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UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE HONDURAS

Facultad de Humanidades y Artes

Carrera de Lenguas Extranjeras

English Didactics II Class

Text Book Analysis

Presented by:
Daniela Alejandra Zuniga López 20181007395

__2__February 2024
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Index

Introduction……………………………………………………………..….3

Rubric…………………………………………………………………..…..4, 5

Analysis (Personal Reflection)…………………………………………......6, 7

References…………………………………………………………………..8
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Introduction

As future teachers, textbook evaluation has great importance on our path to

becoming language teachers. So, we have to look closely at how we will use the books
and how to know which book is good for correct teaching, in class it was said that there
is no perfect book, but there are suitable ones. These books will be very helpful as they
show us how to teach and help us understand how people learn a language. By carefully
evaluating these books, we learn what works best for teaching and how we can choose
the right ones. This will help us be better prepared to teach well and make learning
effective for our future students. So by looking at these books now, we are preparing
ourselves to be excellent language teachers!
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Textbook evaluated: American English File 1A

No. Items Yes Partly No
1 A. Aims and Approaches X
Do the objectives of the textbook align closely with
those of the educational program and meet the
learner’s needs?
2 Is the textbook appropriate for the teacher and X
learning environment?
3 Is the textbook thorough? Does it address the X
majority, if not all, of the required content? Is it
beneficial for both students and educators?
4 Is the textbook adaptable? Does it accommodate X
various teaching and learning approaches?
5 B. Design and organization X
Objectives of each unit (language skills, vocabulary,
grammar, etc.) are clearly stated at the beginning.
6 The textbook’s visual presentation including its title, X
cover, dimensions, font choice, well-organized mix
of text and visuals, and excellent printing quality, is
appealing.
7 Each unit offers a variety of exercises and activities X
to practice the target language skills to help the
student communicate in English in real life?
8 Is the grading system and advancement appropriate X
for the learners? Does it enable them to fulfill the
necessary tasks to meet any external syllabus
demands?
9 C. Language Content X
Does the textbook address the primary grammar
topics relevant to each proficiency level, considering
the learner’s requirements?
10 There is an ample range of content and topics? X
11 The new vocabulary is repeated in subsequent X
lessons for reinforcement.
12 Is the number of vocabulary and grammar items X
introduced in each unit the same?
13 D. Skills X
Is there skills work integrated into the textbook?
14 The textbook covers all language skills, with a X
suitable equilibrium.
15 The content fosters advanced skills such as critical X
thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving.
16 Is material for spoken English (dialogues, role plays, X
etc.) well designed to equip learners for real-life
interactions?
17 E. Topic
Does the textbook offer a diverse and extensive range
of topics? X
18 Are the topics sufficiently advanced in content but X
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still within the learners’ language proficiency?

19 Can students relate to the social and cultural contexts X
depicted in the textbook?
20 Is there ample material that genuinely engages X
learners?
21 F. Methodology X
Does the material include any advice/help to students
on study skills and learning strategies?
22 Are the different skills taught? X
23 Are students expected to take a degree of X
responsibility for their own learning (e.g., by
setting their learning targets)?

24 Is active learner involvement expected? Does this X

match students’ learning styles and expectations?
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Personal Reflection

Having used “American English File 1A” as a resource to complete this

assignment, I was able to delve deeper into its content, structure, and effectiveness as a
teaching tool to make it a good book. My reflections on this textbook cover several
aspects, including its strengths, weaknesses, and its overall impact on language
teaching. “American English File 1A” contains several linguistic skills, rather it
contains the 5 linguistic skills, which are: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing, and
grammar, which include vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and communicative
tasks. The content is well organized, and clear from basics to more advanced concepts,
allowing for a systematic approach to language learning. Each unit is structured around
a central theme, providing contextually relevant linguistic information and opportunities
for meaningful practice. Additionally, the inclusion of supplemental materials, such as
audio recordings and online resources, enhances the comprehensiveness of the textbook.
The textbook has a strong emphasis on student interaction and real-life language use. A
combination of communicative tasks, role-playing, and pair/group activities encourages
students’ active participation and encourages them to use their language skills in
authentic settings. Additionally, incorporating listening and speaking activities
alongside traditional grammar and vocabulary exercises can work together to promote
the development of all language skills.

The textbook has strengths, such as being authentic, the textbook contains authentic

materials and contexts, exposing students to language use and cultural differences in the

real world. “American English File 1A” offers a wealth of activities suitable for

different learning styles and preferences to ensure student engagement and enthusiasm.

Included teacher resources provide valuable guidance, lesson planning, and assessment

tools, making effective lesson planning and classroom management easier. The textbook

also has weaknesses, although the textbook provides information about the American

English language and culture, it may lack adequate representation of diverse

perspectives and cultural backgrounds. Also, certain activities and resources require
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access to technology, which can create challenges. Certain topics and activities can be

repetitive, resulting in a lack of novelty and commitment over time.

While I recognize its strengths and weaknesses, I recognize the importance of adapting
and supplementing the textbook to meet the specific needs and preferences of students.
As I continue to evaluate and refine my teaching materials, American English File 1A
becomes a valuable resource and I can say that it is an adequate textbook.
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References
Acar, A. (2019). Selecting and evaluating ELT textbooks. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334319274_Selecting_and_evaluating_ELT_t
extbooks