Grammar is the foundation of English, and using correct grammar enables easy communication with native speakers. There are many excellent grammar books for class use with a teacher and for added practice. There are also numerous ESL websites that cover all skill areas with practical exercises for added self-study. For example, the grammar website ESLDESK offers handy software applications, Word Spell and ESL Reader, for interactive spelling and vocabulary practice.
For learning grammar, starting points to cover include: regular and irregular verbs and verb tenses, identifying parts of speech, creating good sentences, and forming questions and appropriate answers. Quizzes in class and on ESL websites help check what students have learned. As students continue building skills, their knowledge level increases, enabling them to complete more challenging grammar exercises.
Correct pronunciation is the basis for verbal comprehension. English is a stress-based language, with correct stress placed on particular syllables in a word and stress patterns in a sentence. Using correct stress is a major part of being understood and understanding others when speaking English. Native English speakers listen for essential stress patterns and can even understand meaning when all words are not spoken or heard in a sentence, as long as expected stress sounds are there. English words also join or “link” together, and this linking creates unexpected sounds that are different from when we say the words separately. Linking is important in English, and learning it makes communication easier for speakers and listeners.
English is not a phonetic language, and spelling is difficult for most learners. That is why it is important for exercises to focus on the rules of pronunciation; then students can do speaking and listening exercises to practice. According to the English Club website, a useful tip is that while the English alphabet has 26 letters, there actually are 52 sounds in the language. Recognizing these 52 sounds will help students learn the correct pronunciation needed to communicate well.
This area is about developing English fluency skills for a variety of communication purposes, in and out of the classroom. Using situational exercises helps develop the skill and confidence to have spoken interactions on everyday topics. Participating in role-plays for situational context, such as asking for directions, inviting a friend to lunch, going shopping with a friend, ordering food in a restaurant, renting an apartment and other communication-based dialogs, offers opportunities for authentic language interaction in real-life situations.
Listening comprehension is the most difficult skill for ESL students to master. Listening is fundamental to understanding conversations, television and radio shows, and films. Using speaking- and listening-based role-play exercises are important for learning. In addition, many audio recordings of everyday conversations are available on interactive ESL listening websites, where exercises are often divided based on easy, medium, and difficult skill levels.
Listening self-study can be intimidating online, but guidance is available. On Randall’s ESL Listening Lab, a Basic Study Guide page is organized according to specific subjects and language functions, a useful tool for self-study. Additionally, using DVD recordings, TV news, and radio talk shows in the classroom is a wonderful way to increase student listening skills.
Reading is the primary way to increase vocabulary knowledge. A large vocabulary base enables students to have the necessary verbal tools to communicate effectively. Being able to use the correct word when speaking is a confidence builder. Reading in and out of class is also vital for discussion opportunities to ensure meaning and understanding. Real materials, such as appropriate level newspapers and magazine articles, are challenging and fun ways to learn.
Writing exercises enable students to put their thoughts down on paper, and they provide opportunities to practice using grammar and sentence structure to communicate in written form.
Depending on their skill level, you can ask students to to describe something or report on an event. Movie and book reviews, opinion writing and storytelling are good topic choices. Writing and word games such as crossword puzzles, word searches and Scrabble are fun ways to build skills. As student skills develop, creative writing exercises are also challenging and enjoyable options.