| Authentic Materials | | | | Full / Half Page Ads |
| One of the best ways of teaching or learning English | | | | Depending on the content, ads can be used to illustrate |
| as a second (ESL) or foreign language (EFL) is by | | | | verb tenses, describe colors, clothes, materials, etc. If |
| using authentic materials which have been prepared | | | | present, additional ad content might include websites, |
| for native speakers in real-life conditions. English | | | | addresses, telephone numbers, dates, times, other |
| language newspapers and magazines are typically | | | | contact information, etc., all useful class work themes. |
| available in most of the world. At a bazaar or | | | | Do you or your students use the products, or similar |
| bookstore in Istanbul, a news kiosk in Barcelona, at a | | | | ones? Are the products seasonal? For men or |
| cultural center in Bogotá or a street corner in | | | | women only? For a particular age group? Available in |
| Paris, you can pick up a local, regional or international | | | | your area? Why or why not? Work with any |
| periodical to use in an English as a foreign language | | | | adjectives from the ad: either ones that appear or |
| (EFL) class room setting. Here are some suggestions | | | | ones that are implied by the photo or product. |
| for putting them to good use. | | | | Advertising photos frequently tend to be exotic or |
| | | | provocative in nature. They can be used in a variety |
| Front Cover | | | | of ways. Be sure to visit websites mentioned in the ad |
| The title, issue number and any "teasers" that appear | | | | - either during class or as an online assignment. |
| can be used to get an overview of the periodical and | | | | So no matter what English language newspapers and |
| start a brief discussion based on prediction. What's the | | | | magazines are typically available in your part of the |
| article going to be about? Who are the people on the | | | | world; at a bazaar or bookstore, a news kiosk, at a |
| front cover? What do you know about them, the | | | | cultural center or a street corner, pick up a local, |
| place or situation involved? | | | | regional or international periodical to use in your English |
| Table of Contents | | | | as a foreign language (EFL) class room. Both you and |
| Often these contain more detailed information and | | | | your learners will benefit. While you're at it, e-mail me at |
| short descriptions of the articles and features of the | | | | and if you're nice, I'll send you a free copy of my |
| periodicals which can help with discussion or prediction | | | | e-book, "The Foreign Language Learner's Startup |
| activities. Ask the learners which article, section or | | | | Guide" by return e-mail. |
| column they'd most like to read and why. | | | | |