An Analysis of Vocabulary Instruction in Contemporary Col-lege English Textbooks for Chinese English Majors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71222/0cyg2a46Keywords:
principled communicative approach, textbook, vocabulary instructionAbstract
Vocabulary acquisition is a vital aspect of English language learning, playing a crucial role in effective communication and overall language proficiency. Due to its significance, evaluating teaching materials—particularly textbooks—is key to improving the quality of vocabulary instruction. This study examines the vocabulary teaching strategies employed in Contemporary College English (First Volume); a textbook developed for first-year English majors in China. The analysis excludes the exam-focused units (Units 7 and 14) and focuses on Text A from each unit, which serves as the primary instructional content. The vocabulary section is analyzed in three main areas: word formation, formulaic expressions, and synonyms and antonyms. Additionally, the textbook is assessed based on its alignment with the Principled Communicative Approach, identifying strengths and areas for enhancement in its vocabulary teaching methodology. The results reveal that, while the textbook's vocabulary design aligns with the core principles of the approach to a considerable extent, several aspects require further improvement.
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