: either those that appear or those that are implicit in the photo or product. Publicity photos often tend to be exotic or provocative in nature. They can be used in a variety of ways. Be sure to visit the websites mentioned in the announcement, either during class or for online homework.
So no matter what English language newspapers and magazines are typically available in your part of the world; At a bazaar or bookstore, newsstand, cultural center, or street corner, choose a local, regional, or international newspaper to use in your English as a Foreign Language (EFL) class. Both you and your students will benefit. While you’re at it, email me at [email protected] and if you’d be nice, I’ll send you a free copy of my e-book, “The Starter’s Guide for Foreign Language Learners” by email. mail.