**English as a second language** is a common phrase which has related acronyms, including

* **ESL**, which means "**E**nglish as a **S**econd **L**anguage". This is most often used in a country where English is the primary language
* **EFL**, which means "**E**nglish as a **F**oreign **L**anguage". This is most often used in a country where English is not the primary language
* **EAL**, which means "**E**nglish as an **A**dditional **L**anguage".
* **ESOL**, which means "**E**nglish for **S**peakers of **O**ther **L**anguages". This term is usually used to refer to English instruction for adult immigrants to English-speaking countries.
* **ELF**, which means "**E**nglish as a **L**ingua **F**ranca", a term relating to Globalization.

Each of these acronyms means roughly the same thing. In each, the learners already have another native or "mother" language, and they want to learn English as well.

History
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The teaching of English as a second language has a long history. For example, the official introduction of English into India's education system began in 1835.

Use
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English as a second language is the single most popular subject in the world, after mathematics. English is a very important language in business. Many people study English as a foreign language, because they want a better job. English is also very important in education. Many pages on the internet are in English.

Many people who can not go to English language classes study on the internet, using websites like BBC Learning English.

Many people study English in a country where the people speak English. This way, many students learn to listen and speak English better.

Testing
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There are many English exams. These English exams are important for learners. They may show how well a person can use English. It is very difficult to compare different English exams. Every exam is a little different. Read Testing English as a foreign language for more information.

### Global Scale of English

Global Scale of English (GSE) is a test for learners of English as a second or foreign language. The GSE is a list of can-do statements based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for English. Learners' abilities are rated on a 10-to-90 point scale for each of the four basic skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). A learner reaches a level on the scale when she or he can correctly perform 50% of the can-do tasks at that level. The education company Pearson PLC developed the scale.

Teaching
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Teaching English as a foreign language (**TEFL**) is referred to the practice of teaching the English language to the students with different first languages. It is taught in the state school system or privately with a language school or with a tutor. TEFL can also take place in an English-speaking country for people who have immigrated there.

TEFL teachers may be native or non-native speakers of English. Other forms of TEFL are TESL (*Teaching English as a second language*), TESOL (*Teaching English to speakers of other languages*), and ESL (*English as a second language*).

Additional types of TEFL certification include: CTBE (Certificate in Teaching Business English), CTYL (Certificate in Teaching Young Learners), CTO (Certificate in Teaching Online).

Related pages
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* ELTon Award

Other websites
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* TESOL