240's TExES English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental Study Guide Is 88% Test-Aligned
240's TExES English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental study guide is built around the official exam framework so you can study what is actually tested. This page shows exactly how the guide maps to the real exam — SMR by SMR and competency by competency — so you can see where coverage is strongest, where some depth gaps remain, and how each part of the guide supports your prep.
Why Test Alignment Matters for Your TExES English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental Study Guide
Certification test standards are broad, but the exam questions are very specific. Our team of curriculum experts uses the 240 Study Guide Creation Process to ensure the most aligned, specific content for your TExES English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental (154) test — so you are not wasting time on broad subject review that may not show up on exam day.
- Built around the official exam framework
- Organized by the competencies actually used on the exam
- Shows exactly what is covered and where depth is partial
- Includes aligned questions, flashcards, study materials, and videos
- Helps candidates study what is actually tested instead of broad generic content
How to Read This Alignment Review
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Understands the nature of language and basic concepts of language systems (e.g., phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon, semantics, discourse, pragmatics) and uses this understanding to facilitate student learning in the ESL classroom. | ESL.Levels of Language; ELA.Basic Linguistic Concepts; ESL.Word Formation; ESL.Discourse; ESL.Manners of Articulation; ELA.Skill - Basic Linguistic Concepts | Covered | 57 | 6 | 28 | 3 | Covered by 6 topics (57 questions, 6 materials, 28 cards, 3 videos). |
| B. Knows the functions and registers of language (e.g., social versus academic language) in English and uses this knowledge to develop and modify instructional materials, deliver instruction and promote ESL students’ English-language proficiency. | ESL.Registers of Language; ESL.Cummins Quadrants | Covered | 16 | 2 | 6 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (16 questions, 2 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Understands the interrelatedness of listening, speaking, reading and writing and uses this understanding to develop ESL students’ English-language proficiency. | P.Foundations of ELL Instruction | Partially covered | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 1 videos); limited supporting content. |
| D. Knows the structure of the English language (e.g., word formation, grammar, vocabulary and syntax) and the patterns and conventions of written and spoken English and uses this knowledge to model and provide instruction to develop the foundation of English mechanics necessary to understand content-based instruction and accelerated learning of English in accordance with the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS). | ELA.ELL Teaching - Proper Writing and Grammar Conventions; ELA.Types of Pronouns; ELA.Modals; ELA.Modifiers; ESL.Types of Sentences (Grammar) | Covered | 24 | 5 | 16 | 2 | Covered by 5 topics (24 questions, 5 materials, 16 cards, 2 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Knows theories, concepts and research related to L1 and L2 acquisition. | ESL.BICS vs CALP; ESL.Krashen's 5 Hypotheses | Covered | 14 | 2 | 9 | 2 | Covered by 2 topics (14 questions, 2 materials, 9 cards, 2 videos). |
| B. Uses knowledge of theories, concepts and research related to L1 and L2 acquisition to select effective, appropriate methods and strategies for promoting students’ English-language development at various stages. | ESL.Sheltered Instruction; ESL.Natural Approach; ESL.CALLA Approach; ESL.Nativist Theory; ESL.Social Interactionist Theory; ESL.Other Language Approaches | Covered | 45 | 6 | 26 | 1 | Covered by 6 topics (45 questions, 6 materials, 26 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Knows cognitive processes (e.g., memorization, categorization, generalization, metacognition) involved in synthesizing and internalizing language rules for second-language acquisition. | ESL.Stages of Second Language Acquisition; ESL.Cognitive Processes for Language Rules | Covered | 30 | 2 | 12 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (30 questions, 2 materials, 12 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Analyzes the interrelatedness of first- and second-language acquisition and ways in which L1 may affect development of L2. | ESL.Interrelatedness; ESL.Common Behaviors of English Language Learners | Covered | 34 | 2 | 13 | 2 | Covered by 2 topics (34 questions, 2 materials, 13 cards, 2 videos). |
| E. Knows common difficulties (e.g., idiomatic expressions; L1 interference in syntax, phonology and morphology) experienced by ESL students in learning English and effective strategies for helping students overcome those difficulties. | ESL.Common Areas of Difficulty; ESL.Teaching Syntax and Semantics | Covered | 15 | 2 | 23 | 2 | Covered by 2 topics (15 questions, 2 materials, 23 cards, 2 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Knows applicable Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) and knows how to design and implement appropriate instruction to address the domains of listening, speaking and reading and writing. | ESL.TEKS and ELPS | Partially covered | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (2 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| B. Knows effective instructional methods and techniques for the ESL classroom, and selects and uses instructional methods, resources and materials appropriate for addressing specified instructional goals and promoting learning in students with diverse characteristics and needs. | ESL.Characteristics of Effective Methods - ESL; ESL.General Best Practices; ESL.Teaching Vocabulary | Covered | 58 | 3 | 21 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (58 questions, 3 materials, 21 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Applies knowledge of effective practices, resources and materials for providing content-based ESL instruction, engaging students in critical thinking and fostering students’ communicative competence. | ESL.Content-Based ESL Instruction; ESL.Communicative Competence | Covered | 18 | 2 | 13 | 2 | Covered by 2 topics (18 questions, 2 materials, 13 cards, 2 videos). |
| D. Knows how to integrate technological tools and resources into the instructional process to facilitate and enhance student learning. | ESL.Teaching Technology | Partially covered | 6 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| E. Applies effective classroom management and teaching strategies for a variety of ESL environments and situations. | P.ELL Classroom Management Basics | Partially covered | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (0 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Knows applicable Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) and knows how to design and implement appropriate instruction to address the proficiency level descriptors for the beginning, intermediate, advanced and advanced-high levels in the listening and speaking domains. | P.Texas ELPS | Partially covered | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 1 videos); limited supporting content. |
| B. Understands the role of the linguistic environment and conversational support in second-language development and uses this knowledge to provide a rich, comprehensible language environment with supported opportunities for communication in English. | ESL.Rich Linguistic Environment; ESL.Providing Feedback | Covered | 11 | 2 | 3 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (11 questions, 2 materials, 3 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Applies knowledge of practices, resources and materials that are effective in promoting students’ communicative competence in English. | ELA.ELL Strategies - Oral Language; ELA.ELL Strategies - Phonics and Word Analysis; ELA.ELL Assessment - Reading Comprehension | Covered | 50 | 3 | 12 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (50 questions, 3 materials, 12 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Understands the interrelatedness of listening, speaking, reading and writing and uses this knowledge to select and use effective strategies for developing students’ oral language proficiency in English in accordance with the ELPS. | ESL.Integration of Language Skills; ELA.ELL Importance of - Phonological Awareness on Spelling | Covered | 12 | 2 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (12 questions, 2 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Applies knowledge of effective strategies for helping ESL students transfer language skills from L1 to L2. | ESL.Sheltered Instruction; ESL.Krashen's 5 Hypotheses; ESL.Natural Approach; ESL.CALLA Approach; ESL.Nativist Theory | Covered | 32 | 5 | 14 | 2 | Covered by 5 topics (32 questions, 5 materials, 14 cards, 2 videos). |
| F. Applies knowledge of individual differences (e.g., developmental characteristics, cultural and language background, academic strengths, learning styles) to select focused, targeted and systematic second language acquisition instruction to English-language learners in grade 3 or higher who are at the beginning or intermediate level of English-language proficiency in listening and/or speaking in accordance with the ELPS. | ESL.Factors Affecting ESL Students | Covered | 16 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (16 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| G. Knows how to provide appropriate feedback in response to students’ developing English-language skills. | ESL.Providing Feedback | Partially covered | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 1 videos); limited supporting content. |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Knows applicable Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) and knows how to design and implement appropriate instruction to address the proficiency level descriptors for the beginning, intermediate, advanced and advanced-high levels in the reading and writing domains. | P.Texas ELPS; P.Texas ELPS - ID and Strategies - Listening; P.Texas ELPS - ID and Strategies - Speaking; P.Texas ELPS - ID and Strategies - Reading; P.Texas ELPS - ID and Strategies - Writing | Covered | 69 | 5 | 0 | 5 | Covered by 5 topics (69 questions, 5 materials, 0 cards, 5 videos). |
| B. Understands the interrelatedness of listening, speaking, reading and writing and uses this knowledge to select and use effective strategies for developing students’ literacy in English. | ESL.Integration of Language Skills; ELA.ELL Importance of - Phonological Awareness on Spelling | Covered | 12 | 2 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (12 questions, 2 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Understands that English is an alphabetic language and applies effective strategies for developing ESL students’ phonological knowledge and skills (e.g., phonemic awareness skills, knowledge of English letter-sound associations, knowledge of common English phonograms) and sight-word vocabularies (e.g., phonetically irregular words, high-frequency words). | ESL.Phonological Awareness | Covered | 4 | 1 | 13 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 13 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Knows factors that affect ESL students’ reading comprehension (e.g., vocabulary, text structures, cultural references) and applies effective strategies for facilitating ESL students’ reading comprehension in English. | ELA.ELL Strategies - Reading Comprehension | Covered | 19 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (19 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Applies knowledge of effective strategies for helping students transfer literacy knowledge and skills from L1 to L2. | ESL.Literacy Knowledge Transfer | Covered | 13 | 1 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (13 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Applies knowledge of individual differences (e.g., developmental characteristics, cultural and language background, academic strengths, learning styles) to select focused, targeted and systematic second language acquisition instruction to English-language learners in grade 3 or higher who are at the beginning or intermediate level of English-language proficiency in reading and/or writing in accordance with the ELPS. | P.Teaching Reading and Writing for ELLs | Covered | 16 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (16 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 1 videos). |
| G. Knows personal factors that affect ESL students’ English literacy development (e.g., interrupted schooling, literacy status in the primary language, prior literacy experiences) and applies effective strategies for addressing those factors. | ESL.Teaching - Issues with Literacy | Partially covered | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Applies knowledge of effective practices, resources and materials for providing content-based ESL instruction that is linguistically accommodated (communicated, sequenced and scaffolded) to the student’s levels of English- language proficiency; engaging students in critical thinking; and developing students’ cognitive-academic language proficiency across content areas. | ESL.Linguistic Accommodations; ESL.TX Instructional Accommodations Checklist; P.Adaptations for Diversity - ELL | Covered | 71 | 3 | 8 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (71 questions, 3 materials, 8 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Knows instructional delivery practices that are effective in facilitating ESL students’ application of various learning strategies (e.g., preteaching key vocabulary; helping students apply familiar concepts from their cultural backgrounds and prior experiences to new learning; using metacognition, using hands-on and other experiential learning strategies; using realia, media and other visual supports [graphic organizers] to introduce and/or reinforce concepts) across content areas. | ESL.Reciprocal Teaching; ESL.Graphic Organizers | Partially covered | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Partial coverage by 2 topics (5 questions, 2 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| C. Applies knowledge of individual differences (e.g., developmental characteristics, cultural and language background, academic strengths, learning styles) to select instructional strategies and resources that facilitate ESL students’ cognitive-academic language development and content-area learning. | ESL.Content-Based ESL Instruction | Covered | 9 | 1 | 4 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (9 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Knows personal factors that affect ESL students’ content-area learning (e.g., prior learning experiences, familiarity with specialized language and vocabulary, familiarity with the structure and uses of textbooks and other print resources) and applies effective strategies for addressing those factors. | ESL.Teaching - Issues with Content-Based | Partially covered | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (3 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Knows basic concepts, issues and practices related to test design, development and interpretation and uses this knowledge to select, adapt and develop assessments for different purposes in the ESL program (e.g., diagnosis, program evaluation, proficiency). | ESL.TX ESL Program Process; ESL.TX ESL Program Goals; ESL.TX ESL Program - 3 Domains | Covered | 15 | 3 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (15 questions, 3 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Applies knowledge of formal and informal assessments used in the ESL classroom and knows their characteristics, uses and limitations. | ESL.Types of Assessment | Covered | 14 | 1 | 11 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 11 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Knows standardized tests commonly used in ESL programs in Texas and knows how to interpret their results. | ESL.TX TELPAS | Partially covered | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (1 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| D. Knows state-mandated Limited English Proficient (LEP) policies, including the role of the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC), and procedures for implementing LPAC recommendations for LEP identification, placement and exit. | ESL.TX ESL Program Process | Covered | 11 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Understands relationships among state-mandated standards, instruction and assessment in the ESL classroom. | ESL.Using Assessment to Adjust Instruction | Covered | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (9 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Knows how to use ongoing assessment to plan and adjust instruction that addresses individual student needs and enables ESL students to achieve learning goals. | ESL.Types of Assessment; ESL.Using Assessment to Adjust Instruction | Covered | 23 | 2 | 12 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (23 questions, 2 materials, 12 cards, 1 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Knows the historical, theoretical and policy foundations of ESL education and uses this knowledge to plan, implement and advocate for effective ESL programs. | ESL.History of ESL Programs Nationally; ESL.History of ESL Programs - Court Cases; ESL.TX History of ESL Programs | Covered | 16 | 3 | 16 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (16 questions, 3 materials, 16 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Knows types of ESL programs (e.g., self-contained, pull-out, newcomer centers, dual language, immersion), their characteristics, their goals and research findings on their effectiveness | ESL.Types of ESL Programs | Covered | 13 | 1 | 18 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (13 questions, 1 materials, 18 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Applies knowledge of the various types of ESL programs to make appropriate instructional and management decisions. | ESL.Applying the Types of ESL Programs in TX | Partially covered | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (2 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| D. Applies knowledge of research findings related to ESL education, including research on instructional and management practices in ESL programs, to assist in planning and implementing effective ESL programs. | ESL.Applying the Types of ESL Programs in TX | Partially covered | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (2 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Understands cultural and linguistic diversity in the ESL classroom and other factors that may affect students’ learning of academic content, language and culture (e.g., age, developmental characteristics, academic strengths and needs, preferred learning styles, personality, sociocultural factors, home environment, attitude, exceptionalities). | ESL.Cultural Contact | Covered | 12 | 1 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Knows how to create an effective multicultural and multilingual learning environment that addresses the affective, linguistic and cognitive needs of ESL students and facilitates students’ learning and language acquisition. | ESL.Learning Styles; ESL.Multicultural Classroom; ESL.Student Motivation | Covered | 34 | 3 | 17 | 2 | Covered by 3 topics (34 questions, 3 materials, 17 cards, 2 videos). |
| C. Knows factors that contribute to cultural bias (e.g., stereotyping, prejudice, ethnocentrism) and knows how to create a culturally responsive learning environment. | ESL.Avoiding Cultural Bias | Covered | 7 | 1 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Demonstrates sensitivity to students’ diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and shows respect for language differences. | ESL.Multicultural Classroom; ESL.Multilingual Classroom; P.Adaptations for Diversity - Cultural Differences | Covered | 57 | 3 | 10 | 2 | Covered by 3 topics (57 questions, 3 materials, 10 cards, 2 videos). |
| E. Applies strategies for creating among students an awareness of and respect for linguistic and cultural diversity. | ESL.Multicultural Classroom; ESL.Multilingual Classroom; P.Adaptations for Diversity - Cultural Differences | Covered | 57 | 3 | 10 | 2 | Covered by 3 topics (57 questions, 3 materials, 10 cards, 2 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Applies knowledge of effective strategies advocating educational and social equity for ESL students (e.g., participating in LPAC and Admission, Review and Dismissal [ARD] meetings, serving on Site-Based Decision Making [SBDM] committees, serving as a resource for teachers). | ESL.TX ESL Program Process; ESL.TX ESL Teacher Roles | Covered | 18 | 2 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (18 questions, 2 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Understands the importance of family involvement in the education of ESL students and knows how to facilitate parent/guardian participation in their children’s education and school activities. | ESL.Family and Community Involvement | Covered | 27 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (27 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Applies skills for communicating and collaborating effectively with the parents/guardians of ESL students in a variety of educational contexts. | ESL.Communicating Assessment Results | Covered | 9 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (9 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Knows how community members and resources can positively affect student learning in the ESL program and is able to access community resources to enhance the education of ESL students. | ESL.Family and Community Involvement | Covered | 27 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (27 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos). |
How 240 Creates The TExES English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental (154) Study Guide
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