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CELTA Preparation

Recommended Books

All successful CELTA applicants will be given a list of recommended books to improve their knowledge of grammar and teaching methodology. The list varies from centre to centre, so I've selected some of the very best recommended CELTA course books below.

Recommended Grammar Books

Most native speakers of English are not aware of the grammar they use. That's nothing to be ashamed of either; we learn our first language very differently and our subconscious brains do most of the hard work. Before studying for my CELTA course, I certainly couldn't tell you about the past perfect continuous tense! But that has to change if you are to help other people to speak English, and throughout the CELTA course (and beyond!) you will need to have a better understanding of English grammar

English Grammar In Use - Raymond Murphy

English Grammar In Use
(With Answers)

Raymond Murphy

Cambridge University Press

Basic English Usage - Michael Swan

Basic English Usage

Michael Swan

Oxford University Press

Grammar For English Language Teachers

Grammar For English Language Teachers

Martin Parrott

Cambridge University Press

Recommended Teaching Methodology Books

These books will help you to answer questions such as: What makes a good teacher? Why is lesson planning important? How can you engage bored students?

Learning To Teach English - (A Practical Introduction For New Teachers) - Peter Watkins

Learning To Teach English
(A Practical Introduction For New Teachers)

Peter Watkins

Delta Publishing ELT

How To Teach English - (An Introduction To The Practice Of English Language Teaching - Jeremy Harmer

How To Teach English
(An Introduction To The Practice Of English Language Teaching 2nd Edition - With DVD)

Jeremy Harmer

Longman ELT

Teaching Practice - (A Guide For Teachers In Training)

Teaching Practice
(A Guide For Teachers In Training)

Roger Gower, Diane Phillips, Steve Walters

Macmillan Education

Recommended Dictionaries

Language dictionaries are a vital part of TEFL, and as a teacher it's important to help your students get the most value from their dictionaries. You may be able to borrow one for the duration of the CELTA course but I recommend that soon after you invest in a good language learning dictionary (not a standard living-room tome!). Below are a selection of some of the very best.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Oxford University Press

Macmillan English Dictionary For Advanced Learners

Macmillan English Dictionary For Advanced Learners

Macmillan ELT

Longman Dictionary Of Contemporary English

Longman Dictionary Of Contemporary English
(Paper And DVD-ROM)

Pearson Longman

Leave a Comment:

Emmy says

Thanks a lot, these recommended books are very useful.

Reply
Alistair says

Hello, is it a good idea to buy all of those books mentioned above, or just 1 from each section, if its just 1 from each section, which books would you recommend?
Thanks

Reply
    David says

    Definitely just one from each section. In fact, the only priorities are a good grammar book and EFL dictionary.

    Reply
      fahd janjua says

      Hi, David, though I have most of the book mentioned above, but my question is” can I go through them myself or I really need to join an institute which offers CELTA? In that case what more will I get from studying there?

      Reply
        David says

        You will need to apply to a CELTA centre regardless if you want to acquire your CELTA certificate. A large part of the course involves onsite training and teaching practice. However, there is an online CELTA course available that allows you to study some of the syllabus from home. I hope that helps.

        Reply
David says

Spelling is important for teaching English, of course. If you struggle with spelling, you can still do well by double-checking your work.

For written assignments and lesson plans written on your computer, you can use the built in spell-checker in whichever program you used. Maybe ask a friend or family member to have a read too.

For your actual teaching practice, just be sure to plan your whiteboard before, as part of your lesson planning. This way you can double check your spelling before you start writing in front of the class.

I’m sure you’ll do just fine!

Reply
David says

Ah no, grammar! Head on over to Parts of Speech For a quick refresher on what you need to know.

Reply
Ahmed Hendawy says

Hi , i am planning to join the CELTA course , anyway i fear nothing. i have a wide experince in teaching for all levels , but i heard that even if i have the CELTA , it seems a bit complicated to work with it as i am not a native , but always when i speak to natives they tell me that i have a good accent even if i don´t speak quickly and that make me more confident.

Reply
    David says

    This article is for you, Ahmed!

    There are thousands of non-native speaker English teachers working around the world. Obviously some schools prefer native speakers for marketing reasons, but finding a teaching job isn’t difficult if you’re willing to work and show what you can do.

    Reply
Lolimar Guzmán says

Hi David I had my interview just yesterday! And I’m happy to tell you that I’ve passed. However I’ll need to prepare for the course that starts on the 3rd of September! I’m really nervous. I’ve got some tips from you this morning. So thank you. I’m trying to get some books now!

Reply
    David says

    Good luck with your upcoming course! 🙂

    Reply
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