Teacher Discussion Forums

I've been asked to include a novel in my curriculum for a group of adult ESL intermediate learners. This is Level 5 of an 8 level program. Any suggestions for a novel for this level? This is an all-day Saturday program at a community college; lasts 12 weeks. In addition to the novel, we have to cover both grammar and writing books. I'd like to do a novel that they can handle and one that deals with their experience as an immigrant in this country. Any ideas?

I think this is a great idea! You are probably based in the USA; my suggestion would be something by John Steinbeck - simple language, down-to-earth topics, full of human understanding and humour, close to biblical stories ("Grape of Wrath" may be a bit difficult, how about "Travels with Charlie"?).

There are many other novels, of course, but the level of English of your students must not be forgotten - other authors might be just too sophisticated or topically complex.

Also ideal in my view) Harry Potter storties or those by Tolkien!

Try the novel The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.

Why The Alchemist? I looked at some text at Amazon, and, while it looks like it is at an appropriate level, it is neither a popular text for students in the English-speaking world (literature courses in junior high school) nor is it culturally about the English-speaking world, according to its back cover. Rather to read a book that is culturally, linguistically and level relevant, no?

Steinbeck is an excellent selection. However, there are other good selections, given a bit more information about goals. I think the book should give the students more than just language skills. For example, they could learn vocabulary and situations to discuss, or they could read a text that students in their language country commonly read--preferably one about that country, such as Steinbeck for students learning American English in California.

Read about a Spanish shepherd boy while learning Spanish in Spain seems a better idea, than the topic for learning English.
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I loved reading "Night" by Elie Weisel. It is a translation, which makes it easier for L2 learners, and also offers much fodder for great discussions about deeper issues, which will help the students stay involved. I think any translations would be useful as well. You might want to look at a series of short stories in order to add variety.