I’d like to thank Karen Schweitzer for another of her popular guest posts about free English language resources.
Not everyone can afford classes or expensive English language learning software. Fortunately, there are many free resources available online that anyone can use to learn English on their own. From free online courses to language learning communities, knowledge can be found with just a click of the mouse. Here are 20 free English language learning resources to explore from the comfort of your own home:
Learn English Online – Within this free English learning resource, beginners will find 11 useful language units. Each unit features five lessons complete with text, picture examples, practice assignments, and tests.
VerbaLearn – VerbaLearn is a free online vocabulary studying site that works perfectly for learning English vocabulary words and phrases. Site visitors can learn and study words through audio, video, and printable flashcards and games.
MES English – Although MES English is designed mostly for teachers, this site features a lot of good resources that home learners may find helpful. Resources include flashcards, worksheets, videos, games, and more.
Word2Word – Word2Word is a huge database of resources that home learners can use to learn the English language. The site contains courses, translations, chat sites, language communities, forums, and much more–all for free.
English as a Second Language – English as a Second Language offers listening, speaking, writing, grammar, and vocabulary practice for English learners of all levels.
Activities for ESL Students – This site provides English learners with quizzes, tests, and puzzles for learning and studying beginner to intermediate grammar and vocabulary. Other resources that can be found on this site include podcasts, videos, and games.
ESL Monkeys – The ESL Monkeys site provides a list of free online resources and tools that can be used on the web for learning the English language. Some of the most useful resources include lessons, books, flashcards, quizzes, videos, and forums.
Dave’s ESL Cafe – Dave’s ESL Cafe provides ESL teachers, students, and learners around the world with educational materials and learning resources. Just a few of the resources include language lessons, quizzes, podcasts, and a community forum.
iTalki – This free global language learning community uses web 2.0 concepts to teach over 90 languages online. English learners will find nearly 2,000 free resources for learning and practicing the English language online.
Livemocha – Livemocha is a free online social language learning site with over 2 million members. Users of this site can find free language courses, lessons, and tips to build conversation skills.
Randall’s ESLCyber Listening Lab – This listening lab allows English learners of all levels to listen to everyday conversations in children’s and adult voices. Along with the listening lab, site visitors also find study guides, handouts, and vocabulary quizzes.
ESLPod – ESLPod is a free online learning podcast that presents everyday conversations at slower speeds for maximum comprehension. This site was created by ESL professors with over 30 years of teaching experience.
Free Online Tools for English Language – English learners can find several tools that cover reading, vocabulary, English usage, and writing.
English, Baby! – English, Baby! allows you to learn English for free through lessons, video, chat forums, and tests. This site also provides lessons on slang and grammar as well.
Nonstop English – With Nonstop English, you are able to learn the English language through motivating tests created for every level. New tests are added weekly so you can consistently increase your skills.
Learning-English.ca – Learn-English.ca is a blog that offers tips, resources, games, videos, and quizzes to help you learn English at your own pace.
The English Blog – This blog for learners and teachers offers resources, news, tips, reviews, and trivia. In the categories section, learners can find e-learning resources, dictionaries, grammar, idioms, interactive learning tools, literature, and more.
EnglishPage.com – EnglishPage.com offers free weekly lessons, a reading room, a listening lounge, and much more. Learners can even find in-depth tutorials loaded with interactive exercises.
Busuu – Busuu is a free online language learning site that provides lessons for English, French, German, and Spanish. Within this site, users will find interactive courses and lessons as well as language speaking practice with a worldwide language community.
Guest post from education writer Karen Schweitzer. Karen is the About.com Guide to Business School. She also writes about online classes for OnlineClasses.org.