After more than 20 years of teaching English as a Second Language, I’ve come to rely on a few trusted resources that truly help students succeed. Whether you’re just starting or working toward fluency, having the right tools makes all the difference. Over the years, I’ve tested countless options, and these are, without a doubt, the best ESL textbooks I’ve used in real classrooms. They’re practical, well-structured, and suitable for all beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. If you’re serious about learning English, these books will help you build confidence, comprehension, and real-world communication skills.
BEST ESL TEXTBOOKS FOR BUSINESS ENGLISH
1. Market Leader (Pearson) – by David Cotton, David Falvey & Simon Kent
Why it’s great:
Used globally by professionals, this series (from Elementary to Advanced) focuses on real-life business scenarios, case studies, and vocabulary building. It’s particularly helpful for learners in marketing, management, and international trade.
👉 Buy on Amazon
2. Business Result (Oxford University Press) – by Michael Duckworth & Rebecca Turner
Why it’s great:
This book is known for its practical workplace focus. It includes video content, email writing practice, and communication strategy sections—ideal for professionals navigating meetings, presentations, and cross-cultural communication.
👉 Buy on Amazon
3. English for Everyone: Business English (DK Publishing)
Why it’s great:
Visually engaging and well-organized, this book suits both independent learners and those working with tutors. It covers all the essentials—interviews, negotiations, phone calls—with plenty of review and practice activities.
👉 Buy on Amazon
4. Cambridge English for Job-hunting – by Colm Downes
Why it’s great:
A practical, focused workbook for learners preparing to work or apply for jobs in English-speaking environments. Great for writing résumés, cover letters, and practicing job interviews with a tutor.
👉 Buy on Amazon
5. Email English – by Paul Emmerson (Macmillan)
Why it’s great:
Perfect for learners looking to improve their business writing, especially email communication. It’s compact, targeted, and highly relevant to day-to-day professional correspondence.
👉 Buy on Amazon
BEST ESL TEXTBOOKS FOR ALL LEVELS
1. English for Everyone: Level 1 Beginner Course Book by DK
This visually engaging book is perfect for adult beginners. It combines illustrations, clear grammar explanations, and real-life dialogues, making learning intuitive.
2. Practice Makes Perfect: English Grammar for ESL Learners by Ed Swick
Ideal for learners seeking to strengthen their grammar skills, this book offers concise explanations followed by practical exercises to reinforce understanding.
3. Side by Side: Student Book 1 by Steven J. Molinsky and Bill Bliss
A classic in ESL education, this book emphasizes conversational practice through dialogues and interactive exercises, suitable for beginners.
4. English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy
Targeted at intermediate learners, this self-study reference provides clear grammar explanations accompanied by exercises, making it a staple for ESL students.
5. Let’s Go: Student Book 1 by Ritsuko Nakata, Karen Frazier, and Barbara Hoskins
Designed for young learners, this book incorporates songs, chants, and games to make learning English fun and effective.
6. Ventures Level 1 Student’s Book by Gretchen Bitterlin et al.
This comprehensive textbook integrates real-life contexts, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, suitable for adult learners.
7. Oxford Picture Dictionary by Jayme Adelson-Goldstein and Norma Shapiro
A visual dictionary that introduces vocabulary through images, making it an excellent resource for beginners to build their word bank.
8. Grammar in Context 1 by Sandra N. Elbaum
This book teaches grammar through readings that reflect real-life situations, helping learners understand grammar usage in context.
9. Interchange Level 1 Student’s Book by Jack C. Richards
Known for its communicative approach, this book offers a variety of speaking and listening activities, suitable for high-beginner to intermediate learners.
10. English Made Easy Volume One by Jonathan Crichton and Pieter Koster
Combining visual storytelling with grammar and vocabulary lessons, this book is ideal for beginners seeking an engaging learning experience.
