What can be easier than a question of a
student who has successfully passed his or her English exam at an
upper-intermediate level: “Miss, what shall I do now? Where can I practice my
English? Are there any interesting websites out there?” The obvious answer
could be: “You speak good English now, there is an indefinite number of
websites in English, just choose something”. However, my students were usually
less than satisfied with such an indefinite answer. The formula “Just do
something” obviously doesn’t work with many of us and we prefer some specific
piece of advice from our teachers and trainers. So now I provide them with a
list of websites chosen to practice all four language skills in a fun way. Hope
your students will also appreciate them and won’t lose touch with such a beautiful
English language.
1. Interested in world news? A CNN fan?
That is one of the best sites for English
learners to improve their listening skills. It is run by CNN and based on their
own news stories, grouped into thematic categories. The site allows visitors to
read, listen and view video and do a series of interactive activities to test
comprehension.
2. Enjoy listening to the radio? Ever aspired
to make your own radio program?
The site was founded by two experienced
English teachers quite a long time ago and has proved to be a truly motivating
and educational listening resource since then. It provides students with a vast
amount of listening material from different sources, including learners
themselves as it enables learners and teachers to make their own radio programs. All listening material is
accompanied with a quiz, which makes any listening meaningful.
3. In need of grammar and vocabulary practice?
While most learners have enough of grammar
and vocabulary quizzes at their language schools, amazingly, but there are
still quite a few of students who find grammar and vocabulary tests and quizzes
exciting. The site provides numerous quizzes and games for learners of
different ages and levels and has an impressive section particularly for advanced learners.
4. Feel insecure about American idiomatic
expressions?
Idioms, idioms... a nightmare for a great
number of learners of English. However, native speakers do use them in their
everyday conversations. Spend just a
minute a day and learn the most common idioms used in American English and
their origin in a very exciting way and, what is more important, in context.
Just a minute and you’ll be able to understand and use frequently used idioms
like “dressed to kill”, or “under the weather”.
5. Fancy uncovering English words in a fun
way?
“Find and 'pop' as many words as you can in
the letter grid before your time runs out. Create words from groups of eight
letters. Test your powers of deduction by uncovering the secret word.” Word Games is a section of the website, where
you are provided with 10 quite challenging but extremely exciting word games,
some of which can be launched on an iphone and ipad. The site also offers a
variety of short stories, all of which are rated according to the age group and
length.
Personally I absolutely adore this site - challenging but extremely exciting. "Multipopword" (the green one) is my favourite.
6. Looking for some writing tips?
Whether you
like writing or not, you can hardly avoid it in your life. So if you have to
deal with it anyway, learn how to do it right. This informative website, made
by a groups of professional writers, provides you with smart and useful tips on
tricky vocabulary, special expressions, misused words, punctuation, different
styles, grammar etc. You can also
subscribe by email and will be daily sent a grammar, punctuation or vocabulary
tip.
7. Feel like
training your logical thinking?
Here you are
required to solve real life problems, mathematical puzzles and riddles. The
site is not for those who are learning English but for those who think in
English. You’ve learned English already – it’s time to have some fun now.
8. Dreaming of
meeting new friends? Want a SAFE environment?
This website
hosts chatrooms on different topics and, what is of vital importance, is
constantly moderated to make guests feel safe. Whether you’re a music or a
movie fan or just feel like contemplating about philosophical issues, you’re
bound to find mates. All you need is to register and … put all you’ve learned
into practice.
