NARRATIVE STRUCTURE AND LANGUAGE USE IN SHORT STORIES OF INTERMEDIATE ENGLISH TEXTBOOK 1: A STUDY OF CEFR-COMPLIANT FEATURES

Abstract

This paper examines the structure and linguistic correlation of short stories contained in Intermediate English Textbook 1 to the Common European Framework of Reference in Languages level B 1. With the assistance of a mixed-methods design, fifteen stories were explored based on Freytag five-part narrative arc and linguistic profiling using the CEFR. Chi-square testing supported by quantitative analysis showed that the focus was mostly on Exposition and Rising Action and Climax and Resolution were relatively low. The qualitative evidence suggests that such disproportion supports scaffolding on understanding and vocabulary building but limits the involvement of learners in the evaluative and reflective discourse, which are the major characteristics of the B1 communicative range. Lexical profiling revealed that, a majority of vocabulary and syntax lie within B1 parameters, whereby, the lexical and conceptual changes are at times bordering the B2 parameter levels. The paper concludes that the textbook shows selective CEFR compliance: it manages to show accessible and culturally relevant narratives but is insufficient in showing narrative completeness and advanced language functions. The two-lenses method, which is a combination of narrative-structural and linguistic analysis, provides a replicable pattern of assessing literary materials in EFL situations. There are recommendations on how to balance the stages of the plot and to develop a moral and reflective language to improve the textual and communicative skill of intermediate learners.