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The Writers' Workshop of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2007-12-31 17:41:00
The Writers ' Workshop of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is intended for use by its students and staff but ESL learners from anywhere in the world can also access the resources, which focus on writing and grammar, for free. Features: ? A grammar handbook with explanations of parts of speech, phrases, clauses, sentences and sentence elements, and common usage problems ? Comprehensive guides to using the two standard citation styles: the American Psychological Association (APA) style and the Modern Language Association (MLA) style ? Writing tips of three different kinds: general tips, which focus on the basics of writing such as audience, body paragraphs, comma use, editing principles, parallelism, quotations, thesis statements, transitions and writers' block; genre-specific tips, which discuss special kinds of writing such as abstracts, cover letters, literature papers, personal statements, proposals, resumes and summaries; and exam tips, which deal with in-class ...

Online Multimedia ESL Lessons from English for All
2007-12-30 11:26:00
English for All is an educational project that provides multimedia lessons to adult learners of English as a second language. It was set up by the Division of Adult Career Education of the Los Angeles Unified School District and uses California standards for High-Beginning ESL and the Skills Modules of the Latino Adult Education Skills Project. Features: ? A core curriculum of 5 stories, each containing 4 episodes, centering around topics relevant to everyday life in America ? For each episode, a variety of lessons and activities focusing on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and life skills, followed by a progress test ? Extensive use of multimedia content, with scripted streaming video and audio ? Printable versions of all episodes available for download as PDF files ? Online word translation tool ? Separate sections for students and teachers Site URL: http://www.myefa.org/login.cfm?fuseaction =default
More About: Multimedia , Reading , Culture , English , Vocabulary

Cambridge ESOL Teaching Resources
2007-12-29 16:02:00
For teachers of Cambridge ESOL examinations, this website is a true gold mine, with a range of quality teaching resources specially developed to help them prepare their students better for the examinations. Features: ? Examinations covered: KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, BEC Higher, BEC Vantage, BEC Preliminary, BULATS, YLE-Revised, IELTS, TKT, SIL, ILEC, ICFE ? For each examination: Detailed description of all papers with sample tasks, tips for teachers and students, ready-made classroom activities and worksheets, guides to developing skills, and links to other official resources, including downloadable handbooks, sample papers and exam reports Site URL: http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teach/index. htm
More About: Resources , Teaching

Free Audio Books from LibriVox
2007-12-28 10:29:00
LibriVox is an website run by volunteers who record books in the public domain and offer the files for free download from the Internet. This is a great way to provide people around the world, especially English as a second language learners, with a chance to enjoy classic works of literature by listening to them. Features: ? Inclusion of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and dramatic works spanning a wide variety of genres from adventure to westerns ? Audio files accessible via feeds, including one for iTunes, and an online alphabetical catalog, which can also be browsed by category or genre ? Several audio formats available for each text, including ZIP, MP3 and OGG (Ogg Vorbis), besides links to scripts on Project Gutenberg and supplementary information on Wikipedia Site URL: http://librivox.org/
More About: Literature , Books , Free , Listening

The Vowel Machine by John Maidment
2007-12-27 13:26:00
The Vowel Mach ine was engineered by John Maidment to give ESL learners authentic practice in recognizing English vowel sounds. Each time the "machine" works, three random words will be provided and one of them pronounced. Students have to match the pronunciation to the correct word. Features: ? Words can be displayed in normal English spelling or phonetic transcription ? All three words can be heard as many times as needed ? Instant answer and constantly updated score Site URL: http://www.btinternet.com/~eptotd/vm/vowe lmachine/vowelmachine.htm
More About: Pronunciation

The Compleat Lexical Tutor
2007-12-26 17:20:00
Despite its rather confusing interface, The Compleat Lexi cal Tutor, developed by Tom Cobb of Université du Québec à Montréal, provides very powerful tools that can help facilitate the process of learning and teaching English academic vocabulary. Features: ? Tutorial section with online tools designed to test and build vocabulary as well as check grammar errors against corpus-based examples ? Research section containing an array of highly specialized programs that allow language instructors and researchers to analyze vocabulary and grammar ? Teachers' section consisting of handy applications with which teachers can create materials and activities to use in their classrooms Site URL: http://www.lextutor.ca/
More About: Vocabulary , Grammar

Memorial Hall Museum's American Centuries
2007-12-25 16:22:00
For students who want to learn English and at the same time expand their knowledge of American culture and history, American Centuries, an online collection of resources and activities maintained by Memorial Hall Museum, is one of the recommended destinations. Features: ? A digital collection of approximately 2000 objects and document pages, each with its own image and age-appropriate interpretive text ? An interactive turns-of-the-centuries exhibit that explores American history in 1680-1720, 1780-1820 and 1880-1920 across the five themes of Family Life, Native American Indians, African Americans, Newcomers and the Land ? Fun online interactive activities offered via the rich use of image, audio and video files ? Various classroom activities, curriculum topics and other resources designed for teachers Site URL: http://memorialhall.mass.edu/home.html
More About: Reading , Culture

The English-Learning and Languages Review
2007-12-24 18:46:00
The English -Learning and Languages Review consists of interesting articles written by contributors from all over the world to discuss the principles of teaching and learning English as well as explore linguistic theory and language learning in general. Features: ? Free instruction and advice on preparing for examinations in English - with a feature article on the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) ? In-depth guides to dealing with English grammar and usage problems ? Extensive coverage of the English teaching industry, language learning and linguistics ? Alphabetical listings of articles by category, title and author for ease of reference ? A special section where the editor answers readers' questions about the English language Site URL: http://www.english-learning.co.uk/index.h tml
More About: Linguistics

AskOxford: Free Online Dictionary Resources from Oxford University Press
2007-12-23 17:33:00
AskOxford , an ESL website maintained by Oxford University Press , contains a range of helpful English learning resources freely available to any interested students. Features: ? A large database of answers to frequently asked questions about English grammar, usage and vocabulary ? Better writing section with useful tips on how to avoid recurrent spelling and grammar mistakes, write effective letters and CVs, and communicate better in email, SMS and online chat with emoticons and acronyms ? Articles on English words, phrases, proverbs and quotations ? Word games in the form of crossword puzzles, prize quizzes, hangman games and Scrabble ? Information on varieties of the English language and borrowings into English from other languages Site URLs: http://www.askoxford.com/?view=uk (UK view) http://www.askoxford.com/?view=get (US view)
More About: Writing , Resources

Slang Dictionary by Distance Learning, Inc.
2007-12-22 15:44:00
This slang dictionary, accessible on three different servers, is easy to use and provides definitions of many common slang words and phrases in English. Features: ? A big collection of slang, which can be listed in alphabetical order or by category ? Interesting entries consisting of full-color illustrations, audio pronunciations, definitions, example sentences, etymology information and synonyms ? Separate sections on slang email cards, slang of the day and business idioms of the day Site URLs: http://geos.dli.com/slang/slangSearch.jsp http://www.aei.dli.com/slang/slangSearch. jsp http://www.bostonlanguage.dli.com/slang/s langSearch.jsp
More About: Learning , Dictionary , Slang , Idioms , Distance Learning

Grammar Bytes! Grammar Instruction with Attitude
2007-12-21 17:50:00
Grammar Bytes ! is a website dedicated to providing ESL learners with amusing reference materials that they can use to learn English grammar more effectively. Features: ? Easy-to-remember definitions of grammar terms: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, phrases, clauses, sentences, subjects, objects, gerunds, infinitives and more ? Interactive exercises on comma splices, fused sentences, fragments, irregular verbs, commas, pronoun agreement, pronoun reference, subject-verb agreement and word choice ? Downloadable PDF handouts for corresponding exercises ? Quick tips and rules for dealing with grammar problems, including comma splices, fused sentences, fragments and irregular verbs Site URL: http://www.chompchomp.com/menu.htm
More About: Attitude , Grammar , Instruction

Teacher's Pet for MS Word and OpenOffice
2007-12-20 11:54:00
Teacher's Pet, developed by Chris Lacey as an add-on for Microsoft Word and OpenOffice, is a free handy utility that English language teachers can use to create classroom exercises instantly from any given text. Features: ? 23 macro-based functions: Bingo Card Maker, Verb Tense Test Maker, Crossword Maker, Flashcard Maker, Sentence Breaker, Paragraph Breaker, Jumbles, Multi-word Maker, Multi-gap Maker, Multi-choice Question Maker, Synonym Question Maker, Antonym Question Maker, Word Mover, Word Remover, Punctuation Remover, Space Remover, Letter Remover, Letter Underliner, Word List Saver, Online Children's Dictionary Search, Online Dictionary Search, Online Thesaurus Search, Online Multi-word Dictionary Search ? Compatible with NeoOffice for Mac ? Small download size (211.5 KB EXE file for MS Word and 80.6 KB ZIP file for OpenOffice) Site URL: http://www.teachers-pet.org/index.html
More About: Ms word

Averil Coxhead's Academic Word List
2007-12-19 15:24:00
The Academic Word List (AWL) by Averil Coxhead was prepared with a view to helping ESL learners and university students expand their academic vocabulary so that they can read and write academic texts in English better. Features: ? Academic Word List consisting of 570 core academic words divided into 10 sub-lists in order of frequency ? General Service List consisting of 2,284 basic English words divided into 5 sub-lists in order of frequency ? AWL Highlighter - a program designed to help students learn academic vocabulary in context by highlighting academic words from any text pasted into it ? AWL Gapmaker - a program capable of creating tests from any academic text by replacing academic words with gaps ? Tips on how to use the Academic Word List, AWL Highlighter and AWL Gapmaker to learn and teach academic vocabulary ? Suggested sites for learning vocabulary for academic study Site URL: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/~alzsh3/acvoc ab/index.htm
More About: Vocabulary

Internet-Based Projects for Business English
2007-12-18 11:30:00
Leslie Opp-Beckman and Kay Westerfield of University of Oregon's American English Institute have put up at their site a remarkable collection of internet-based, skill-integrated tasks and projects intended to help business people develop business communication skills, intercultural awareness, technology skills and business research strategies. Features: ? Authentic, motivating business English activities and projects conveniently divided into sub-categories such as technology tips and strategies, language support, business communication and research projects, business simulations and lesson plans, and project-based learning assessment ? A common description framework that informs learners and teachers of the target audience, required language proficiency, learning focus, recommended technology and instructions, hints and adaptation options, and additional resources and examples for each activity and project ? A master list of business English resources referred to in the activities...
More About: Business , Internet , Projects , Business English

Free Online English Lessons from Churchill House School of English Language
2007-12-17 11:28:00
Students and teachers of English looking for online English lessons and teaching materials can pay a visit to the website of Churchill House School of English Language and try out the free resources they offer. Features: ? Interactive grammar, vocabulary and writing exercises and tests for students at different levels, from elementary through intermediate and upper-intermediate to advanced ? Exam preparation exercises for CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) and FCE (First Certificate in English) ? Specially designed forums for students, English teachers and Chinese teachers of English ? Dr Grammar Forum with questions and answers about English grammar, focusing on prefixes, suffixes, determiners, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, verb forms, tenses, modals, conjunctions, prepositions, phrases, clauses, and confusing words and expressions ? Word of the Day section featuring phrasal verbs with definitions and example sentences? Guide to English language exams at elementary level...
More About: Writing , Free

The Office of English Language Programs of the US Department of State
2007-12-14 09:31:00
The Office of English Language Programs of the US Department of State, which takes charge of many US-government English teaching projects outside the US, offers on its website a range of useful resources that English language teachers and students from all over the world can access for free. Features: ? An archive of all issues since 1993 of the TEFL/TESL quarterly journal English Teaching Forum, published by the US Department of State ? Lesson plans and classroom activities from the English Teaching Forum ? Electronic TEFL/TESL journals Language and Civil Society/Language and Life Sciences, which contain ready-to-use lesson plans and activities specially prepared for intermediate students ? A variety of other online publications including journals and magazines, books and pamphlets, and archives from online courses ? Information on English language programs such as the English Access Microscholarship Program, the English Language Specialist Program, the English Language Fellow Prog...
More About: Reading , The Office

ESL and Archie Comics
2007-12-13 11:13:00
At ESL and Archie Comics , English as a Second Language learners, especially those at beginner's level, will find quality English lessons in the form of MP3 podcasts based on funny comics and intended to help them learn English in an entertaining way. Features of each podcast lesson: ? English and Spanish versions of a three-frame comic strip ? Streaming/downloadable MP3 audio ? A learning guide, available in PDF and HTML formats, containing a complete transcript of the lesson, a glossary of difficult words, sample sentences, color illustrations (PDF only), comprehension questions, answers and cultural notes Site URL: http://www.archiecomics.com/podcasts/
More About: Reading , Listening

The American - British British - American Dictionary
2007-12-12 15:59:00
Compiled by Jeremy Smith, The American - British British - American Dictionary contains explanations of American words in British English and British words in American English, besides informative articles on differences between the two varieties. Features: ? Dictionary entries with meanings of words and phrases and information on their parts of speech, pronunciation and usage ? Articles on general and pronunciation differences between American English and British English, cultural differences between Australians, Britons, Canadians and Americans, accents and dialects, the modern English alphabet, the history of English and American homophones ? Links to related dictionaries and websites on differences between American English and British English Site URL: http://www.peak.org/~jeremy/dictionary/ch apters/title.php
More About: Culture , Usage

The New York Times Learning Network
2007-12-11 12:04:00
The New York Times Learning Network , designed and maintained by the New York Times, provides free, daily updated resources for students in grades 3-12, their teachers and parents. Features: ? Resources for students: News Summaries, Daily News Quiz, Word of the Day, Test Prep Question of the Day, Science Q & A, Web Navigator ? Resources for teachers: Daily Lesson Plan, News Snapshot (current events activities for grades 3-5), Issues in Depth (lesson plans, quizzes, questionnaires, slide shows, crosswords and articles about historic and current issues), On This Day in History, Crossword Puzzle, Education News ? Resources for parents: Conversation Starters (questions and related articles to help parents start conversations with their children about current events), Family Movie Guide (descriptions of films and suggestions about appropriate films for various ages) Site URL: http://www.nytimes.com/learning/index.htm l
More About: Reading , Culture

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online
2007-12-10 15:06:00
The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online , which is the online version of the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Updated Edition, is available for free use online and will come in handy when you need to look up a word or phrase while learning English on the Internet. Features: ? Informative entries with IPA phonetic transcripts, concise definitions and typical examples of use ? Coverage of both British and American English ? Color illustrations, which can be viewed in full size? Link to special resources with worksheets for teachers and activities for students Site URL: http://pewebdic2.cw.idm.fr/
More About: Dictionaries

ELT Resources at TEFL-Magic.com
2007-12-09 15:26:00
TEFL-Magic .com, created by Charlie Marshall, is a quality website dedicated to providing free English language teaching (ELT) resources, including handouts, worksheets and lesson plans, for EFL/ESL/ESOL teachers. Features: ? A rich collection of English teaching materials, conveniently listed by type, by topic and in alphabetical order ? 7 types of materials, focusing on vocabulary, grammar, reading/writing, discussion, warm-up activities, practice/games and role-play ? 8 topic areas, which are English skills, business English, good/bad, health/body, numbers/statistics, idioms/phrases, everyday life and travel/countries ? Links to more resources on the web for both teachers and students Site URL: http://www.tefl-magic.com/noframes/home/w elcome.htm
More About: Reading , Writing , Resources , Vocabulary

Study Sites from Oxford University Press
2007-12-08 12:36:00
If you are learning English using a course book published by Oxford University Press , it is a good idea to visit the student site for that book for extra practice materials. You can check out the following student sites for Oxford University Press course books: ? Adventures: e-cards, web search, word games, test your vocabulary, cartoons ? Happy Earth: activities, e-cards ? Happy House: games, stories, e-cards, calendars ? Happy Street: games, activities, e-cards, calendars ? I-Spy: games, e-cards, stories ? Incredible English: stories, games, e-cards, songs and chants, colouring, picture dictionary ? Kids United Brazil: games, quizzes, puzzles, calendars, e-cards ? Let's Go: resources for students, parents and teachers ? Project: games, vocabulary, grammar, e-cards ? Stardust: games, competitions, e-cards, songs, calendars ? American Adventures: e-cards, web search, word games, test your vocabulary, cartoons ? Attain: vocabulary practice, games and quizzes ? Connections: e-cards, ...
More About: Reading , Study

African American Women Writers of the 19th Century
2007-12-07 07:31:00
African American Women Writers of the 19th Century, which is part of the Digital Schomburg, provides American literature enthusiasts with an excellent collection of the published works of 19th century black women writers. Features: ? A database of 52 works, which can be browsed by title or author ? Various literary genres including fiction, poetry, biography/autobiography and essays ? Possibility of searching any title or the entire collection for keyword-specific information ? Digitally scanned graphics and illustrations Site URL: http://digital.nypl.org/schomburg/writers _aa19/toc.html
More About: Literature , African American

Guide to Grammar and Style by Jack Lynch
2007-12-06 12:46:00
Associate Professor Jack Lynch of Rutgers University has compiled a great guide to English grammar, style and usage that teachers as well as students of English might find useful in helping them grasp the language better. Features: ? Comprehensive, alphabetically arranged articles on English grammar rules and writing guidelines, written with non-experts in mind ? Practical explanations of points of English grammar with clear definitions, useful rules of thumb and illustrative example usage ? Informative guides to writing effectively in English by avoiding long, useless words and clichés ? Links to further online English grammar and writing resources Site URL: http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~jlynch/Writ ing/index.html
More About: Writing , Style , Guide , Grammar

Business English Pod: The Business English Podcast for Professionals on the
2007-12-05 14:43:00
Business English Pod offers free business English lessons in the form of weekly MP3 podcasts to business professionals and intermediate/advanced ESL learners who are looking to improve their business English listening and speaking skills. Features: ? Detailed discussion of essential business skills (telephoning, presenting, negotiating, socializing, etc.) and language functions (questioning, persuading, disagreeing, interrupting, etc.) ? A sample business dialog for each podcast, followed by thorough explanations of the skills and language, including vocabulary, idioms and useful phrases, used in the situation ? Listening questions, transcripts, study notes and online activities and exercises for each podcast (premium membership is required to access all resources) ? Video podcasts designed to teach business English vocabulary Site URL: http://www.businessenglishpod.com/
More About: Business , Podcast , Vocabulary , Speaking

Test Prep Review: Your Source for Free Online Practice Tests
2007-12-04 13:18:00
Test Prep Review is an excellent site where takers of all sorts of English tests can get test preparation information and online practice tests for free. Features: • Tests covered: ACT, Accuplacer, ARDMS, ASVAB, ASWB, CAHSEE, CBEST, CCRN, CDL, CEN, CFA, CFP, CFRN, CGFNS, CLEP, CNOR, COMPASS, Contractor Exam, CPA, CSCS, CSET, DANB, DAT, Dietitian Exam, EPPP, FCAT, FPGEE, FSOT, GED, GMAT, GRE, HOBET, Home Inspector Exam, HSPT, ISEE, Life and Health Exam, LSAT, MAT, MCAT, NAPLEX, NBRC, NCBTMB, NCE, NCIDQ, NCLEX, NPTE, NREMT, Nursing Exam, NYSTCE, OAT, PANCE, ParaPro, PCAT, PHR-SPHR, PMP, Praxis, Property Casualty Exam, PSAT, PTCB, SAT, SERIES, SERIES 7, SSAT, TEAS, TExES, TOEFL, USMLE, Wonderlic • GMAT practice: Basic algebra, advanced algebra, averages and rounding, basic operations, commas, estimation sequences, exponents, fractions and square roots, geometry, graphs, basic grammar, intermediate grammar, advanced grammar, basic math, intermediate math, advanced math, measurement,...
More About: Free , Source , Practice , Online

Test Prep Review: Your Source for Free Online Practice Tests
2007-12-04 13:18:00
Test Prep Review is an excellent site where takers of all sorts of English tests can get test preparation information and online practice tests for free. Features: ? Tests covered: ACT, Accuplacer, ARDMS, ASVAB, ASWB, CAHSEE, CBEST, CCRN, CDL, CEN, CFA, CFP, CFRN, CGFNS, CLEP, CNOR, COMPASS, Contractor Exam, CPA, CSCS, CSET, DANB, DAT, Dietitian Exam, EPPP, FCAT, FPGEE, FSOT, GED, GMAT, GRE, HOBET, Home Inspector Exam, HSPT, ISEE, Life and Health Exam, LSAT, MAT, MCAT, NAPLEX, NBRC, NCBTMB, NCE, NCIDQ, NCLEX, NPTE, NREMT, Nursing Exam, NYSTCE, OAT, PANCE, ParaPro, PCAT, PHR-SPHR, PMP, Praxis, Property Casualty Exam, PSAT, PTCB, SAT, SERIES, SERIES 7, SSAT, TEAS, TExES, TOEFL, USMLE, Wonderlic ? GMAT practice: Basic algebra, advanced algebra, averages and rounding, basic operations, commas, estimation sequences, exponents, fractions and square roots, geometry, graphs, basic grammar, intermediate grammar, advanced grammar, basic math, intermediate math, advanced math, measurement, per...
More About: Free , Source , Practice , Online

English Trailers: A Free Website for Studying English Using Movie Commercia
2007-12-03 08:42:00
English Trailers is a special website which aims to help learners of English improve their ability to use the language by watching movie trailers, or commercials. Features: • A large database of movie trailers which can be sorted by alphabetical order, difficulty level or release date • A variety of movie genres including action, adventure, comedy, documentary, drama, horror, romance, science fiction, suspense and thriller • Plot summary, script and various activities for each movie trailer including warm-up speaking topics, a listening cloze test, a general language quiz and a web research guide • Definitions and example sentences of potentially difficult vocabulary words Site URL: http://www.english-trailers.com/index.php
More About: Movie , Website , Free , English

English Trailers: A Free Website for Studying English Using Movie Commercia
2007-12-03 08:42:00
English Trailers is a special website which aims to help learners of English improve their ability to use the language by watching movie trailers, or commercials. Features: ? A large database of movie trailers which can be sorted by alphabetical order, difficulty level or release date ? A variety of movie genres including action, adventure, comedy, documentary, drama, horror, romance, science fiction, suspense and thriller ? Plot summary, script and various activities for each movie trailer including warm-up speaking topics, a listening cloze test, a general language quiz and a web research guide ? Definitions and example sentences of potentially difficult vocabulary words Site URL: http://www.english-trailers.com/index.php
More About: Movie , Website , Free , English

Study Centre at St Clare's English
2007-11-30 16:14:00
St Clare's English , a website belonging to the British college of St Clare's, Oxford, has a study centre which contains many valuable English learning resources readily accessible to all interested learners of the English language. Features: ? Grammar study and practice activities focusing on articles, comparative and superlative adjectives, If sentences (conditionals 0, 1 and 2) ? Vocabulary practice activities centering around such topics as films (movies), fair trade, global citizenship, Oxford, holidays and festivals, sports and games, higher education, travel and the weather ? Games and video games ? Practical utilities Site URL: http://www.stclaresenglish.net/studcent.h tm
More About: Study , Centre