Training your ear

Yesterday, I wrote about how difficult it is to understand certain song lyrics, even for native speakers. Today, I want to tell you about a great site I´ve come across called Lyrics Training.

This site holds a collection of music videos you can watch. The educational aspect of the site is that, as you listen to a song, you have to write the lyrics. In other words, they put your comprehension to the test.

You can choose different levels from beginner to expert. The higher the level, the more gaps you have to complete, up to “expert”. At the highest level, you have to write the full lyrics.

You might think, “My fingers won´t be able to keep up with the voices!” Worry not. The system recognises this problem and, whenever you don´t have enough time to write a line, the video is automatically rewinded a little in order for you to complete it. Brilliant!

I put myself to the test with Ellie Goulding´s “Love Me like You Do” and I got 100% correct. Of course, that´s not a difficult song but the point is that it was a fun way to practise comprehension. Next time, I´ll choose another song and try to get as much as possible.

Whatever the results, you will be practising and improving your listening comprehension. Give it a try!

Lyrics Training

Paco's blog

Last month, I interviewed retired university teacher Francisco Sánchez Benedito. Today, I would like to recommend his blog to you.

Paco's blog has interesting and pedagogical entries about grammar, vocabulary, humour, short stories, etc. You can also learn about his publications and, more importantly, ask him any questions about his books and career and he'll gladly reply in the comments section.

It's not a bad idea to pick somebody's brains when that person has taught English for over 50 years. To visit Paco's blog, click on the link below.

Paco's blog

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A happy experience

Hello, I'm back with another of my short reviews. After some time browsing, reading and commenting, I'm pleased to bring you a great blog called Happy English New York.

This is a blog created by Michael DiGiacomo, an English teacher based in New York. It covers a wide variety of topics related to English vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation (with videos). Lessons begin with a picture or drawing to set the scene, then they are followed by clear explanations and numerous examples.

One of the things that sets this blog apart from others is that you get an audio lesson from time to time. That is a definite plus.

Michael's blog is very pleasant to read. It's got thorough content, beautiful illustrations and at the end of each lesson there is a follow-up question to make you express your thoughts in English. 

Happy English gets my highest recommendation. To visit the blog, click on the picture below.

Here's a personal message from Michael.

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Get into action

Are you thinking of taking one of the Cambridge exams or preparing for IELTS? Would you like to improve your fluency by practising conversation with a native speaker? Then, look no further!

David Sweetnam is an Australian teacher currently based in Melbourne who's got a website called Get into English. This site is full of interesting articles and tips to help you pass your exams with flying colours.

David's site also features a number of interesting worksheets you can download. Some of these worksheets deal with personal relationships, which may be of particular interest to some visitors.

If you're still undecided, head for the section "References & Testimonials" and you'll see how other students are praising David to the skies!

To visit his site, click on the image below.

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A laugh a day keeps the doctor away

There's no doubt that laughter is the best medicine so why not have some fun every day by visiting a site specialised in humour?

Lots of humor is a collection of funny pictures, comments, quotes, videos and jokes. There is also a section for a wide variety of games you can play.

The great thing about the site is that it is updated daily. The content is also organised into different categories to help you find something you're looking for.

What better way to start your day than with a smile on your face? To visit the site, click on the image below.

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English Harmony

Are you afraid of making mistakes when speaking in English? Do you feel you lack enough confidence when you're around native English speakers? Have you tried to improve your fluency without success? Well, all these questions and many others have their answers on an excellent blog called English Harmony.

English Harmony is a blog for English learners who want to become fluent speakers. Created by Robby Kukurs, a Latvian living in Ireland, this blog contains tons of advice and articles on everything related to English fluency. 

We all know that the proof of the pudding is in the eating, right? Yes, it is. This is also the case with Robby. Along with his articles, he posts videos in which he talks about different things you can do to improve your English fluency, so you will see (and hear) that he is the real deal. These videos are not rehearsed so you'll notice that he sometimes hesitates or rephrases something. Just like a native speaker.

English Harmony is also available as a set of modules you can buy which include lots of speech exercises, videos and other stuff to help you become a confident speaker.

Robby is living proof that determination, motivation, practice and the right methodology can help you achieve your goal, however daunting it might seem to you at first.

Don't miss out, English Harmony is a must for any serious English learner. To visit the blog, click on the image below.

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Phrasemix

Phrasemix is a great site for English learners who want to speak real English. Created by Aaron Knight, who has a BA in English Education and has taught English to a variety of students (native and non-native), the site's methodology revolves around natural English phrases.

Rather than learning single vocabulary items and boring grammar points, all lessons on Phrasemix (1,400 and counting) are presented in the form of common everyday phrases accompanied by illustrations showing real-life situations. Explanations are then provided for the vocabulary and grammar appearing in the phrase, together with some cultural information when relevant. 

If that weren't enough, you can also read blog posts, lists of words for certain topics (with their explanations), featured answers, etc.

Still want more? Well, Phrasemix offers a Premium service which lets you listen to the description of each situation and the example sentence that follows, spoken by native speakers. How about that!

I find Phrasemix a useful and motivating site for English learners because of its natural phrases based on English collocations, colloquialisms and idioms; these are complemented by beautiful illustrations which engage the reader's attention and interest. A new lesson is added every day so you will probably come back for more!

To visit the site, click on the image below.

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Free audiobooks aplenty

Do you enjoy reading the timeless classics of English literature? Does the idea of listening to the whole text appeal to you? If the answer is yes, you're in luck. 

The site Books Should Be Free boasts a large collection of thousands of books from a wide variety of genres that you can listen to or download.

Apart from having access to great works, you will also be exposed to different English accents since all books are read by native speakers from different countries (England, USA, Canada, etc.).

So, sit back and relax while you listen to a myriad of tales, adventures, mysteries, romances and pretty much to everything you can think of.