摘要：This study investigates how short stories can be integrated into an English language curriculum in
order to consolidate students’ knowledge of the English language - grammar and vocabulary - and to promote
their creative writing skills. The study was conducted with 21 Turkish university students receiving an English
language preparatory program. A selection of short stories appropriate to students’ language requirements was
incorporated into the English language curriculum. A three-stage-model: presentation, exploration, and followup
guided the use of each story with a special focus on student-centered learning, which required the students to
take an active involvement in the learning process on the basis of given tasks. In order to obtain students’
opinion concerning the use of story, each student was asked to keep a diary in which to reflect their views
following the study of each literary text, and a portfolio where they could keep their writings. The data collected
through the diaries and student writings were complemented by administering an end-of-the year story
perception questionnaire in order to have an overall evaluation of the course. Findings indicated that the use of
short stories contributed to students’ reinforcing effectively and meaningfully their knowledge of grammar and
vocabulary while it helped students to be more creative and imaginative in their writing in a way to free the
students from the routine procedures occurring in the classroom. The article concludes with some pedagogical
suggestions for the efficient exploitation of this literary genre in English language classes.
关键词：Literature; short story; vocabulary and grammar; creative writing skills
