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Despite the availability of online courses in 87 languages, those conducted in English exceed all others significantly, with a ratio of over six to one. This dominance makes English a valuable language to learn, even though many courses provide subtitles in various other languages.
In an effort to enhance your writing prowess, earlier this year we refined our compilation of writing improvement courses, all of which presume a certain level of fluency in English.
However, what options exist for those with limited or no knowledge of English?
For individuals without easy access to traditional education, the internet serves as a valuable resource for language acquisition. Much like other skills, mastering a new language demands memory techniques, consistent practice, and learning through errors.
Having a study partner, whether a friend or family member, can enhance the learning experience. Nevertheless, with a variety of apps and online tools, solo learning is entirely feasible.
If English is not your first language, explore the following online resources. The subsequent list includes 250 free and paid courses designed to bolster your English language capabilities, categorized by Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.
Certain courses are also featured in our previous article focusing on writing skills. If you begin a course that proves too challenging or too easy, it is simple to switch to another option.
Index
Click to jump to specific sections and resources.
More Courses
If the available lists do not meet your requirements, Class Central provides additional support. You can delve into a vast catalog of over 250,000 courses, or explore various specialized collections.
Why Learn English?
Learning English comes with numerous benefits:
- English is increasingly recognized as the global language of communication, serving as a lingua franca. According to the 2024 Ethnologue, approximately 1.515 billion people speak English, and various sources provide differing estimates of its speakers.
- Learning English facilitates communication with non-native speakers, enabling conversations between individuals from different linguistic backgrounds, such as a Spanish speaker conversing with a Chinese speaker in English.
- Being able to communicate with locals enhances travel experiences. Many tourist destinations employ English-speaking guides and staff, which can improve the overall travel experience.
- Proficiency in English opens doors to educational opportunities abroad.
- Learning English can significantly enhance job prospects across the globe.
- It provides greater access to social interactions.
- The knowledge of English expands the variety of online resources and information available.
- Studying English can lead to a richer understanding of the cultures in English-speaking countries, as well as a greater appreciation for one’s own culture.
- Research indicates that engaging with language and recalling vocabulary can contribute positively to brain health and may help in delaying dementia.
- Improving communication skills across listening, reading, writing, and speaking is another significant advantage.
English Tests
Individuals aiming to work or study in English-speaking nations frequently need to demonstrate their proficiency in the language through standardized testing. Voice of America’s Learning English outlines three predominant tests: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Various Free Language Sites
Duolingo: Recognized as one of the leading language learning platforms with over 500 million users, Duolingo offers a game-like experience for learning various languages. It is accessible for free, though a subscription can eliminate ads and provide additional features.
Forvo: This pronunciation dictionary includes millions of word recordings contributed by native speakers from over 370 languages. It is accessible for free, and contributions are welcomed. Users can add their pronunciations, fostering collaborative learning.
The Mimic Method: Idahosa Ness promotes a unique approach to language learning through listening and mimicry. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and reproducing the sounds used in different languages, which supports later skills in reading and writing.
The Learn English Network: Based in the UK, this non-profit organization offers free resources supported by ads and donations. It features sections on grammar, vocabulary, games, and tests.
Some Paid Options
While free resources can be effective, investing in lessons may be necessary for a more comprehensive language learning experience. The internet provides a plethora of paid options.
Babbel: Established in 2007, Babbel offers over 100,000 hours of content across 14 languages, including lessons and live classes. Users can try the first lesson for free before subscribing.
Rosetta Stone: Leveraging millions of users globally, Rosetta Stone employs a speech recognition tool to assist learners with pronunciation, seamlessly integrating audio lessons and native speaker content. Subscription plans vary from three months to lifetime access.
Yabla: This platform offers immersive language videos with optional interactive subtitles, allowing for learning in a mobile format. A free trial is available, and it supports educational institutions as well.
FluentU: This site teaches through real-world videos accompanied by interactive subtitles. Users can try it for two weeks before the first subscription payment and gain access to quizzes and flashcards. Additionally, it provides resources like 30 games for learning English.
Italki: Connecting over 5 million learners with more than 7,000 English teachers, Italki allows users to schedule lessons via Skype or other platforms. Students can purchase credits that are deducted when booking lessons.
Oxford Online English: Offers a variety of options ranging from free recorded lessons to personalised 1-on-1 instruction across topics including business English and exam preparation.
Preply: Learners can select personal tutors based on profiles and availability. Preply offers free trial lessons and discounts for bulk purchases of tutoring hours, in addition to small group classes in diverse subjects.
British Council: In addition to online courses through FutureLearn, the British Council provides self-study materials, online classes, and one-on-one tutoring.
YouTube
Simply searching “learn English” on YouTube presents an extensive array of educational content, including videos that cover general language learning skills relevant not only to English but various other languages as well.
Websites and Mobile Apps for Chinese Students
Kaomanfen: This English education platform from the TAL group provides resources for major English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, and GMAT. Offering both free and paid courses as well as practice simulations, the platform serves to enhance users’ testing readiness.
Open Language: This mobile app, developed by a popular podcast host, delivers diverse English learning services, including vocabulary exercises and online conversation platforms. The app was acquired by ByteDance in March 2018.
Yidian English: A mobile application that uses short clips from various media sources to assist users in practicing their English speaking skills, promoting vocabulary acquisition and listening exercises.
HelloTalk: This community-driven app fosters language learning through real-time conversations with users from around the world, allowing for language exchange and practice.
Baicizhan: This app gamifies the learning of English vocabulary by matching words to images, catering to various proficiency levels.
MOMO Vocabulary: This application helps users learn English vocabulary while providing detailed learning statistics from elementary to advanced levels.
Liulishuo: This app uses a shadowing technique to facilitate English speaking practice, offering feedback on pronunciation and additional learning services.
Qupeiyin: A mobile application that enhances speaking skills through movie dubbing, providing timely feedback on performance.
Shanbei: This suite of applications includes resources for vocabulary learning, listening, reading, and speaking practice, catering to various learning preferences.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Immerse yourself in English by listening to podcasts, radio shows, movies, and television series, especially those you already enjoy. If subtitles are available, select English ones to enhance comprehension by reading along.
Keeping a daily journal in English, even for a few minutes, can significantly improve your writing skills. Focus on expressing your thoughts rather than achieving perfect accuracy.
Strive to think directly in English instead of translating from your native language, promoting fluency and cognitive processing.
Start Learning Today
With the vast resources available online, learning a new language is now more attainable than ever. Regular practice will accelerate your language learning journey.
Beginner English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses (120)
Strong programs available include “Exploring English: Shakespeare” from British Council and various others from esteemed institutions up through “Learn English Fast – Part 2” and “Curso gratuito de Inglés para Principiantes.” Several programs focus on speaking skills, basic grammar, and practical applications to lay a strong foundation for English language proficiency.
Advanced ESL Courses (5)
Advanced courses cater to learners seeking to enhance their expertise in areas such as business English, academic communication, and specialized vocabulary, providing opportunities for in-depth learning and application in a professional setting.
General ESL Courses (45)
A comprehensive range of general ESL courses address various aspects of language learning.
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