A

AUDIO & LISTENING

ELLLO – English Listening Lesson Library Online

Short listening lessons using real speakers from around the world. Each lesson includes audio or video, a transcript, and simple comprehension questions. Easy to use as guided listening or conversation practice.

Best For: Listening, Beginner–Intermediate, Conversation
Format: Audio / Video
Access: Free
Website: https://elllo.org

A

AUDIO & LISTENING

VOA Learning English

News stories and features presented at a slower pace with simplified vocabulary. Many lessons include transcripts and videos, making this useful for building real-world listening confidence.

Best For: Listening, Vocabulary, Current Events
Format: Audio / Video
Access: Free
Website: https://learningenglish.voanews.com

 

B

BEGINNER ESL

USA Learns

A free, structured online learning platform designed specifically for adult English learners. Tutors often assign lessons as between-session practice or use videos during tutoring sessions.

Best For: Beginner ESL, Self-Study, Homework
Format: Online Course
Access: Free
Website: https://www.usalearns.org

B

BEGINNER ESL

Oxford Picture Dictionary

A visual dictionary organized by everyday life topics such as health, work, food, and community. Especially helpful for beginner learners and multilingual students. Often available through public libraries.

Best For: Vocabulary, Beginner ESL, Visual Learners
Format: Print / Digital
Access: Purchase or Library
Website: https://elt.oup.com/catalogue/items/global/dictionaries/oxford_picture_dictionary

C

CITIZENSHIP

2025 Naturalization Civics Test – Overview (USCIS)

This resource explains the requirements of the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test as administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The test applies to individuals who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025.

The 2025 Civics Test is an oral test consisting of 20 questions drawn from a list of 128 possible civics questions. Applicants must answer 12 questions correctly to pass. The test ends when 12 correct answers or 9 incorrect answers are given.

Best For: Citizenship Preparation, Tutor Reference
Format: Website
Access: Free
Website:
https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/naturalization-test-and-study-resources/2025-civics-test

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C

CITIZENSHIP

2025 Civics Test – 128 Questions and Answers (USCIS)

The official list of all 128 civics questions and answers used for the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. Tutors and learners can use this document for structured study, practice, and review in preparation for the naturalization interview.

Best For: Citizenship Study, Memorization, Practice
Format: PDF
Access: Free
Website:
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/2025-Civics-Test-128-Questions-and-Answers.pdf

C

CITIZENSHIP

2025 Civics Test – 128 Questions and Answers (USCIS)

The official list of all 128 civics questions and answers used for the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. Tutors and learners can use this document for structured study, memorization, and practice in preparation for the naturalization interview.

Best For: Citizenship Study, Memorization, Interview Preparation
Format: PDF
Access: Free
Website:
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/2025-Civics-Test-128-Questions-and-Answers.pdf

C

CITIZENSHIP

The Citizenship Coach – I2O (Intake to Outcomes) Training Module

The Citizenship Coach is a step-by-step online training for tutors who wish to support learners preparing for the U.S. Naturalization interview. The module provides practical guidance on how to coach candidates effectively throughout the citizenship process.

The training focuses on helping candidates:

• Demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English

• Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civics

• Demonstrate attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution

Best For: Citizenship Coaching, Tutor Training, Naturalization Support
Format: Online Training Module
Access: Program Login Required
Website:
https://intake-to-outcomes.teachable.com/courses/enrolled/762946

C

CURRICULUM & TEACHING RESOURCES

CollectEdNY – Resources for Adult Educators

CollectEdNY provides a wide range of teaching resources for educators preparing adults for high school equivalency and postsecondary pathways. The site curates practical, classroom-ready materials and articles created by adult education professionals.

Key resource areas include:

• Teaching materials in math, science, and social studies

• Career pathway posts related to CUNY CareerKits

• Blog posts and reviews of adult education teaching resources

Educators can stay current by registering for CollectEdNY email updates or by visiting the site regularly to explore newly added content.

Best For: Adult Educators, High School Equivalency Preparation, Career Pathways
Format: Website
Access: Free
Website:
https://www.collectedny.org/

CollectEdNY is a project of The City University of New York Adult Literacy Program, supported by funding from the New York State Education Department, Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services. The initial concept was developed in collaboration with the Literacy Assistance Center.

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G

GRAMMAR

English Grammar in Use – Raymond Murphy

A widely used grammar reference with clear explanations and practice exercises. Best used selectively to address specific grammar questions rather than as a full curriculum.

Best For: Grammar, Intermediate ESL
Format: Print / Digital
Access: Purchase or Library
Website: https://www.cambridge.org/elt/englishgrammarinuse

 

H

HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY

CollectEdNY – Resources for Adult Educators

CollectEdNY provides a wide range of resources for educators preparing adults for high school equivalency and postsecondary pathways. The site curates classroom-ready materials and articles created by adult education professionals.

Key resource areas include:

• Teaching materials in math, science, and social studies

• Career pathway posts related to the CUNY CareerKits

• Blog posts and reviews of adult education teaching resources

Educators can stay current by registering for CollectEdNY email updates or by visiting the site regularly to explore newly added content.

Best For: High School Equivalency Preparation, Adult Educators, Career Pathways
Format: Website
Access: Free
Website:
https://www.collectedny.org/

CollectEdNY is a project of The City University of New York Adult Literacy Program, supported by funding from the New York State Education Department, Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services. The initial concept was developed in collaboration with the Literacy Assistance Center.

 

 

L

LANGUAGE LESSONS

Language Library Lessons – I2O (Intake to Outcomes)

The Language Library is available to tutors who have successfully completed the mandatory Language Basics 2.0 course through I2O (Intake to Outcomes). It provides a collection of high-interest, appropriately leveled reading texts paired with teaching guides.

Lessons are available across multiple reading levels to support adult learners with reading, comprehension, and discussion skills. Tutors can use these materials directly during sessions or as guided practice between meetings.

A sample lesson is titled “I Need to Speak English in America.” Additional lessons are available by logging into the I2O training platform.

Best For: Reading Instruction, Leveled Lessons, Tutor-Led Sessions
Format: Online Lesson Library
Access: Program Login Required
Website:
https://intake-to-outcomes.teachable.com/l/dashboard

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LEARNING DISABILITIES & ADULT LEARNERS (Webinar Resources)

Overview of Learning Disabilities in Adult Education
This resource set accompanies a professional development webinar highlighting learning disabilities in adult learners. The session explores three common learning disabilities, how they may present in adult education settings, and practical strategies tutors and teachers can use to support learning and build student confidence.

The webinar was presented by Liz Jackson, NYC STAC Director, who brings extensive experience in adult education and firsthand knowledge of Adult Literacy Education programs across New York State.

Best For:
Tutors, instructors, and program staff working with adult learners who struggle with reading, writing, numeracy, or information processing

Format:
Webinar recording, presentation slides, PDFs, and research resources

Access:
Free (training materials and downloadable resources)

Included Resources / Attachments:
• Learning Disabilities & Adult Learners – Webinar Summary and Shared Resources
• Learning Disabilities Overview – Presentation Slides
• Numeracy Research and Instructional Resources
• Math Strategies for Learners with Learning Disabilities
• Using NOVELny for Accessible Text Resources

 

 

 

 

L

LIBRARY RESOURCE

Mango Languages (via Public Libraries)

A library-provided language learning platform that includes ESL for speakers of many home languages. Focuses on conversation, pronunciation, and everyday language use.

Best For: Beginner ESL, Independent Practice
Format: Online Platform
Access: Library Card Required
Website: https://mangolanguages.com

 

L

LIBRARY RESOURCE

Pronunciator (Library Database)

An online language learning platform available through many public libraries. Includes ESL instruction with strong pronunciation and listening support.

Best For: Pronunciation, Listening
Format: Online Platform
Access: Library Card Required
Website: https://www.pronunciator.com

 

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P

POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS

Instructional PowerPoints – Literacy Rochester

Literacy Rochester offers a collection of ready-to-use instructional PowerPoint presentations designed for adult learners. These pre-scripted presentations are organized by topic and can be used directly in tutoring sessions or classes.

Content areas include:

• Life Skills

• Grammar

• Inspirational People

Each category contains a variety of topics prepared to support instruction with minimal tutor preparation. Thank you, Literacy Rochester, for sharing these resources.

Best For: Lesson Support, Tutor-Led Instruction, Visual Learning
Format: PowerPoint Presentations
Access: Free
Website:
https://literacyrochester.org/instructional-resources/

 

 

P

PRONUNCIATION

Rachel’s English

Short, focused videos that teach American English pronunciation, including vowel sounds, stress, and linking. Tutors often use one or two clips to target specific pronunciation challenges.

Best For: Pronunciation, Speaking, Intelligibility
Format: Video
Access: Free
Website: https://rachelsenglish.com

 

 

S

SCRABBLE GAME – TUTORING TOOL

Scrabble Junior – Word-Building Activity

Volunteer literacy tutor Peggy Willock has used Scrabble Junior successfully with adult learners at very different reading levels, including students reading at approximately a 3rd-grade level and an 8th-grade level. She recommends using the game as an occasional reward activity following more structured weekly lessons.

Guidelines from Peggy’s tutoring sessions:

• Do not keep score; focus on building words together

• Lay out all tiles and take turns collaboratively

• Begin by modeling how you form a word, then invite the student to try while discussing word choices and placement

• Reinforce that each new word must connect to a word already on the board, which may require repeated explanation and guided practice

Peggy reports that students consistently enjoy this activity and encourages tutors to incorporate Scrabble Junior when appropriate.

Best For: Vocabulary Development, Word Recognition, Motivation
Format: Board Game
Access: Purchase

 

 

T

TEACHING STRATEGY

British Council – TeachingEnglish (Adults)

Free lesson plans, activities, and teaching tips created by experienced educators. Materials are easy to adapt for one-to-one tutoring or small groups.

Best For: Lesson Planning, Speaking, Grammar
Format: Website
Access: Free
Website: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk

 

 

T

TUTOR TRAINING

LINCS ESL Pro

Professional learning modules based on research-supported practices for adult ESL instruction. While written for instructors, volunteer tutors benefit from the practical strategies and examples.

Best For: Tutor Training, Teaching Strategies
Format: Online Modules
Access: Free
Website: https://lincs.ed.gov/esl-pro

 

V

VIDEO

BBC Learning English

Short videos covering vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and everyday English usage. Especially useful for visual learners and structured session planning.

Best For: Vocabulary, Listening, Video-Based Learning
Format: Video
Access: Free
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish

 

V

VIDEO LESSONS

Learn English with Jennifer – YouTube Channel

Jennifer provides clear, well-structured English lessons through her Learn English with Jennifer YouTube channel. Her videos support pronunciation, spelling, grammar, and conversational English, making them useful for both tutor-led sessions and independent learner practice.

Jennifer also offers follow-up practice exercises on her website that complement many of her video lessons, allowing tutors to reinforce learning beyond the video.

Best For: Pronunciation, Spelling, Conversation Practice
Format: Video Lessons / Online Exercises
Access: Free

Website (YouTube Playlist Example):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0A0C8CFFE9712B76

Practice Exercises:
http://www.englishwithjennifer.com/exercises.ph

 

V

VIDEO LESSONS

Mr. English Channel – Practical English Video Lessons

Mr. English Channel offers a wide range of short, accessible video lessons designed to support English language learners with listening comprehension, reading, pronunciation, and everyday conversation skills. Topics focus on practical, real-life English and include lessons such as “How to Talk About Yourself in English,” “Learn English at the Restaurant,” and “How to Think in English.”

In addition to language instruction, many videos include encouraging messages and practical life advice that resonate with adult learners.

One helpful feature of YouTube is the ability to adjust playback speed using the settings icon. Tutors and students can slow down or speed up the audio, allowing learners to monitor listening comprehension and track progress over time.

A tutor shared that she often assigns these videos as homework and creates follow-up activities that ask students to:

• Make personal connections to the topic

• Answer comprehension questions while listening

• Identify unfamiliar vocabulary

New words are then reviewed together in the next tutoring session, focusing on meaning and pronunciation.

Best For: Listening Comprehension, Pronunciation, Homework Assignments
Format: Video Lessons
Access: Free