"Am I a girl?" This question from a long-ago English class (quoted by Kennedy, 1983) illustrates what was once considered suitable practice for language learners. Over the decades, ideas for the content of a language lesson have reflected developing theories of second language learning and teaching. This essay draws on materials, traditionally called the general textbook, but now including other media, to reflect on what students are learning, apart from language. English for specific purposes materials are of course one answer to what the content should be, but this essay considers the general English textbook.