DrillKit is an AI-powered tool that turns your online lesson chat from Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams into professional, print-ready ESL lessons in under 30 seconds. It automatically extracts vocabulary, generates exercises (gap-fill, error correction, vocab match, word formation, and more), and produces beautiful PDFs tailored to the student's CEFR level and native language.

Does DrillKit support Zoom chats?

Yes! Simply copy the chat text from your Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams lesson and paste it directly into the input area. You can also paste vocabulary lists or handwritten notes. DrillKit's AI strips out timestamps, sender names, and other noise automatically.

Can I export lessons to PDF?

Absolutely. Every lesson is generated as a high-quality, print-ready PDF. Pro users can also export to Google Docs and customize branding with their school logo and accent colors.

Which languages are supported?

DrillKit supports translations in 11 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Turkish, and Russian. The AI auto-detects the student's native language from the chat transcript.

What exercise types can DrillKit generate?

DrillKit generates 11 exercise types: Gap Fill, Vocab Match, Error Correction, Sentence Completion, Multiple Choice, Word Scramble, Sentence Reorder, Translation, Word Formation (Cambridge Part 3), Key Word Transformation (Cambridge Part 4), and Dialogue Builder.

How does the AI extract vocabulary from chat transcripts?

The AI scans your pasted chat transcript, strips out noise (timestamps, reactions, media placeholders), identifies teachable vocabulary, phrasal verbs, idioms, and student errors, then scores each item by relevance. You review and select the best items before generating exercises.

Is DrillKit free to use?

Yes! The free plan includes 20 generations per month with full access to all 13 exercise types, all lesson styles, and custom branding. The Pro plan ($5.99/month or $4.00/month billed yearly) unlocks unlimited generations and priority AI processing.

Can I customize the lesson with my school branding?

Pro users can add their school or institution name, choose custom accent colors, select from 5 lesson styles (Standard, Classic, Modern, Playful, Academic), and add footer text to every generated lesson.

Teaching English Through News and Current Affairs | DrillKit Blog

Why News Works for Language Learning

News content gives ESL teaching a self-renewing curriculum. Unlike textbook materials that become dated, the news changes daily — providing permanent novelty without additional content creation.

Beyond novelty, news develops exactly the discourse skills that advanced learners most need: ability to follow complex argument, understand implicit cultural context, identify bias and register differences, and discuss current issues with sophistication.

A News Lesson Framework for Any Level

A1-A2: News in Levels
Simplified news at controlled vocabulary levels. Websites like News in Levels and Simple English News provide L1-adjacent reading. Focus: high-frequency vocabulary, present/past tense narratives.

B1: Accessible broadsheet
BBC News, NPR, or The Guardian for topics with clear storytelling. Focus: vocabulary extraction, factual comprehension, basic opinion expression.

B2: Opinion and analysis
Opinion columns, editorial pieces, fact-checked analysis. Focus: identifying argument structure, hedging language, register comparison between news sources.

C1-C2: Comparative and critical
Compare coverage of the same story across sources with different political stances. Focus: identifying bias, evaluating evidence, sophisticated discussion with academic vocabulary.

News Teaching by Level

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A1-B1: News in Levels

Simplified news at controlled vocabulary — accessibility without condescension

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B2: Analysis

Argument structure, opinion language, and the vocabulary of informed discussion

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C1+: Critical Literacy

Bias identification, source comparison, and academic-register discussion

Teacher Tip

“Let students choose the news story. Before the lesson, ask them to send you one news story that interested them this week. Build the lesson around their choice. You ensure relevance, they build ownership. Extract vocabulary with DrillKit and generate exercises from their chosen article.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I handle politically sensitive news with students?

Stick to facts and analysis rather than taking sides. 'This article argues that... Do you find the evidence convincing?' is educational. 'I think the government was wrong to...' makes students feel they need to agree or disagree with their teacher's political position.

Are there any news sources specifically designed for ESL learners?

Yes: News in Levels, Breaking News English, Listen A Minute, and the BBC Learning English website all offer graded or accessible news content with comprehension support.

How long should a news article lesson take?

A 1000-word article can sustain a 45-minute lesson: 10 minutes pre-reading and vocabulary, 15 minutes reading and comprehension, 20 minutes discussion and language focus. Don't try to read every word — reading strategically IS the lesson.

Teaching English Through Current Affairs: A Framework for Any Level