Newspapers as Supplementary text for Pedagogical Activity in ESL Classroom

Newspapers are one of the best available exhaustive source for practicing English language. English enjoys the status of ex-officio language of the country. It is taught as a third language in schools and as a second language at college level. The highest number of newspapers is published in English language throughout the country. Keeping this in mind we cannot ignore that majority of learners are exposed to English language not through television or movies but through newspapers. Reading newspapers is seemingly an intellectual habit. Newspapers have wider reach and acceptance. In such a scenario it is but natural that newspapers sooner or later find their way into the language classrooms. Language teachers traditionally depend on the prescribed course books to teach English. These course books provide detailed explanations for every aspect of language and expect the learners to grasp everything. However research in pedagogy has proved that language learning is better facilitated in environs where language interaction is natural. Newspapers can fulfill the role of environ where language occurs naturally because the language is authentic. Young adult learners of language easily connect with newspapers than a technical English text. Newspapers are linguistically rich and varied. An ESL classroom that focuses on functional English can make effective use of newspapers. Newspapers can be used to enhance the skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking and vocabulary building. The best feature about making newspapers a guide in language class is that it is relatable to slower learners as well as advanced learners.