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ESL — English Language Learners

This guide is for beginning-intermediate and intermediate-advanced ESL students.

Start Finding Sources with OneSearch

Type your search terms in the OneSearch box below to find books, magazine articles, videos, and more.

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Find Subject-Specific Sources

When and Why to Use Scholarly Books:

  • You need to understand a complex topic (these are easier to read than journal articles)
  • You need in-depth analysis of a topic
  • You need broad coverage of one or more topics
  • You need a summary of existing research on a topic

Remember: You may only need to read one chapter of a scholarly book!

Where to Find Books and eBooks:

Literary Criticism

Periodical articles are published in magazines, scholarly journals, and newspapers.

Why You Should Use Them:

  • Information is based on research and expertise
  • Information is detailed and focused on a narrow topic
  • The peer-review process (mostly) ensures that the information is accurate
  • They add to a growing understanding of a topic by contributing new ideas

Find Articles:

Depending on your assignment, videos and documentaries can be valuable resources. We have many streaming videos on various topics available through our video databases. Transcripts and closed captions are available. Language learners often find it helpful to read the dialogue or narration as they watch the movie.

Where to Find Videos and Documentaries: