ESL Volunteer Guide Links List
This is a list of all links appearing on the following pages or page sections
of this guide.
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Getting
Started
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-
Help! They Don't Speak English Starter Kit
Focuses on migrant students. Includes principles of adult learning, ESL teaching methods and
suggestions, printable handouts on 16 survival English topics, explanations of
specific teaching techniques, and information about Mexican American and
Haitian cultures. Divided into several PDF documents.
- ESL
Start-up Kit (University of Tennessee)
Somewhat technical overview of teaching principles and practices for adult
ESL. Special attention given to Hispanic learners and immigrants.
-
Liz Reagan's
Teaching Tips
Twenty teaching tips explained in detail; intended for classrooms but many tips
can be applied to individual tutoring.
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- ESL
Level Descriptors (Canadian College of Business and Language)
Descriptions of seven ESL levels introductory through upper advanced.
- Sample Intake Test
Sample interview test for oral communication ability from International
Students Inc. at Colorado State University; used by permission.
- CASAS - Comprehensive
Adult Student Assessment System
The "Life Skills Assessment" is used in many adult ESL programs to measure
English ability in listening, reading, writing, speaking (interview), and
math. It is appropriate for all English levels. Training is required to administer
the test. Contact CASAS for cost information.
- BEST - Basic English Skills Test (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Several states including Colorado utilize the BEST for their adult ESL
programs. Scores are correlated to 10 performance levels zero ability through
native speaker. There is a 15-minute oral interview section scoring
communication, fluency, pronunciation, and listening, and a 1-hour literary
skills section scoring reading and writing. A short form of the oral interview
is available scoring communication and fluency through performance level 7. A
test administration training video is available. Contact the Center for
Applied Linguistics for cost information.
Conversation Partners
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Listening
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- Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab
Around 140 listening clips and quizzes for students to access online;
categorized into four difficulty levels, but activities marked 'easy' may be too
difficult for beginners due to unfamiliar vocabulary; many include pre- and
post-listening exercises; requires audio software such as RealPlayer (free) or
optional interactive software like Divace.
- The English Listening Lounge
Thirty free listening clips categorized into three difficulty levels for
students to access online; more available with membership; requires audio
software such as RealPlayer (free).
Reading
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Grammar
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Pronunciation
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Other
Skills
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Spelling, Vocabulary, Non-Verbal Communication, Life Skills
How to Plan
a Lesson
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Games/Miscellaneous Activities
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Lesson
Materials
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-
Adult Education ESL Teachers Guide
General orientation to ESL teaching; 11 lessons for beginners, 11 lessons for
intermediate learners, 11 lessons for non-literate learners; most lessons
include teaching instructions.
- Onestopenglish.com
Free printable lesson plans and worksheets for all levels; registration
required.
- ESL-Images
Free printable sample lesson plans, worksheets, and picture flash cards for
beginner and intermediate levels; more available with membership.
- About.com Teaching Resources
Many lesson plans and activities for all levels; designed for classes but adaptable for individual
tutoring.
- Handouts Online
Free printable handouts on grammar, everyday activities, business English, vocabulary,
and other searchable topics; categorized by level under "Most Popular;" some instant lessons
designed for regular teachers.
- TEFL.NET
ESL Lesson Plans
Fifteen free printable lesson worksheets with separate teaching instructions; designed for pair work; language levels not specified.
- EFL4U.com
Small collection of sample lessons with printable worksheets and teaching instructions; more available for
purchase.
- John Korber: One
World, One People ESL Lessons
Many lesson ideas with instructions, some for beginners, mostly for intermediate
level, adaptable for advanced students.
General ESL Links
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- Dave's ESL Cafe
Probably the best-known ESL website on the internet: classroom ideas, idioms,
games, chats, discussion boards, email, pronunciation software, photos, links, lots more.
- Internet TESL Journal
Teaching articles, lessons, handouts, links, online activities for students,
more.
- John's
ESL Community
Teacher and student resources, worksheets, classroom activities; class website
and email available with free registration.
- DiscoverySchool.com
Not an ESL site but contains useful teaching resources such as a puzzle
generator (make your own crosswords, word searches, and other puzzles), an
online quiz creator, clipart, and 'brain booster' exercises in critical
thinking.
- Arlyn Freed's ESL/EFL
Resources
ESL articles, resources, and links for students and teachers; includes basic
introduction to internet terminology and internet search tips.
Clipart
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