15 resources to begin your English learning journey
If you’ve just started learning English or are thinking about it, remember you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here for you. Check out the resources we’ve compiled for you.
Disclaimer: We assume you’re using LinkedIn translation to read this article. Some of the resources mentioned here might also need you to use translation. Translation is OK as long as you learn something and don’t rely on it too much.
Listen & Learn
Pros: The website contains video lessons with quizzes. There, you will learn to greet people, introduce yourself, talk about hobbies and a lot more. It will be particularly good for you if you like American English.
Cons: There are lesson plans for learners with each lesson. However, they are written in a picture, not in a text, so it might be difficult to translate the instructions.?
Pros: The course will teach you the language you need for survival. For example, if you do it, you’ll know what to say in case you need medical help. Besides, the course offers learning strategies that you can try with your friends.?
Cons: As the course is designed for a group of people, you’d have to find a partner to take it. At the same time, you can record your voice and write messages to yourself instead of talking to someone.?
Pros: This is a classic for beginner learners of English. The series is based on real-life situations? —? exactly the ones you learn English for at this level. All our students who watch it admit they really enjoy it. So, it’s both a useful and enjoyable tool for your English.
Cons: It was made around 10 years ago, so it might seem a bit too old.
Pros: This YouTube channel can boast a huge collection of videos for beginners? —? from fruit to conversations. Just check out their playlists.
Cons: All their videos are cartoons, so you might feel it’s stuff for children.
Pros: If you’re fond of podcasts, we recommend this one. You can learn how to greet someone, ask for directions or buy something by listening to it.
Cons: The podcast might be a bit too hard if you’re a complete beginner. In this case, you’d better check Fluency Fix’s video lessons (only 15 of them are available for free, though).
Explore
Pros: The dictionary covers all the vocabulary you need (e.g. food, clothes, buildings, etc.). You can check how to write and say such words. Every word comes with a picture (it’s a picture dictionary in the end), so it’s easier for your brain to remember everything.
Cons: You can only listen to American pronunciation here. Also, it’s just a dictionary, so there aren’t any exercises that would help you to learn these words.
Pros: You’ll find not only lessons on basic grammar and vocabulary, but also useful materials to work on listening, writing and speaking.
Cons: The exercises on the website might be difficult in the beginning. Before you go there, we recommend spending some time on vocabulary and grammar.
8. Duolingo App
领英推荐
Pros: This is a free app with user-friendly interface. It can teach you basic words, phrases and even whole sentences. Beside that, there’s a motivation system to keep you interested in learning. Plus, it’s most likely available in your native language.
Cons: You might think Duolingo is disturbing. But that’s exactly what you need if you want to have progress, right?
9. Essential Grammar in Use
Pros: An all-time favourite, this book is famous for its clear and detailed explanations of grammar. Forget about countless tables with theory? —? learn grammar in style, with context and well thought out exercises. By the way, they have a Russian-English edition.
Cons: Although the book is good, it can’t be your only source for learning grammar. You would still need to listen and read a lot to notice grammar in real life.
10. Elementary Vocabulary in Use
Pros: If you’re into textbooks and not a fan of websites, you’ll be happy with this book. It promises to teach 1,250 new words and phrases that are used in everyday speech. It’s not a dictionary, however. The vocabulary is presented with illustrations, example sentences and a common mistakes section. In addition to that, there are personalized exercises after each topic? —? it’s the best way learn and practice vocabulary.
Cons: Such books can be tricky as they make you think you know a ton of words. However, it might not be 100% true. To really know a word and to be able to use it when you need it, you need to practice using it in a number of situations. So, make sure to give yourself other opportunities to use the new words.?
11. Simple Wikipedia
Pros: Unlike its original counterpart, this online encyclopedia is written is simplified language. You can use it to explore new topics and notice words and phrases that are often used to talk about them. Also, it’s good for the topics you already know.
Cons: At first, the website might seem a bit intimidating. If that’s the case, use a translation tool to find the best reading material.
Test yourself
Pros: Here, you can develop and test your reading skills. The topics are connected with vocabulary that you need at your level, so the texts will also help you to remember basic English vocabulary. As a bonus, there‘s a text about Thanksgiving and the Pancake day in Britain.
Cons: Unfortunately, there are only 16 texts. To make the most out of them, do the reading after you learn a new vocabulary topic.
Pros: The website will help you improve your listening skills. You can listen to British and American accents there. In addition to that, these tests are a great tool to revise basic vocabulary and grammar for basic situations.
?
Cons: There are no transcripts. If you don’t understand something important or have a problem while listening, there’s nothing to help you.
Pros: If you’ve learned a grammar topic and want to see if you still need to work on it, you’re at the right place. This website will test your grammar and provide explanations (if you made a mistake and need to refresh a rule). It won’t just tell you the rule, but will also show common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Cons: The lessons don’t give you any context for grammar. They basically just show you the rule and the mistakes people make with it, so it’s not suitable for learning new grammar.
Pros: Not to forget new grammar and vocabulary, it’s important to use them in speech and writing. Needless to say, you also need some feedback on how you do it. This tool can help you with both. It contains a great deal of writing tasks? —? from notes to emails, so you won’t have to create exercises for yourself. Moreover, it can check if you stick to the topic and if there are any mistakes. On top of that, Write & Improve will track your progress, so you’ll see any improvements in your writing skills.?
Cons: For some people, writing takes too much time, so they easily get bored with it. However, if you learn to cope with that, your progress will be rewarding.
Learning something from scratch is never easy. On the other hand, this is when you can have the fastest progress. Hopefully, our article will help you with that.?