The Appropriateness of English Language Textbooks for Soft Skills Learning and Development: A Critical Evaluation of the Baccalaureate Textbooks: Gateway to English 2 and Ticket to English 2

In today’s interconnected world, developing soft skills in the EFL classroom is very important for students’ personal and professional success. This study critically examines the suitability of two commonly used Moroccan baccalaureate English textbooks, Gateway to English 2 and Ticket to English 2, in fostering soft skills among high school students. Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, and time management have become essential for students’ academic and career growth. Despite their importance, there is a lack of empirical research on the appropriateness of these core textbooks in cultivating these skills. The present study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative content analysis with quantitative frequency counts of textbook activities, guided by Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy and 21st-century skills frameworks. The outcomes show that both textbooks promote communication skills through speaking and listening activities. Still, their ability to develop teamwork is limited to basic pairs or groups. Additionally, activities that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking are scarce. Moreover, they focus on low-level cognitive tasks, such as comprehension and memorization. Leadership and time management skills also receive little explicit attention. This study aims to provide practical recommendations to textbook editors and teachers on incorporating authentic, cognitively challenging, and learner-centered activities that support soft skills development in the EFL classroom.