Choosing ELT Books in 2026: OUP vs CUP, Phonics, and Teaching Materials

ELT books and materials for kindergarten, primary, teen, and adult learners displayed at Nour E-sham Book Centre
A curated selection of ELT books and materials for kindergarten, primary, teen, and adult learners at Nour E-sham Book Centre.

If you’ve ever opened a new ELT book and thought,
“Will this really work with my students?” — you’re not alone.

Many English teachers struggle with:

  • Books that look good but don’t build communication
  • Materials that jump levels too fast or too slow
  • Courses with weak speaking tasks
  • Digital tools that exist but are never used

A good ELT book should support you, not slow you down.
It should guide learners clearly, encourage real interaction, and make lessons smoother — not more stressful.

This page gives you a clear, practical system for evaluating ELT books and materials, including:

  • What strong learning outcomes look like
  • How to spot logical progression
  • How much speaking and interaction is enough
  • What teacher support really matters
  • Which digital resources are worth using
  • How to avoid outdated or low-quality materials

But here’s the key:
The “best” ELT book depends on who you’re teaching.

Kindergarten learners, primary students, teens, and adults all need very different materials. That’s why we’ve broken this guide into focused paths — so you can quickly find what fits your classroom.

👉 Go to the guide that matches your learners:

Each guide helps you avoid common mistakes and choose books that lead to confident learners, active lessons, and better results.

Back to: The Complete Guide to ELT Teaching in 2025