WHY AND HOW TO USE A POEM IN ELT CLASSROOM

Abstract

Besides numerous positive transformations and unique opportunities in language pedagogy,the post-method era brought with itself several challenges for language teachers. Afterintensive research and empirical studies, the use of literature was welcomed in ELTclassrooms. But the question arises as to what extent and in what ways does literature supportlanguage learning? In an attempt to answer these questions and fill this lacuna, the presentpaper highlights ways in which literature assist language teachers. Moreover, the paper presentsresourceful strategies to frame exercises using poems for ELT classroom. Shakespeare’sSonnet 65 is used to illustrate some vital themes explored in this paper. In spite of the observeddifficulty level of the sonnet and the layers of meaning it encapsulates, dynamic and engagingactivities can be crafted out of this poem. Since the elements discussed in this study areubiquitous to the genre of poetry, therefore the use of the presented methodology would alsobe universal.