How to Read ESL Workbooks ?

Workbooks can be an excellent tool for learning English as a Second Language regardless of your level. If you are not taking a class, you can study on your own with a workbook as a guide. Workbook chapters and exercises are designed to present a topic and help the student become comfortable with new vocabulary and grammar structures. Work on your own, find a tutor to help you or use a workbook as a supplement to your ESL classes.

Instructions

 1.      Practice the written words and phrases of the workbook exercises with audio. Many workbooks include audio materials; if yours does not, you can supplement the exercises with audio found online. You can find online English dictionaries to help you with confusing words or new vocabulary. If you're not sure about pronunciation, many online dictionaries provide audio of a native speaker pronouncing the word. Write down new vocabulary in a notebook that you can refer to as you learn.

2.   Find a tutor to help you. Because you will have a workbook as a guide, you don't need to work with someone who has experience teaching. A native speaker will be able to help you complete and check the exercises and explain new concepts. Find someone who wants to learn your first language and exchange time teaching. Studying with a language student will help you improve your skills as a student because you will understand what are effective teaching and learning tools from both sides of the lesson.If your partner doesn't speak your first language, she will be able to explain concepts in English only through the immersion method. Many English teachers use the immersion method even if they are fluent in a student's first language, as this is generally believed the best way to learn. Teachers trained in the CELTA (Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) method, for example, are taught to speak only English when teaching ESL regardless of the level.

 3.  Use supplementary materials. An English dictionary and a thesaurus will help you understand the meanings of new words and build your vocabulary. An English dictionary will speed up the learning process; you will have the definition in English instead of going back and forth between your first language and English. While a dictionary in English and your first language (i.e., a Polish-English/English-Polish dictionary) can help you learn the meanings of words, if you want to advance more rapidly work exclusively with English vocabulary. You can also find websites with lessons or activities on the same topic as your workbook exercises; these will give you an extra opportunity to practice the vocabulary, grammar structures and themes you have learned.

Have a nice day

Regards,
Sneha S. Patel