I am an ESL/EALD/EFL teacher based in Australia. I have taught for decades in schools, Tertiary institutions and language schools in 4 different countries. I teach adult students - migrants, refugees and International students who want to learn or improve their English. Their levels range from complete beginners to almost native speaker level. I also help students prefer for a variety of exams - IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Exams, OLNA (a basic literacy and numeracy test specific to Australia). I now
I am an ESL/EALD/EFL teacher based in Australia. I have taught for decades in schools, Tertiary institutions and language schools in 4 different countries. I teach adult students - migrants, refugees and International students who want to learn or improve their English. Their levels range from complete beginners to almost native speaker level. I also help students prefer for a variety of exams - IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Exams, OLNA (a basic literacy and numeracy test specific to Australia). I now
This is a writing lesson for adult ESL students focusing on sentence and paragraph structure. It is designed for students who are intermediate level and above who need to write academic essays for IELTS or other academic purposes. Although it focuses on the requirements of the IELTS exam the stratergies are applicable to any type of academic writing.
The focus of this package is on 3 keys elements of the IELTS writing Task 1
The structure of the writing
Language for describing trends in data – graphs, tables etc.
Language for comparison
This package contains:
Lesson notes/an explanation of:
Requirements of Writing Task 1 in IELTS
Structure of paragraphs
Extensive list of vocabulary to describe trends in data
Language of comparison
PLUS
5 Activities based on the above lessons ranging from guided to progressively open-ended.
This is a writing lesson for adult ESL students focusing on developing academic writing skills for IELTS or academic study. It teaches writing complex sentences and structuring an opinion essay, both skills students need to get high scores in the IELTS exam. It is designed for students who are intermediate level and above who need to write academic essays for IELTS or other academic purposes
The aim of this lesson is to write complex sentences using a variety of linking words (cohesive devices). Essay structure of an opinion essay is also covered.
This lesson is based on the requirements of the IELTS exam although the concepts are applicable to any type of academic writing.
There are a series of guided exercises (4 Activities) beginning at sentence level before progressing to paragraphs and essays and ending with an unguided essay.
This lesson can be used with a class - there are opportunities for differentiation if necessary; as an independent learning package or with online students.
Package includes:
4 Writing Activities - guided and unguided
A comprehensive list of linking words/cohesive devices
Model of paragraph
Essay Structure model
IELTS Tips
Teachers notes
I use this lesson with a mixed ability beginner adult ESL class. It is an integrated reading, writing, speaking and listening lesson on the topic of goals, using the present simple tense. The concept of goals is introduced by 2 short reading texts. By using this lesson with your students you will help them to set their own goals as well as learn the language to talk about goals and their studies in general. This will work as a Back to School activity or any other time. It will help you find out more about your students and their needs and expectations.
This lesson can be used in several ways:
•with total beginners – supported by a lot of scaffolding by the teacher
•at the beginning of the year/course as a goal setting lesson, which will also help you learn more about your students
•as a review lesson for ongoing students using the extension activities
There is plenty of opportunity to differentiate learning according to your students’ levels and needs. I have provided alternatives for some of the activities and suggested ways to adapt for others.
As in all my lessons, the language is presented in a context that is relevant to adult students with language that they will be able to use in their everyday lives. In this lesson the context is talking about long term and short term goals.
Goal setting is an important and popular topic for Adult ESL classes. Most adult ESL students will come to class with a goal which is often something long term and not very specific such as “improve my English”, “Get a job” or “go to university” . But apart from attending a class they haven’t really thought about how they will get there.
This resource will help them break down their long-term goals into smaller more achievable goals that will help to keep them motivated.
It may take 2 lessons or could take several lessons depending on your learners and how you present the material.
This lesson can be used:
with a whole class, a small group or one to one
The lesson integrates speaking, listening, reading and writing and covers a lot of core elementary language.
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Terms of use
This item is for use by you with your students only. If you want to share with other teachers please buy multiple licences. This item is bound by copyright laws . Posting, editing , selling or redistributing this item (or any part of) on the internet is strictly prohibited.
If you would like a more in depth, higher level resource on goal setting, check out Goal Setting and Time Management for Adult ESL Students
It is designed for students at Intermediate level and above.
Here are some other beginner resources in my store that you may like:
Complete Beginners ESL Lesson - My Family and I (Present Simple - very easy )
Adult ESL Beginners: Jobs (Present Simple)
Adult Beginners ESL - Daily Routines (Present Simple)
Adult Beginners ESL Speaking and Listening
Adult Beginners ESL Introduction to the Present Continuous
Use these task cards with your Adult ESL Beginner students to practice asking and answering questions using the Present Perfect Tense.
These cards are great to use with multi level classes (as beginners’ classes tend to be). They are easy to use because I’ve done all the hard work for you.
Included in this resource.
64 task cards - 32 in colour and 32 in black and white
2 grammar reference sheets with a review of Yes/no and Wh question forms
a list of common irregular verbs for students to refer to, if needed.
There are 2 sets of 16 cards - all with questions in the present perfect tense. Set 1 has the complete question, Set 2 has gaps in the question requiring the student to create the question before asking it. In both Set 1 and Set 2 , questions 1 - 8 are Yes/No questions. Questions 9 -16 are Wh questions which include more difficult vocabulary and will be more difficult to answer.
Task cards are very versatile and can be used in a variety of ways in a classroom:
• To practice a grammar point/ target language that has been taught - in this case the present perfect tense
• As a warm up activity
• As a review of a previous lesson
• As a diagnostic tool for you
• To change the pace during the lesson and get the students talking
• Can be used with pairs or groups
This lesson prints to A4 paper and may have some UK/Australian spelling.
If you see any other errors please let me know so that I can correct them.
Thank you for visiting my store. I hope you find many uses for this resource. If you found it useful could you please a quick review.
Terms of use
This item is for use by you with your students only. If you want to share with other teachers please buy multiple licences. This item is bound by copyright laws. Posting, editing , selling or redistributing this item (or any part of) on the internet is strictly prohibited.
Here are some other similar resources in my store that you may like:
Complete Beginners ESL Lesson - My Family and I (Present Simple - very easy )
Adult ESL Beginners: Jobs (Present Simple)
Adult Beginners ESL - Daily Routines (Present Simple)
Adult Beginners ESL Speaking and Listening
Adult Beginners ESL Introduction to the Present Continuous Tense
Also check out my other Grammatical task cards.
Phrasal verbs are something that high level intermediate or advanced learners find challenging to understand or use. In some exams such as IELTS students need some familiarity with phrasal verbs to get a high score. I created this resource to use with one to one online IELTS students but it’s adaptable to any situation.
Resource includes:
a list of 21 phrasal verbs using PUT and their meaning
Activity 1 - a gap fill activity to insert the missing phrasal verb
Activity 2 - ideas for a role play activity using the phrasal verbs
Teacher’s notes with suggestions for use
Answer key to Activity 1
Suggestions for use included. It can be used in a number of ways according to the needs of your students. You might want to do it as a whole class, group work, one to one.
This is one in a series of lessons - check out the other verbs in my store.
Idiomatic language and especially phrasal verbs are something that high level intermediate or advanced learners find challenging to understand or use. In some exams such as IELTS students need some familiarity with phrasal verbs to get a high score. I created this resource to use with one to one online IELTS students but it’s adaptable to any situation.
Resource includes:
A list of 21 phrasal verbs using COME and their meanings
Activity 1 - a gap fill activity to insert the missing phrasal verb
Activity 2 - ideas for a role play activity using the phrasal verbs
Teacher’s notes with suggestions for use
Answer key to Activity 1
Suggestions for use included. It can be used in a number of ways according to the needs of your students. You might want to do it as a whole class, group work, one to one.
This is one in a series of lessons - check out the other verbs in my store.
This is a Low PREP (just photocopy and go) reading and writing lesson for a mixed ability Beginner or low level Pre Intermediate ESL or Adult Migrant Class. It also includes some paired speaking activities.
This is a flexible lesson that can be used in a variety of ways:
•with a whole class,
• a small group or
• one to one
This reading lesson is based on an Information Text. Speaking and writing tasks are integrated as well as an opportunity to review and practice Present Simple verb forms and question forms.
The text has an Australian flavour but will work in any country especially as students have an opportunity to describe animals from their country
Some of the language will be challenging for Beginner students so it’s not suitable for complete Beginners (see my lesson My Family and I, if you are looking for something for complete Beginners) but with some scaffolding it will be accessible to most good beginners or low level pre-intermediate students.
There is plenty of opportunity to differentiate learning according to your students’ levels and needs. It may take 1 lesson or could take several lessons depending on your learners and how you present the material. The final writing task has 2 options - a simple guided writing task or a more difficult task that involves writing a semi guided Information Report.
This resource includes:
7 Activities or tasks which include:
2 x Speaking activities
1 x Vocab activity
3 x Reading tasks
1 x Writing Task (with 2 options)
Also included an opportunity to practice asking and answering questions using the present simple tense
I have done all the work so all you have to do is print and go. I have also included pictures which will help you introduce the topic and pre teach some vocab
Language is British/Australian English but there are no big differences to prevent use in US. Slides print to A4 paper.
I have checked this carefully, but if you find any errors, typos etc. please let me know so that I can fix it.
Thank you for visiting my store
This is a print and go grammar lesson focusing on irregular past tense verb forms. It is for Pre-Intermediate adult ESL Students. It is an integrated lesson with a mix of speaking, grammar and writing.
It begins with some structured grammatical activities which could be done orally first and then written. The second part of the lesson is more open – ended, allowing students to integrate what they’ve learned.
The focus of the lesson is on
•Irregular past tense verb forms
•Negatives and questions in the past tense (which many students find challenging)
Most of the Activities are self explanatory and answers are provided for the structured activities. In most cases there are other possible answers.
The open-ended activities provide opportunities for extension for stronger students and flexibility in how it is delivered.
I would expect the lesson to take about 2 hours for an average class, with some of the written tasks set for homework.
Ready to print and go. Easy …
Prints to A4 paper and uses UK/Australian English
I have checked this carefully but if you find any typos please le me know so that I can fix them.
This lesson complements Past Tense Regular Verbs for Adult ESL Students which is available individually and also available bundled with this resource.
If you loved this resource or you are looking for something a bit easier,
check out my store for my Adult ESL Beginners Lessons:
Complete Beginners ESL Lesson - My Family and I
Adult Beginners ESL Lesson - Daily Routines (present simple)
Beginners ESL Back to School / Getting to Know You Activities
Adult ESL Beginners - JOBS
Thank you for visiting my store. If you’ve found this resource useful, please leave a review.
This is a Low PREP (just photocopy and go) reading and writing lesson for a mixed ability beginner or low level pre- Intermediate ESL or Adult Migrant Class. It also includes some paired speaking activities.
This is a flexible lesson that can be used in a variety of ways:
• with a whole class,
• a small group or
• one to one
This reading lesson is based on an Information Text. Speaking and writing tasks are integrated as well as an opportunity to review and practice Present Simple question forms.
Some of the language will be challenging for Beginner students so it’s not suitable for complete Beginners (see my lesson My Family and I, if you are looking for something for complete Beginners) but with some scaffolding it will be accessible to most good beginners or low level pre-intermediate students.
There is plenty of opportunity to differentiate learning according to your students’ levels and needs. It may take 1 lesson or could take several lessons depending on your learners and how you present the material. The final writing task has 2 options - a simple guided writing task or a more difficult task that involves writing a semi guided Information Report.
This resource includes:
8 Activities or tasks which include:
2 x Speaking activities
2 x Vocab activities
3 x Reading tasks
1 x Writing Task (with 2 options)
Also included an opportunity to practice asking and answering questions using the present simple tense
I have done all the work so all you have to do is print and go.
Language is British/Australian English but there are no big differences to prevent use in US. Slides print to A4 paper.
I have checked this carefully, but if you find any errors, typos etc. please let me know so that I can fix it.
Thank you for visiting my store.
If you like this resource you will find other Adult ESL Beginners lessons in my store.
If you are teaching IELTS classes you might be interested in my other IELTS resources. Check out my shop…
Terms of use
This item is for use by you with your students only. If you want to share with other teachers please buy multiple licences. This item is bound by copyright laws . Posting, editing , selling or redistributing this item (or any part of) on the internet is strictly prohibited.
This is a complete letter writing package on writing formal and informal letters. It is for Adult ESL students and includes tasks and language that is meaningful for adult learners. It teaches the features, structure and language of both types of letters. It is a multi level package so can used with students at Intermediate level and above.
The lessons incorporate the requirements of the IELTS General – Writing Task 1. These requirements are explained on Slide 2. The rest of the presentation/lesson is applicable to any Intermediate and above letter writing lesson.
In this package you will get:
2 hours (or more) of lesson material
Power point slides (for explanation) and activities for printing
Detailed explanation of the features, structure and language of formal and informal letters and practice using it
Formal v Informal Language - identifying and categorising
8 different activities - some at 2 or more levels
Suitable for IELTS preparation
Uses speaking and reading skills as well as writing skills
Opportunities for collaborative group and pair work
Jumbled texts, cloze activities and more
Teachers’ notes and suggestions for teaching
Answers keys
Almost everything is ready to copy and go. There are 2 activities where some preparation (i.e. cutting) is optional but the activities would definitely work better if you had time to prepare the activity.
I have checked this carefully, but if you find any errors, typos etc. please let me know so that I can fix it.
Slides print to A4 paper and language is UK/Australian English
Thank you for visiting my store. Please leave a review if you and/or your students loved this resource.
This is a writing lesson for adult ESL students focusing on essay structure and planning. It is designed for students who are intermediate level and above who need to write academic essays for IELTS or other academic purposes. Although it focuses on the requirements of the IELTS exam the strategies are applicable to any type of academic writing
The aim of this lesson is to learn how to write well structured essays. It looks at the 5 most common essay types and how to identify them. It examines the essay structure of an opinion essay and an advantages and disavantages essay type. It addresses common mistakes and
There are 3 guided exercises to develop skills which lead to a complete essay.
This lesson can be used with a class - there are opportunities for differentiation if necessary; as an independent learning package or with online students.
Check out my store for other IELTS resources.
Terms of use
This item is for use by you with your students only. If you want to share with other teachers please buy multiple licences. This item is bound by copyright laws . Posting, editing , selling or redistributing this item (or any part of) on the internet is strictly prohibited.
The present perfect is the tense that most ESL students find tricky. This is a review lesson for adults who have already been taught the Present Perfect at some stage. It covers the grammatical form and the 4 main uses of the Present Perfect tense with examples. There are 3 activities 2 of which are quizzes that could be done with the whole class or to make it more fun in groups as a competition.
Thank you for visiting my store. Please check out my store for a more advanced resource for the present perfect tense .
This is a grammar focused lesson for adult ESL students with a mix of written and spoken practise of the present perfect and past simple tenses. It is designed for students who are intermediate level and above. It includes a review of present perfect tense and then focuses on the differences between present perfect and past simple - something which intermediate students find challenging.
This lesson can be used with a class - there are opportunities for differentiation if necessary; as an independent learning package or with online students.
Package includes:
2 Grammar guides
6 Activities which include:
Conversation cards
Cloze passages
Verb form practice
Teachers notes
Answer key
Activities offer opportunities:
for speaking and writing practice
a variety of interaction - group, pair work or individual study
Teachers notes
Answer key
Thank you for visiting my store. Please leave a review.
Terms of use
This item is for use by you with your students only. If you want to share with other teachers please buy multiple licences. This item is bound by copyright laws . Posting, editing , selling or redistributing this item (or any part of) on the internet is strictly prohibited.
This lesson contains 5 fun activities that are suitable for beginner or elementary Adult ESL students. Most of the activities involve speaking and listening. If students are able, most of the activities can be followed with a short writing activity and/or oral feedback to the class.
I have used all these activities at some time with adult ESL students. They work for students who are migrants, refugees or international students.
They are great for starting a new year or term because
1.They help students to get to know each other
2.They help you to get the know the students and also assess their level of English
These activities also work at other times of the year too and are a great way to get students talking. So if you don’t use them all you can keep them for later.
Bonus included - suggestions for 3 other no prep get to know you activities.
Please be aware- spelling is UK/Australia and prints to A4 paper.
Thank you for visiting my store. Please check out my other adult ESL resources.
This is a grammar focused lesson for adult ESL students with a mix of written and spoken practice. It is designed for students who are intermediate level and above. It focuses on the form and use of the past perfect tense.
Activities are a mix of individual, pair and group work.
This lesson can be used with a class - there are opportunities for differentiation if necessary; as an independent learning package or with online students.
Package includes:
Grammar guide
5 Activities which include:
Verb form practice
Sentence completion
Sentence matching
Teachers notes
ESL Students find Idioms challenging. This lesson teaches 16 idioms related to feelings. As well as useful in day to day life these idioms are also particularly relevant to the speaking part of the IELTS exam.
As I know teachers are super busy and may not have time for any prep, this lesson has been designed so it can be used in 3 ways:
1.No prep print and go worksheets for in class or homework
A card matching activity requiring preparation – cutting up cards. laminating etc. Once done it can used again (and again) You will need 1 set of the blue cards (16 cards) and 1 set of the black cards (16 cards) for each pair of students.
Used in class, this activity will generate discussion and probably laughter as they try to work out the meaning of some of these idioms. This is the best way to teach this lesson if you have the time to set it up.
Mix and match– part in class with the writing activity fo homework. The writing activity can also be done orally in class.
This Powerpoint presentation is a comprehensive guide for students preparing for the IELTS exam. It covers all the practical aspects of the test as well as tips and strategies for getting a Level 7 or 8. It ends with an activity to practice Part 2 of the test with a partner and a Vocabulary extension activity.
The presention includes information on:
The format of the test
The marking criteria
The requirements of Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of the test as well as examples of the questions asked.
Detailed tips on how to prepare for the test
What you need to do to get a level 7 or level 8
Vocabularly learning strategies
Some useful phrases to connect ideas
4 task cards, which are sample questions for pair work practice
It could be used individually or with a whole class - especially useful for teachers who are not familiar with this exam. No need to research - everything you need to know is here.
If you are teaching IELTS check out my other IELTS resources in my shop
I have checked this carefully, but if you find any errors, typos etc. please let me know so that I can fix it.
This is flexible lesson which would suit a mixed ability beginner Adult Migrant ESL Class. The topic is jobs which is very relevant to Adult Migrant students and introduces a lot of useful vocabulary. It can be used in a variety of ways.
There is plenty of opportunity to differentiate learning according to your students’ levels and needs. It may take 2 lessons or could take several lessons depending on your learners and how you present the material.
This is designed to be used as both a Powerpoint presentation and student worksheets. Print off the relevant pages according to the needs of your students,
It covers a lot of important Beginner language and structure.
Present simple tense
Question forms and negatives
Talking about likes and dislikes
Vocabulary related to jobs and work places
Understanding the main idea of a written text
Writing simple sentences and short paragraphs
Speaking and listening
If any of these language points are new to your students you will need to scaffold the activity and/or pre -teach some of it. You could also pair stronger with less able students who speak the same first language - if that works for the composition of your class.
In this lesson package, you will get:
a text with T/F question
a cloze passage
a present tense review
2 vocab activities
2 writing tasks
2 speaking/listening activities (pairs or groups)
most activities are multi level
Idioms are challenging for ESL students as they can not be directly translated. But they are fun to teach . This is an engaging lesson based on Idioms using body part that will generate lots of interaction and laughs. It is suitable for Adult ESL students of Intermediate level and above. It is also provides useful Vocab extension for IELTS speaking exam which requires use of idiomatic language to get the higher band levels.
I have created this resource with 2 Options as I know that teachers often don’t have time to prep resources and are looking for something to print and Go
Option A involves prepping cards - cutting/laminating etc.
Tip if short of time – give students the photocopied pages and scissors and they cut their own set. Option A is the best option - it will be more interactive and fun for the students.
But if you are short of time :
Option B is no prep – just printing
The resource includes:
2 sets of cards with 24 cards each
Set A = Idioms x 24 Blue borders
Set B = meaning x 24 Red borders
1 set per pair works best or you could use 1 set per group
Plus 2 Activity worksheets that can be used at different levels and in different ways
Activity 4 a is a gap fill activity with the missing idioms provided
Activity 4 b is the same gap fill activity without the missing idioms (therefore much harder)
Activity 5 (2 pages) is a worksheet to record the meaning of the idioms and examples of use
Language used is based on British/Australian usage
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Terms of use
This item is for use by you with your students only. If you want to share with other teachers please buy multiple licences. This item is bound by copyright laws . Posting, editing , selling or redistributing this item (or any part of) on the internet is strictly prohibited.
Please visit my store for other similar Vocabulary and Idiom resources.