Useful books for EFL

All links are to the books' pages on Amazon.co.uk.

Sections on this page: General books on teaching English; Grammar books; Practice activities; Speaking practice; Teaching Kids

How to teach English, Jeremy Harmer, Longman: This is a thorough primer on English teaching, with much useful information to recommend it both to new teachers but also to those with more experience. Harmer takes you through the basics of English teaching, and much more.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language, David Riddell, Teach Yourself: Similar in some respects to Harmer, but arguably employing a less academic style. Riddell's book reads very well. He emphasises that no book can substitute for proper training before going on to give plenty of practical advice which is clearly grounded in years of classroom experience.

Practical English Usage, Michael Swan, Oxford University Press: The definitive guide to English Usage. Comprehensive while being accessible. Worth its weight, which is considerable.
English Grammar in Use, Raymond Murphy, Cambridge University Press: Probably the most widely used grammar guide around. Students like it for its clear explanations and straightforward gap-filling activities. Teachers like it for the same reasons and you can get its two page spread on one sheet of A4 if you know how to adjust your photocopier correctly.
A Concise Grammar for English Language Teachers, Tony Penston: Previously available as "A Grammar Course for TEFL certificate" and now updated, this is the only "grammar course in a book" that I've come across that's suitable for trainee teachers. New teachers I know who've used it are enthusiastic, but I'm still waiting to hear from one who's finished it. Chris, if you're reading this, let me know.
Grammar for English Language Teachers: With Exercises and a Key, Martin Parrott: An easy to use, comprehensive guide to grammar. Each section details the form and usage of the grammar items in question and features common learner errors.

Grammar Practice Activities, Penny Ur, Cambridge University Press: For me, this is still the best of the grammar practice books. To quote the blurb, "two hundred game like activities for practising grammar. And an index that works. Once you've become familiar with a few of these ideas, you can soon start improvising on the themes.
Practice Activities series, Jill Hadfield, Longman: A bit pricey for the lone teacher to buy, but if you're feeling flush, you'll get some well designed activities and visually appealing materials for your money.
Grammar Games, Mario Rinvolucri: Here because lots of other teachers rate it and because I owe Rinvolucri for his quiz on passives, which is worth the price of the book on its own.

Keep Talking, Friederike Klippel, Cambridge University Press: An excellent source of speaking activities, with a very good introduction, giving an overview on running speaking activities in class

Young Learners, Sarah Philips, Oxford: A very useful resource for teachers, particularly of younger kids. Lots of fun activities and games.

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