ESL Speaking

Games + Activities to Try Out Today!

  • Adult Activities
  • Kid Activities
  • Textbooks
    • ESL Textbooks for Adults
    • ESL Textbooks for Children
  • Teacher Resources
    • Resources
    • Online TEFL Course
  • Learn English
    • Learn English
    • Confusing English Words

in ESL Speaking Resources

Graded Language for Teaching English | Grading Language for ESL

If you’re looking for all the details you need to know about grading language, including how to grade language for adult learners, and what exactly it is, then you’re in the right place. Stay tuned for information about language grading and why you might consider using it in the TEFL classroom.

graded-language

Use Graded Language to help your students

I’m sure we’ve all been there. We’re in a language class, and the teacher is talking, but we’re actually understanding nothing about what is going on around us. Kind of like the deer in headlights effect. Don’t you wish your teacher would help you out by grading their language?

All of our students have been there too. Should we care? Should we try to use language that is simpler, or speaks slower? Or, should we just soldier on because we’re helping them get used to what it’s like in the real world. Keep on reading to find out. Let’s dig into two of the major theories related to this idea of graded language.

Quick tip. What’s the solution to not understanding a single thing your language teacher says? It’s basically the teacher grading language. Why don’t all language teachers do it? Well, that’s not an easy question to answer, but let’s dig into language grading here!

Grading Language: Let’s Talk 2 Theories

Before we get into all the details you need to know about grading your language when teaching English, here are two important theories that you need to be aware of.

Graded Language Theory #1: Stephen Krashen and Comprehensible Input

One of the major principles of language acquisition is the idea of comprehensible input, whereby learners are able to comprehend language that is it a slightly higher level than they’re currently at. This is a major tenet in Stephen Krashen’s Natural Approach to language acquisition. Find out more about it here: English teaching methods.

He’s a huge advocate of extensive reading and listening of this kind of input that’s at a slightly higher level. While students can get this input through reading or through listening to podcasts, TV shows, etc., language use at bit higher level than they’re at can also happen in the classroom from the teacher and more advanced conversation partners.

Language Grading Theory #2: Vgotsky’s ZPD

Closely related to this is Vgotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, where he proposes real learning can take place if the concept is something that is just slightly higher than the student’s current ability. They can also be assisted by a teacher or another student to understanding.

As teachers, our language use is ideal for this if it’s just slightly higher than where the students are currently at. If necessary, we can then assist them to get to this slightly higher level.

grading-language

ESL grading language

Language Grading: Essential for Good Language Teaching

Find out why you might want to consider language grading for your TEFL classes. Language use is an important for students as it is teachers so check out this video to learn more.

Graded Language: Use it in your Classroom for Better Results

How does this relate to English class you might be wondering. Graded language—you need to use it if you want your students to learn English effectively. Sure, you can speak at a slightly higher level and there’s even some benefits to this, according to this theory, but it can’t be too high above the level of your students or nothing will actually be happening.

What is Graded Language? 

Basically, grading language is when you simplify what you’re saying either by speaking more slowly, or using simpler grammar and vocabulary. This can happen for reading as well, as many teachers like to use graded readers or something like Breaking News English which simplifies the major news stories of the day into various levels.

Some Bad Stuff Going On in ESL Classes Around the World

During my years teaching ESL, I’ve had the opportunity to witness plenty of other teachers who talk at their normal rate and don’t simplify their language at all. For slow talkers, it was perhaps kind of okay. But for those who normally talked quite quickly? It was certainly not ideal

Their utterances are met with confused looks and no response because the students actually had no idea what they were talking about it. These teachers often defend their actions saying things like, “Students need to get used to how it is in the real world.”

That logic is flawed on many levels, but the biggest problem is that it’s not in the “zone,” nor is it comprehensible input. This means that it’s unlikely to help the students in any way whatsoever.

Plus, the student will likely view your class as a total waste of time since you’re just talking at them, and not with them. Nobody likes being talked at, especially in another language that they’re struggling to figure out.

Challenge Students When You’re Speaking, at a Slightly Higher Level

While it is good to challenge our students, challenge them at a level only slightly higher than they’re at by using language grading. You can also help them understand what you’ve said, if necessary.

Or, I’ve had the case where a stronger student is able to help a weaker student with something like instructions for an activity or homework assignment. Student A was able to get the gist of what I was talking about, but maybe didn’t catch a detail or two. This happens informally in language classes all the time and can actually benefit language learners.

Grading Language by Talking Slowly and Simply for Beginners

You can do this by talking slowly and using simple grammar concepts and vocabulary. This is especially important if you have lower-level students. By not doing this, you’re actually doing a disservice to your students.

And of course remember to tell your freakishly high-level student in a class with lower-level students to grade their language as well. This is what I did when I had native English speakers from Singapore in a public speaking class with low-intermediate Korean students.

The students from Singapore were kind of unaware that most of their fellow students couldn’t really understand them! They just talked at their normal pace when answering questions or participating in class and were mostly met with nervous laughter from the Korean students!

After I pointed this out to them, they had kind of an “Aha!” moment and the rest of the class went much more smoothly as they started to speak more slowly.

What about ESL vs EFL

English as a second language is generally students who are studying in an English-speaking country after immigrating for example. English as a foreign language is students who are studying English in their home country. There is some merit to the idea that EFL students may need more graded language than ESL students who are being exposed to “real” language all around them every day. Find out more:

Teaching ESL vs EFL.

English Teachers Abroad and Grading Language

Here’s another take on language grading from a foreign English teacher abroad. In his opinion, it’s necessary to do. Check out the video to find out why.

How do You Grade Language for Adult Learners?

Okay, so you’re convinced that grading language is where it’s at? There are a number of ways that you can do this, including some of the following:

  • Speak more slowly
  • Use simpler grammar
  • Consider using simpler vocabulary, especially for beginners
  • Use natural English (don’t drop articles for example)
  • Say things in a different way if your students don’t understand the first thing you said
  • Allow students some thinking time to process what they’ve heard (or read)
  • Don’t patronize your students. Lack of ability in English doesn’t mean they’re stupid!
  • Introduce new vocabulary periodically, after all, that’s how people learn new things!

Those are the basic do’s and don’ts of ESL language grading.

language-grading

Language grading for TEFL teachers

Grading Language FAQs

There are a number of common questions that people have about using graded language in the classroom. Here are the answers to some of the most common ones.

How is English language graded?

The English language can be graded in various ways, including the following:

  • Speed
  • Range of vocabulary
  • The difficulty of grammatical constructions.

Language teachers have to grade their language to match the level of the learner.

Why is it important to grade language as a TEFL teacher?

It’s important to grade language as a TEFL teacher because doing so can help promote overall understanding, as well as improve students’ listening skills. Grading language is especially important for lower-level language learners.

Is graded language or authentic language better?

In a language learning classroom, using graded language is often a better option for lower-level students. While they don’t have to understand every single thing, they need to be able to understand a good portion of it.  However, for higher-level learners, it’s best to use authentic language.

How do you grade language to adult learners?

To grade language to adult learners, you don’t want to patronize them so avoid using baby talk. Also, be sure to speak in a normal voice and not too loud. However, you can speak more slowly and also use simpler grammatical constructions and vocabulary.

Graded Language: Do you Use It in your TEFL classes?

What are your thoughts on using graded language in an ESL or EFL classroom? Good, bad, or you’re not sure. Leave a comment below and share your thoughts with us. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other English teachers around the world find this useful teaching resource about grading language.

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 15 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 60 books for English teachers and English learners, including 101 ESL Activities for Teenagers and Adults and 1001 English Expressions and Phrases. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

You can find her on social media at:
YouTube
Facebook
TikTok
Pinterest
Instagram

« Best Laptops for Teachers: Top 5 Picks for Classroom Computers
Just One Question: Try out This Fun Survey-Style Activity »

Comments

  1. Kathleen Kelley says

    at

    Fun Fact. Stephen Krashen is the plenary speaker at the 2018 Korea TESOL International Conference October 13-14.

    Reply
    • Alex says

      at

      Good stuff. Krashen has a term input “i+1” Introduced it back…30 some years ago.
      + 1 means that new knowledge is introduced that a student should acquire.

      Reply
  2. Svetlana says

    at

    A lot of thanks. I think using graded language is completely important for both ESL and EFL classes especially while giving instructions or explaining new topic. Sometimes it can be difficult to catch the meaning even for native speaker.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Great Debates for ESL/EFL: 39 Important Debating Topics for English Learners
Great Debates for ESL/EFL: 39 Important Debating Topics for English Learners
Check Price on Amazon
103 Fun ESL Games & Activities for the Classroom : Interactive, Minimal Prep TEFL Ideas for All Ages
103 Fun ESL Games & Activities for the Classroom : Interactive, Minimal Prep TEFL Ideas for All Ages
Check Price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. What does this mean? I recommend products (only ones that I like) and if you purchase a product through that link, I earn some money.

Search this site

39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities: For English Teachers of Teenagers and Adults Who Want...
39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities: For English Teachers of Teenagers and Adults Who Want...
Check Price on Amazon
101 Activities and Resources for Teaching English Online: Practical Ideas, Games, Activities & Tips...
101 Activities and Resources for Teaching English Online: Practical Ideas, Games, Activities & Tips...
Check Price on Amazon
101 ESL Activities: Games, Activities, Practical ideas, & Teaching Tips For English Teachers of...
101 ESL Activities: Games, Activities, Practical ideas, & Teaching Tips For English Teachers of...
Check Price on Amazon

ESL Phrasal Verbs: Games, Activities, Lesson Plans & Worksheets

ESL Conversation Activities for Adults | ESOL Speaking Activities Adult

Adverbs of Frequency ESL Activities, Games, Worksheets, Lesson Plans

Tell a Story, ESL style | ESL Speaking Adults

Choose your Own Adventure ESL Writing Activity

Online TEFL Courses

Get Certified Entirely Online

67 ESL Conversation Topics with Questions, Vocabulary, Writing Prompts & More: For English Teachers...
67 ESL Conversation Topics with Questions, Vocabulary, Writing Prompts & More: For English Teachers...
Check Price on Amazon
Scatter Sheets for Intermediate-Advanced Students to Improve Fluency: ESL Speaking & Vocabulary...
Scatter Sheets for Intermediate-Advanced Students to Improve Fluency: ESL Speaking & Vocabulary...
Check Price on Amazon
1001 English Expressions and Phrases: Common Sentences and Dialogues Used by Native English Speakers...
1001 English Expressions and Phrases: Common Sentences and Dialogues Used by Native English Speakers...
Check Price on Amazon
39 ESL Warm-Ups: For English Teachers of Kids (7+) Who Want to Get their TEFL Classes Started Off...
39 ESL Warm-Ups: For English Teachers of Kids (7+) Who Want to Get their TEFL Classes Started Off...
Check Price on Amazon
Jackie Bolen

Disclosure Statement

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Adult Activities
  • Kid Activities
  • Textbooks
  • Teacher Resources
  • Learn English

Our Top-Seller

Sale 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities: For Teenagers and Adults (Teaching ESL Conversation and...
39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities: For Teenagers and Adults (Teaching ESL Conversation and...
Check Price on Amazon

Search

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

More ESL Activities

manners would u rather questions for kids

20 Kids Would You Rather Questions About Manners

easy trivia questions

50 Easy Trivia Questions for Kids with Answers

present-perfect-for-and-since

Present Perfect For and Since Activities, Worksheets, Lesson Plans

road trip activities

10 Fun Road Trip Activities for All Ages

About, Contact, Privacy Policy

Jackie Bolen has been talking ESL speaking since 2014 and the goal is to bring you the best recommendations for English conversation games, activities, lesson plans and more. It’s your go-to source for everything TEFL!

About and Contact for ESL Speaking.

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook

Pinterest

TikTok

YouTube

LinkedIn

Address: 2436 Kelly Ave, Port Coquitlam, Canada

Copyright © 2023 Jackie Bolen + ESL Speaking. All Rights Reserved.