Four Corners Series Evaluation: A Schema-Based Approach

Abstract

It is assumed that textbooks play an important role in both EFL/ESL contexts. The present study aims to investigate the constituting schemata of Four Corners series relying on micro structural approach to schema theory. To this end, 24 reading sections of FC1 and FC2 (each book consisted of 12 reading comprehension sections) were evaluated in terms of their schemata forming the texts. Following this, the schemata were codified and categorized into three main domains including semantic, syntactic and parasyntactic. Subsequently, the genera and species of these domains were specified and codified. The study initially identified the types and tokens of the three domains in each book and then the comparison was made between the two. The results of the study revealed that the two textbooks differed significantly from each other at three domains of semantic, syntactic and parasyntactic. Furthermore, the findings are discussed and suggestions are made for future research.