Useful Websites & Mobile Applications for Language Learning
This page contains a curated list of digital resources, their intended focus, and recommended CEFR levels for students and academic staff at the School of Foreign Languages. Click on any resource title to access the platform directly.
This page contains a curated list of digital resources, their intended focus, and recommended CEFR levels for students and academic staff at the School of Foreign Languages. Click on any resource title to access the platform directly.
Essential Resources
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Dictionary | Comprehensive online dictionary and grammar guide | All Levels |
| BBC Learning English | Up-to-date lessons and multimedia content across skills | A2 - C2 |
| YouGlish | Search real-life video pronunciation and word usage on YouTube | A2 - C2 |
| Quizlet | Vocabulary practice and memorization with digital flashcards | All Levels |
| Anki | Long-term vocabulary retention using Spaced Repetition System (SRS) | A2 - C2 |
| LangGeek | Structured vocabulary and grammar learning by levels | A1 - C1 |
| WordReference | Detailed multilingual dictionary and language forums | A2 - C2 |
| Reverso Context | In-context sentence translation and phrase usage | A2 - C2 |
| SkELL | Explore authentic English usage examples and collocations | B1 - C2 |
Vocabulary
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford Learner's Dictionaries | Learner-focused definitions, pronunciations, and example sentences | All Levels |
| Vocabulary.com | Gamified adaptive vocabulary instruction and detailed dictionary | B1 - C2 |
| Memrise | Reinforce vocabulary with native speaker videos and spaced repetition | A1 - B2 |
Grammar
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect English Grammar | Clear grammar explanations and interactive online quizzes | A1 - B2 |
| Test English | Level placement tests and grammar exercises categorized by level | A1 - B2 |
| EnglishPage | In-depth lessons on advanced tenses and complex grammar topics | B1 - C2 |
| British Council LearnEnglish | Modular grammar explanations and practical exercises | A1 - C1 |
| Grammarly Handbook | A complete guide to basic and advanced English writing rules | B1 - C2 |
| Purdue OWL - Grammar | Grammar and punctuation guide for academic and formal writing | B2 - C2 |
Reading
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| Breaking News English | Current news lessons adapted into 7 different difficulty levels | A1 - C2 |
| VOA Learning English | World news and reading passages in simplified English | A1 - B2 |
| News in Levels | Reading and listening news stories presented in 3 levels | A1 - B2 |
| ReadTheory | Adaptive reading comprehension exercises tailored to the student | A2 - C2 |
| CommonLit | Literary and informational texts with comprehension questions | B1 - C2 |
| British Council Reading | Reading texts and tasks organized by CEFR levels | A1 - C1 |
| National Geographic Learning | Rich reading materials with cultural and scientific themes | A2 - C2 |
Listening
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| Elllo | Over 3,000 audio and video listening activities with diverse accents | A1 - C1 |
| ESL Lab | Everyday conversation listening quizzes and comprehension activities | A1 - C2 |
| All Things Listening | Thematic listening lessons and downloadable worksheets | A1 - B2 |
| Listen and Write | Dictation and listening exercises using audio files | A2 - C1 |
| TED Talks | Inspiring presentations on academic, scientific, and global topics | B2 - C2 |
| BBC Sounds | Original British English radio broadcasts, audiobooks, and shows | B2 - C2 |
| Otter.ai | Real-time AI transcription to assist with listening tracking | B1 - C2 |
Speaking & Pronunciation
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| ELSA Speak | AI-powered pronunciation, accent, and intonation feedback | A1 - C2 |
| Speak | Interactive speaking practice in realistic scenarios using AI | A1 - B2 |
| Cake | Learn everyday conversational phrases from movie and TV clips | A2 - B2 |
| HelloTalk | Language exchange with native English speakers worldwide | A2 - C2 |
| Tandem | Find language partners and practice conversational skills | A2 - C2 |
| LingQ | Build speaking confidence through context-based reading and listening | A1 - C2 |
| Speechling | Get personalized feedback on pronunciation from expert coaches | A1 - C1 |
Writing
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| Write & Improve (Cambridge) | Automated CEFR level assessment and writing feedback | A1 - C2 |
| Ludwig.guru | Linguistic search engine to verify sentence structure in authentic sources | B1 - C2 |
| Grammarly | Grammar, spelling, style, and tone checker | A2 - C2 |
| QuillBot | AI-powered paraphrasing, summarization, and writing assistant | B1 - C2 |
| DeepL Write | Enhance text fluency, tone, and grammatical accuracy | A2 - C2 |
| Hemingway Editor | Evaluate and improve text readability and sentence clarity | B1 - C2 |
| LanguageTool | Multilingual spell and grammar checker | A2 - C2 |
Podcasts
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| BBC Learning English Podcast | Short, educational, and current-topic listening sessions | B1 - B2 |
| The English We Speak | Focus on English idioms and everyday colloquial expressions | B1 - B2 |
| Espresso English Podcast | Clear, quick vocabulary and grammar tips | A2 - B2 |
| VOA Learning English Podcast | News broadcasts presented with clear and slow pronunciation | A1 - B2 |
| Luke's English Podcast | Humorous and authentic English conversational audio | B2 - C2 |
| Coffee Break English | Step-by-step English learning audio series | A1 - B1 |
| All Ears English | American English culture, idioms, and natural communication tips | B1 - C2 |
YouTube Channels
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| BBC Learning English (YouTube) | Grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary video lessons | A2 - C1 |
| English with Lucy | British English vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation tutorials | A2 - C1 |
| Learn English with TV Series | Analyze natural English through movies and TV shows | A2 - B2 |
| Speak English With Vanessa | Conversational English and speaking confidence strategies | A2 - B2 |
| Rachel's English | American English pronunciation and mouth position analysis | B1 - C2 |
| mmmEnglish | Lessons focused on building fluency and confidence in speaking | A2 - B2 |
| English Addict with Mr Duncan | Engaging and interactive live English lessons | A2 - B2 |
| Oxford Online English | Structured, high-quality, and clear topic explanations | A1 - C1 |
AI Tools
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Interactive conversation, text proofreading, and custom prompt creation | A1 - C2 |
| Claude | Academic writing support, long text analysis, and natural dialogue | B1 - C2 |
| Gemini | Language practice and research integrated with real-time web search | A1 - C2 |
| DeepSeek Chat | Complex grammar analysis and structural text editing | A2 - C2 |
| Microsoft Copilot | Image-supported language practice with current information | A1 - C2 |
| Perplexity AI | Academic research and concept investigation with cited sources | B1 - C2 |
Mobile Apps
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | Gamified beginner and elementary language practice | A1 - A2 |
| Busuu | Curriculum-based lessons with feedback from native speakers | A1 - B2 |
| Drops | Visual-focused 5-minute rapid vocabulary learning | A1 - A2 |
| WordUp | Vocabulary acquisition ordered by real-world word frequency | A1 - C1 |
Resources for Teachers
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| Twee.com | AI tool for English teachers to generate lesson materials instantly | Teachers |
| MagicSchool AI | AI assistant for lesson planning, rubrics, and assessment creation | Teachers |
| British Council TeachingEnglish | Classroom activities, lesson plans, and professional development | Teachers |
| Cambridge Teacher Resources | Official exam preparation materials and teaching handbooks | Teachers |
| Oxford University Press – ELT | Publisher-backed teaching resources and professional web events | Teachers |
| Pearson English | Instructional materials, assessment tools, and digital platforms | Teachers |
| National Geographic Teachers | In-class imagery, video content, and thematic lesson guides | Teachers |
| ESL Brains | Discussion-focused lesson plans based on contemporary topics | Teachers / B1 - C2 |
| ISL Collective | Free peer-shared worksheets, presentations, and video quizzes | Teachers |
| TeachThis | Communicative games and group activities for ESL classrooms | Teachers |
| Breaking News English (Teacher) | News-based ready-to-use lesson plans, handouts, and audio files | Teachers |
Academic English
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| Ludwig.guru | Linguistic search engine for finding authentic phraseology in papers | B2 - C2 |
| Academic Phrasebank | Library of standard phrases and collocations for academic writing | B2 - C2 |
| Purdue OWL (Academic Writing) | Comprehensive guide for academic reporting and citations (APA/MLA) | B2 - C2 |
| COCA Corpus | Massive corpus for analyzing vocabulary usage and grammatical patterns | C1 - C2 |
| Sketch Engine | Corpus construction and professional linguistic analysis tool | C1 - C2 |
| EAP Foundation | Academic English (EAP) skills guide and classroom materials | B1 - C2 |
| Write & Improve (Cambridge) | Automated evaluation designed for academic essay practice | A2 - C2 |
Exam Preparation
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Exams Prep | Official resources for B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency | B1 - C2 |
| IELTS.org | Official IELTS exam information and sample preparation materials | B1 - C2 |
| IELTS Liz | IELTS strategies, tips, and sample answers for writing and speaking | B1 - C2 |
| IELTS Simon | Daily IELTS preparation tips from an ex-examiner | B1 - C2 |
| Exam English | Free practice tests for IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, and Cambridge exams | A2 - C2 |
| ETS TOEFL | Official TOEFL iBT preparation guides and practice tests | B1 - C2 |
| TOEFL Go! | Official mobile and web TOEFL preparation platform | B1 - C2 |
French
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| TV5MONDE – Apprendre | Video-based French exercises based on current global news | A1 - B2 |
| RFI Le français facile | Simplified French news broadcasts and listening comprehension | A2 - B2 |
| Le Conjugueur | French verb conjugation dictionary and reference | All Levels |
| Bescherelle | Standard French grammar and verb conjugation reference | A2 - C2 |
| Français Facile | Free French grammar lessons and self-assessment quizzes | A1 - B2 |
| Bonjour de France | Structured French lessons and tests categorized by levels | A1 - C1 |
| Lawless French | English-explained French grammar and vocabulary guide | A1 - C1 |
| Coffee Break French | Step-by-step French learning podcasts for beginners to advanced | A1 - B2 |
| Lingolia Français | Clear French grammar explanations and interactive exercises | A1 - C1 |
Italian
| Resource / Platform | Purpose / Focus | Recommended Level |
|---|---|---|
| Podcast Italiano | Italian audio content and transcripts prepared for various levels | A1 - C1 |
| News in Slow Italian | Italian news read at a slow pace for reading and listening | A2 - B2 |
| Coniugazione.it | Italian verb conjugation lookup tool | All Levels |
| Italiano Automatico | Fluency-focused Italian video and podcast content | A2 - B2 |
| One World Italiano | Free Italian language courses, grammar, and practice exercises | A1 - B2 |
| Alma Edizioni | Italian as a foreign language resources and learning videos | A1 - C1 |
| Impariamo l'Italiano | Online Italian grammar and vocabulary tests | A1 - C1 |
| Coffee Break Italian | Conversational Italian learning podcast series | A1 - B2 |
| Lingolia Italiano | Italian grammar structures guide and practical exercises | A1 - C1 |