Useful Apps for Learning English
One of the perks of our current era is that information is readily accessible. Whether we are commuting, relaxing at home, or working out, we can harness the power of technology to engage with exercises, tutorials, quizzes, and much more. The flexibility and customization options cater to various learning style preferences and proficiency levels. Let's explore some of these apps now.
1. LearnEnglish grammar app/British Council grammar
Pricing: Free study material, Online classes are paid in credits (around $73 for 5 credits)
This platform is renowned for its comprehensive coverage of grammar topics. The structured curriculum spans from basic to advanced topics, offering a wide range of activities and exercises with instant feedback. This feature allows users to understand their mistakes and make improvements. LearnEnglish grammar app focuses on challenging fill-in-the-blank, reordering, and labeling exercises over boring multiple-choice questions. Overall, this app is ideal for those who prefer predetermined paths and structured curriculums.
2. English Grammar Book App
Pricing: Free; Adds can be removed with in-app purchases
This app is similar to LearnEnglish Grammar. It features two ways of studying: following a curriculum, or utilizing the all-lessons feature. The latter allows users to select specific topics to learn, such as nouns or verb tenses. Quizzes and exercises are included as well.
3. Magoosh app
Pricing: $149 for 1 month of premium subscription
The Magoosh app is useful for individuals preparing for standardized exams like TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, users can engage with flashcards to test their knowledge in various scenarios. Magoosh presents grammar topics in an accessible manner and provides the opportunity for self-assessment using flashcards, as well as receiving feedback.
4. LanGeek app/website
Pricing: Can be used for free with limited access; Premium option available for €1.67 a month for one year
LanGeek provides a highly customizable learning path without a rigid curriculum, allowing users to choose what and how they want to study. The platform minimizes pressure by incorporating minimal gamification elements while providing interactive exercises, flashcards, and self-assessments.
5. Loora AI
Pricing: $17.66 a month
Loora is your AI English tutor, offering practical and verbal communication for English language learners. Users can engage in dialogue with her by speaking or typing in the chat box, and receiving questions and feedback. Loora AI supports fluency and grammar practice by offering praise and highlighting areas for improvement. Lessons are also available for those seeking a structured curriculum, and the exercises feature gamification elements and multimedia content.
Enhancing listening skills and pronunciation
Here are some fantastic tools that can help you enhance your listening skills and pronunciation:
1. Podcast App
Pricing: Free, but premium available for $34.99 a year
About: An incredible resource for improving your listening skills with thousands of podcasts on topics ranging from news and politics to well-being and language learning. Users can search, subscribe to, and create personalized lists of podcasts, and even download them for offline listening. Many shows also include transcripts for easy follow-along.
Why use the app: Listening to various accents and dialects enhances comprehension while exposing users to natural language and idiomatic expressions often absent from traditional lessons. Just 15-20 minutes a day can make a significant difference.
2. BBC Learning English drama section
Pricing: Free
About: The BBC Learning English dramas website features short novels and plays available for reading and listening, reinforcing understanding and retention of material. These dramatized stories are engaging and come with transcripts.
Why use the app: This method enhances listening and reading skills, aiding in the understanding of pronunciation, intonation, and the natural flow of the language. The captivating stories help maintain interest and improve retention. Additionally, it provides cultural insights, facilitating understanding of cultural context and idiomatic language use.
3. Audible
Pricing: Available for free; Premium plans start at $7.95 per month after a free trial
About: The leading audiobook platform holds a vast library of titles across all genres, meaning you can download and listen to books on the go. The books are read by professional narrators, providing high-quality listening experiences. Users can utilize the bookmark feature to mark sections for future reference.
Why use the app: Ideal for those who enjoy immersive storytelling and seek to improve comprehension and pronunciation by listening to fluent, expressive readers. Try to listen actively, visualizing the story while performing your daily activities.
4. ELSA Speak
Pricing: Can be used for free with limited access; ElsaPRO is available for $19.99 a month
About: This is a specialized app designed to improve your English pronunciation. AI analyzes your speech and provides immediate personalized feedback. The app focuses on specific sounds, intonations, and stress patterns, making it a powerful tool for refining spoken English. ELSA Speaks also has structured lessons and practice lessons tailored to your individual needs, ensuring improvement.
Why use the app: To perfect or correct your pronunciation. For example, if you struggle with the “th” sound, ELSA will provide exercises and feedback designed to help you master it.
5. Duolingo
Pricing: Free
About: Duolingo offers bite-sized lessons that cover vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking skills. Its structured approach and daily reminders make it an effective tool for consistent learning and improvement. You can practice vocabulary one day, and speaking the next, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. Make sure to set daily goals and engage in different types of exercises. Furthermore, Duolingo has forums where you can interact with other users and stories that combine reading and listening in an interactive format.
Why use the app: Duolingo makes learning a new language engaging and fun, with its interactive format keeping users motivated.
Smart ways of expanding your vocabulary
Did you know that at least 2,500 words are required to understand everyday English conversations? That's why we need to constantly work on enriching our vocabulary. The process is quite simple and works like this:
1. Acquire new words
Some words can be learned through translation. But, to avoid grave misunderstandings, we should be careful when choosing the translators. Consider the following strategies:
- Choosing dictionaries from reputable sources, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Merriam-Webster and Collins, which we teachers commonly use.
- Look for multiple meanings and usage examples for context. Tools like Reverso provide multiple examples from texts across the internet. At the same time, DeepL offers synonyms and usage examples with the assistance of integrated AI tools, making it superior to Google Translate for translating larger texts like essays or letters.
- Cross-reference using multiple tools and sources to ensure accuracy and depth in understanding.
2. Remember new words
Once you have discovered new word meanings, the next step is to retain them. This can be achieved through creating word lists, flashcards and doing tests or quizzes.
Wordlists
In the digital age, there are numerous options for creating word lists without the need for a paper notebook:
- Cambridge Dictionary allows users to create lists with a free account and provides access to pre-existing lists.
- LanGeek offers a user-friendly and free platform where lists can be sorted by different topics, levels, and exams.
- Vocabulary.com and Test-english.com both feature word lists tailored for specific exams and tests to assess knowledge.
Flashcards
- Quizlet is an amazing platform for creating and using flashcards, as well as revising knowledge through matching, writing, and reading exercises. It offers a paid subscription of $10 per month.
Games/Quizzes
- Wordle is a free daily game where players guess a five-letter word. The game tracks scores and creates statistics. It's a fun way to discover a new word each day and can be shared with friends for friendly competition.
- For those interested in quizzes, Kahoot! is the app for you. Users can create or play existing quizzes collectively, making the app suitable for meetings and parties. While a free account is available, there is also a premium option (from $10 per month) offering a wider range of topics.
Conclusion
Language is not merely a set of rules and structures; it is a living, evolving entity shaped by culture, context, and communication. While websites and apps provide valuable resources, they should complement traditional learning methods rather than replace them. After all, mastery of a language's intricacies requires a multifaceted approach. We wish you the best of luck in your English language journey.
