English through Embarking upon Literature in EFL Classes

Abstract

Many teachers have not eagerly agreed that literature can be an effective part of foreign language programs because of the lack of empirical research that can prove the necessity of literature in language classes. This study attempted to discover whether literature can be a pedagogically powerful tool for increasing Iranian undergraduates' foreign language ability. Sixty three students were randomly selected and served as the EG and the CG and performed on a TOEFL serving as the pre-test. The t-test formula revealed the two groups were not statistically different. The EG analyzed some poems and short stories during the course. The participants were all post-tested on another TOEFL, which revealed the EG came to differ from CG; results showed the study of literature is a study of language in use. Therefore, it can be hopefully envisaged as a means of improving EFL ability.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n2p59