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ESOL Resources for Teenagers and Adults

Apps

Drops

Description: A visual, game-based app focused on vocabulary building through short, daily sessions.
Features: 100% illustrated learning, 5-minute sessions, swipe-based interaction, 2700+ words in 150+ topics, no grammar—just vocabulary.
Availability: Free with optional premium subscription. Available on iOS and Android

Duolingo

Description: A fun, gamified app that teaches English through bite-sized lessons.
Features: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking practice; personalized learning paths; daily streaks; free and Super Duolingo (ad-free, offline access).
Availability: Free and paid versions. Available on web, iOS, and Android

Memrise

Description: Focuses on real-life language with videos of native speakers and AI-powered conversation practice.
Features: Native speaker videos, AI chatbot, personalized vocabulary, grammar tips, and spaced repetition.
Availability: Free and Pro plans. Available on desktop, iOS, and Android

ELSA Speak

Description: An AI-powered English tutor that helps improve pronunciation and speaking skills.
Features: Real-time feedback, role-play conversations, accent training, grammar and vocabulary lessons, IELTS/TOEFL prep.
Availability: Free with in-app purchases. Available on iOS and Android

British Council – LearnEnglish Apps

Description: A suite of apps from the British Council for grammar, vocabulary, listening, and test prep.
Features: Podcasts, grammar quizzes, pronunciation tools, and interactive lessons.
Availability: Free and paid apps. Available on iOS, Android, and web

FlashAcademy

Description: A dynamic app using games, flashcards, and videos to teach English.
Features: Object translator, grammar tips, speech comparison, cultural insights, and progress tracking.
Availability: Free with subscription options. Available on iOS and Android

British Council EnglishScore

Description: A mobile English test and certificate app for learners and professionals.
Features: CEFR-aligned test, instant results, speaking and writing assessments, recognized certificates.
Availability: Free to practice, paid certificates. Available on Android and iOS

Rosetta Stone

Description: A long-standing language learning platform using immersive methods and speech recognition.
Features: TruAccent pronunciation tool, phrasebooks, stories, live lessons, and offline access.
Availability: Subscription-based. Available on web, iOS, and Android

Akelius Languages

Description: A free, ad-free app offering vocabulary and grammar through games, songs, and audiobooks.
Features: 200–4000 word range, offline access, built-in tests, and progress tracking.
Availability: Free. Available on iOS, Android, and web

Websites

Akelius Languages

A free, interactive website and app that teaches English through games, songs, and stories. It’s designed for learners of all ages and includes vocabulary, grammar, and listening practice.

Best features:

No ads and works offline
Fun, game-based learning
Covers 200–4000 words with audio and visuals

Engoo

Engoo offers free daily English conversation topics with vocabulary, questions, and sample answers. It’s great for speaking practice and building confidence in real-life conversations.

Best features:

Daily updated topics
Real-life conversation practice
Easy to use for self-study or tutoring

Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary

A trusted online dictionary made for English learners. It gives clear definitions, example sentences, and pronunciation in both British and American English.

Best features:

Learner-friendly definitions
Audio pronunciation in UK and US English
Word of the Day and grammar tips

ESOL Courses

A free website with lessons for beginner to advanced learners. It includes grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading, and writing practice.

Best features:

No sign-up needed
Clear, step-by-step lessons
Great for independent learning at all levels

BBC Bitesize

Originally made for UK school students, Bitesize also has helpful English resources for ESOL learners. It includes grammar, reading, and writing tips with videos and quizzes.

Best features:

Interactive quizzes and videos
Simple explanations
Covers grammar, spelling, and writing skills

BBC Learning English and Learn English Teens

A popular site with free videos, audio, and lessons for English learners. It covers grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and real-life English.

Best features:

Daily video lessons and series
Real-world English and news
Great for listening and pronunciation practice

Self-study Books

English Made Easy

Authors: Jonathan Crichton & Pieter Koster

Blurb: A visually engaging and intuitive guide for beginners, English Made Easy uses a unique pictorial approach to teach English through real-life scenarios. This book is ideal for self-study learners who benefit from visual cues and contextual learning.

Best Features:

Picture-based learning for intuitive understanding
Step-by-step progression through 20 themed units
Real-life dialogues and vocabulary
Built-in pronunciation guides and revision sections
Ideal for visual learners and absolute beginners

Buy: Amazon UK

Borrow: Open Library, Libby

Newcomer English

Authors: Mark Evans

Blurb: Newcomer English is a practical and accessible workbook designed to support new arrivals in building foundational English skills. With a clear, step-by-step approach, it guides learners through the process of writing well-structured paragraphs, helping them gain confidence and independence in their written communication.

Best Features:

Step-by-step writing development: Builds from simple sentences to full paragraphs
Beginner-friendly structure: Ideal for learners with little or no prior English
Practical focus: Emphasizes real-world language use and communication
Compact and affordable: 97 pages of focused content, perfect for self-study
Written by an experienced ESOL educator: Mark Evans brings over 25 years of international teaching experience

Buy: Amazon UK

Borrow: Open Library or local libraries

English Conversation Practice

Authors: Grant Taylor

Blurb: This book offers hundreds of practical dialogues to help learners gain fluency and confidence in everyday English. It’s a relaxed, grammar-light approach to mastering spoken English through repetition and real-world scenarios.

Best Features:

Covers 11+ everyday conversation topics
Emphasis on fluency over grammar
Includes audio for pronunciation practice
Suitable for self-study and classroom use
Great for building confidence in speaking

Buy: Amazon UK

Borrow: Open Library

English for Everyone Series

Authors: DK (Dorling Kindersley)

Blurb: A comprehensive, visually rich series that covers English from beginner to advanced levels. Whether you’re learning vocabulary, grammar, or idioms, this series offers structured, self-paced learning with audio and interactive elements.

Best Features:

CEFR-aligned (A1 to C1) with exam prep support (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
Visual grammar explanations and vocabulary cues
Integrated audio via app and website
Practice books mirror course books for reinforcement
Suitable for independent learners and teachers alike

Buy: DK Official Site, Amazon UK, Penguin Random House

Borrow: Libby or local library

Building a New Life in the UK

Authors: Joanna Bevan & Tieu Pham (Speak Street)

Blurb: Created by a social enterprise, this workbook supports beginner ESOL learners in adapting to life in the UK. It combines essential grammar and vocabulary with practical, culturally relevant content.

Best Features:

Focus on UK-specific vocabulary and life skills
Interactive and community-oriented design
Ideal for use in support groups or community classes
Profits support social impact initiatives
Simple, accessible format for beginners

Buy: Amazon UK, AbeBooks

Borrow: Community ESOL programs or libraries

Podcasts

British Council – LearnEnglish Podcasts

Blurb:
Engaging conversations about life in the UK, designed to improve listening, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Each episode includes transcripts and exercises.

Best Features:

Interactive audio scripts
Adjustable playback speed
Offline listening
Progress tracking and quizzes

Listen on:
British Council App, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify

BBC Easy English

Blurb:
Real conversations in slow, clear English. Each episode focuses on everyday topics like food, transport, and hobbies, perfect for A2-level learners.

Best Features:

Weekly episodes
Vocabulary explained in context
Friendly presenters
Short, manageable length

Listen on:
BBC Learning English, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

BBC – 6 Minute English

Blurb:
A long-running series that explores interesting topics in just six minutes, while teaching new vocabulary and expressions.

Best Features:

Topical discussions
Intermediate level (B1-B2)
Free transcripts and quizzes
Great for daily practice

Listen on:
6 Minute English, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

BBC English Conversations

Blurb:
Short episodes that teach useful expressions and phrases for everyday conversations, with real-life examples and cultural context.

Best Features:

Focus on idioms and expressions
Weekly updates
Downloadable episodes
Clear, concise explanations

Listen on:
BBC English Conversations, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

BBC English for Work

Blurb:
Short, practical episodes to help learners improve their English in professional settings, from meetings to emails.

Best Features:

Workplace vocabulary and phrases
Realistic scenarios
Weekly episodes
Hosted by experienced teachers

Listen on:
BBC English for Work, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Luke’s English Podcast

Blurb:
Award-winning podcast by teacher and comedian Luke Thompson. Offers deep dives into British culture, language, and humor.

Best Features:

Over 900 episodes
Transcripts and premium content
Phrasal verb series
Entertaining and educational

Listen on:
Luke’s English Podcast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Culips – Learn English Everyday

Blurb:
Canadian-based podcast with natural conversations, idioms, and pronunciation tips. Great for learners who want to sound more fluent.

Best Features:

Multiple series (e.g., Chatterbox, Simplified Speech)
Interactive transcripts
Study guides and quizzes
Weekly updates

Listen on:
Culips ESL Podcast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Slow English Podcast

Blurb:
Australian podcast that teaches English through stories about life and culture in Australia, spoken slowly and clearly.

Best Features:

Focus on Australian English
Downloadable transcripts
Cultural insights
Ideal for intermediate learners

Listen on:
Slow English, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, YouTube

Coffee Break English

Blurb:
Short, structured lessons ideal for learners on the go. Each episode focuses on grammar, vocabulary, or culture, spoken in slow English.

Best Features:

15-minute episodes, A2-level content
Cultural variety (UK, US, Canada, Australia)
Lesson notes and transcripts

Listen on:
Coffee Break English, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Grammar

Grammar is a system of rules and structures on how sentences are formed. Grammar helps us express ideas and communicate effectively. Below are some helpful resources, arranged by grammar topics that need to be mastered by teenage ESOL learners.