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[ToddandJenn]

Does anyone have a suggestion for a really good grammar book for EFL teachers? We are planning to take the CELTA in Prague, so we don't want to duplicate any of the materials we'll get with the course. We really just want something to review and make sure we're as prepared as we can be before taking the course.

Thanks for your suggestions!

[Henry_Cowell]

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Read the many suggestions that people have made on these forums.

[tedkarma]

There are many "old standards" - Swan's Practical English usage, etc. But most are not really readable - they are just grammar reference books.

I would suggest getting at least two books - ones that you find readable - that aren't too big and heavy (otherwise they will never end up in your backpack or briefcase).

Two books (or more) - because I often find one book explains some things well - but not other things. I often wander through 2-3 reference books before settling on the solution to the problem that set me looking in the first place. This is important because you are not usually just looking for an explanation for yourself - you are also looking for the clearest and easiest to understand solution for your students. (So, I am also talking about post-CELTA.)

[sheeba]

'teach yourself teaching english as a foreign language' by David Riddel

and

How to teach English - Jeremy Harmer .

Both are very easy to read and cover the points needed for CELTA . As Ted mentions books like Swan's English usage are really only good for quick references now and again .