An Evaluation of the Reading Texts & Exercises in SB & WB of English for Palestine - Grade 9

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the reading texts and exercises in studentbook (SB) and workbook (WB) of English for Palestine-Grade 9 in order to find out to what extent the reading texts and exercises in SB and WB of English for Palestine-Grade 9 match the suggested criteria. It also aimed at identifying the areas of weaknesses in these reading texts and exercises. To fulfill the aims of the study, the researcher followed the descriptive analytical approach. She used two tools to collect the needed data: a content analysis card and a structured interview. Benefiting from the (previous studies, related literature, books and institutions' publications), the researcher built her criteria of evaluation which constitute the content analysis card. The analysis card was shown to twelve experts for benefiting from their comments in regard to any potential modifications, additions and deletions to achieve validity. Reliability was examined through the help of two colleague researchers who volunteered to analyze the reading texts and exercises. Then the researcher interviewed fifteen 9th grade English language teachers in order to find out their views about the reading texts and exercises in order to validate or refute the findings the researcher obtained through the analysis card. The results of the analysis show the following conclusions: The reading texts in the textbook employed a wide variety of topics as well as values and good manners. On the other hand, no authentic reading texts are found in this textbook and extensive reading is not included. Four reading texts are found to be related to the Palestinian culture and reality and they are the most interesting to students. Regarding the text vocabulary, in all the reading texts, colours are used to highlight new vocabulary and the number of new vocabulary is suitable for 9th graders. Almost all the visuals accompanying the reading texts are relevant, attractive, colourful and clear to the 9th graders. Concerning the text layout, all the reading texts have sufficient margins on sides and spaces between lines and are divided into paragraphs. With respect to the reading exercises in SB & WB , all the instructions are clear, a great variety in questions is found within each reading text but throughout the textbook, the same types of questions are repeated. By contrast, there was no employment of exercises that require students to infer the author's attitude, distinguish between fact and opinion, recognize pronoun references, find meanings of new vocabulary in contexts, relate the text to their personal experience and to work out answers in pairs and groups. These skills are neglected in both the SB & WB. Most of the results obtained from the interviews supported all the results obtained from the content analysis card. Based on the study findings, the researcher recommended modifying the reading exercises by preparing an enrichment material that cover all the neglected skills. Also, it is recommended to conduct other studies similar to this study or in other skills like writing, speaking or listening in other textbooks of English for Palestine Series.