The Use of Authentic Materials in ESP: Benefits and Drawbacks

Abstract

This article aims to provide a multifold view related to integrating authentic materials in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) classes. On the one hand, it will highlight the main benefits of this approach, emphasizing the potentially significant impact that activities based on authentic materials can have on helping learners acquire and develop specific transferrable skills and communication abilities that they can later adapt to a variety of professional contexts. On the other hand, it will bring forth a range of challenges involved in successfully selecting and using authentic materials. While the great majority of ESP practitioners do agree that English for Specific Purposes cannot be taught/learned without exposure to "real" language and contexts, many of them are also aware of the difficulties involved in selecting materials that would fit learners' expectations and level of experience in terms of proficiency, tastes, interests or background knowledge. The article will explore some of these challenges.