8 Groundbreaking New EFL Books Shaping Language Learning in 2025

What started as a need to refresh online teaching methods turned into a rich collection of instructional activities by Jackie Bolen, an English teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience and advanced certifications like CELTA and DELTA. In this book, you’ll find 101 detailed, low-prep activities specifically designed for ESL/EFL teachers working online, covering beginner to advanced levels. Each activity is explained clearly, with practical tips to engage students and avoid common pitfalls, making it easier for you to maintain lively, effective virtual classes. If you’re juggling multiple demands or running out of fresh ideas, this book offers a straightforward way to keep your lessons dynamic and your students motivated.

Jackie Bolen and Jennifer Booker Smith bring decades of hands-on experience to this collection of ESL activities tailored for teenagers and adults. Their approach focuses on practical, low-prep exercises that energize speaking, writing, reading, listening, and grammar lessons, helping you break free from repetitive lesson plans. For example, the book details specific games to spark student interaction and boost confidence, alongside tips to avoid common classroom pitfalls. If you’re juggling a busy schedule or searching for fresh ideas to engage your students, this book offers straightforward, classroom-tested methods that prioritize student participation and language improvement.

This personalized book explores the latest advances in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning for 2025, tailored specifically to your background and goals. It examines cutting-edge discoveries and emerging trends that are shaping language acquisition today, focusing on methods that match your interests. By delving into contemporary research and innovative teaching techniques, the book offers a curated learning experience that keeps you ahead of evolving practices. With a tailored focus, it reveals new pathways to mastering English that resonate with your unique learning journey and aspirations.

When Spyros Andreits realized that many English learners struggle not with vocabulary alone but with how words naturally pair, he crafted this guide to everyday collocations that shape fluent speech and writing. You’ll learn how to move beyond memorizing isolated words to understanding the subtle pairings that make English sound natural, from common expressions to nuanced word partnerships. Chapters focus on real-life contexts—whether writing emails, engaging in conversations, or comprehending texts—arming you with the ability to speak and write with clarity and confidence. This book is a solid match if you aim to polish your English fluency, especially in daily communication, though those seeking exhaustive grammar rules might find it less suited.

Jackie Bolen's two decades teaching ESL/EFL in South Korea and Canada shaped this workbook into a clear guide for adults tackling English grammar. You’ll find the first 51 grammar topics broken down into straightforward explanations that avoid overwhelming jargon, making it easier to grasp fundamentals like verb tenses, sentence structure, and question formation. For example, the chapters on present simple versus present continuous demystify common confusions with simple exercises. This book suits adults starting fresh with English or those needing a structured refresher to build confidence and improve scores on tests like IELTS or TOEFL. If you want foundational skills without complicated grammar rules, this book fits the bill, though advanced learners might find it too basic.

Drawing from their extensive expertise in language education, Estela Ene and her co-authors examine how EFL writing teacher education is shaped by varied local contexts, especially those often overlooked in global discussions. You’ll gain insight into how sociopolitical and pedagogical factors impact teacher development and classroom practices across under-represented regions, with chapters centering local voices and authentic materials. For example, the book highlights how constraints and opportunities differ dramatically from one geographic context to another, influencing what teachers know and do. This makes it particularly relevant if you’re involved in teacher training or curriculum design seeking to embrace diversity beyond mainstream perspectives.

This tailored book explores forward-looking approaches in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education, focusing on the latest developments and discoveries anticipated in 2025. It examines emerging trends and innovative teaching techniques personalized to your professional role and interests, helping you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. By aligning content with your background and goals, the book reveals new insights into effective language learning and instruction methods that resonate with your specific challenges and aspirations. This personalized guide encourages a deep, focused learning experience, emphasizing future-ready skills and knowledge that reflect cutting-edge research and educational advancements.

Jackie Bolen brings two decades of hands-on ESL teaching expertise to this practical guide focused on sparking real conversation among intermediate and advanced learners. Her background as a CELTA and DELTA certified educator shines through in the structure: each lesson combines warm-up questions, vocabulary challenges, idioms, and writing prompts designed to get your students speaking confidently. You’ll find ready-to-use topics that save you planning time while keeping classes engaging, especially for teenagers and adults. If your goal is to create lively speaking sessions without the hassle of prep work, this book offers a straightforward toolkit — though it’s best suited for those teaching conversational skills rather than complete beginners.

Snea Thinsan Ph.D. brings her expertise in language education to this focused guide designed specifically for low-intermediate to advanced EFL learners aiming to sharpen their reading comprehension. The book offers a thoughtful selection of passages complemented by answer keys that don't just correct but teach, helping you grasp complex vocabulary and cultural nuances crucial for real-world English use. You’ll find the exercises tailored to gradually build your confidence and encourage self-paced learning, enabling you to turn mistakes into stepping stones. This resource suits language learners who want targeted practice that bridges classroom learning and practical fluency, especially those seeking to engage more deeply with English texts and conversations.

Jackie Bolen draws from two decades teaching ESL and EFL in South Korea and Canada to craft a 100-day plan that targets English speaking improvement for beginners. You get access to thousands of phrases, idioms, and expressions designed to boost your vocabulary and speaking fluency, with a particular focus on American English nuances. The book also emphasizes building confidence through enjoyable, manageable lessons that prepare you for tests like TOEFL and IELTS. If you’re starting out or aiming to sharpen your conversation skills systematically, this book offers a clear pathway without overwhelming you with jargon or complex grammar.