Impact of the Use of Authentic Materials in the Teaching of Essay Writing Among Junior Secondary Ii Students of Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to examine the impact of the use of authentic materials in the teaching of easy writing among Junior Secondary School II students in Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Specifically, the study sought to find out the extent to which authentic materials are used in teaching easy writing in junior secondary schools, investigate the challenges that teachers face in using authentic materials in teaching easy writing, determine whether there is a significant relationship between the use of authentic materials and students' writing competence in easy writing, and assess the impact of authentic materials on students' performance in easy writing. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. A total of 150 questionnaires were administered to teachers and students, with 137 responses validated. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that the extent to which authentic materials are used in teaching easy writing in junior secondary schools is high. The study also revealed that there is a significant relationship between the use of authentic materials and students' writing competence in easy writing. The study hereby recommends that both teachers under training and those in the teaching field should be made to understand how to use authentic materials in teaching easy writing. Also, teachers need proper materials from the school authority to guide students properly. They should also develop materials for writing tasks.