English as a Second Language (ESL)

Many of us are learning English in addition to our native language, and the learning resources in this area and specifically built for you. These assume knowledge of another language already and use the constructs of that language to teach English. Regardless of your grade level or level of comfort with English, you can find the right learning materials here.

What is English as a Second Language (ESL)?

ESL, or English as a Second Language, refers to the process of learning English by speakers of other languages. ESL is important because English is the most widely spoken language in the world, used by over one billion people.

The benefits of learning English include improved communication, increased employment opportunities, and access to a wider range of information and resources. However, learning English can be difficult because it is a complex language with many irregular rules.

How to Learn English as a Second Language (ESL)

There are many methods available for learning ESL, including classroom instruction, immersion programs, and self-study. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right method based on individual needs and preferences.

Classes typically offer more structure and guidance than other methods, making them a good choice for those who want to be sure they are learning properly. Tapes and CDs can be used at the learner's convenience and are often less expensive than classes, making them a good option for those on a budget.

Books can be a good supplement to other methods, providing extra practice and guidance. Software and online resources can be used in a similar way, often offering interactive exercises and games to help with learning.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Resources

Cover of Practice Makes Perfect: Exploring Grammar from McGraw-Hill

Practice Makes Perfect: Exploring Grammar

Short explanations followed by heavy drill, from McGraw-Hill's long-running self-study series. Cheap, plentiful practice.

Cover of Side by Side Student Book 1, third edition, by Molinsky and Bliss

Side by Side: Student Book 1 (Third Edition)

A conversation-first beginner course built around guided dialogues, which makes it one of the few ESL books that works with two people at a kitchen table.

Cover of Essential Grammar in Use with Answers from Cambridge University Press

Essential Grammar in Use with Answers

Raymond Murphy's elementary grammar reference, built on a two-page unit format that makes it genuinely usable for self-study.

Cover of Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

Word Power Made Easy

A vocabulary builder that teaches Greek and Latin roots rather than word lists, so each session unlocks families of words at once.

Cover of the Azar-Hagen Basic English Grammar Workbook fifth edition

Basic English Grammar Workbook (Azar-Hagen, 5th Edition)

The grammar series most ESL teacher training programs are built around, in workbook form with a full answer key for self-study.

Cover of the Oxford Picture Dictionary Content Areas for Kids English-Spanish edition

Oxford Picture Dictionary Content Areas for Kids (English-Spanish)

The school-subject vocabulary an English learner needs to actually follow a math or science lesson, with Spanish translations alongside.

Cover of the Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition monolingual edition

Oxford Picture Dictionary, Third Edition

The standard visual dictionary in ESL classrooms worldwide: roughly 4,000 words organized by real-life situation rather than alphabetically.

Cover of English for Everyone Practice Book Level 1 Beginner from DK

English for Everyone Practice Book Level 1: Beginner

The written practice half of DK's Level 1 course. Buy it with the course book, not instead of it.

Cover of English for Everyone Course Book Level 1 Beginner from DK

English for Everyone Course Book Level 1: Beginner

DK's visual self-study English course, built so a complete beginner can work through it alone without a teacher explaining every page.

English Made Easy Volume One: A New ESL Approach: Learning English Through Pictures

English Made Easy Volume One: A New ESL Approach: Learning English Through Pictures

English Made Easy is a breakthrough in English language learning—imaginatively exploiting how pictures and text can work together to create understanding and help learners learn more productively. It gives beginner English learners easy access to the...

MUZZY English For Kids

MUZZY English For Kids

Teach your children English with fun videos, games, songs and worksheets from MUZZY BBC. THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM FOR KIDS Enjoy the award winning movies "Muzzy in Gondoland" and "Muzzy Comes Back" refreshed with new animation and sou...

English the American Way: A Fun ESL Guide to Language & Culture in the U.S.

English the American Way: A Fun ESL Guide to Language & Culture in the U.S.

The warm and witty authors of Celebrate the American Way: A Fun ESL Guide to Language and Culture in the U.S. get you started on your ESL journey with English the American Way: A Fun ESL Guide to Language & Culture in the U.S. English the America...