ESOL Resources

A Beginners / Entry 1 level set of activities to introduce and practise using adjectives within the theme of travel.

Practise vocabulary, antonyms, spelling, sentence structure and handwriting.

Editor's note

Although written for ESOL most parts of this resource are also very suitable for E1-2 Functional English. In addition to the many tasks it also provides a short overview of adjectives  and basic sentence structure . Great for the build up to summer holidays - or indeed any time of year!

Two scaffolded writing tasks that can used alone or as a follow up to the reading and related tasks in Dee Gets Fit (Rachel Emmett, 2009).

The first is just simple scaffold for E1/2 learners to record their ideas on keeping fit and healthy. The second is for E3 students to write a recipe for a healthy meal. Both these tasks would be most effective when preceded by a class or small group discussion and the creation of a word bank. They could also be used when teaching about instructional texts.

Use the family tree to help write simple and compound sentences about your family. Written for E1-2 ESOL  but also suitable for E1-2 Functional English.

Editor's notes

A lovely way to reinforce sentence structure and basic punctuation, and (for ESOL) teach key family words such as cousin, grandmother, nephew, etc. Worksheet with detailed mapping and sample answers available in a  separate document.

A set of 9 email templates / writing frames for all levels.
Long ones, short ones, plain ones, shaded ones, some with proof reading tips, one with a focus on using conjunctions. Pick and choose to suit your learners.

With a useful Functional English mapping chart listing all the coverage and range writing statements for each level from E1 – L2.

I developed this simple resource initially as a speaking and listening exercise but quickly discovered I could extend it into a writing activity. The questions are designed not to be too personal. I have used it several times and it has worked well with learners from Entry 1 to Level 2. I particularly like the fact that learners have produced some really excellent writing, which is usually what they find the most difficult.

Worksheets and tasks around the theme of emergencies. Written for ESOL but also suitable for adult literacy and Functionakl English.

This is a lower-level version of ‘My Busy Day’ Housework by Laurence Fletcher (see below) for a basic literacy for ESOL class. Also suitable for M8-E1 literacy.
Reading comprehension, simplified cloze and sentence exercises.

Lovely workbook for E1 ESOL, Literacy or Functional English. Use a prompt for discussion about the importance of keeping in touch, letting people know where you are, and asking for help. With plenty of opportunities for students to write their own texts.

The worksheets can be used as seems appropriate for your learners. My method was for learners to identify the seasons and write the names beneath the pictures – I had put them on the board in a random order for learners to be able to use first and second letter recognition to match the words and pictures.

The days of the week sheet was used as a recapping tool – learners insert the first letter, then fold at the dotted line and write them out again. This was followed by a Q and A session on ‘what do you do on…’ to get learners talkiing about activities.

This is a ‘prepositions of place’ resource I use with my 16-19 (and adult!) ESOL learners before Christmas. It’s basically an Easter egg hunt but with Christmas presents instead of eggs.

The number of presents and lines can be tailored to the class. I’ve used this with E1/E2 ESOL groups, although there may be a use for Numeracy and Literacy. It’s a fun, lively activity which I hope you find useful.