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USING AUTHENTIC MATERIALS IN DEVELOPING READING COMPREHENSION
OF STUDENTS IN ENGLISH CLASSES
Jontemirova Yulduz
English teacher of the Languages department, Yangi Asr university.
Sunnatillayeva Muslima
1
st
- year student of Yangi Asr University.
yangiasruniversiteti@gmail.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15106395
Abstract. This article purposes to describe the term “authenticity “and “authentic
material” with its profits, importance and necessities. In addition, usage of authentic materials in
order to develop English language learners’ reading comprehension.
Key words: authentic, authenticity, real world, reading comprehension.
Language teaching requires numerous approaches and teachers should not rely on only the
same coursebook. It is not only boring or complex but also it does not help to motivate students to
study. Therefore teachers should mix up other types of materials and one of them is “Authentic
materials”. What does this term mean? Authenticity refers the quality of being real or true
according to Cambridge dictionary.Also , Merriam Webster dictionary gives similar definition as
“not false or imitation
: real and actual
“ for this term.
If it comes to authentic material, it is apparent that modern pedagogy is aware of this term.
This is a set of materials which are created by native speakers for native speakers. Martinez
(2002) believes that authentic materials are which prepared for native speakers and not designed
to be used for teaching purposes. Many scholars state that if students are willing to use English
language sufficiently, they have to be exposed to the language, exactly because it is employed in
real world situations by native speakers. Nuttall (1996) argues that “authentic texts are often
motivating because they are proof that the language is employed for real-life purposes by real
people” They are not made for learning environment. Authentic materials purposes to connect
students with real context. They can be written, oral or visual. For example, stories, novels, books,
blogs, newspaper articles; interviews, podcasts, news on Tv or radio; pictures, advertisement,
menues and etc.
Using authentic materials in English classes has been shown to significantly enhance
students' reading comprehension. Authentic materials, defined as resources not specifically
designed for language teaching but created for native speakers, include newspapers, magazines,
2025
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NEW RENAISSANCE
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE
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podcasts, and videos. These materials provide learners with exposure to real-world language,
which is crucial for developing reading skills.There some benefits of implementing authentic
materials in English classes and in the following some of them will be discussed.
1.Real-World Language Exposure
: Authentic materials expose students to the language
as it is naturally used, including idiomatic expressions and cultural references that are often absent
in traditional textbooks. This exposure helps students develop a more nuanced understanding of
the language, which is essential for effective communication
2.Increased Motivation
: When students engage with materials that reflect their interests
and real-life experiences, they are more likely to be motivated and invested in the learning process.
Authentic materials make learning more relevant and interesting, fostering a positive
attitude toward language learning .
3.
Enhanced Reading Skills
: Studies have shown that using authentic materials can
improve reading comprehension. For instance, research indicates that students who read authentic
texts are better able to discover meaning through context, which aids in vocabulary acquisition and
. Additionally, authentic materials help learners develop critical thinking skills
as they analyze and interpret content
4.
Cultural Awareness
: Engaging with authentic materials provides insights into the
culture and lifestyle of native speakers, which is crucial for understanding sociocultural nuances
in language use. This cultural context enhances students' ability to comprehend and engage with
texts meaningfully
Research Findings.
A study conducted by Jusoh (2016) among diploma students in
Malaysia found that an experimental group taught with authentic reading materials outperformed
a control group taught with conventional textbooks. This indicates that authentic materials can
significantly enhance reading comprehension skills
. Similarly, Berardo (2006) emphasizes that
authentic materials facilitate vocabulary acquisition and improve reading skills by providing
learners with exposure to varied linguistic input
By the way of conclusion, incorporating authentic materials into English language teaching
not only bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application but also stimulates
learners’ interest and motivation. The positive impact of these materials on reading comprehension
is supported by various studies, highlighting their importance in developing effective language
skills.
2025
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NEW RENAISSANCE
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE
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References:
1.
Murtaza Husain.Aligarh Muslim University.EXPLORING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF
AUTHENTIC MATERIALS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING.March2020
DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.13884.97925
2.
Berardo, S.
(2006). "The Use of Authentic Materials in the Teaching of Reading."
The
Reading Matrix
, 6(2), 1-18.
3.
Jusoh, A.
(2016). "The Effect of Using Authentic Materials on Reading Comprehension."
International Journal of Education and Research
, 4(1), 45-56.
4.
Gilmore, A.
(2007). "Authentic Materials and Authenticity in Foreign Language
Learning."
Language Teaching
, 40(2), 97-118.
5.
Nunan, D.
(2003). "Practical English Language Teaching."
McGraw-Hill.
6.
Peacock, M.
(1997). "The Effect of Authentic Material on the Motivation of EFL
Learners."
ELT Journal
, 51(2), 144-156.
