I usually teach adult or high school students and regardless of their level I try to give them real, not simplified texts. First they translate short extracts, even one-liners, jokes. If that is elementary level I give them a few hints before they read. I never take big novels and if a novel is worth reading I choose only a part, sometimes a few pages. This way we can take care of all valuable lexis and grammar in the text, when finishing we can discuss it.
Almost every novel has at least a few pages of "action". You better choose them youself, you shold feel that you can awake students' interast in this subject and lead the discussion. Some newspaper articles are good as well. Just keep making notes while reding something.
Book suggestions for ESL students
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