Corpus.

Corpus linguistics is the study of language as expressed in samples (corpora) or "real world" text. This method represents a digestive approach to deriving a set of abstract rules by which a natural language is governed or else relates to another language. Originally done by hand, corpora are now largely derived by an automated process, which is corrected.
The corpus approach runs counter to Noam Chomsky's view that real language is riddled with performance-related errors, thus requiring careful analysis of small speech samples obtained in a highly controlled laboratory setting.
Taken from wikipedia.
In my own words, corpus is the study of the language, the purpose of this is to show the real state of the language or how this is used nowadays in the “real word”.
It is based on a research of different data, such as magazines, newspaper, exams, etc. This data is keep it in a computer database and it is used to create books or a word frequency list.
I think that all the English teachers need to acknowledge about this, because they must to be aware of what their students want or need to learn to be able to develop a good English level. Also teachers need to have an up to day language level, i mean we can not teach to our students words that are not frequent or used for native speaker, anymore.
Example: bathroom is an old word, nowadays native speakers say restroom or toilette.
To zip up, i think the best reason is that corpora is an useful tool for non-native speakers (like us), because this is an effective teaching resource for all of us.

TaSk 1

My new 5 words.

• taken from the book "Paradise" by Judith Mcnaught

Phrase1:

• Mrs. Ellis reached out and awkwardly patted Meredith's arm, trying to think of something encouraging to say.

Word1: awkwardly

• Gr. info: adverb---- Improver
• Meaning: in an embarrassing or worrying way.
• Collocation:-----------
• Example: he shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other
• My example: she was so nervous, that she were talking in an awkwardly way.
• Other: synonyms: unhandy

Word2: Patted

• Meaning: to touch (someone or something) lightly and repeatedly with an open hand
• Gr. info: verb---(T)--- past tense
• Collocation: pat on
• Example: He patted me on the shoulder
• My example: my teacher patted my back and said "pretty good work".
• Others: idioms
• **a pat on the back, a word of praise, congratulations, or encouragement: Everyone needs a pat on the back now and then.
  **pat down, to pat or pass the hands over the body of (a clothed person) to detect concealed weapons, drugs, etc.
  **pat on the back, to praise, congratulate, or encourage: The boss patted him on the back for the deal he made yesterday.

Phrase2:

• Partway down to the staircase, Meredith stopped to speak to an elderly couple, and Lisa held her breath.

Word3: Partway

• Meaning: At or to a part of the way or distance
• Gr. info: Adverb----informal
• Collocation: ----------
• Example: Shall I walk you partway? I'm already partway home.
• My example: partway to my house i found a dollar.
• Other: /'pɑ:tweɪ/

Word4: Staircase

• Meaning: A set of stairs inside a building usually with a bar fixed on the wall or onto vertical poles at the side for you to hold on to
• Gr. info: noun----(C)
• Collocation: ------------
• Example: she descended the sweeping staircase into the crowd of photographers and journalists.
• My example: Cinderella lost her shoe in the middle of the staircase.
• Other: /'steəkeɪs/
• related words: stairs, stairway, steps

Phrase3:

• Lisa sent her a derisive look. "I'll be lucky if i get to finish high school, let alone go to college and study interior design. we don't have the money for college."

Word5: derisive

• Meaning: characterized by or expressing derision; contemptuous; mocking: derisive heckling
• Gr. info: adjective --- formal
• Collocation:------------
• Example: derisive laughter
• My example: he has a derisive attitude.
• Other: related words: gibelike, jeering, mocking, taunting