By Goldman Sachs, Economic Research
The report estimates the widespread adoption of generative AI could boost labor productivity growth by 1.55pp/ year in the US, leading to a significant increase in global output. However, the impact on labor demand is uncertain and may be harmful in the near term. The report brings data from the O*NET database on the task content of over 900 occupations in the US and the European ESCO database to estimate the share of total work exposed to labor-saving automation by AI occupation and industry. The reports estimate that US AI can automate nearly one-fourth of current work tasks, particularly with exposure to administrative and legal professions and low exposure to physically intensive professions. The report's conclusion states that generative AI can disrupt labor markets and spur global productivity in the coming decades. The ultimate effects will depend on how labor demand and occupational workloads evolve in response to partial labor savings in significant occupations.
Essential Methodology Texts
"The Practice of English Language Teaching" by Jeremy Harmer stands as the most widely recognized comprehensive guide to contemporary English language teaching. Currently in its fifth edition, this seminal work covers everything from classroom management to learner autonomy, providing practical teaching strategies while examining the complexities of English as a global language. The book addresses diverse contexts including academic and professional spheres, making it indispensable for teachers working in specialized fields.
"Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching" by Jack C. Richards and Theodore S. Rodgers represents the definitive survey of language teaching methodologies from the late 19th century to present day. The third edition extensively covers major approaches including Grammar Translation, Audiolingualism, Communicative Language Teaching, Task-Based Language Teaching, and Content-Based Instruction. This text examines each method in terms of its theory of language and language learning, goals, syllabus design, teaching activities, and classroom techniques.
"Materials and Methods in ELT" by Jo McDonough, Christopher Shaw, and Hitomi Masuhara offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of teaching English as a foreign language, with coverage of technology in ELT, materials evaluation and adaptation, and teaching in under-resourced classrooms. The authors examine methodologies for organizing ELT classrooms while addressing individual language skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Practical Teaching Guides
"A Course in English Language Teaching" by Penny Ur provides a completely revised introduction suitable for teachers in various educational settings, including compulsory education. The third edition includes essential topics for modern English language teachers, such as English as an international language, Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), and digital materials usage. The book combines theory and practice with reflection and discussion tasks.
"Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching" by Diane Larsen-Freeman and Marti Anderson has influenced thousands of language teachers worldwide. The third edition provides practical overviews of major teaching methods, encouraging teachers to reflect on their beliefs and develop their own approaches. It includes coverage of digital technology, content-based and task-based approaches, and the political dimensions of language teaching.
"Learning Teaching" by Jim Scrivener serves as a comprehensive guidebook for English language teachers. This practical resource covers methodology, classroom management, lesson planning, and specific skills teaching. Scrivener's work emphasizes the "Demand High" approach, challenging teachers to ensure students are stretched to their full potential rather than merely facilitating activities.
Reference and Terminology Guides
"The New A-Z of ELT" by Scott Thornbury provides essential language teaching concepts and terminology from different fields. The alphabetically-arranged entries offer concise summaries of major ELT issues, debates, and practical implications. This reference covers grammar, lexis, phonology, discourse, methodology, theory, and practice, making it invaluable for both new and experienced teachers.
English for Specific Purposes (ESP) Foundations
Foundational ESP Theory
"English for Specific Purposes: A Learning-Centred Approach" by Tom Hutchinson and Alan Waters remains the foundational text for ESP theory and practice. Published in 1987, this influential work discusses the evolution of ESP, its position in language teaching, course design, syllabuses, materials, teaching methods, and evaluation procedures. The book provides both theoretical grounding and practical applications for ESP practitioners.
"Genre Analysis: English in Academic and Research Settings" by John M. Swales revolutionized ESP by introducing genre analysis as a key approach to understanding academic and professional discourse. Swales' work on discourse communities, communicative purpose, and rhetorical moves has become central to ESP methodology, particularly in teaching academic writing and research communication.
Contemporary ESP Approaches
"Introducing English for Specific Purposes" by Laurence Anthony presents key ESP concepts and practices in a modern, comprehensive way. The book explains how needs analysis, language and learning objectives, materials and methods, and evaluation form the four main pillars of ESP. It includes practical examples for real-world academic and occupational settings and addresses current debates in the field.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Comprehensive EAP Guides
"English for Academic Purposes: A Guide and Resource Book for Teachers" by R.R. Jordan provides comprehensive coverage of EAP theory and practice. This 404-page guide covers needs analysis, syllabus and course design, methodology and materials, learning styles, tests and exams, and academic style and genre analysis. Jordan's work, based on 21 years of EAP teaching experience, remains a crucial reference for EAP practitioners.
"English for Academic Purposes: An Advanced Resource Book" by Ken Hyland offers an authoritative introduction to EAP covering main theories, concepts, contexts, and applications. The book includes 44 chapters organized into eight sections covering conceptions of EAP, contexts, language skills, research perspectives, pedagogic genres, research genres, pedagogic contexts, and managing learning.
Academic Writing Instruction
"Study Writing: A Course in Written English for Academic Purposes" by Liz Hamp-Lyons and Ben Heasley targets students at upper intermediate level and above who need to develop academic writing skills. The book introduces key concepts in academic writing, explores information structures for argument development, and familiarizes learners with academic genre characteristics while analyzing associated grammar and vocabulary.
"Introducing English for Academic Purposes" by Maggie Charles and Diane Pecorari provides an accessible introduction to EAP theory and practice. The book covers the global and institutional position of EAP and its manifestations in classrooms and research contexts worldwide, making it essential reading for applied linguistics students and EAP practitioners.
Business English and Professional Communication
Business English Methodology
"English for Business Communication" by Mable Chan provides a comprehensive introduction for students and professionals studying workplace communication. Based on current business communication research and incorporating international authentic texts, the book covers both spoken and written English, including social media use, email communication, informal English for workplace socialization, and persuasive messaging.
Business Writing and Communication
"Business Writing Today: A Practical Guide" by Natalie Canavor prepares students for workplace success by providing tools for powerful writing across all situations and media. The highly practical text offers step-by-step guidance for clear and strategic writing, covering everything from tweets and emails to proposals and formal reports.
"A Practical Guide to Business Writing" by Khaled Mohamed Al Maskari focuses specifically on writing skills for non-native English speakers in business contexts. The comprehensive guide covers business writing style, memos, emails, common writing errors, useful business phrases, and confusing words, providing practical solutions for workplace communication challenges.
Grammar and Language for Business
"Grammar for Business" by Cambridge University Press provides essential grammar reference and practice for intermediate business students and workplace English users. Based on real written and spoken business English corpus data, it includes special focus on speaking strategies, formal/informal language distinctions, and practical tips for presentations, negotiations, and opinion expression.
Technical Communication
Technical Writing Fundamentals
"Technical Communication: English Skills for Engineers" by Meenakshi Raman and Sangeeta Sharma adopts a direct, functional approach to technical communication principles and advanced forms. The book covers oral and written communication, language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, plus English grammar basics. It includes technical reports, business correspondence, group discussions, interviews, and presentation strategies.
"The Handbook of Technical Writing" (10th Edition) serves as the complete technical writing reference for students and professionals. The alphabetically organized handbook provides guidance for all common professional documents including reports, proposals, manuals, memos, and white papers, with abundant real-world samples demonstrating effective technical communication.
"Writing in the Technical Fields: A Practical Guide" by Oxford University Press offers a concise guide to practical elements of technical writing. Using clear language and easy-to-follow principles, it teaches students to approach fundamental concepts including document planning and editing, ethics in technical fields, and engaging presentation delivery.
Contemporary Resources and Digital Integration
Modern Teaching Approaches
"Teaching English as Second Language: Theory, Techniques and Technology" by Routledge presents a systematic, well-researched resource integrating theory with practice. Drawing on Cognitivist-Social interactionist theory and Constructivist approaches, it provides insights into recent teaching trends and 4IR skills development for 21st-century contexts.
"ELT: The Basics" by Michael McCarthy and Steve Walsh offers a clear, non-jargonistic introduction to English language teaching for training teachers, early career teachers, and those considering ELT. The book includes real classroom data, discussion of diverse learning contexts, comparisons of syllabuses and methods, and emphasis on classroom interaction as key to maximizing learning.