English vocabulary practice

Practice · Starter

Phonics patterns

Hear a word and choose the letters that complete its sound-to-spelling pattern.

Topics: Everyday English

Practice · Starter

Read a fictional menu

Find prices, meal times and useful requests on a short English menu.

Topics: Food, Shopping, Time and dates

Guide · Starter

Useful common words: learn a sense you can use

A useful word list gives you meanings and examples, not just a ranking. Start with words that help you understand a real message or express a real need.

Topics: Everyday English

Guide · Starter

Animal words: use a label and a sentence

Pictures can introduce an animal word, but a useful vocabulary entry also needs a context. Study the English label rather than assuming every similar drawing has a unique name.

Topics: Animals

Guide · Starter

Body-part words for clear everyday descriptions

Learn a body-part noun with a simple location or action. A labelled illustration helps connect the word to its intended area.

Topics: Health

Guide · Starter

Classroom phrases: ask for the support you need

A useful learner phrase names a specific need: repeat the instruction, explain a word or check an answer. These requests also work in adult courses and workplace training.

Topics: Study

Guide · Starter

Family words: name relationships without guessing

A family word describes a relationship, not a person’s appearance. Study the label and a sentence about who is related to whom.

Topics: Family, Home

Guide · Starter

Food words: names, amounts and requests

Combine a food word with a useful request or amount. A menu label is easier to use when you know what question to ask next.

Topics: Food

Guide · Starter

English numbers and dates: confirm the format

A number can be a quantity, a price, a time or part of a date. State the context and use an explicit format when writing it down.

Topics: Time and dates, Travel

Guide · Starter

Days, months and time: write a complete detail

A calendar expression is easier to confirm when it includes enough information for the task. Named days and months begin with capital letters in standard English writing.

Topics: Time and dates, Travel

Guide · Starter

Shopping English: item, price and exact detail

A useful shopping exchange identifies the item and the information you need. Keep a question about price separate from a claim about a real store’s policy.

Topics: Shopping

Guide · Starter

Introduce yourself for the situation

A useful introduction gives the other person enough information to begin a conversation. A name and a relevant connection are often enough.

Topics: Everyday English, Work

Guide · Starter

English goodbyes: close the conversation clearly

A goodbye can signal that the exchange is ending, thank the other person and confirm a next step. Match it to the relationship and the situation.

Topics: Everyday English, Work

Guide · Starter

Choose a greeting that fits the moment

A greeting opens an interaction. Choose a neutral, friendly or more formal form according to the relationship and setting, then move to the purpose.

Topics: Everyday English, Work

Guide · Starter

Thank someone for a specific action

A simple thank-you can acknowledge help, time or information. Naming the action often makes the message clearer and more personal.

Topics: Everyday English, Work

Guide · Starter

Weather words: describe what you observe

Weather vocabulary can describe a condition, a change or a forecast. Keep the language claim separate from a real prediction.

Topics: Weather, Travel

Reader · Starter

A Day at School

Follow Lin through a school day, from the first class to homework at home.

Topics: Study, Home

Reader · Starter

My Family

Meet a family of four and find out about their work, studies and time together.

Topics: Family, Work, Home

Reader · Starter

At the Shop

Read about a short shopping trip. Find prices, things to buy and the number of bags.

Topics: Shopping, Food

Reader · Starter

My Cat

Meet Snow the cat. Read about his appearance, favorite place and favorite food.

Topics: Animals, Home

Reader · Starter

The Weather

Read about four seasons and find out which season the speaker likes best.

Topics: Weather

Reader · Starter

My Morning

Follow a morning routine and a bus journey to school. Notice times and the order of events.

Topics: Home, Time and dates, Study, Travel

Reader · Starter

My Friend Tom

Meet Tom, a friend who enjoys football and helps with difficult homework.

Topics: Study, Leisure

Reader · Starter

In the Park

Visit a small park with trees, a lake and a quiet place to read.

Topics: Home, Leisure

Picture deck · Starter

Numbers & Counting English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about numbers & counting. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Time and dates, Shopping

Picture deck · Starter

Animals & Pets English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about animals & pets. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Animals

Picture deck · Starter

Body Parts & Face English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about body parts & face. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Health

Picture deck · Starter

Food & Dishes English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about food & dishes. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Food

Picture deck · Starter

Fruit & Vegetables English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about fruit & vegetables. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Food

Picture deck · Starter

Everyday Verbs English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about everyday verbs. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Everyday English, Work, Home

Picture deck · Starter

Clothes, Shoes & Accessories English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about clothes, shoes & accessories. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Shopping

Picture deck · Starter

Drinks, Coffee & Tea English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about drinks, coffee & tea. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Food

Picture deck · Starter

Days, Months & Time English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about days, months & time. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Time and dates

Picture deck · Starter

Home, Rooms & Furniture English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about home, rooms & furniture. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Home

Picture deck · Starter

Opposites & Describing Things English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about opposites & describing things. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Everyday English

Practice · Elementary

Word listening

Hear a useful English word and choose its English definition.

Topics: Everyday English, Work, Food, Home

Practice · Elementary

Spelling from sound

Hear a word, type its spelling, then check the definition and an example.

Topics: Everyday English, Work, Food, Home

Practice · Elementary

Word scramble

Use a definition and a mixed-up set of letters to rebuild the word.

Topics: Everyday English

Practice · Elementary

Word groups

Group word tiles as nouns, verbs or adjectives using English meanings and examples.

Topics: Everyday English

Practice · Elementary

Irregular verbs

Choose past and past-participle forms, then review them in useful sentences.

Topics: Everyday English

Practice · Elementary

Travel phrase arcade

Choose useful requests for eight short travel situations.

Topics: Travel

Guide · Elementary

Travel English: requests, details and clarification

Prepare language for a task: finding a room, confirming a booking or asking someone to repeat a number. A clear purpose is more useful than a long unsorted phrase list.

Topics: Travel

Guide · Elementary

Homophones: same sound, different words

Homophones sound alike in a particular accent but have different spellings or meanings. Use sentence meaning and grammar to choose the written word.

Topics: Everyday English

Guide · Elementary

Synonyms and antonyms: compare a sense in context

A synonym has a similar meaning in a particular use. An antonym expresses a relevant opposite. Neither relation means that words can be swapped in every sentence.

Topics: Everyday English

Guide · Elementary

Spelling mistakes: find the pattern and keep the meaning

A spelling check is useful when you can recognize the intended word and explain the corrected form. Context distinguishes several common confusions.

Topics: Everyday English

Guide · Elementary

Apologise, explain briefly and repair the problem

An apology is more useful when it acknowledges a specific problem and says what can happen next. Keep the explanation proportionate to the situation.

Topics: Work, Everyday English

Reader · Elementary

A New Phone

An old phone is slow, but a birthday gift brings a surprise. Follow the events in the past.

Topics: Technology, Family

Reader · Elementary

Learning English

A learner builds a daily English habit and begins reading, watching films and speaking.

Topics: Study

Reader · Elementary

The Lost Ticket

A traveler cannot find a train ticket. Read how another passenger helps just in time.

Topics: Travel

Reader · Elementary

My First Job

A first job in a coffee shop is tiring, but customers and a first salary make it rewarding.

Topics: Work, Food

Reader · Elementary

The Rainy Holiday

Rain changes a beach holiday. Indoor games give the family a different kind of good memory.

Topics: Travel, Family, Weather

Reader · Elementary

The Neighbour's Dog

A noisy dog causes frustration until a conversation helps two neighbors understand the problem.

Topics: Home, Animals

Reader · Elementary

Cooking for Friends

A first dinner for friends goes wrong. Honesty and food in the freezer save the evening.

Topics: Food, Home

Reader · Elementary

The English Exam

A disappointing exam result makes a learner add listening practice to a textbook routine.

Topics: Study

Reader · Elementary

Moving to a New City

A move for work feels lonely until regular visits to a noodle shop lead to a friendship.

Topics: Work, Home, Food

Reader · Elementary

The Old Bicycle

An old bicycle seems ready to sell until a grandfather explains what buying it meant to him.

Topics: Travel, Family, Work

Reader · Elementary

A Small Mistake

An email goes to the wrong person, but the mistake starts a useful conversation at work.

Topics: Work, Technology

Reader · Elementary

The Night Train

On an overnight train, a restless passenger watches the darkness turn into a memorable sunrise.

Topics: Travel

Picture deck · Elementary

Weather English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about weather. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Weather

Picture deck · Elementary

Family & Relationships English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about family & relationships. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Family, Home

Picture deck · Elementary

Colors & Cultural Meanings English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about colors & cultural meanings. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Everyday English

Picture deck · Elementary

Feelings & Emotions English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about feelings & emotions. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Everyday English

Picture deck · Elementary

Restaurant & Menu Words English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about restaurant & menu words. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Food

Picture deck · Elementary

Shopping, Prices & Money English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about shopping, prices & money. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Shopping

Picture deck · Elementary

Transport & Getting Around English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about transport & getting around. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Travel

Picture deck · Elementary

Daily Routine & Personal Care English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about daily routine & personal care. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Home, Work, Time and dates

Picture deck · Elementary

School & Classroom English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about school & classroom. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Study

Picture deck · Elementary

Places Around Town English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about places around town. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Travel, Home

Picture deck · Elementary

Sports & Hobbies English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about sports & hobbies. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Leisure

Picture deck · Elementary

Jobs & Work English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about jobs & work. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Work

Picture deck · Elementary

Directions & Position Words English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about directions & position words. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Travel

Picture deck · Elementary

Health, Doctor & Pharmacy English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about health, doctor & pharmacy. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Health

Picture deck · Elementary

Kitchen & Cooking English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 26 illustrated cards about kitchen & cooking. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Food, Home

Picture deck · Elementary

Phone, Messaging & Social Media English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 24 illustrated cards about phone, messaging & social media. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Technology, Work

Picture deck · Elementary

Travel Essentials: Airport & Hotel English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 29 illustrated cards about travel essentials: airport & hotel. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Travel

Picture deck · Elementary

Countries, Nationalities & Languages English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 25 illustrated cards about countries, nationalities & languages. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Travel, Study

Guide · Intermediate

American and British English: choose a consistent reference

English has many established varieties. A useful learning goal is to understand different speakers while keeping a consistent reference for your own spelling and pronunciation.

Topics: Study

Guide · Intermediate

Business English: make the next action clear

Useful workplace language identifies the task, the person responsible and the next step. A short precise request often works better than an elaborate phrase.

Topics: Work

Guide · Intermediate

Common English mistakes: repair one pattern at a time

An error becomes useful practice when you can explain the repaired form and use it again in a new situation.

Topics: Everyday English

Guide · Intermediate

Phrasal verbs: learn the sense and the pattern

A phrasal verb combines a verb with a particle. Its meaning and object pattern belong to the complete expression in context.

Topics: Everyday English

Guide · Intermediate

Abbreviations: make the first mention clear

An abbreviation saves space only when the reader understands it. Give the full form at first mention when the audience may not know it.

Topics: Study, Work

Guide · Intermediate

Short English emails: purpose, detail, action

A practical email lets the reader identify why you wrote and what response you need. Start with a useful subject line and one clear purpose.

Topics: Work

Guide · Intermediate

Verb forms: choose the time and the viewpoint

English verb forms present events and states from different viewpoints. A time word helps, but meaning and context decide the complete form.

Topics: Everyday English

Guide · Intermediate

Write clear English: one purpose per pass

A useful revision process separates the message from the grammar. First decide what the reader should understand or do, then revise the sentences that carry it.

Topics: Study, Work

Guide · Intermediate

Idioms and proverbs: context before cleverness

An idiom has a conventional meaning that may not follow directly from each word. A proverb presents a general saying, not a rule that must govern every situation.

Topics: Study, Work

Guide · Intermediate

Give a short speech with one clear point

A short talk becomes easier to follow when the audience knows its purpose. Choose one main point and the examples needed to support it.

Topics: Work

Guide · Intermediate

English word parts: build a hypothesis, then check the word

Prefixes, suffixes and combining forms can help you notice meaning and spelling patterns. They are not Chinese character components and are not the same as pronunciation syllables.

Topics: Study, Work

Reader · Intermediate

The Interview

Careful interview preparation meets an unexpected question about failure and learning.

Topics: Work

Reader · Intermediate

Learning to Swim at Thirty

An adult learner faces a long-standing fear of water and celebrates a personal swimming milestone.

Topics: Leisure

Reader · Intermediate

The Phone That Never Rang

Two brothers reconnect after years of silence. Notice how the conversation begins and ends.

Topics: Family, Technology

Reader · Intermediate

The Teacher Who Waited

A former student finally understands why a physics teacher waited before giving an answer.

Topics: Study

Reader · Intermediate

The Cost of Cheap

Repeated cheap purchases lead a shopper to think about durability, repair and value over time.

Topics: Shopping, Home

Reader · Intermediate

A Week Without a Phone

A broken phone changes a holiday. Follow the shift from habit and boredom to noticing small details.

Topics: Travel, Technology

Reader · Intermediate

The Woman on the Bus

A familiar passenger disappears from a daily bus journey. Read carefully about what the narrator knows and does not know.

Topics: Travel, Work

Reader · Intermediate

Why I Stopped Arguing Online

An online argument takes an evening without changing anything. The narrator tries a new rule for replying.

Topics: Technology

Reader · Intermediate

The Garden My Mother Kept

A small balcony garden changes how a narrator understands a mother's daily gardening habit.

Topics: Home, Family, Leisure

Reader · Intermediate

The Language I Almost Quit

A learner who can read English struggles to speak abroad, then begins practicing aloud every day.

Topics: Study, Travel

Picture deck · Intermediate

Travel Phrases English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 198 illustrated cards about travel phrases. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Travel, Food

Picture deck · Intermediate

Business Phrases English Picture Flashcards

Build everyday English vocabulary with 177 illustrated cards about business phrases. Shuffle the cards and say each word or phrase aloud. Start with the first collection; later collections may be harder.

Topics: Work

Word deck · Intermediate

Travel

Transport, accommodation and travel documents

Topics: Travel

Word deck · Intermediate

Workplace

Meetings, agreements and practical office language

Topics: Work