Developing reading comprehension through the use of authentic materials

Abstract

The use of authentic reading materials has been considered a key issue both in the theory and practice of language teaching. The effectiveness of using authentic reading texts has, by and large, been accepted, but their application in language classrooms has been sometimes deemed impractical or complicated. In the Ecuadorian context, there has not been much investigation carried out regarding the development of reading comprehension and the enhancement of motivation. The purpose of this study is to present bibliographic information to support the theory that the use of authentic materials is a significant tool to develop reading comprehension, improve reading skills, and enhance the motivation of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students. Various scholars have supported the theory that the use of authentic materials is beneficial when learning a foreign language, namely, English, and the variety of such materials can contribute to enhancing language skills. The present study reviews 15 articles on the subject of authentic reading materials and motivation with regard to their effect on reading comprehension. The majority of the research studies was carried out in classroom settings gathering quantitative and qualitative data. Of the 15 studies, the authors of 14 came to the conclusion that authentic materials were useful, especially with regard to the enhancement of reading comprehension skills, the natural use of language, and motivation leading to reading interest. The present bibliographic research might be used by classroom practitioners and curriculum designers since the results underline the effectiveness of the inclusion of authentic reading materials.