TUTOR RESOURCES
Community Literacy Program
Adult ESL Tutoring
Resources
(Work in Progress)
See the Digital Resources page for support with virtual tutoring during Covid-19.
Below, find information about English levels, lesson plan ideas, and more. Have something to add to our resources? Contact us.
Student English Levels
Student Assessment
** Since COVID-19, the program is currently using the ESLOA: English as a Second Language Oral Assessment.**
The Program normally uses BEST Literacy assessments from the Center for Applied Linguistics to evaluate each student's English writing and reading level. Click the buttons below to learn more about this test. Lesson plans and teaching activities further down on this page are organized based on this level system.
Levels
Reading
descriptors
Writing
descriptors
More
Info
0
1
Reading Descriptors- Individual recognizes most letters of the alphabet and may be able to read own name or a few isolated words. Has a developing sense of phonemic awareness. Can probably read own address, telephone number, and other relevant numbers.
Writing Descriptors- Individual can copy letters of the alphabet, numbers, own name and address. Individual may have difficulty using a writing instrument.
2
Reading Descriptors- Individual can recognize upper and lower case letters and environmental print (e.g., common signs, symbols, prices, etc.).
Writing Descriptors- Individual can write basic personal information and numbers and can complete simple forms. Can write sight words and may be able to write simple messages using learned phrases.
3
4
5
Reading Descriptors- Individual can read and comprehend simple learned phrases or short sentences containing familiar vocabulary in familiar contexts (e.g., "Where do you live?") Has a limited understanding of connected prose and may need frequent rereadings.
Reading Descriptors- Individual reads and understands simple sentences or short paragraphs or messages on familiar subjects (e.g., people, places, events) containing familiar vocabulary.
Writing Descriptors- Individual can write short sentences on basic personal information and on familiar subjects. There is emerging use of punctuation (e.g., period and question mark).
Writing Descriptors- Individual can write simple sentences, notes, and messages on familiar subjects; may write simple paragraphs. Has limited grammatical accuracy. Inconsistent use of the mechanics of writing, including capitalization, periods, and question marks.
Reading Descriptors- Individual can read simple material on subjects of personal interest that have a clear underlying structure (e.g., main idea and supporting details) and can use some context to determine meaning.
Writing Descriptors- Individual can write simple narrative descriptions on familiar topics (e.g., customs in native country, personal life experiences, note to teacher, etc.) Attempts to elaborate on main idea. Grammar is still inconsistent. Is gaining control of mechanics of writing.
6
7
Reading Descriptors- Individual can read authentic instructions, descriptions, and narratives on familiar subjects or from which new vocabulary can be determined by context (e.g., a simple news story). Can recognize logical order and make some minimal references. Emerging reading strategies are evident, (e.g., can compare and contrast, sequence information, etc.)
Writing Descriptors- Individual can write simple, multi-paragraph narratives. Can logically organize connected prose. Grammar is more consistent, with some use of transitions ( and, but, although, yet, etc.). More control of mechanics of writing.
Reading Descriptors- Individual can read and understand material related to most adult roles. Can interpret descriptive narratives, predict, and infer meaning from material on familiar topics. Can skim and scan for meaning (e.g., consumer information, manuals, memos).
Writing Descriptors- Individual can perform everyday writing tasks and write descriptive and narrative prose for a variety of purposes and audiences. Uses more complex structures. Can elaborate on subject; writing is more fluid. Uses appropriate mechanics of writing.
8
Reading Descriptor- Individual can read and understand authentic material on unfamiliar topics, but may have trouble with difficult vocabulary or grammar. Skims and scans, compares, contrasts, and sequences information with consistency. Understands the purpose of various texts (e.g., editorials, ads).
Writing Descriptors- Individual can write, giving relevant detail, and using appropriate tone and purpose. Writing is fluid. Grammatical errors do not impede meaning. Uses appropriate mechanics of writing.
Lesson Planning
Below, you'll find materials you can use in creating lesson plans for your classes, organized by student level as described above.
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