International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-6, July 2014 ISSN 2348-6848

Role of Newspaper in
English Language Learning
Dr. Reena Mittal
M.A. (Eng.), Ph.D., M.B.A, Reader and Head, Department of English,
DAK Degree College, Moradabad, UP, India
Email Id.:- mittal.reena23@gmail.com

Abstract:- Introduction
Learning another language apart from
English language has become
the mother tongue has always been
an indispensable part of modern life.
important and challenging for natives
So, are Newspapers. Normally we
and non-natives. Language gives one
start our day with newspapers and its
exposure to know culture, trade
headlines. So, why not to make this
prospects, religion, traditions and
integral part of life, our cup of
social and economic life. English is a
learning in an easier way. The paper
widely spoken language far and wide.
focuses on different aspects, benefits
It is considered Global language
and innovative uses of Newspaper
because largest number of people are
reading which will help in learning
speaking English in the world across
English language. Also, some
activities and exercises are suggested the borders. Earlier English in India
only offered two best opportunities:
which can be introduces in class room
one Teaching and other is Civil
for Effective English learning in an
Services. But in present scenario,
interactive way. These activities will
every new job opportunity opens with
not only teach them but will erase
the knowledge and exposure of
their shortcomings in a humanistic
English. There are various suggestions
way.
and experimental readings which are
always welcome for the up gradation
Keywords Information, Up of English teaching. As English has

gradation, Vocabulary, Innovative, been considered a major foreign

Tool. language in India, so, there are many

functions and innovative practices

Role of Newspaper in English Language Learning by Dr. Reena Mittal 689

 International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-6, July 2014 ISSN 2348-6848
which need to be introduced in
English reading and teaching as we as
teachers notice that students pass their
examinations by cramming their
syllabus but unable to speak or write
even simple constructions.
Newspapers and their
usefulness
Newspapers are one of the
most powerful sources of sharing
information and up gradation of
knowledge bank. They cover a wide
range of information and students can
get a lot of practical wisdom in pretty
less time. They are most reliable,
affordable and easily available and
accessible source of information and
knowledge. People start their day with
Newspapers as they give piece of
knowledge since the beginning of the
day. For effective English Learning,
newspaper can work as a major tool.
There are numerous activities that can
be done with newspapers for EET.
Students want innovations and new
ways of learning and newspapers
always give them teaching in
innovative way, as they change
thought, topic and ingredients daily.
Students read them curiously and
learn without many efforts.
Role of Newspaper in English Language Learning by Dr. Reena Mittal 690
Use of English Newspapers
The use of English newspapers in the
classroom in regular basis will
inculcate many good ideas and habit
of grasping vocabulary spontaneously.
Students read newspaper for the sake
of information but they learn a lot
even without much efforts. Some
major uses are:
 Learning a lot of Vocabulary.
 Increase in Reading speed.
 Process of learning becomes
innovative and interesting
 Offers a wide variety of
information in every walk of
life.
 Cost Savvy
 Develop writing and listening
skills.
 Learning grammatical
structures.
 Learning Crafty words and
constructions.
 Use of Idioms, Phrases and
many new innovative
constructions.
Role of Newspapers in
Students Life
Teaching English to a non-
native English speakers in somewhat
challenging as it take a lot of time in
understanding students learn or cram
 International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-6, July 2014 ISSN 2348-6848

their syllabus and pass their The newspapers reading can be

examination but they fail in speaking, introduced to any level from
reading and writing and I think beginning to large lines to reading till
Newspapers can be vital in all their end. In the beginning they will
talents as they play an important role understand large lines them body of
in this regard. the news and after words Editorial and
Articles. This will give them not only
 It opens many new ways of
understanding of the language but
discussion and conversation in
their creativity will be at best and they
classroom.
will try their level best to write.
 Can discuss innumerable
aspects of newspapers daily
Developing Habit of
and can do a creative writing
Newspaper reading
section on the spot every day. A daily reading of English newspaper
 Working of a newspaper can will be a world of quality learning for
give many new ideas and students. It will bring a great
openings understanding of the subject. In India,
 A lot of Job opportunities can normally teacher’s avoid this kind of
be found through ‘Classified’ creativity but it is imperative as it will
section. give many positive results as in India
 Daily discussion of we are facing problems of Reading,
‘Headlines’ give a lot of writing and speaking some major
knowledge and exposure. points to ponder of developing habit
 Games as ‘Treasure Hint’ of using newspapers are:-
from Newspaper can give vital
 Motivation is the most
information in pairs and
important factor teachers
increase feeling of sharing and
should ponder amongst
team work.
students .
 Can learn Photography and
 Encourage them to use library
interest in the use of Camera.
for this work if English
 Writing of Articles will
Newspapers are not available
increase their knowledge of
in their homes.
Grammar and creativity.

Role of Newspaper in English Language Learning by Dr. Reena Mittal 691

 International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-6, July 2014 ISSN 2348-6848

 Help them for Reading as it is  Reading aloud any particular

a good way of learning news in classroom one by one.
language.  Writing any given news in
 Ask them to use Dictionary for your own way.
better understanding of  Writing news just by changing
Vocabulary. tense, meaning or omitting
 Encourage them to write particular word.
important things in their own  Asking students to read any
way. particular news and reproduce
 Ask them to divide it verbally and then write it in
Newspapers in many sections your own way.
as:-  Group Discussion on current
a) Headlines Issues.
b) Stories of events and
These activities are based on practical
situation
exposure which I personally did
c) Special Features
amongst group of 100 students
d) Editorial
dividing then in the group of 10 each.
e) Classifieds
This make them learn and reproduce it
f) Other useful informations
in their own way. Sometimes situation
 They should emphasise on become funny and laughable but a
them as per their interest,
good teacher should always encourage
knowledge and area in which and motivate students. Those students
they want to brush up till who are good in speaking should be
perfection. given the task of expressing news in
their own words and those who can
Activities to be introduced
write they may be given writing tasks.
in the class room
Some advantages which can be
Teachers can introduce many
observed by my personal Experience
activities in the class room such as:-
are:-
 Daily’s new words from daily
 Enrichment of Vocabulary
Newspaper will give them a
 Increase in General
room for daily reading of
Knowledge
paper.

Role of Newspaper in English Language Learning by Dr. Reena Mittal 692

 International Journal of Research (IJR) Vol-1, Issue-6, July 2014 ISSN 2348-6848

 Improvement in Reading best information, knowledge, wisdom

Ability and skill of English language.
 Improvement in writing
 Increase in worldly wisdom,
References
 Paul Sanderson, Using
external affairs and
Newspapers in the classroom,
International exposure.
CUP 2002
 Knowledge Grammar, correct
 Fenholt, J. (1985) The
use of words, Tenses and other
Newspaper: Turkey to Better
things.
living, Using the Newspaper in
 Up gradation of language.
Adult Education Classes.”
 American Newspaper
Publishers Association
Conclusion
(ANPA) Foundation,
In the modern world, ELT has
Washington DC.
become very innovative and
 www.onestopenglish.com
progressive as we have introduced
 www.edwrite.com
technology and electronic devices in
ELL. Use of Newspaper is also
imperative and successful mode of
teaching. It works as helping tool as it
teaches innovatively as well as
interactively. A teacher can make
even his lessons or lectures interactive
as well as use his wisdom for planning
his syllabus teaching. Scholars work
or plan on innovation in classroom
teaching. Hence, newspaper are really
an effective tool of teaching as it
contains a science and methodology
behind it, student should be given a
proper training of using newspaper in
such a manner that they can avail the

Role of Newspaper in English Language Learning by Dr. Reena Mittal 693