In 2023, the online world is brimming with diverse English content, including videos, articles, podcasts, and blogs. While internet resources for language improvement are more accessible than ever, learners still seek tailored platforms. Here’s a list of 10 handpicked websites that helped me in my quest to mastering the English language. These platforms not only enhance your language skills but also ignite your passion for learning, blending education with enjoyment for a fulfilling journey to linguistic proficiency.
1. Preply
Preply is an online language learning platform that has the world’s largest selection of language tutors, with over 32,000 tutors teaching 50 languages. The platform offers interactive 1-on-1 online lessons, personalized lesson plans, group lessons, and corporate language training. The platform has certified TEFL English tutors with years of experience. Preply’s tools avoid traditional methods used in the traditional classroom and focus on the most critical part of learning a new language, which is conversation.
2. The BBC Learning English Website
BBC Learning English is a free online platform that has been helping people learn languages since 1943. The platform provides access to quality educational materials, including free audio, video, and text materials to learners around the world. The website is divided into sections for kids, teens, and adults. BBC Learning English provides authentic English from humorous situations, interviews with real people, and clips from BBC programs that show language used in real-life.
3. VOA Learning English
This online platform offers video lessons covering various topics to enhance fluency and comprehension. The site features leveled reading content on a variety of topics, including world news, politics, culture, business, science, social studies, U.S. life, and pop culture. VOA Learning English is intended for teachers and students of American English as a second language.
4. Ello.org
This is a great resource for improving British and American listening skills. It is an online collection of free listening, reading, and vocabulary practices for English language learning. The resources on the website are Creative Commons, so teachers and students can use the audio, videos, lessons, games, and quizzes for free. The website is constantly updated and maintained as of August 2023. Elllo.org offers learners a variety of accents and stories from different parts of the world. The website is divided into sections for kids, teens, and adults.
5. Daily Grammar
The website offers a comprehensive teaching tool for anyone needing to polish up their English grammar skills. Daily Grammar consists of 440 lessons and 88 quizzes, covering everything from verbs and pronouns to prepositional phrases and predicate nominatives. Each lesson consists of a short explanation, followed by a quiz. It is a simple, logical process that actually moves grammar concepts to long-term memory so that students can apply the concepts to their writing.
6. LyricsTraining
LyricsTraining is a website that uses music lyrics to help improve listening and comprehension skills. It allows users to play with the lyrics of a song by listening to the song and typing its lyrics. LyricsTraining also has a special Karaoke mode that lets users sing and enjoy the full lyrics. The website is a fun way to learn and listening to different genres of music.
7. Breaking News English
Breaking News English is a website that provides news stories at different levels to help improve reading and listening skills. The lessons cover a wide range of topics from across the world, allowing learners to stay updated on current events while improving their language skills. Breaking News English offers various activities such as dictations, multiple choice, and drag and drop exercises to enhance comprehension. The website is popular among ESL and EFL students who find studying with real news stories engaging and effective. Teachers also appreciate using news stories in the classroom as they encourage conversation and help students develop listening skills.
8. Duolingo
Duolingo uses a gamified approach to language learning, incorporating translating, interactive exercises, quizzes, and stories to make learning engaging and fun. The platform offers quick, bite-sized lessons for learning over 40 languages and focuses on building solid speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills. It is accessible through its free mobile app or web platform, allowing users to learn anytime, anywhere. While it may not teach conversational fluency, Duolingo helps learners build foundational skills and consistency in language learning.
9. Amigos Ingleses
Amigos Ingleses is a website that offers resources for English language students, including videos and articles. Aimed at Spanish speakers, the website provides resources for practicing listening skills and conversational English. It features a YouTube channel with fun videos to help learners master the trickier aspects of English pronunciation. Additionally, the website offers free video and audio resources for learners of all ages and levels, including games, podcasts, articles, and a discussion forum to ask questions and find advice about learning English.
10. British Council Learn English
The British Council Learn English website offers a wide range of resources for English language learners. It provides courses at different levels, vocabulary and grammar exercises, listening practice materials, and news articles. The website is divided into sections that cover various skills and topics, including reading, listening, writing, speaking, grammar, vocabulary, business English, and more. Learners can access interactive lessons, videos, games, and podcasts to improve their English skills.
Remember, the key to language mastery lies in consistency, practice, and an open mind. So, explore, engage, and most importantly, have fun as you navigate through these wonderful resources. Here’s to your language learning success - may your vocabulary expand, your confidence soar, and your conversations flourish! Cheers to your linguistic adventure!
