I have two thoughts about authentic text:
One is using them authentically, unlike one instructor who suggested 
using a pizza box as authentic text and then having the students find 
all the words with the letter P in them.  So, for example, a 
supermarket flier can be used to work with quantities (69 cents a pound 
vs 69 cents each) and for price comparison in a unit on food.
The other is that I don't have a problem modifying an original text for 
lower level students.  For example, I've made a lease and a doctor's 
office form for high beginners which are similar to but not as long or 
as complex as the ones I used as models.  By modifying it I can  be 
sure that I include the most important information without leaving my 
students totally baffled.  Abbie Tom

abtom at mindspring.com
Abbie Tom
Chapel Hill, NC