| Summary: | Literature, while perceived as beneficial, is not widely used in the ESL arena. This study
set out to investigate proven benefits of using literature in ESL through a review of the
current research, at the same time establishing a link between literature and narrative
based on `story grammar' which biological determinism claims the human brain is
hardwired to use as a language learning tool. Hypothesizing that there would be no
correlation between theory regarding the presence and application of literature in ESL
as presented in the current research and the practice as found in the prominent ESL
course, New Headway, the study set out to identify narrative input in New Headway's
Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced Levels and analyzing the way in which
narrative is used to teach language skills and communicative competence. Contrary to
expectations a surprisingly high level of narrative was found and the narrative was
exploited in full accordance with suggestions made in the current research. The findings
indicate that the incorporation of narrative in New Headway is a pedagogically informed
decision by the authors to exploit the benefits of literature while at the same time
catering to a very heterogeneous audience of international ESL learners.
Key terms: literature, narrative, story, biological determinism, ESL course books,
New Headway === English Studies === M.Ed.
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