A Content Analysis of Authentic Reading Activities in the Jordanian English Textbook Action Pack Twelve Matching the General Guidelines and General and Specific Outcomes

Abstract

This study attempts to analysis the extent of using authentic reading materials in the English syllabus Action Pack Twelve used currently in Jordanian schools. Therefore, a qualitative research methodology was carried out to examine the extent in which the reading materials are authentic and if they are match with the General Guidelines and General and Specific Outcomes (GG and GSO). The findings of the analysis revealed that the reading materials of Action Pack twelve have a high degree of authenticity which was 79.50% as 31 reading texts out of 39 texts were authentic. There is a sturdy match between reading materials with the(GG and GSO).This tendency to include authentic materials stresses on the effectiveness of this approach in enriching the communicative competence of the Jordanian learners at the secondary stage which helps them to use the English language in actual contexts in the outer world. In addition, the reading materials are suitable to the learners' level and the reading activities present real life situations that are related to learners’ interests through the vast variety of interesting updating themes of the reading comprehension as well as making learner’s future use of the English language smoother in their undergraduate studies at universities.