Bagging an ESL textbook will help you have the best command of English. Both conversational and transactional. You will have a wide range of vocabulary and a perfect variety of communicative activities. Keep on reading to know how to get the best reading books to enhance your prowess.
What are the levels of ESL?
It is essential to consider all the four aspects of language, speaking, writing, reading, and listening, to determine the proficiency level of any learner before teaching English. The different levels are:
Beginner level
Here, the student has zero knowledge of English. Beginners are further split into two categories:
- Absolute beginners. They have had no prior interaction with English
- False beginners. They have had antecedent interaction with English
Elementary level (A1*)
The learner comprehends basic phrases and interacts using incomplete sentences that have unreal grammatical aggregation.
Upper -elementary level (A2*)
The learner grasps simple sentences and conceivably writes them. They discern immediate, relevant expressions. They can communicate using simple information that they are taught in school.
Lower-intermediate level (A2-B1*)
The learner understands whatever is being said but with some difficulties. They can effortlessly write simple texts and hold conversations on familiar topics.
Intermediate level (B1-B2*)
The learner interacts with some degree of naturalness. However, they might experience difficulties in vocabulary and grammar. The learner also grasps the core concepts of complex conversations.
Upper-intermediate level (B2*)
The learner perfectly understands the language and speaks coherently except for some spelling and grammar mistakes they make. The language knowledge they have is competent to be used in professional contexts. Also, they converse with native speakers with ease.
Advanced level (C1*)
The learner understands everything, inclusive of idiomatic expressions. They comprehensively use English for social, academic, and professional grounds and can formulate complex texts.
Proficiency level (C2*)
Following an extended stay with the native speakers, the learner practically understands everything and has a superb mastery of English. His or her command might turn out to be superior to that of natives. The learner can understand the slang of the language.
How do you choose a good ESL textbook?
Choosing nearly perfect ESL books helps in the faster mastery of the language. According to the level of the learner, selecting a textbook will significantly affect how they will turn out after teaching English. As an instructor, how do you go about choosing an ideal textbook?
Get to understand your students
Before meeting the student in class, gather as much information as you can. How old are they? What’s their motivation for learning English? Do they reside in an English-speaking country? How long have they been in the country? Answers to these questions give you a basis for all the instructional material you will require. I would recommend also take a look into samples of english training proposals which might help you as well.
Know the publishers and websites of the ESL books
Knowing the publishers makes it easier to decide on the material to use. Going through their website will keep you updated on the latest reading books you can use. Most publishers maintain elite websites to go through the material online, with others offering olden paper catalogs.
A good number of publishers sort their material according to levels and skills.
The ratio of print to pictures
There should be a nice balance between print and pictures. The ratio of images for a beginner level would be higher than in the proficiency level.
Benefits of ESL
- ESL books help students to coexist with native speakers and take part in community activities
- ESL classes help learners improve their English communication skills
- By learning ESL, immigrants can find work
- ESL provides a conducive environment to teach about diverse cultures and racial tolerance
- ESL classes are ground for alleviating poverty and growing the economy.
ESL books aren’t solely for reading. There should be interactive sessions. When reading ESL books, learners should garner a variety of skills. Availability of prereading and post-reading in the reading books will help the learners make meaning of the content.