Teaching ESL Vocabulary with Thematic Outlines

By creating a topical outline of what students need to be successful English language learners, as well as be able to live and work within an English speaking society, is key to teaching English as a foreign language. Begin by taking an inventory of what students wish to gain from learning English. A simple questionnaire will help with this assessment. (Click here for a sample.)

Once you know what students need, you can begin the thematic outlines on which you can scaffold vocabulary. Students will gain the knowledge they need for essential life skills. Here is an example.

Topic: Getting a job 

1. Creating a resume/CV
2. Searching for a position
3. Applying for a position
4. Filling out a computer generated application
5. Writing a letter of inquiry
6. Going to an interview
7. Writing a thank you note
8. Accepting a position

From this outline and vocabulary, teaching English for a specific purpose becomes a simple task. As each subtopic is discussed or taught, vocabulary can be added to students' repertoire. Language skills can be practiced by roll play, writing practice, discussions and guided reading.

Many English language teachers are wrapped around teaching vocabulary from textbooks. However, students will learn English faster when given the opportunity to acquire vocabulary that will be meaningful to their personal lives. By taking an inventory of students' needs, you will know what vocabulary will best suit your class.

Beginning and intermediate students may need words that have to do with immediate life skills, such as going to the doctor, shopping for food, mailing a letter, cashing a check. Several excellent resources are available that aid in the teaching of this type of vocabulary. For instance, Pearson Longman offers Word by Word, a picture dictionary by Steven Molinsky and Bill Bliss. This book presents vocabulary on specific topics for adult learners.

For higher-level students, vocabulary needs may be for a specific job or career choice. Vocabulary lists can be found online that work quite effectively for this purpose. For instance, if you have students who want to obtain a degree in accounting, websites such as Yourdictionary.com and Investorwords.com are an excellent resource.

Topic specific words lists are an important resource for students. These word lists allow them the ability to search for a correct term in a place where they are likely to find what they need. In other words, they will not get frustrated by aimlessly searching a dictionary or encyclopedia. If they have a word list for a topic, they are more likely to find what they want.

"Teaching English as foreign language" is a term used predominantly in the UK. It was meant to reflect teaching English to non-native speakers within non-English speaking countries; however, the term is used in much the same way as TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) is used in the US. Therefore, by assessing and meeting the needs of students by creating topical outlines and teaching vocabulary, TEFL instructors find they meet the criteria of their curriculum.

References

• TEFL International: Frequently Asked Questions, 2004 - http://www.teflcourse.com/faqs/#2
• Content from author's own experience
• Photo Credit: By Dept. of Veterans Affairs: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons