Describes the diversity of ESOL learners (and teachers) and explores the challenges this creates for policy makers and people directly involved. Discusses the teaching and learning of both oral communication and literacy (including electronic literacy). Focuses on the UK, but relevant to ESOL around the world Uses extracts from interviews and transcripts of classroom activities with real ESOL students and teachers throughout . Authors draw on their own personal experiences of teaching and researching ESOL. Useful for both trainee and practising ESOL teachers, and for anyone with an interest in the field.