When you start reading for your Module 1, there is no limit to perfection. Reading lists can contain up to 100 titles. If you are trying to juggle work, family, friends and preparation, those might be not the best option.

Below you will find the books I personally found useful while preparing. I tried to stick to just one or two in each category, but read them thoroughly and allocate time for note-taking. You can also read my reviews on some of the books in the Book Reviews.

Terminology

Thornbury, S. An A-Z of ELT, Macmillan

This is an alphabetical list of terms about English language teaching. It covers everything you need to know: grammar, lexis, phonology, discourse, methodology, theory and practice.

You will need it for: Paper 1, Tasks 1 and 2, and throughout the whole test.

Teaching approaches and methodologies

Richards, J., Rogers, T Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching, CUP

This book tells about the major approaches and methods in language teaching. In its three chapters, it deals with major language trends in twentieth-century language teaching, alternative approaches and methods like the Silent Way, NLP, Suggestopedia and more, and current communicative approaches.

You will need it for: Paper 2, Tasks 2 and 3, and the whole exam in general.

Testing and assessment

Hughes, A. Testing for Language Teachers, CUP

This is a great helper if you want to dig deeper into testing and assessment. It explains the qualities of tests: validity, reliability, practicality, and beneficial effects testing can have on teaching and learning. The book will shade light on testing 4 basic skills, as well as grammar and vocabulary. Abundant use of examples and recommendations on further reading are provided.

You will need it for: Paper 2, Task 1

Discourse

McCarthy, A. Discourse Analysis for Language Teachers, CUP

This book will finally tell you what discourse and discourse analysis is and why we should sometimes think outside 4 basic skills when we teach. It examines how discourse analysts approach spoken and written language. Discourse Analysis for Language Teaching is extremely practical, and the text is accompanied with reader activities.

You will need it for: Paper 1, Task 3; Paper 2, Task 2

Student Errors

Swan, M., and Smith, B.Learner English, CUP

This book describes the typical problems and error-patterns of a wide range of learners of English from particular language backgrounds. I wouldn’t say it’s a must-read for Module 1, however, it will help you feel more confident when it comes to analysing a learner-produced text.

You will need it for: Paper 1, Task 5

Phonology

Underhill, A. Sound Foundations, MacMillan Books for Teachers

This one is an ideal introduction to the English phonological system. The first half of the book is a description of the system. It will help you categorize the sounds better. The second half consists of creative and practical activities which you can use to help your students improve their pronunciation.

You will need it for: Paper 1, Tasks 1 and 2; Paper 1, Task 4

Grammar

Parrott, M. Grammar for English Language Teachers, CUP

This book is designed to help practising and trainee teachers to develop their knowledge of English grammar systems. It will answer all the questions you have about grammar and will be of great use in language analysis tasks.

You will need it for: Paper 1, Task 4

Swan, M. Practical English Usage, OUP

This is a reference book which addresses problem points in the language as encountered by learners and their teachers.

You will need it for: Paper 1, Task 4

Lexis

Lewis, M. The Lexical Approach, Heinle

This book tells about the lexical approach which is quite popular in the ELT world nowadays.

You will need it for: Paper 1, Task 4

Thornbury, S. How to Teach Vocabulary, Longman

Thornbury looks in detail at the theory of words and at how students learn new vocabulary. The book also tells about major developments, such as language corpora and lexical approaches, and offers practical advice on how to help students build vocabulary in effective ways.

You will need it for: Paper 1, Task 4

Language

Thornbury, S. About Language – Tasks for Teachers of English. Cambridge University Press

This is an amazing book to practise before your Delta. It gives the clearest idea of how language works. The book consists of 28 units, each containing around ten tasks, plus a diagnostic introductory unit. Do it alongside with past papers and you will be ready for everything.

You will need it for: the whole test.