THE USAGE OF AUTHENTIC MATERIALS IN TEACHING READING SKILL

Abstract

In the contemporary English Language Teaching (ELT) landscape, the transition from pedagogical, "simplified" texts to authentic materials has become a focal point for developing functional literacy. This article examines the impact of utilizing authentic materials—such as newspapers, magazines, and digital blogs—on the development of reading skills among second language learners. It explores the dual benefits of increased learner motivation and exposure to real-world linguistic nuances. While acknowledging challenges such as lexical density and cultural barriers, the study concludes that authentic materials are indispensable for bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-life communication.