The Role of Authentic Texts in Forming Foreign Language Communicative Competence in Economics Students

Abstract

The article highlights the role of authentic texts in developing foreign language communicative competence and provides an overview of the different criteria of authenticity according to which educational materials should be selected. It examines how authentic texts expose students to real linguistic input, culturally grounded content, and genuine patterns of communication. In addition, the article outlines the main stages of working with an authentic text – pre-reading, while-reading, and post-reading – explaining the specific skills cultivated at each stage. It also discusses a range of exercises and interactive activities appropriate for these stages, including prediction tasks, comprehension checks, analytical tasks, role-plays, and creative follow-up activities. Together, these elements demonstrate how authentic materials support a comprehensive, skill-based, and culturally enriched approach to foreign language teaching and learning.