Chapters
- 01. Babbel
- 02. Rosetta Stone
- 03. Memrise
- 04. Duolingo
- 05. FluentU
- 06. Conclusion
Having a conversation with an English native speaker is the best way to improve your level of the language. However, unfortunately for a variety of reasons, this is not always possible!
Sometimes the best starting point is to build a solid foundation before you get around to conversing with others and putting your skills to the test.
But, don't worry, we have a solution to your problem.
There are many online language learning tools for English, including websites you can use to either consolidate your knowledge of the language or learn English from scratch. With the number of online resources that are out there, learning has never been so accessible!
Why are language learning websites beneficial?
- They're interactive: the majority of these websites offer fun games you can play to learn vocabulary and different grammatical rules.
- Learn at your own pace: you can learn English from the comfort of your own home. Just before bed, you can play a quick English language game, with no pressure. You are your own boss.
- You can vary the websites you use: you don't always have to stick to one website, you can vary the websites you use. One day you can use Babbel and the next day, Rosetta Stone, depending on your mood!
Babbel
Babbel is available both on the web, as well as on Android and iOS.
Are you a beginner in English starting from scratch? Or are you an intermediate learner? Whichever you may be, Babbel is perfect as it tailors to everyone's language needs.
Babbel offers vocabulary lessons on different topics as well as courses with tongue twisters, idioms, colloquialisms and all the different sayings you need to know. You will also get a review of each lesson to consolidate what you learned.
Each lesson takes around 12 minutes and once you’re finished you get a grade of 58. The lesson plan is extremely well organised. You are given a detailed explanation of the lesson, for example, “How to order in a restaurant” or "how to ask for the bill politely" and you then answer some questions. It is exceptionally interactive and you can choose from a wide range of topics to learn from.
However, Babbel does have its advantages and disadvantages.
Let's take a look at some of the advantages of the service. First and foremost the website is extremely attractive and the design is easy to navigate around, for all ages! Each lesson is extremely detailed, there is a lot of information but it is fun.
Last but not least, Babbel has turned to learn English as a hobby rather than a chore. This is important if you are to make your study efforts sustainable and consistent in the long run!
Thankfully there are not as many disadvantages though one would have to comment on the cost. Unfortunately, Babbel does come with a price tag of £12 per month. However, for all the benefits you will receive, £12 per month can be worth it, right?
Rosetta Stone
The language-learning software, Rosetta Stone was released online in 2014 and is available on the web and on iOS and Android, in 24 languages.
The founders of Rosetta Stone guarantee that by using their language-learning tool, you can easily learn a new language, such as English, without visiting an Anglophone country.
How Does it Work?
Rosetta Stone believes that the best way of learning a foreign language, such as English is not through translation. This language-learning tool has adopted a different teaching method from Babbel. It is even more interactive, they believe that teaching a language through images and sounds is an excellent way of drilling a foreign language into your brain.
It has been said that we do learn better through patterns, games and fun images.
Unlike Babbel, with Rosetta Stone, you are told if you answered the correct answer after each question, not at the end of the quiz.
Not only does it teach vocabulary on different topics, but it is also great for improving your English pronunciation. Firstly, you are given the option of hearing a native English speaker say a word, for example, "The table", you then record yourself saying this word and can play your recording back by comparing it with the native's pronunciation. You can record your voice as many times as you wish until you feel you have it right.
You can also practice having an English conversation with Rosetta Stone's English native tutors. It works similarly to a Skype or FaceTime call, you can hear and speak to your tutor and they can help you with anything, for example, "How to book a hotel room" or more simple things, like "How to introduce yourself in English".
Search for English courses here.
However, like with Babbel, if you are interested in learning English with Rosetta Stone, you must subscribe to their online membership. You have the option of committing yourself to either a 12-month or 24-month membership.
It isn't cheap, but we all know it will be worth it in the end!
Find English tutors and ESOL classes here!
Memrise
Like the other language-learning tools we have seen, Memrise is available on the web and on iOS and Android. It was founded in 2005 and is available in 25 languages, and of course in the most widely spoken language worldwide: English!
Memrise only covers vocabulary exercises, it does not offer lessons in grammar, pronunciation, and reading.
It offers many different levels suited to your personal level.
For example, the levels for beginners work on basic vocabularies, such as "cat" or "house". The more advanced levels give users an insight into more complex vocabulary and phrases.
How Does it Work?
Memrise takes a completely different approach from the other tools we have seen. They base their application around "mems". Now, we have all seen "mems" on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, you can spend hours scrolling through them laughing your head off!
A deck of cards (the mems) is displayed along with its meaning. Each mem has a word or phrase that is connected to the accompanying image or audio. This motivates you to learn the mem and its significance by using visual tests.
The possibility for users to create their own mems is also available. You can create your own mem and upload it to Memrise, for instance, if you are playing Memrise and discover a simpler way to remember a specific word. Fun, huh?
You can also hear a word being said by an English native speaker by tapping the voice button. This is great for listening and knowing the right pronunciation, as you can hear the recording over and over again. If Listening is the way you learn best, Check out these podcasts for learning English.
Memrise has no internet requirements, so you may use it to pass the time on a flight without having access to Facebook or Instagram while improving your English. Another amazing benefit of Memrise is that there is no membership cost to pay. Memrise is a fun and relaxing way to sharpen your English language skills.
Memrise is appropriate for you regardless of your skill level if you're interested in learning new English vocabulary
Duolingo
Duolingo was launched in 2011 and offers a variety of English language learning courses. The education app has adopted a very different approach from the other websites we have seen.
The platform has expanded rapidly in recent years, making its way onto the smartphone of almost every language learner whether they are serious or casual. Duolingo serves to fill the needs of learners from a variety of different levels.
This language learning platform believes you learn English better by translating short texts and phrases, as well as doing a variety of listening dictation exercises. This is an extremely French way of learning a language, and it works a treat! Learn which translation tools are best for learning English here.
The exercises are very short, so you can play whenever you have a moment, whilst you're waiting for the train for example.
Duolingo has the option of completing a timed practice option, where you are given 20 questions with 30 seconds to answer. This feature does sound pretty difficult, but it is perfect if you're looking to learn English quickly!
If you like the sound of what you have read so far, then look no further and download Duolingo!
The platform is even used as an alternative outlet for learning in some secondary schools across the UK. Unlike many language learning websites, Duolingo is completely free! There are a few extras you can opt to pay for, like the timed practice option, but this is not obligatory and you can still learn English on Duolingo without paying a penny.
FluentU
One of the top websites for adult learners is FluentU. You must follow them carefully and take advantage of all of their characteristics. To learn English quickly, they have released a variety of videos.
This is the best website for learning many languages, not only English. You can choose this website as your partner in language study, and they will provide you with all the options on their website.
You will, nevertheless, receive the most important advice for effectively and efficiently learning English. You will also receive entertaining video content to help you learn English quickly. So don't waste any more time and attempt to follow this top website for learning English.
Discover the best apps for learning English on your phone or tablet.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many excellent websites for learning languages. You'll not only have a great time, but you'll also get better at speaking English. Whether it's Chinese or English, language learning websites have revolutionized and will continue to revolutionize the way we all learn a language. Learning a language is enjoyable because of the involvement offered by language learning websites.
So, you can throw away your English grammar and vocabulary books and turn to these websites! (we can all agree that learning boring old vocabulary can be painful)!
If you are interested in taking ESOL courses or learning English online, you can find a range of specialised private tutors on Superprof. For extra support with grammar and general language support see our selection of experienced English tutors. They can provide private tuition for any language level.
Tutors that currently list their services across the UK range anywhere from £8 right up to £35. Many of which list their services on the site offer students the option to arrange a trial tutoring session free of charge.
This gives students the opportunity to select a tutor based on their preferred style of learning and will give students the opportunity to select a tutor suitable for their General IELTS or IELTS Academic exam.
The platform also gives students the choice of working from the convenience of their own home, the tutor's home, or remotely via webcam. This option offers some much-needed flexibility for those who are working while also assisting pupils in addressing their specific language-related shortcomings.
Why not pick up where you left off and continue honing your English skills with Superprof today? Many of the English teachers on the platform provide assistance for any level so don't hesitate to book a consultation with one today!
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