Although learning English as a second language might be difficult, there are now many apps, websites, and other resources available that can make the process much easier. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, including technology into your English language learning journey can be a fun and effective way to improve your English online. In this blog post, we will explore some of the top apps, websites, and tools that you can use to first test and then enhance your English language.
Test your English Language Level
There are many self-assessment tools available online to help you test your level of English. Here are a few options:
- EF SET (English test with free certification | EF SET):
- This is a free online English test that tests your reading and listening skills. It provides you with a score that corresponds to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) levels.
- Cambridge English Placement Test (Test your English | Cambridge English):
- This is a free online test that checks your grammar and vocabulary skills. It provides you with a score that corresponds to the CEFR levels.
- English Central (Interactive Video Learning | EnglishCentral – Online English Learning):
- This is a website that provides video lessons and quizzes to help you improve your English language skills. It also has a speech recognition system that helps you practice your pronunciation.
- Duolingo (Duolingo – The world’s best way to learn a language):
- This is a language learning app that provides interactive lessons to improve your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. It provides you with a score that corresponds to the CEFR levels.
- BBC Learning English (BBC Learning English – BBC Learning English – Homepage):
- This website provides you with language learning resources, including videos, podcasts, and quizzes, to improve your English language skills.
Tools to Improve your English online
Once you analyze your level of English, it will become easier to improve and work on your language skills accordingly. Listed below are a few platforms that can help you improve your language skills:
1. Duolingo:
Duolingo is a popular language learning app that offers gamified lessons to help learners practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It covers various English language topics, from basic to advanced levels, and provides instant feedback on your answers. The app also offers a competitive element where you can compete with friends, making learning English a fun and engaging experience.
2. Babbel:
Babbel is another widely used language learning app that offers interactive lessons for English learners. It focuses on real-life conversations, helping learners build practical language skills that can be used in everyday situations. Babbel also offers speech recognition technology, allowing learners to practice their pronunciation and receive feedback on their speaking skills.
3. Quizlet:
Quizlet is a popular online tool that offers a wide range of flashcards and study sets for English language learners. You can create your own flashcards or choose from existing sets to practice vocabulary, grammar, and other language skills. Quizlet also offers various study modes, such as flashcards, quizzes, and games, to make learning English engaging and interactive.
4. Grammarly:
Grammarly is a powerful online writing tool that can help English language learners improve their writing skills. It offers grammar and spell checking, as well as suggestions for improving sentence structure, vocabulary, and style. Grammarly can be integrated into web browsers, word processors, and other writing applications, making it a handy tool for English language learners who want to improve their writing accuracy and fluency.
5. BBC Learning English:
BBC Learning English is a free online resource that offers a wide range of lessons, videos, and interactive activities for English language learners. It covers various language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar, and provides authentic English language content that reflects real-life situations. BBC Learning English also offers news articles, interviews, and podcasts, allowing learners to practice their language skills in a relevant and meaningful context.
6. TED Talks:
TED Talks are popular online video talks that cover a wide range of topics delivered by native English speakers. They can be a valuable resource for English language learners to practice listening skills, vocabulary and improve English online, and learn about various cultural and social aspects of the English-speaking world. TED Talks also offer subtitles in multiple languages, including English, which can help learners follow along and understand the content more easily.
7. Google Translate:
Google Translate is a widely used translation tool that can help English language learners with vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. It offers translation services for over 100 languages, including English. It provides pronunciation and voice input features that can assist learners in improving their speaking skills. However, it’s important to note that Google Translate should be used as a supplementary tool and not relied upon solely for language learning, as it may not always provide accurate translations.
8. YouTube:
YouTube is a rich source of English-language content that can be used for language learning purposes. There are numerous English language learning channels and videos available on YouTube that help to improve English online. They cover various topics, such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and listening skills. Learners can also find videos that reflect their interests, such as travel, music, and culture, allowing them to practice English in a context that they enjoy.
Technology has revolutionized the way we learn languages, including English. With the wide array of apps, websites, and tools available, English language learners now have access to engaging, interactive, and convenient resources to enhance their language skills. These tools can provide opportunities for practice, feedback, and exposure to authentic English language content, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective.
However, it’s important to use these technology resources as supplements to a well-rounded language learning approach. They should not replace traditional language learning methods such as interacting with native speakers, practicing in real-life situations, and immersing oneself in English-speaking environments. It’s crucial to strike a balance between technology-based learning and other forms of language practice to achieve a well-rounded language proficiency.
