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The 20 Best Websites for Teaching and Learning English.

The 20 Best Websites for Teaching and Learning English

After more than two decades teaching English, both in traditional classrooms and online, I’ve seen methodologies come and go, textbooks evolve, and technology completely transform how we teach and learn languages.

One thing, however, has become very clear: the right websites can dramatically improve both teaching quality and student outcomes. Over the years, I’ve tested hundreds of platforms. Some were excellent but short-lived. Others have stood the test of time and are now essential tools in my daily teaching.

Below is my carefully curated list of the 20 best websites for teaching and learning English, based on reliability, quality of content, pedagogical value, and real classroom effectiveness.

1. BBC Learning English

A gold standard for English learning.

Excellent for listening, pronunciation, grammar, and real-world English. The content is authentic, level-appropriate, and professionally produced. I often use their short videos as lesson warm-ups or homework.

Best for: Listening, vocabulary, pronunciation, current English

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish

2. British Council – LearnEnglish

Designed by experts who understand pedagogy.

Clear levels (A1–C2), strong grammar explanations, and interactive activities make this ideal for structured learning.

Best for: Structured self-study, grammar, teacher resources

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org

3. Cambridge English

A must-use site for exam preparation.

It’s particularly strong for IELTS, B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency. I regularly recommend it to serious exam candidates.

Best for: Exam preparation, academic English

https://www.cambridgeenglish.org

4. Oxford Online Skills

Well-organised skills practice from A1 to B2.

Each unit combines reading, listening, speaking, and writing with clear learning outcomes.

Best for: Skills integration

https://www.oxfordonlinepractice.com

5. Perfect English Grammar

Clear, simple, no-nonsense grammar explanations.

This site is brilliant when students say, “I still don’t understand this tense.”

Best for: Grammar clarity

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com

6. ESL Library

One of my favourite teacher platforms.

High-quality, printable lessons with excellent discussion questions and real-life topics.

Best for: Adult learners, conversation classes

https://esllibrary.com

7. ISL Collective

A massive teacher-created resource library.

While quality varies, the sheer volume of worksheets, presentations, and video lessons is invaluable.

Best for: Worksheets and classroom activities

https://en.islcollective.com

8. Breaking News English

A classroom classic.

Real news adapted to multiple levels with ready-made exercises.

Best for: Reading, discussion, current events

https://breakingnewsenglish.com

9. LyricsTraining

Learning English through music, done right.

Excellent for listening accuracy, pronunciation, and motivation.

Best for: Listening, teens, fun lessons

https://lyricstraining.com

10. Duolingo

Not perfect, but extremely motivating.

I recommend it as extra practice, not a complete course.

Best for: Vocabulary building, habit formation

https://www.duolingo.com

11. Quizlet

A powerful tool for vocabulary retention.

Flashcards, games, and tests, very effective when used consistently.

Best for: Vocabulary revision

https://quizlet.com

12. Wordwall

Fantastic for interactive activities.

Great for both young learners and adults when you want quick engagement.

Best for: Games, revision, interaction

https://wordwall.net

13. Kahoot!

One of the best classroom engagement tools ever created.

Perfect for reviews and informal assessment.

Best for: Gamification, motivation

https://kahoot.com

14. Elllo.org

Short, authentic listening clips with transcripts.

Ideal for building confidence with real accents.

Best for: Listening comprehension

https://elllo.org

15. TED-Ed

Real ideas, real English.

I use this extensively with B2+ students for listening, discussion, and writing tasks.

Best for: Advanced learners, critical thinking

https://ed.ted.com

16. Engoo Daily News

Excellent short articles with discussion questions.

Perfect for conversation classes and exam speaking practice.

Best for: Speaking fluency

https://engoo.com/app/daily-news

17. Grammarly Blog & Tools

Useful for writing awareness rather than correction alone.

Great for explaining common mistakes.

Best for: Writing improvement

https://www.grammarly.com/blog

18. ESL-Bits

Old-school but excellent audio resources.

Audiobooks, podcasts, and listening practice for serious learners.

Best for: Extensive listening

https://esl-bits.net

19. National Geographic Learning

Visually rich, content-based learning.

Excellent for CLIL, academic English, and motivation.

Best for: Reading, vocabulary, global topics

https://eltngl.com

20. YouGlish

A hidden gem.

Students can hear real pronunciation of words in thousands of authentic contexts.

Best for: Pronunciation and real usage

https://youglish.com

In conclusion, no single website can replace a skilled teacher, but the right combination of tools can transform your teaching and your students’ progress.

My advice is simple:

Use websites strategically, not randomly

Match tools to learning objectives

Teach students how to use these resources independently

Used well, these platforms don’t just teach English, they help students become confident, autonomous learners.


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