How to Work with Texts in an English Lesson

Texts are essential tools in any English lesson. Whether you’re preparing students for exams or developing their general communication skills, the right reading material can improve vocabulary, grammar, critical thinking, and overall language confidence.

In this article, we explore how to effectively incorporate reading texts into your ESL classroom using structured methods and practical TEFL/TESOL strategies.

Why Texts Matter in ESL Lessons

Reading texts provide a rich source of authentic or adapted language input. They allow students to encounter new vocabulary in context, understand grammar structures in use, and develop both intensive and extensive reading habits.

They also serve as springboards for a variety of productive activities such as speaking, writing, and role-play. Incorporating them well requires careful planning.

How to Choose the Right Text

• Language level: Choose a text that is neither too easy nor too difficult. A good benchmark is 5–10% unknown vocabulary.
• Lesson goals: Is your aim grammar practice, vocabulary building, or cultural exposure? Select content that supports that focus.
• Student age and interest: Teens may enjoy stories about relationships or technology. Adults might prefer topics like work, health, or travel.
• Length and format: For a 60-minute class, aim for a 300–500-word text. Use graded readers for lower levels or short authentic texts like news articles or blog posts for advanced students.
• Topic relevance: Make sure the content relates to your students' lives or aspirations.

For more guidance on teaching materials, explore our TEFL/TESOL certification programs.

The Three Stages of Working with a Text

A successful reading lesson typically follows three stages: pre-reading, while-reading, and post-reading.

1. Pre-Reading Activities

• Activate prior knowledge with questions or pictures.
• Introduce key vocabulary and discuss any cultural context.
• Make predictions about the text based on the title or images.

2. While-Reading Activities

• Skimming for the general idea and scanning for specific details.
• Reading with guiding questions or matching headings to paragraphs.
• Annotating the text with underlined vocabulary and key points.

3. Post-Reading Activities

• Discussing the text in pairs or groups.
• Creating summaries, timelines, or visual representations.
• Role-playing characters or debating the topic in class.

Classroom Strategies and Techniques

Here are several proven techniques to boost student engagement and learning outcomes:

• KWL Charts: Have students note what they Know, Want to know, and what they Learned.
• Jigsaw Reading: Divide the text into sections, assign each group a section to read, and then share the content with classmates.
• Graphic Organizers: Use visual tools like story maps or comparison charts to support understanding.
• Vocabulary Logs: Encourage students to keep track of new words and use them in their own sentences.
• Creative Extensions: Ask students to write an alternate ending, rewrite the story as a diary entry, or turn it into a short video script.

Tips for Online ESL Lessons with Texts

If you teach English online, reading texts can be shared on screen or through digital platforms. Use breakout rooms for discussions, online whiteboards for annotations, and shared Google Docs for collaborative writing activities.

Our online TEFL/TESOL course includes modules on using digital tools for effective reading lessons.

Conclusion

Working with texts in the ESL classroom is about more than just reading—it’s about making content meaningful, engaging, and useful. By choosing appropriate materials and applying structured reading stages, you’ll help your students build language skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

To dive deeper into effective English teaching practices, enroll in our TEFL/TESOL certification program and access more resources for your ESL teaching journey.