eslreading.org for English language learners

English Language

How much do you know about the English language?

Try and and answer the questions before you click the links:
Is English the best international language?

  • Think about these questions:
English is now the international language of business, culture, politics, medicine etc. Think about these questions:
  • Why is English the international language in so many fields?
  • Is English the easiest language to learn and use?
  • Do we need a new universal language?
Read this article to find out more: A perfect language?

How did Shakespeare change the English language?

William Shakespeare is the most important writer in English. Think about these questions:
  • Which plays did Shakespeare write?
  • Which words and phrases do we now use because of Shakespeare?
Read this article to find out more: Shakespeare & English

How important was the Bible for the English language?

Translating the Bible into English brought many new words and phrases into common use:
◦ Do you know any words, phrases or idioms from the Bible?

Read this article to find out more: The Bible and English

How much do you know about irregular verbs?

  • Many English language students do not like irregular verbs. But all languages have them.
  • Think about these questions:
  • Are there a lot of irregular verbs in English?
  • Are they used a lot?
  • What are the ten most commonly used verbs in English? What do they share in common?
  • Why do think there regular and irregular verbs in every language?
Read this article to find out more: Irregular Verbs

Irregular Verb Crossword
Irregular Verbs (print version)
Answers (print)

Visit this site to download various dictionary activities Wordlink.
◦ Crosswords here and here.

You can find all the words in the glossary of this section of ESL Reading.


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Note for ESL, EFL & ESOL Teachers

What is ESL Reading?
An independent website providing free resources for English language teachers and students. These include reading and listening materials for use in the classroom or online.


ESL Reading is edited by Kieran McGovern, described as 'amongst the best writers of language learner materials in English'. It has links with Extensive Reading, the British Council and many other organisations promoting language learning through reading.

More about ESL Reading here.