Integrating Authentic and Adapted Materials in English Language Teaching

Abstract

This article discusses the use of authentic materials and adapted materials in English as a foreign language (EFL) or English as a second language (ESL) teaching (ELT). The discussion focuses on the definitions, characteristics, pedagogical values, and challenges of applying these two types of teaching materials, particularly in the context of education in Indonesia. Based on a review of the literature, this article demonstrates that authentic materials play a crucial role in enhancing student motivation, engagement, and communicative competence by exposing them to real-world language. In contrast, adapted materials serve as a learning support that provides structured input tailored to the students' level of ability. This article emphasizes that the effectiveness of ELT learning does not depend solely on one type of teaching material, but rather on the balanced and contextual integration of authentic and adapted materials in accordance with learning objectives and student readiness.