This time, I would like to share with you a list of websites that will come in handy for both Cambridge exams candidates and learners of English in general who are in quest for practice resources and improvement.
Such websites fall into two main categories:
- Websites which provide us with exam-like tasks, and
- Webs which are skill-oriented, like reading or listening comprehension.
Let’s see which are my top-four from the first group:
This is a great online library which has got plenty of preparation activities, ranging from Cambridge A2 KEY to Cambridge C2 Proficiency and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Its highlights are Word Bank, which challenges candidates, on a daily basis, with short quizzes that will help you improve your Use of English skills; the Writing Class where you will find students’ makeovers and examiners’ feedback, weekly tasks followed by ideas to help you, activities focused on linking devices and proofreading, and many more; the Practice Tests include up to four tests which can be done either online, useful if you are going to sit the computer-based exam, or in a printed version, for candidates who are taking the paper-based exam. It is an amazing, award-winning website that I strongly recommend to everyone, teachers and learners alike.
This amazingly rich online exam-related library is just the ticket for Cambridge exam candidates, no matter the age or English level. It is here that you can access the B2, C1 and C2 Candidates Booklets, Write and Improve, Cambridge English Qualifications, and many more. Besides, it has got a varied palette of Apps that are designed to help learners learn in a fun and challenging way, among which I would highlight Kahoot!, Word FUN World, Quiz Your English, Exam Lift! (for A2 Key for Schools and B1 Preliminary for Schools), and many more.
The two latest websites provide A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency exam candidates with practice tests, grammar, vocabulary and writing exercises.
Do you need to polish ALL your skills? Here are my short-listed websites that belong to the second category. Check these out:
Its menu has got anything your heart desires, like pronunciation practice, grammar game shows, which I find hilarious, news, children corner, where the little high-flyers can watch and listen to animated stories, quizzes, vocabulary, which is one of my favourites since we can listen to BBC learning English presenters bringing us varied theme conversations where we can learn the new vocabulary in context. And all this in up to six minutes. The words and phrases from The English We Speak are a must as they will definitely jazz up your day. Isn’t it amazing?!
This site is an all-time favourite web for learners of all levels. Its palette of resources is incredibly diverse. Just glance through its menu, and it will speak for itself.
Looking for ways to improve your listening comprehension skills? And doing some extensive reading at the same time? Browse into the following:
Mentioned above is the expression extensive reading. This term means reading for pleasure or free reading. If you want to learn English while diving into topics that most interest you, then TED Talks are just the ticket. You can watch and/or listen to expert speakers on art, science, technology, happiness, education, business and many more areas, and reading the transcript at the same time. All TED “ideas worth sharing” are truly awe-inspiring, I promise!
This website offers us tailored texts, I mean pieces of text adapted to your level. Each time, they gradually help you to step out of your comfort zone as a reader. Though you will need to sign up first, its library is free.
Are your listening comprehension skills a bit rusty? Try these out:
This site is one of my favourites. Learning English with VOA news brings to life everything we have learnt in class or from a course book. Not only does this website connect the English language to real American life, but it also keeps us up to date with pieces of news drawn from Arts and Culture, Science and Technology, and all this from both the USA and the world’s latest events, and even from classic literature. Learners who have just started their English journey, those who have reached an Intermediate level, and more advanced high-flyers who keep up scaling the heights will all find here the right tools to enrich the vocabulary, improve their speaking abilities and acquire more confidence to communicate. I am sure this website will not let you down.
This online library is useful for both learners and teachers. It offers activities which are classified into three levels: beginners, intermediate and advanced. What makes this site stand out is the audio or video lessons, which last up to 6 minutes or so. They are either focused on vocabulary or grammar, and are followed by a short quiz to challenge our comprehension skills. What can be more entertaining than joining in together with your classmates and testing who has got a better ear for English?!
This site’s main goal is to help learners better their comprehension skills while listening to and reading longer pieces, like novels, short stories, audio dramas, articles, etc. It is worth giving it a try!
What about you? What other websites and apps do you know which are worthy of remark? Share your opinion with us 😉
These days, we can find English preparation resources at the click of a button. Their list is endless. Important is to know, though, which have won teachers’ and learners’ hearts. I do hope the above websites will come in useful and will do the trick.
Stay tuned for more words of advice and handy material!
