Learning English as a second language, or ESL, is very important for people around the world, especially if they live in an English-speaking country. In schools, learning ESL helps students better understand what's going on in class, make friends, and feel like part of the school community. When students learn English well, they can follow lessons better and feel more confident. They also get more chances to read, write, and share ideas. Speaking English can help students get good grades, join school clubs, and plan for college or future jobs.
In business, knowing English can open many doors. Many companies, big and small, work with people from different countries, and English is often the language that people use to communicate. In fact, it's the most studied language in the world: More than a billion people in many different countries speak English. When a worker knows English, they can understand instructions, emails, and meetings better. This can help them work faster and with fewer mistakes. If a person learns English, they can also feel ready to apply for different kinds of jobs or get promoted in those jobs. Many companies like to hire people who know English because it makes talking to customers, clients, or partners easier. Knowing English can help someone make more friends at work too. Someday, you might even try putting your English skills to use by starting and running a business of your own.
In everyday life, English can help people feel more comfortable and confident. For example, if someone moves to an English-speaking country, they need to understand things like signs, menus, and forms. Knowing English helps them ask for help, talk to their neighbors, and take part in community events. They can go to the grocery store, talk to doctors, and help their kids with school. Even if they only know a little bit of English, it can make daily life easier. English is also the main language used on the Internet and in entertainment, so learning it opens up more ways to have fun, learn new things, and meet people.
But the Internet isn't just written in English a lot of the time. The Internet can also be a great tool to help you learn English or get better at it. No matter what your first language is, you can find websites with lessons, games, and activities that can make learning English easier. There are pages that can help you learn the basics if you're just starting out, and there are also websites where you can practice listening to and understanding people speaking English, learn new English words, or practice your pronunciation.
Speaking and Listening
- English Practice Conversation: Buying Textbooks
- Common Irregular Verbs
- Listen and Repeat: Basic Greetings and Small Talk
- How to Talk About the Weather With Good Pronunciation
- Making a Decision Listening Exercise
- Linking Consonant and Vowel Sounds
- Listening Exercise: David Is Planning a Vacation
- American English Pronunciation in One Hour
- Listening Practice: NY Film Locations
- Listening Test
Listening and Reading
- Reading Comprehension Test: "Carly's Family"
- My House: A Reading Activity
- April Fool's Day Reading Comprehension Exercise
- Listen and Read: My Father's Dragon
- TOEFL Reading Practice Test
- ESL Podcast: Meeting a New Neighbor
- Sherlock Holmes Meets Dr. Watson
- Food From Home Reading Exercise
- Silly Bear Story Comprehension Activity
- Reading Comprehension: The History of Coffee
Writing, Grammar, and Vocabulary
Additional Materials and Resources
- 15-Minute Quiz to Test Your English Level
- Popwordy Spelling and Vocabulary Game
- 40 Common English Idioms
- Rhyming Pairs Game
- A Digital Workbook for Beginning ESL
- Synonyms and Antonyms Game
- When Is -Ed Pronounced at the End of a Word?
- Placement: The Best Way to Improve Your Accent
- Test Your English Pronunciation
- Word Confusion Game