Learning a language is hard. You may hit the upper intermediate level in English in a span of a few months, but you experience a plateau in your learning graph then. The journey from the B2 level to the C1 level is quite long and backbreaking. You reach a point where you feel zonked and give up.
However, a language learning process does not necessarily have to be boring and tiring. It should rather be fun and interesting. As long as your level is upper intermediate, it shows that you have an operational command of the language to interact on everyday topics.
If you are one of those students who have just begun learning a language, you can use various free resources to learn English.
- Write and Improve Tool
Writing is considered an important method of learning any language. By writing on any topic, you get a chance to build vocabulary and learn everyday expressions that enable you to improve your speaking skills, too.
Cambridge Write and Improve tool is aimed at students at three levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Every day, new topics are added to encourage you to write more and more. The tool will assess your writing skills and give you sentence and word-level feedback. The tool will also let you know the overall level of your writing from A1 to C2. It will also give you a chance to make improvements multiple times to make your task better. Your progress graph will show how each time you improved. It will show 10 checks in total.
You can create a workbook, too, and share it with your teacher to receive feedback. The tool is also aimed at students who are looking to sit international language assessment exams such as IELTS. You can try 10 free tasks, but to access the full workbook, you will have to sign up. The subscription is monthly. In case you do not have sufficient money, you can take out quick and easy loans in Ireland.
- Online activities
There are various online fun activities that help you improve listening, reading, writing and speaking skills in a fun way. Mostly, such activities are aimed at beginners. You will access videos on an everyday subject. Listen in and sing along. It will help you learn the right pronunciation and new words.
Those who are looking to sit exams can also use online resources to prepare them. A lot of material is available online for all-level students that you can access without paying a penny and make yourself ready for the exam. Sample papers are also available in print format; however, you will have to pay for them out of your pocket.
- Cambridge Dictionary Plus
Cambridge Dictionary Plus is the best free source to improve vocabulary and grammar. With the help of games and quizzes, you can explore many new words without feeling bored and tired. Word Scramble is one of the games that you can play tirelessly. Read the definition and then rearrange the letters to make it the right word before the clock beats you.
You can also take part in quizzes like gap fill, multiple choice and audio. You will have similar words in multiple-choice quizzes from which you will opt out of the right one. Audio quizzes will hone your listening skills. You will have to type a word after you hear the pronunciation.
- English shows, songs and podcasts
Those who are looking to upgrade their level to advanced should watch international shows. Watching international content can hone your listening. You will understand the real accent. The good thing is that OTT platforms display subtitles for better understanding. You will explore lots of natural expressions. Note them down in your diary and learn.
In addition, you should listen to podcasts. BBC podcasts will help you understand different accents. You can pick any genre that you like, such as true crime, comedy, health, money, and so on. It will make you a confident English user. Try to be habitual in listening to podcasts first, as international shows are extremely fluent.
Once you take them in your stride, start trying listening to songs. They are extremely hard to understand for non-native speakers, but if you can, you are a proficient English listener.
- LingQ app
The LingQ app can help you access an inordinate amount of content to learn the English language. The app is aimed at all-level students. Just choose your level and start reading whatever you like. The app also has countless podcasts.
The good thing about the app is that words get automatically added to your word list, which meanings you check while reading. Next time you visit those words, know if your brain retains their meanings. However, not all features of the app are free of cost. You will have to pay a monthly subscription to access all of them.
Other methods to learn the English language
- You should read a lot. Reading will help you build your vocabulary. Remember that you will need vocabulary to hone your communication skills.
- Listen as much as you can. Listening is also crucial to improve your vocabulary. You will understand natural expressions. Your speaking will be much better. It will help you ace your English exam.
- You should get a language expert who will evaluate your progress. You will need a trainer to improve your speaking and writing skills.
- Immerse yourself in the learning environment. If possible, go to an English-speaking country. The more input there is, the more output there will be.
- Be patient because language learning is a lengthy process. It takes time to become a proficient user.
The final word
There are various free resources you can access to learn the English language. Learning a language should not be boring. Find innovative and exciting ways to keep the momentum going. However, if you think of upgrading, do not shy away from using paid methods. Hire a language partner who can help you learn. It can be overwhelming at a certain stage but do not give up. Just stick to your goals and efforts.
