English is, by far, the most popular language among online surfers. Millions of people use it daily, either to read news articles or to communicate via social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
If you’re serious about studying and improving your English skills, you have many options available to you. With so much English content online, you can take your pick from a variety of resources to help you improve your writing. Here we’re going to run down the best ways to learn and boost your English language skills online.
Watch English Videos And Listen To Podcasts
One of the best things you can do for yourself on the road to becoming a confident and competent English speaker is to watch video tutorials and listen to podcast episodes. English language learning apps like FluentU or Duolingo are very useful for this as they not only help you learn the language, but they also introduce you to new words and phrases.
While videos can also be found on YouTube, podcast listening is much more effective for actually learning a language. With video tutorials, you can access high-quality content, but you’re also going to be watching a lot of dull, average videos. Podcasts, however, allow you to concentrate on more interesting content and learn faster. They also provide you with additional tools, like transcripts or phrasebooks, to make sure you understand what is being said. Learning English through podcasts is a great way to go.
Take English Lessons Online
An even better option than YouTube or podcasts are online English lessons. There are lots of sites that offer this service, like MyEnglishLab or ESL Tutor, which will not only allow you to learn English, but will also give you the opportunity to practice speaking the language with native-speaking tutors. Taking online English lessons is a great way to go, as teachers are usually available 24/7 to help you improve your accent and composition. You can also take tests and assignments from an English professor and get your English graded.
Join A Socio-Linguistic Peer Group
Another great way to improve your English writing skills is to join a socio-linguistic peer group. These are online communities of learners who are dedicated to improving their English, either through watching videos or listening to podcasts, taking online courses, or by engaging in English chats, where members talk about their English learning experiences and provide each other with feedback on English assignments.
Working in a socio-linguistic peer group is a great way to improve your English, as you’ll be motivating and encouraging each other to learn more. If you’re serious about studying English, this is a great option, as you can access a wide range of content, get help whenever you need it, and feel comfortable speaking the language with native speakers.
Get A Private Learning Teacher
If none of the above seem like a good fit for you, then you should consider getting a private tutor. A private tutor is an English teacher who will work with you one-on-one, via online communication tools, to help you improve your writing. These are tools like Skype, Hangouts, or Telegram, which allow for instant messaging between learners and teachers, as well as document sharing and feedback through Github or Bitbucket.
Getting a private tutor is the perfect solution for those who need someone to help them push through difficult stages of English composition or require assistance with accent correction. This is vital if you plan on studying in a foreign country, as you’ll need to make sure that you pronounce words correctly. Most reputable tutors will have a sample of your work before they start, so that they can determine your current level and set achievable goals for you.
Start A Blog
A blog is a very useful tool for English language learners. You can use a blog platform like WordPress to create and maintain a blog in no time, and then use it to document your progress as you learn English. You’ll be able to interact with potential employers, publish your work, and connect with other bloggers for support and feedback. If you’re serious about improving your English, starting a blog is a great option, as you can do it from the comfort of your home.
Read Books
If none of the above seem like a good fit for you, then you should consider reading books. There are many great novels that can be used to improve your English. You can choose from: