Grammar+Portfolios

What is a Grammar Portfolio?
A grammar portfolio is a collection of authentic texts that show a particular grammar point. For this class, you will do several grammar portfolios. You will usually be asked to find 8-10 examples of the grammar point in question. Each example should come from a different text. Sometimes you will be asked to transform the grammar you find. Each grammar portfolio consists of a cover sheet (see link below) and examples of texts with the grammar points numbered. These can be photocopies of texts, printed webpages or original newspapers / magazines.



Why do we do Grammar Portfolios?
Most grammar classes focus on form and decontextualised meaning and use. However, it is very important for language students to see grammar structures in their natural habitat. A grammar portfolio is a bit like a grammar safari: find the grammar and note how it is used, where it is used and how often it is used.

What is authentic text?
Authentic text is text (books, articles, internet sites, brochures, stories, newspapers) that has not been altered to make it easier for students to understand, nor modified to put emphasis on particular words or grammar structures. It is the text that ordinary, everyday English speakers/readers use.