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Learning English For Free Online |
Many websites offer free English lessons online. This is
certainly a common search query. Who doesn't want free lessons? I
certainly agree that there is much to be gained from free online English
learning resources.
However, let's ask some questions...
Why do you want to learn English?
Free
lessons can be great if you want to learn English for fun, or as a
hobby. If you need to learn English to get a better job or enter the
University of your dreams- then you're going to need more than free
online lessons.
Alternatives to free online lessons.
Many
of you reading this have probably experienced both the good and the bad
of classroom English lessons. Finding the right place to learn can be
frustrating and expensive. Alternatively, if English is compulsory for
your work or school, there can be the problem of too many students of
different abilities in the one class. This can add to frustration and
boredom.
Alternatives to think about are of course online English
lessons. However, if you pay for online lessons then you must be careful
to find a course that seems well structured, flexible and supportive if
you have problems with teachers or the materials. Also you probably
want your online English courses to be affordable.
Do your
research and don't commit to long term contracts. If you make a one off
payment or sign up to a monthly payment plan that is able to be
cancelled at any time; then you are free to leave and find another
online English school if it doesn't work out.
What is the structure of the free lessons?
There
are many great free lessons on particular topics floating around the
internet. In particular, there are many free videos which can be great
as students can pause and rewind to review.
The things free English lessons often don't have are:
* Resources/ follow-up activities to help you remember and practice what the free lesson was about.
* The chance for speaking practice and interaction.
* A clear structure between topics and units.
* An understanding of your learning background and individual learning needs.
Why are these websites/ companies offering free lessons?
Sometimes
I have seen websites that are quite old and out of date. They have OK
materials, but offer either minimal or no practice activities or student
support. Other websites that boast free materials can sometimes offer
lessons that share 50% of what they know about a topic. This is done in
order to get you to sign up to a paid course which offers more
comprehensive information.
Personally, as a person who studies
linguistics, I don't like websites that use this selling technique. Free
language materials should be helpful and comprehensive, with no strings
attached.
What is the best choice to make?
Free
lessons and materials, plus online or offline paid English lessons is
the best option. The most successful students I know enjoy learning
using free lessons and materials; but realise the limitations of these.
They usually learn with a course and teacher either offline or online
(depending on their schedules). Free English lessons can offer variety
and consolidate previously explained materials. However, adding paid
English lessons to free lessons will provide you with the structure and
support to learn English thoroughly and fast.