Seven Curricular Tasks

Table2.1 Evaluating according to the seven curricular components (Language Systems) BOOK

Language Systems (Section total: 5 points) ILI Advanced New Headway

1. Is the vocabulary functional, thematic, authentic, and practical? (1 pt.) 1 1

2. Is the number of vocabulary words manageable? (1 pt.) 0 1

3. Is grammar presented in a logical way? (1 pt.) 0 1

4. Is there sufficient oral and written practice of the grammar concepts that lead from controlled to meaningful to communicative use of the language? (1 pt.) 0 1

5. Is the grammar presented clearly and easy to understand? (1 pt.) 0 1

Subtotal 1 5

In terms of vocabulary both books represent good amount of words which are authentic, functional and practical in numerous themes. In respect with

Are listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural strategies (such as circumlocution, making and verifying hypotheses, making inferences, and predicting) presented and practiced? (5 pts.) 2 5

Subtotal 2 5

A typical listening task in the ILI is: Listen and complete the chart below, or read the statements below. Listen again. Then circle the best answer. A typical Speaking task in the ILI is: Do you have stress full lives? Interview your partner. And then comes ten yes/no questions all beginning with “Do you…”, or Look at the pictures/suggestions/statements and discuss with a partner, based on some general questions as “ Which suggestion do you think is the most/least effective?” Regarding these two skills there is no strategy to the development of the skills. Yet regarding writing and reading skills various strategies are presented and practiced even more than the need of an EFL learner. All four skills and cultural strategies are presented and practiced in line with learners’ skill development in an elaborate fashion. Making predictions, guesses, hypotheses and circumlocutions are presented and practiced in all units in New Headway

Is the cultural content accurate and current? (3 pts.) 1 3

2. Are the cultural notes/readings interesting, significant, and appropriate for the age level? (2 pts.) 1 2

Subtotal 2 5

The ILI textbook is somewhere away from accurate cultural content and does not represent either local or target cultural texts. There are some texts related to the big culture under topics as “Appreciating the Arts” or “Time is Money” and in discussions the learner may encounter some quotations from prominent characters such as Picasso, Adams, or Gandhi. The absence of visual images of the target culture and people’s life styles is protruding. On the other side, Headway is fully interested in different cultures and provides a variety of genuine, contemporary vivid pictures. There are activities relevant to current cultural trends provided accurately and clearly practiced such as clips from the radio program “The Unbelievable Truth” a current popular clip on BBC. In contrast with the ignorance of culture in the ILI, there is a unit specified to culture clashes, stereotypes and nationalities in New Headway advanced which over 20 nations are involved in the exercises and