Language Learning Resources
Are you looking for some resources to help you study and practice English? Below you will find a list of what we like to recommend to English learners.
Grammar
English For Everyone: English Grammar Guide
AUTHOR: DK Publishing
GENRE: textbook
FORMAT: print, ebook
DESCRIPTION:
This is an English grammar textbook that serves best as reference or review; it does not teach. This is why the book is not organized in the typical way that a beginner or intermediate English textbook is; it does not follow a particular order of learning.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
This book works best for an adult who has already learned the foundations of English grammar appropriate to their language level. It is equally helpful for students and educators.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Most textbooks use a lot of technical language, as well as overly detailed instruction. This book does not do that. Instead, this book uses minimal and simplified language to review complex grammar rules. It includes colour-coding, many images and various examples to facilitate the learning experience. Additionally, it pairs well with other learning materials published in the English For Everyone book series (some of these can be seen below).
SIMILAR BOOKS
English For Everyone: English Grammar Guide Practice Book
AUTHOR: DK Publishing
GENRE: textbook
FORMAT: print, ebook
English For Everyone: Beginner Course & Practice Books
AUTHOR: DK Publishing
GENRE: textbook
FORMAT: print
English For Everyone: Intermediate to Advanced Course & Practice Books
AUTHOR: DK Publishing
GENRE: textbook
FORMAT: print
Reading
goodreads
FORMAT: website, app
COST: free
DESCRIPTION:
This is an international database of published literature. It provides information on books, such as original and translated titles, series, genres, sub-genres and themes, summaries, ratings, reviews, editions, purchase locations, and more.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B1
B2
C1
C2
This website and app works best for intermediate to advanced English learners ages 13+.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Reading is an important part of language learning. However, it can often be difficult finding interesting books to read in one’s target language. This website and application makes it easy.
It is simple to make an account and browse through a seemingly infinite variety of book and author recommendations based on your personal reading interests. You can look up titles in your native language and find their English editions. It is also easy to buy books that you find because there are several links to online stores that specifically carry the ones you’re interested in. It is equally fun to keep track of the books that you have read, the ones that you want to read, as well as those that you are currently reading. Doing so can keep you accountable to consistently practice your reading skill in English.
Kindle E-reader
FORMAT: electronic device
COST: dependent on model
MODEL: Kindle Paperwhite
DESCRIPTION:
This is an electronic device that allows you to read digital books.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B1
B2
C1
C2
This product works best for intermediate to advanced English learners of all ages.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Virtually every book published in the English language is available on the Kindle E-reader (including books published in other languages).
This product can link to your goodreads account, making it simpler to find books that you would more likely be interested in reading.
If you do not understand a word you can tap it and you will immediately find its dictionary definition, a Wikipedia article about it and a direct translation from your native language. Once you have done this, this word will appear in a vocabulary list, which you can use to study from. You can even write your own notes in the book as you read, which can also be helpful in your studying and review later.
Thanks to the special technology used by the Kindle E-reader, your eyes do not become sore from looking at the screen for long periods of time; it is a different experience from reading on your phone, tablet or computer. It feels more like reading from a real book.
Lastly, this product’s batteries charge quickly compared to other similar products on the market. Its battery life is also quite long, allowing you to read for hours a day for over a week before needing to plug it in to recharge.
Libby, by Overdrive
FORMAT: app
COST: free
DESCRIPTION:
This app allows you to borrow library books and read them on any electronic device.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B1
B2
C1
C2
This website and app works best for intermediate to advanced English learners of all ages.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Libby, by Overdrive allows you to have the e-reading experience without necessarily purchasing an e-reader. If you have a cell phone, tablet, or computer you can download this app and connect it to your local library to borrow any e-book, audio book, or magazine you want to read or listen to in order to practice your English. If you live in the United States of America you can also connect Libby, by Overdrive to your Kindle E-reader.
Similar to the Kindle E-reader, Libby, by Overdrive allows you to take notes while you read or listen, look up words or phrases that you do not understand, and keep a list of books that you want to read (like goodreads).
LingQ
FORMAT: website, app
COST: dependent on features
DESCRIPTION:
LingQ is a platform that aims at improving language learners’ reading comprehension.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
This product works best for teenagers and adults who have an English level between pre-intermediate to advanced.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Founded by a successful hyperpolyglot, this platform was clearly developed with the language learning experience in mind.
From a variety of literary genres to podcast transcriptions and news articles, there is an extensive range of reading materials available for you to choose from. This is great because it offers you something interesting to read, which makes learning more fun and memorable.
If there is something that you want to read and it is not available on LingQ then you can upload it to the platform yourself, turning any e-book, YouTube video, PDF, email, and more into an interactive English reading lesson.
If you do not understand a word or phrase, you can easily select the expression and find its definition, adding it to a vocabulary list to study from later. Such vocabulary lists keep track of the most relevant words and phrases to you based on your reading history on the platform. Doing so, it also keeps track of your reading and vocabulary learning progress.
reedsy prompts
FORMAT: website
COST: free
DESCRIPTION:
Related to language learning, this website offers a variety of short stories to read.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B2
C1
C2
This website is ideal for upper-intermediate to advanced English learners.
WHY I LIKE IT:
reedsy prompts offers a wide selection of high quality short stories. Every week, hundreds of new stories are published to the site by aspiring writers. Each story relates to a very specific and unique topic, which makes reading more entertaining, thereby enhancing the English learning experience, making memorization easier and reading more encouraging.
If you do not have much time, or reading a novel or non-fiction book intimidates you, then short stories are an excellent way to improve your reading comprehension.
Medium
FORMAT: website, app
COST: free
DESCRIPTION:
Medium is a digital magazine.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B2
C1
C2
This platform works best for adults with an English level of intermediate or higher.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Magazine articles are shorter to read than books, so if you do not have a lot of time or you prefer short texts, then Medium is a great option.
There are a variety of thought-provoking non-fiction articles and essays to choose from, as well as a smaller selection of fictional writing to read.
The language used in Medium’s articles is modern and, in many cases, reflect everyday vocabulary and grammatical structures.
As a bonus, reading free texts on Medium financially supports independent writers.
Writing
Journaly
FORMAT: website
COST: free + premium option
DESCRIPTION:
This website offers language learners the ability to practice their writing skill.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
This website is ideal for almost all English language learners, regardless of their level.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Founded and developed by a successful multilingual, this platform is clearly made with language learning in mind.
English language learners can post compositions and other texts that they write onto the platform for free review and correction. Fluent English speakers can leave helpful feedback on grammar, writing style, vocabulary, and more.
The website is simple to navigate and use.
Improvements to the site and its functionality are regularly added and updated.
Academic Writing: An Introduction
AUTHORS: Janet Giltrow, Richard Gooding, Daniel Burgoyne, Marlene Sawatsky
GENRE: textbook
FORMAT: print
DESCRIPTION:
This book specifically teaches on university-level writing in Canada.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
C1
C2
This book is ideal for advanced to fluent English learners and speakers who are needing to learn how to write academic research essays, articles and theses at both an undergraduate and graduate level in Canada.
WHY I LIKE IT:
This textbook is easy to navigate due to its well-organized structure.
Writing strategies essential to Canadian academia are well explained and explored.
Every unit ends with a variety of examples that detail each writing strategy introduced.
Vocabulary
Quizlet
FORMAT: website (better), app
COST: free + premium options
DESCRIPTION:
This platform is a digital flash-card system.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
A1
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
This website and app works best for English language learners of all ages and levels. It is also an excellent tool for educators.
WHY I LIKE IT:
You can create your own personalized vocabulary list based on what you are currently learning at school, at a private academy, at work, at home, etc.
You have a variety of interactive options that you can use to study your vocabulary lists, including different games, quizzes and exams, flash-cards, and more.
You can study other English learners’ vocabulary lists, as well as those created by English language educators.
Quizlet keeps track of your most common mistakes so that you can prioritize strengthening your weaknesses.
By selecting the language that you are learning, you can include automated pronunciation of each word or upload your own audio file to make it more personal.
English For Everyone: English Phrasal Verbs
AUTHOR: DK Publishing
GENRE: textbook
FORMAT: print, ebook
DESCRIPTION:
This book introduces commonly used phrasal verbs in the English language.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B2
C1
This book best serves intermediate to advanced learners of North American English.
WHY I LIKE IT:
This book includes a variety of everyday phrasal verbs used in North American English.
The book is organized according to different categories of vocabulary (e.g. relationships, clothing, explaining yourself, encouragement, etc.).
The design is simplified and colour-coded, making it a more pleasant experience to navigate and learn from.
There are lots of example sentences using each phrasal verb.
There is a diverse array of exercises that help you study, memorize and understand the meaning and use of each phrasal verb.
The book comes with free online audio files so that you can practice your listening and pronunciation while you learn new vocabulary.
SIMILAR BOOKS
English For Everyone: English Idioms
AUTHOR: DK Publishing
GENRE: textbook
FORMAT: print, ebook
English For Everyone: English Vocabulary Builder
AUTHOR: DK Publishing
GENRE: textbook
FORMAT: print, ebook
English For Everyone: Illustrated English Dictionary
AUTHOR: DK Publishing
GENRE: textbook
FORMAT: print
Dictionary.com
FORMAT: website, app
COST: free
DESCRIPTION:
This platform serves as an English language dictionary.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B1
B2
C1
C2
This website and app works best for teenagers and adults with an English level of intermediate to advanced.
WHY I LIKE IT:
This platform is simple in design and use. It eliminates the academic and gets straight to the point: “what does this word mean?” This makes it a more pleasant experience for learners of all educational backgrounds.
When a word is primarily American or British, it is clearly indicated.
Pronunciation is offered in both IPA and general English phonetics.
This platform’s thesaurus is equally as powerful. The way it is organized according to context is both effective and helpful.
To expand your vocabulary in practice, you can play word games (e.g. crosswords, word searches, etc.) and check out the word-of-the-day.
SIMILAR PLATFORMS
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
AUTHOR: Encyclopaedia Britannica
GENRE: reference
FORMAT: website, app, print, ebook
COST: free + purchase option
Cambridge English Dictionary
FORMAT: website, app
COST: free
Reverso Dictionary
FORMAT: website, app
COST: free
Board Game Arena
FORMAT: website
COST: free + premium option
DESCRIPTION:
This platform serves as a virtual board gaming environment.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B2
C1
C2
This website works best for adults with an English level of upper-intermediate to advanced.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Board games use highly thematic vocabulary and offer a practical context in which such vocabulary can be used in both a passive and active way, either alone or in groups. This allows for a more dynamic and memorable language learning experience that enhances a person’s ability to use precise vocabulary as it relates to specific topics.
Practical application of English knowledge can be found in instant messaging, audio calls and video calls with people from around the world. Such helps a language learner expose themselves to a variety of accents in the English language. It also helps one to become more confident in one’s ability to communicate in written or oral forms, as having fun is the primary goal of each game and frequent play creates opportunities for socialization in the English language.
Board games can be quite expensive, so it can be a challenge to try different ones out to see if you like them before purchasing them. Board Game Arena allows users to play 800+ board games from around the world for free or for a very affordable monthly price. This diverse selection makes for a less boring language learning experience, as it is changes language learning routine and has a high probability of offering games that pertain to a particular person’s interests.
This platform is simple in design and use. It is, therefore, easy to navigate, set up and join games, and operate games.
Listening
YouTube
FORMAT: website, app
COST: free + premium option
DESCRIPTION:
This is a video streaming platform.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
This platform best serves pre-intermediate to advanced English language learners of all ages.
WHY I LIKE IT:
The variety of topics covered in videos on this platform are virtually endless. If you want to practice your listening skills in English by watching a tutorial, vlog, stand-up comedy routine, movie, music video, podcast, or more you can.
Most videos include automated subtitles, which you can turn on and off.
You can slow down or speed up the audio in order to make listening more comfortable based on your current learning needs.
YouGlish
FORMAT: website, app
COST: free
DESCRIPTION:
This platform helps language learners improve their listening comprehension while watching videos.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B2
C1
C2
This platform is ideal for teenagers and adults with an intermediate to advanced English language level.
WHY I LIKE IT:
You can search any word that you have difficulties understanding or pronouncing. YouGlish will provide you with thousands of YouTube videos where the word you are searching for is naturally spoken. You can cycle through these videos with ease. Each video will start at the exact moment where the word that you are looking up is spoken.
You can practice your listening comprehension in a variety of English language accents: American, Canadian, British, Scottish, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand.
Videos can be slowed down or sped up according to your learning needs.
Highlighted subtitles are availble below each video, making it easier to follow along if you need the additional help while listening.
Pronunciation tips can be found at the bottom of each search result.
Netflix
FORMAT: website, app
COST: dependent on plan
DESCRIPTION:
This is a video streaming platform.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
This platform is ideal for pre-intermediate to advanced English language learners of all ages.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Netflix has an impressive library of popular and obscure shows, movies, and specials. It offers many blockbuster hits, independent projects, and even its own original content. New content is added monthly.
Every video is equipped with English subtitles, as well as subtitles in a variety of other languages (likely including your own). These you can turn on or off.
IMDb: Internet Movie Database
FORMAT: website, app
COST: free + premium option
DESCRIPTION:
This is the official platform used by Hollywood actors, directors, screenwriters, and other industry professionals.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B2
C1
C2
This platform is ideal for teenagers and adults with an intermediate to advanced English language level.
WHY I LIKE IT:
This platform serves as a comprehensive film database, which you can use to search for any show, movie, or special produced in the English language, among others. If you want to try watching something that you originally saw in your native language, you can search the title you know and find its English title equivalent.
IMDb is a great way to find new content to watch on video streaming services. It provides you with a feed of new productions, show and movie trailers, suggested content based on your watch history and followed actors, directors, and more.
You can keep track of the English language content that you have watched and rated.
You can also keep track of what you want to watch in the future.
Audible
FORMAT: website, app
COST: free + in-app purchases
DESCRIPTION:
This is an audio book library and streaming service.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B1
B2
C1
C2
This platform is ideal for intermediate to advanced English language learners of all ages.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Audible has high quality and engaging audio books that can be comfortably streamed on a large variety of electronic devices: cell phones, e-readers, tablets, computers, televisions, etc.
There is a diverse selection of audio books available, including traditional bestselling books, books available for purchase on Amazon.com, and Audible original content.
The audio books from this service are often performed by their authors, talented actors, and professional audio book narrators.
Spotify
FORMAT: website, app
COST: free + premium option
DESCRIPTION:
This is the most popular international music streaming service currently available.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
A1
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
This platform is ideal for English language learners of all levels and ages.
WHY I LIKE IT:
This platform has a virtually infinite amount of music and podcasts to listen to from a variety of English-speaking countries.
It is easy to find and explore new musical artists, songs, genres, podcasts, and more.
Many songs are paired with a lyric feature, which you can use to read while you listen.
You can create your own playlists.
Lingoclip
FORMAT: website, app
COST: free
DESCRIPTION:
This platform helps language learners practice their listening comprehension skills with the help of music.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B1
B2
C1
C2
This platform is ideal for intermediate to advanced English language learners of all ages.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Many of the most popular music is available to practice with.
Your favourite songs are turned into interactive games that test your vocabulary and listening comprehension.
You can keep track of your progress with the platform’s scoring system.
You can change the level of difficulty according to your learning needs.
By singing along you can improve your pronunciation and reading skills, too.
TTSMAKER
FORMAT: website
COST: free + premium option
DESCRIPTION:
This is a free text-to-speech service available in multiple languages.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
A1
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
This platform is ideal for English language learners of all levels and ages.
WHY I LIKE IT:
There are a variety of natural-sounding voices in different accents to choose from, allowing you to practice your listening comprehension as it relates to different accents in the English language.
You can input large texts that you have written or that someone else has written (i.e. news articles, blog entries, PDFs, etc.) in order to practice your listening comprehension and to shadow what you hear in order to practice your pronunciation and speaking abilities.
You can download files for free so that you can listen to the audio speech that you have created in the future.
Speaking
italki
FORMAT: website (better), app
COST: free + in-app purchases
DESCRIPTION:
This platform is a language learning platform.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
A1
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
This website and app works best for adults of any English language level.
WHY I LIKE IT:
You can quickly find a free language exchange partner with whom you can practice your English speaking.
You can book conversational lessons with experienced tutors and teachers, such as myself.
The calendar system is intuitively designed, making it easier to see when you have scheduled conversational lessons.
No additional video calling software is required, though it is recommended.
HelloTalk
FORMAT: app
COST: free
DESCRIPTION:
This app helps language learners find language exchange partners.
WHO IT HELPS BEST:
B2
B1
C1
C2
This app best serves intermediate to advanced English language adults.
WHY I LIKE IT:
It is simple to use and to find a language exchange partner that you enjoy speaking with.
The built-in chatting system works well.