Seven English Language Literary Writers You Should Know

English Language Learners Welcome

Whether your learners come from a reading-based culture or not, you should have them become familiar with written English. There are a number of authors whose works your English language learners would welcome, believe it or not. The first in some cases though, is to have the EFL teacher become familiar with English language authors and with how their works might be utilized in class.

Here are Seven English language Writers to Start You Off

• William Shakespeare
The second most-quoted works in the English language are those of this English-born playwright from the 16th century. Use a scene from one of the better-known plays like “Romeo and Juliet”, “Hamlet” or the perennial favorite of many, “MacBeth”. Either of the two scenes with the three witches can be easily dramatized for even greater impact.

• Theodore Seuss Geisel
More commonly known as “Dr. Seuss”, his works for children are still growing in popularity. Several are animated films and a couple of others, like “Horton Hears a Who”, "The Cat in the Hat" and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” are full length feature films.

• The Holy Bible
No matter what region of the world you might be from, your first language or religious beliefs, the Holy Bible is recognized as a historic, prophetic work and book of Supreme wisdom. It is the world’s most-quoted book by far. Almost every knows at least a few passages from the Bible and perhaps parents could input their favorites to your EFL learners.

• Edgar Allen Poe
If your learners like horror and suspense stories, then this is the author for them. Considered to be the “inventor” of the short story writing format, Poe’s works, wholly or in part, have also been made into plays, dramas and movies many times over. Which one of his chilling tales is your favorite?

• Ernest Hemingway
If you haven’t heard of Hemingway then you’ve obviously been living on the moon.
“The Old Man and the Sea” is but one perennial favorite. When American English speakers talk about writing, he is their prime shining example.

• Louis L’Amour
One genre particular to America is the Western. One of this genre’s most popular and prolific authors is Louis L’Amour with his detailed stories of the Old West and frontier. If you want to convey a true sense of what the Old West must have been like, then you can’t do any better than to read a few of his highly entertaining stories.

• Robert Frost
A Poet-Laureate of the United States, (pictured above) Robert Frost’s poems cover a range of topics and situations. He read his works before presidents of the U.S. and are required reading in schools across the country. Try “Fire and Ice” or “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” to introduce him to your EFL learners.

Whatever Your Preferences

Whatever the preferences of you and your EFL learners might be, there are a plethora of authors, writers and poets to intrigue and delight you. Take a little time to search the internet for some of its treasure troves of English literature and poetry to use with your EFL learners. They’ll enjoy it and be introduced into yet another of the many wonders and pleasures of the English language.


Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, author and speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 100 countries. Get your FREE E-book,"If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.