The difference between authentic material and non-
authentic material
Authentic material
The use in teaching of texts,
photographs, video selection and other
teaching resources that were not
specially prepared for pedagogical
purposes.
Authentic material refers to items that
have not been designed or adapted for
use in an English language classroom
Examples : magazines, newspapers,
video clips and song lyrics
Advantages:
 Have a positive effect on learner’s
motivation
 Provide authentic cultural
information
 Provide exposure to real language
 Relate closely to learner’s needs
 Support a more creative approach
to teaching.
Disadvantages:
 Contain difficult language, new
vocabulary items and complex
language structures.
 May be too culturally
Conclusion:
 Authentic materials enable
learners to interact with the real
language and content rather the
the form.
Non-authentic material
Refers to textbook and other specially
developed instructional resources.
Non authentic material refers to anything
that has been designed specifically to aid
the teaching process
Examples: worksheets, textbooks and
instructional CD’s or DVD’S
Advantages:
 The language is easier and
understandable.
 Get clear objectives to develop
 It is adapted for a particular aspect
 Materials are relevant, useful and
focused on what pupils are
learning at the point
Disadvantages:
 Might be in appropriate worksheets
because it might suitable for all
pupils in a class
 Lack authenticity
 Teacher has to find different ways
to teach to involve and maintain
pupils in classroom
 Pupils lost the motivation to see
always the same materials to
study.
Conclusion:
 Non-authentic materials help
pupils to understand, motivate, and
get real, useful and meaningful
language rather than the form.