Discover 10 Hidden Gems to Boost Your English Learning Journey
Master English on your own with these unique and effective online resources designed to make learning engaging and efficient.
Explore handy dictionaries, subtitled series, and a comprehensive guide to English punctuation.
By Vasya Mitrofanov
Founder of the educational platform English yo(pta).
Previously, limited access to information made learning English challenging. Today, the challenge is different: an overwhelming amount of information is available, but finding truly valuable and engaging tools can be tricky.
Here is a curated list of 10 trustworthy websites that you might not have heard of but can significantly enhance your English learning experience.
1. Testyourvocab.com
While online tests to determine your English proficiency and vocabulary size have technical limitations and can't replace a live assessment by a teacher, they still offer a useful benchmark.
At testyourvocab.com, you can estimate your vocabulary breadth. For reference, my score was 15,000 words, while a native speaker typically knows around 22,000. The test takes about 5–7 minutes.
Visit the site →
2. Newsinlevels.com
Reading news in English is a classic recommendation, but for someone with limited experience, top news sources like The New York Times or BBC can be overwhelming. Newsinlevels.com adapts current news articles into three levels of English proficiency.
This approach keeps you informed of real-world events while enhancing your reading skills. Returning to your starting level after several months often reveals just how much progress you've made.
Visit the site →
3. Youglish.com
Learning vocabulary in context is crucial for retention and understanding. Youglish.com is an excellent tool for this: simply enter any word, and it will find YouTube videos showcasing the word used in various real-life contexts.
Pro tip: if Youglish returns only a few examples for a word, it might not be essential for your learning.
Visit the site →
4. Context.reverso.net
This multifaceted website offers grammar checks, document translations, and a context-based translator. Most users benefit from its ability to provide natural language equivalents for phrases typed in your native language.
While its results are generally helpful for informal communication, it's wise to verify translations for formal content.
Visit the site →
5. Thepunctuationguide.com
English punctuation often confuses learners, and many never receive proper instruction. This site is the ultimate guide to understanding punctuation marks and their correct usage.
If mastering all the rules feels daunting, at least familiarize yourself with the names and basic functions of punctuation marks — it will boost your confidence in writing.
Visit the site →
6. Hinative.com
Hinative.com lets you submit texts such as important emails to be reviewed by native speakers for free. In exchange, you can help others by answering questions in your native language.
This platform is especially beneficial if you frequently write in English and want feedback to improve your style and accuracy.
Visit the site →
7. Typing.com
Want to master touch typing in English? Typing.com offers free courses to develop fast and accurate typing skills. Though the practice may be repetitive, acquiring this skill saves valuable time in writing and communication.
Visit the site →
8. Ororo.tv
Similar to Netflix but with extra features, Ororo.tv hosts thousands of movies and series in original English with subtitles. It includes an integrated translator and allows you to save new words to a personal dictionary that you can export to Excel.
Some drawbacks include the absence of a dedicated app and occasional lower video quality (480p). However, it’s accessible via mobile browsers and free to use with limited content.
Premium subscriptions cost approximately $4 per month, with frequent discounts. The vast content library makes it a valuable tool for immersive learning.
Visit the site →
9. Madbook.org
Created by a passionate individual, Madbook.org offers a collection of English books with an integrated translator for readers of all levels. The platform also offers an Android app.
Though the site has some imperfections, it is entirely free and a fantastic resource for reading practice.
Visit the site →
10. Vocabulary.com
Vocabulary.com is a standout online dictionary that offers simple definitions and practical examples, complemented by an engaging vocabulary quiz system. It features extensive word collections and a user-friendly interface.
Some limitations include an outdated app and lack of an official browser extension for easy word saving, although third-party options exist.
Visit the site →
These websites alone won't make you fluent, but they are excellent companions to accelerate your learning and save time when used wisely. If you know other unique resources, feel free to share them in the comments!
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