The adaptation technique of adding in ELT materials refers to supplementing the existing
materials by putting more content or activities into them. This can be done in two main ways:
1. Extending: Adding more of the same type of material or practice within the existing
methodological framework. For example:
o Adding more pronunciation exercises targeting specific difficulties for learners
from particular language backgrounds (e.g., more practice on l/r sounds for
Japanese speakers).
o Including an additional reading passage that reinforces linguistic features like
tenses or vocabulary already introduced.
o Adding extra grammar exercises if students find the initial explanation difficult.
2. Expanding: Adding new types of content or activities that qualitatively change the nature
of the materials. This goes beyond simply adding more of the same and may include:
o Adding work on sentence stress and rhythm to pronunciation practice to enhance
intelligibility.
o Introducing listening comprehension materials to complement reading passages,
thus integrating different language skills.
o Adding a discussion section to a unit to reinforce and contextualize the linguistic
items, especially if structured so that it occurs naturally.