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Between the Lines: A Weekly Radio News Magazine
2007-10-26 17:16:00
A source of radio programs focusing on under-reported news stories selected from the alternative press, Between the Lines doubles as an excellent place for ESL students to improve their listening skill and at the same time expand their knowledge of current world affairs. Features: • Weekly coverage of a wide variety of political, economic and social topics • Award-winning programs containing summaries of news stories and interview segments on topical issues • Transcripts and downloadable/streaming audio for each program • An archive of all past programs from 1998 to 2007 • Broadcast schedule and subscription utilities to maximize listeners' ease in keeping track of updated contents Site URL: http://www.btlonline.org/
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ESL Blues: Pre-Intermediate to High-Intermediate Level English
2007-10-25 16:33:00
ESL Blues is a selection of Flash resources prepared by Professor Eifion Pritchard with a view to helping pre-intermediate to high-intermediate ESL students build their mastery of English grammar. Features: • A wealth of multiple choice quizzes, all listed in alphabetical order and sorted by level of difficulty, that cover virtually every aspect of intermediate grammar from the use of adjectives to different verb forms • Diagnostic quizzes for students to determine their level before starting practice • Special quizzes on common errors, which have been selected from student compositions, and problem words, which include prepositions, confusable word pairs and proverbs Site URL: http://ww2.college-em.qc.ca/prof/epritcha rd/
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ETS.org: Home of the TOEFL, TOEIC, SAT, GRE and Other Standardized Tests
2007-10-24 16:11:00
If you are going to take the TOEFL, TOEIC, SAT or GRE, it is a good idea to pay a visit to ETS.org, the home page of ETS (Educational Testing Service), for valuable insights into these examinations as well as assistance with the preparation process. Features: • Official information on the TOEFL, TOEIC, SAT, GRE and a number of other standardized tests administered by ETS including the CELLA, CLEP, EXADEP, MAPP, MFT, MGA, NAEP, NBPTS, PSAT/NMSQT, SLEP, SLLA, SLS, SSA, TEDE, TFI and TSE • An exhaustive guide to each test with information on the test format, registration procedure, preparation steps, score interpretation and testing arrangements for test takers with disabilities • Downloadable PDF test preparation materials for the TOEFL iBT Site URL: http://www.ets.org/
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Karin's ESL PartyLand for ESL Students and Teachers
2007-10-23 14:07:00
As Karin M. Cintron, the founder of Karin's ESL PartyLand, says on the start page, this site, which I believe is one of the best of its kind, is a cool way to learn English, with hundreds of useful resources for both students and teachers. Features: • A quiz center containing over 75 interactive quizzes on business English, grammar, vocabulary, idioms, slang and phrasal verbs, reading, useful expressions, TOEFL skills and other trivia, all sorted by level of difficulty • Learning pages for students that cover various topics, each with a discussion guide, many activities, games and quizzes for instant practice, and quality links to more online resources • Teaching pages for teachers that contain guides, handouts, worksheets and lesson plans for teaching conversation, teaching with film and video, teaching with the Internet, teaching with music, teaching grammar, teaching listening and speaking, teaching reading, writing and vocabulary, and teaching integrated skills • Discus...
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Guide to Grammar and Writing
2007-10-22 16:16:00
Sponsored by the Capital Community College Foundation, this excellent site is a comprehensive guide to English grammar and the process of writing in English. Features: • Thorough coverage of writing and composition at word/sentence level, paragraph level and essay/research paper level • Full discussion of the writing process, structural considerations and patterns of organization • Detailed guides to various types of writing such as narration/description, comparison/contrast, classification/analysis, cause/effect, definition, evaluation, argument, literary writing and research papers • Sample essays with comments and links to further reading • A huge archive of answers to the most common questions about English grammar and usage • Supplementary materials including PowerPoint presentations and sample letters, memos, resumes and research papers in PDF format Site URL: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/in dex.htm
More About: Writing , Guide , Grammar , Guid

Learn English at the British Council
2007-10-21 17:27:00
This is a free resource site which is provided by the British Council and aims to help independent ESL learners from beginning to advanced level learn and practise English online. Features: • Online tests to measure learners' command of English grammar and vocabulary as well as listening and reading abilities • An English grammar guide that contains explanations of key grammar points, answers to grammar questions and interesting grammar games • Authentic magazine articles on a wide range of topics for reading comprehension practice • Fun resources for learning grammar and vocabulary offered in the form of cartoons, games, songs, lyrics, stories and poems • Printable materials specially prepared for parents and teachers who work with children and young learners • A separate section that covers military English Site URL: http://www.learnenglish.org.uk/welcome_en glish.html
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Visiting the Doctor: Lessons in Language and Culture
2007-10-20 18:12:00
International ESL students who seek medical help in the United States may not only find it hard to use the right kind of English but they also have to face cultural problems. Visiting the Doctor : Lessons in Language and Culture has been prepared to help them get over these thorny issues. Features: • Sample dialogs containing useful vocabulary and expressions for use with medical professionals • Interesting reading selections in the field of medicine and health care • Full explanations of cultural and grammatical points for sample dialogs and comprehension tests for reading selections • Various word games and puzzles to test medical vocabulary and idioms • A brief guide to medical resources in Seattle • Tips for teachers who would like to use the materials for their own classes Site URL: http://www.literacynet.org/vtd/

5000 Free SAT Words
2007-10-19 17:06:00
This list of SAT vocabulary words can be used not only by SAT candidates but also by those preparing to take the TOEFL, GRE or any other ESL examinations. Features: • 5000 most common SAT words alphabetically listed with brief definitions • Convenient division of the full list into 7 separate pages for faster loading and easier printing • A downloadable 36-page two-column PDF version optimized for frequent use • Extra information on SAT vocabulary building, SAT tutoring and SAT prep classes Site URL: http://www.freevocabulary.com/
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ESL Resource Center: The Website for Learners and Teachers of English
2007-10-18 14:40:00
This collection of ESL resources is maintained by INTERLINK Language Center s and contains many useful materials for students and teachers of English as a Second Language. Features: • Multiple lessons and exercises on grammar, reading - writing, vocabulary - idioms, spelling, pronunciation and listening • A number of links to other online ESL resources including reference and news sites • Mini games and tools designed for both students and teachers • Free daily English lessons, each featuring one vocabulary word followed by a full explanation of its meanings, grammatical points and example sentences • Information on TESL training and teaching English in foreign countries Site URL: http://eslus.com/eslcenter.htm
More About: Website , Resource , Teachers

Phonetics: The Sounds of American English
2007-10-17 17:45:00
Part of a project jointly undertaken by several departments at the University of Iowa, Phonetics: The Sounds of American English contains Flash animations of all phonetic sounds in American English and is intended for students and instructors of articulatory phonetics, linguistics and English as a Second/Foreign Language. Features: • Systematic presentation with consonants listed by manner of articulation, place of articulation and voicing, and vowels classified into monophthongs and diphthongs • Standard IPA transcriptions of all consonants and vowels • Extensive audiovisual aids consisting of an animated sound-integrated articulatory diagram, a full-color step-by-step description, a video clip and several audio clips for each consonant and vowel • An interactive diagram of the articulatory anatomy Site URL: http://www.uiowa.edu/~acadtech/phonetics/ english/frameset.html
More About: The Sounds

Irregular Verbs and the Simple Past in English
2007-10-16 17:24:00
The Simple Past by Lingolex has been written as a source of reference and practice materials for beginning students of English who have difficulty using irregular verbs and the past tense. Features: • Clear explanations of the simple past and how to make sentences in the past • Examples of the simple past in the forms of stories and jokes • A concise guide to using irregular verbs • A 10-level sound-integrated training module covering 150 irregular verbs, designed for self-study with progress tests • A Spanish version for Spanish speaking students Note: Java is required to display the training module. Site URL: http://www.lingolex.com/simplepast/index. htm

American Slang for ESL Students
2007-10-15 14:45:00
This is a collection of American slang words and expressions specially prepared for beginning ESL students who are looking to express themselves more naturally in American English. Features: • Slang words and expressions classified as nouns, verbs and adjectives • A list of common slang phrases suitable for use as everyday greetings • A separate section on colorful idioms that add vitality to spoken English • Definitions of slang and idioms written in simple language, complete with examples • A small and neat slang test with answers Site URL: http://www.schandlbooks.com/AmericanSlang .html
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ELT Resources at Onestopenglish
2007-10-14 17:04:00
Maintained by Macmillan Publishers, Onestopenglish is a superb site where EFL, ESL and ESOL teachers can find high-quality ELT resources and share teaching ideas. Features: • Lesson plans, worksheets, news articles and professional support in a wide variety of areas, including Business English and English for Specific Purposes (ESP), grammar and vocabulary, IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge ESOL exams (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, TKT, BEC), listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation and methodology • A career center with useful guides to starting a job in English language teaching • An online magazine featuring a word of the week, a phrase of the week, ELT events, cultural information, teacher anecdotes, teachers' diaries and teachers' letters • A special section containing lesson plans, worksheets and games for teachers working with young learners • A bank of printable flashcards which can be downloaded for immediate classroom use • A collection of interactive games an...
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USjournal of Academics
2007-10-11 16:31:00
Available in several languages, USjournal of Academics is intended to be a guide for international students who wish to earn university degrees or attend English language programs in the US. Features: • A free tool to search for high-quality US universities, colleges, community colleges, ESL programs, youth programs and summer schools based on such criteria as academic level, field of study, financial capability and geographic preference • An interactive map of top US universities, colleges and English language programs • A full list of English language programs offered by various US institutions • A regularly updated schedule of US education fairs around the world • Useful information on English proficiency testing, financial aid/scholarships, international student loans, student insurance and student visas • Resources and links for all students who want to choose the US as the study abroad destination Site URL: http://www.usjournal.com/

Western/Pacific Literacy Network/CNN SF Learning Resources
2007-10-10 17:28:00
This is an excellent site designed to give native adults and all ESL students from beginning to advanced level reading comprehension help through the use of CNN and CBS 5 news stories. Features: • A wide range of topics including business and economy, culture and society, education, health, politics, and science and technology • Stand-alone reading modules, each containing a full story, an abridged version for beginners and an outline highlighting the main points of the story • Stimulating interactive exercises and activities in various formats to test vocabulary and comprehension • Rich multimedia contents with full streaming audio and video clips • Ideal for teachers who want to incorporate authentic reading materials into class activities and lesson plans Site URL: http://www.literacynet.org/cnnsf/home.htm l
More About: Resources , Pacific , Network , Literacy , Learning

Activities for ESL Students
2007-10-08 13:28:00
Activities for ESL Students is a project maintained by The Internet TESL Journal and boasts thousands of quizzes, tests, exercises and puzzles to help you learn English as a Second Language. Features: • English grammar quizzes sorted into easy, medium and difficult levels and focusing on all aspects of English grammar • Vocabulary quizzes at easy, medium and difficult levels that deal with thematic groups of English vocabulary, including abbreviations, collocations, homonyms/homophones, idioms, phrasal verbs, proverbs and slang • Easy and difficult crossword puzzles, each concentrating on a single motivating topic • Podcasts and video podcasts designed especially for ESL learners with downloadable MP3/MP4 files • Bilingual vocabulary quizzes for speakers of other languages Site URL: http://a4esl.org/
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A Word A Day
2007-10-04 15:36:00
A Word A Day is a free service offered by Wordsmith.org and dedicated to exploring English vocabulary by presenting a new word every day. Interested readers can sign up to receive words via their emails. Features: • A new vocabulary word every day, given with a clear definition and interesting example usage • Rich information on the pronunciation, part of speech and etymology of each word • Audio clips to illustrate how the words are pronounced • Chronological and alphabetical lists of all words which have been featured since 1994 • A list of all vocabulary themes selected since 1996 • A busy forum where users can discuss anything related to English vocabulary • Perfect for advanced learners who are keen on building word power Site URL: http://wordsmith.org/awad/index.html

Repeat After Us: Online Library and Language Lab
2007-10-03 16:06:00
This project, started by Ellie Wen, is an incredible resource of copyright-free literature texts and audio clips that will satisfy not only literature lovers but also students of English as a second language in general. Features: • 8887 texts written by 952 authors, of which 2350 have been transferred into recorded form by a total of 194 readers • A variety of literary genres, including poetry, drama, prose fiction, prose non-fiction, children's stories, nursery rhymes - tongue twisters and memorable quotes • Various browsing possibilities: by genre, author's name, text title or difficulty level • Convenient incorporation into individual text pages of accompanying audio clips, which can be played online or downloaded as MP3s An award-winning site, Repeat After Us is unique with its recordings of well-known literary works and other authentic reading materials. If you want to read the world's classics and improve your listening skill at the same time, this is the best place...
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Interesting Things for ESL Students
2007-10-02 09:02:00
This is a study site with lots of fun materials that ESL students at different levels can use to improve their command of the English language. Features: • A beginner's level section containing games and activities suitable for elementary learners • More sections intended for intermediate and advanced students and focusing on vocabulary, grammar, sentence patterns, proverbs, slang - idioms, pronunciation, listening, hearing, reading and spelling • Special sections for grammar/vocabulary quizzes, podcasts/songs/jokes, crossword puzzles and tongue twisters/poems • A daily updated page featuring a proverb of the day, a quiz for the day and a daily 30 minute show from the VOA, downloadable as an MP3 • Another feature page reserved for games and activities based on VOA Special English programs In view of the number and quality of ESL/EFL games and activities it provides, Interesting Things for ESL Students is second to none and definitely deserves to be listed among the most h...
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SAT Preparation Powered by PrepMe.com
2007-10-01 09:00:00
If you are preparing to take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), this web site, powered by Prep Me.com, offers an exciting vocabulary builder that will help you review the words most frequently tested on this exam. Features: • 3507 practice questions belonging to two types, definition questions and fill-in questions, and arranged into 24 topics • Custom sound-integrated quizzes ready to be created on the fly by selecting a topic, time limit and number of questions • A printable database of all questions and answers, ideal for offline revision • Links to further information on SAT and related exams such as ACT and PSAT at PrepMe.com, a test preparation company that specializes in providing test prep courses Site URL: http://www.sat-preparation.co.il/
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The Purdue Online Writing Lab
2007-09-30 09:06:00
Of the writing labs available to ESL students on the Internet, the Purdue Online Writing Lab ranks among the best known and most highly valued. Features: • Hundreds of writing resources that students of English can use to improve their writing skills • Comprehensive coverage of the writing process, research and citation, grammar and mechanics, literary analysis and criticism • Detailed discussion of specific types of writing including scientific and technical writing, business writing, academic writing and creative writing • Clear, practical guides to tutoring and teaching writing, specially prepared for ESL/EFL teachers • A printable version of each resource for offline use The Online Writing Lab at Purdue is a completely free service and most importantly, the quality of its resources is just what one can expect from a famous university, superb and warranting frequent visits. Site URL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

Dictionary of English Slang and Colloquialisms of the UK
2007-09-28 17:09:00
This impressive online slang dictionary, maintained and updated by Ted Duckworth, is the place to go if you want the most accurate definitions of slang words as they are used by the British. Features: • No-nonsense design that allows the user to look up any slang word or expression in a matter of a few seconds • An advanced tool to refine slang search using various parameters • Informative entries giving slang definitions, example usage and cross-references to related entries • Full coverage of dialect and informal expressions, which may cause non-native speakers as much difficulty in understanding British people as the use of slang • Useful links to other online slang resources • A bibliography listing printed materials on slang Ted Duckworth is an authority on British slang and the quality of this online dictionary is a testament to his expertise and dedication. Site URL: http://www.peevish.co.uk/slang/index.htm
More About: English , Dictionary , Slang , Coll

IELTS.org: Home of the IELTS Examination
2007-09-27 12:22:00
Among standardized tests used to measure the English proficiency of a candidate applying to study abroad, the IELTS is fast becoming one of the most popular and a visit to the home page of the exam will give you more insights into how it is administered and how you can prepare for it. Features • Official information on the format of the IELTS and the application procedure • Advice on what IELTS candidates should do on their test day • Guidance on receiving and interpreting IELTS results • Downloadable guides including the latest IELTS handbook • Sample practice materials for the Academic Reading, Academic Writing, General Training Reading, General Training Writing and Speaking Modules • A global search tool to find a college or other institution that accepts a certain IELTS test score, ideal for those who want to study abroad Site URL: http://www.ielts.org/
More About: Home , Examination , Mina

Simple English News
2007-09-26 16:45:00
For beginning ESL students struggling to develop effective listening skills, Simple English News , with its numerous exciting news stories, is a highly recommended online resource. Features: • A rich selection of short, illustrated news articles categorized into world news, business news, sports news, science and technology news, entertainment news, health news and unusual news • Clear presentation of articles and their transcripts, making it possible for users to read and listen to stories at the same time • A glossary of potentially troublesome vocabulary frequently encountered in the media • Regular polls on current world affairs open to all users Simple English News is fine-tuned for beginner English listening but it will be useful, as the motto of the site goes, for anyone who wants to learn English.Site URL: http://www.simpleenglishnews.com/index.sh tml

Translation Journal: A Publication for Translators by Translators about Tra
2007-09-25 13:42:00
This quality journal, as its title implies, contains a wealth of useful information on translation that you will want to check out, especially if you plan to work as a professional translator or interpreter. Features: • Easy navigation with a drop-down box and a categorized index that allow users to jump to any article published in the journal between 1997 and 2007 • Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of translation and interpretation, from basic matters such as localization, translation theory and translation nuts and bolts to the highly specialized fields of legal, financial, literary, diplomatic and medical translation • Professional guides to translating specific languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish translation The Tran slation Journal is hosted by Accurapid the Language Service, a professional language translation service provider. Site URL: http://accurapid.com/journal/index.html
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LanguageGuide.org's Pictorial English Vocabulary Guide
2007-09-25 06:01:00
At LanguageGuide .org, a project dedicated to providing online language learning resources and promoting cultural understanding, you will find an excellent English vocabulary builder designed for non-native speakers, especially those at beginner level. Features: • A great number of words selected to reflect everyday life and organized into categories such as numbers, the body, animals, plants, jobs or travel • Carefully drawn, full-color illustrations and lively audio clips to give users an idea of how each word is pronounced and spelled out • Pictorial vocabulary guides for Italian, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, French, Russian, Japanese, German and Hebrew • Grammar guides for French and Spanish and interactive readings for French Since this a non-profit project, the directors would appreciate your volunteering to contribute contents or making financial donations. Site URL: http://www.languageguide.org/
More About: Vocabulary , Bula

Sounds of English
2007-09-21 19:22:00
A wonderful collection of materials by Sharon Widmayer and Holly Gray, Sounds of English not only helps ESL learners sound more like native speakers; it is also a great source of advice for teachers. Features: • One whole section devoted to describing how to pronounce specific sounds in English, fully illustrated with pictures, audio recordings and video clips • Another section dealing with word stress and containing specific rules for stressing compound nouns, noun+noun compounds, phrasal verbs and homographs • An impressive number of exercises and activities in the form of printable handouts and worksheets, ready for classroom use • Handouts and tips sections for pronunciation teachers, with a collection of TESOL presentations given by the authors of the site and detailed instructions on how to organize motivating games in pronunciation classes Site URL: http://www.soundsofenglish.org/index.html

Common Errors in English
2007-09-20 19:56:00
Professor Paul Brians of Washington State University has prepared a formidable list of misuses in English that will be of practical help to any learners of the language. Features: • Amazing coverage of common errors in English usage, some so common that they are taken for granted and repeatedly committed • Explanation of individual errors given in concise, illustrative language, making it possible for readers to grasp the point firmly and immediately • A list of non-errors containing usages which are believed to be wrong but are in fact correct • Two supplementary lists of word confusions and commonly misspelled words • A book version, entitled Common Errors in English Usage and containing most of the online contents plus some other useful features Site URL: http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/index.h tml

Short Stories at East of the Web
2007-09-19 13:53:00
This is a truly huge collection of short stories that you will want to check out, whether to learn more about literature or just to perfect your reading comprehension skills. Features: • A rich array of genres including children's, crime, fiction, horror, humour, non-fiction, romance, and sci-fi short stories • Sub-division of each genre into contemporary stories, classic stories and new stories • Bookmark option for any story you like or have not finished reading • A printable version for offline use and a PDB version for handheld devices • Integrated online dictionary to look up the definition or audio pronunciation of any word • 9 types of word games designed to build users' vocabulary • Study rooms for teachers to create custom word lists and games for their students Site URL: http://www.short-stories.co.uk/
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Bogazici University Online Writing Lab
2007-09-18 09:45:00
Writing is an indispensable skill for any student wishing to go up the academic ladder and the writing lab of Bogazici Univers ity is where you can find the necessary resources to refine this skill. For students: • A review of English grammar from beginning to advanced level, followed by writing guides covering problem areas such as run-on sentences, sentence fragments or dangling modifiers • Tips and strategies for writing a well-structured academic essay with a good thesis statement • Discussion of different types of essay, such as definition essays, classification essays, process essays, comparison/contrast essays, cause and effect essays, and argumentative essays • A number of exercises on paragraph and essay writing, complete with answers • Useful guides to editing a written work, avoiding plagiarism and writing research papers For teachers: • Informative articles on setting up writing tasks, combining reading and writing, modeling effective writing, correcting and g...
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