Best websites for online language learning - our top websites for language learning outside the classroomPractise your Speaking & listening at homeThis is always one of the hardest things to practise when you're not in the classroom. However, with the wonders of modern technology, there are now some very clever ways for you to work on your speaking with your computer and to get some feedback on how clearly you are speaking! Try this amazing website where you can watch videoclips and then you have to imitate the video clip and you get feedback on how clear your speaking is. There are quite a few free clips, but then to access everything there is a monthly subscription fee: If you like learning from authentic media but want to avoid paying a subscription, there is this nice YouTube channel: It is not as structured as English Central, but is a great way to practise listening and improve your comprehension skills. Try out the Harry Potter clip on the home page of the channel: Another brilliant YouTube channel is: They have chosen some inspiring speeches and added clear and accurate subtitles to help you follow the speech. Just to get you started, this one from Steve Jobs is a brilliant, inspirational video... If you are keen to focus on listening activities which also include comprehension activities, then ELLLO is a fantastic library of free graded listening activities for you to listen to and complete linked activities. A really nice aspect of this site is the fact that they use speakers from all over the world so you really get to hear a wide range of accents which is an important aspect to work on to improve your listening skills: If you prefer watching more authentic video clips, then TED Talks are a must. There are so many great websites out there in the world but TED must rank up there as one of the best for the amount of valuable information it shares with the world. One of the truly fantastic things about the TED website is firstly, the quality of the speakers and the speeches they have uploaded. And then, secondly, the surrounding content that supports the speeches. Many of the speeches have been translated into multiple languages and often with a range of educational activities to support a particular speech. This is a must subscribe website. Here is one of my favourite videos to get you started. It seems particularly apt in our current situation... (best viewed on this link on the TED website) And so, lastly in this section of the blog on Speaking & Listening, let's get back to a couple more ways to develop and improve your speaking skills online.
A great website to hear examples of natural speaking by students preparing for the Cambridge or IELTS exams is on the Splendid Speaking website. This website has been created by Cambridge examiners to give lots of examples of natural speaking with tips and techniques for the Cambridge & IELTS exams. This page in particular gives you lots of examples for different style of speaking for different parts of the speaking exam: The top 10 places to visit in Cornwall.Well I'm sure there could be a few disagreements here but I guess that only goes to show that there are so many great things to do in Cornwall that it can be hard to choose a top 10! Anyway, we thought we would have a go... Please feel free to write in the comments any different places you would choose. 10. The Camel TrailThe Camel Trail (www.cameltrailcyclehire.co.uk) is always a popular thing to do with our students. The amazing view as the Camel Estuary opens up along the route is so beautiful and relaxing.
Then there is the fun of all the other cyclists along the route which creates such a lovely atmosphere of bimbling through the Cornish countryside. While cycle routes like this can be quite common in other countries they are unfortunately rare in the UK which makes them just a little bit more special. The only downside is that it is not a little longer before we arrive in Padstow for a wander through this picture postcard seaside town with some of Rick Stein's famous fish'n'chips on the harbour wall. Learn English at Language Tree in Cornwall - An exciting mix of language, culture and adventure!
For our first blog post, we thought it would be interesting to explain a little why we think you should join one of our courses.
Firstly, when a student or a school or college group chooses to study with us our aim, above all others, is to give each and every student one of the best learning experiences they have ever had. We want their memories of Cornwall to last a lifetime.
From our point of view, that starts from when you make your first enquiry about coming to study with us.
We will take our time to get to know you and your group and we will discuss with you the types of excursions and activities that your group would enjoy and which would complement their courses at home. Of course, first and foremost, our courses start in the classroom. We have an amazing team of highly qualified and experienced teachers who are used to teaching students of all levels and we make sure we know the levels of your students before they even arrive in the UK. We will send you tests to complete and return to us (or you can direct the students to do these tests online). This means before the students arrive, we will have all our materials ready and no time is lost with testing and putting students in groups at the beginning of the course. From the first day of classes, the students will be taught in small groups with other students of a similar level to them. Our teachers will make sure the materials in the lessons are engaging with just the right amount of challenge to push forward their English language skills. |