Do you use apps to practice English?
- Listen to learn about my recommended apps for English learners.
- First, try listening without reading the transcript. After that, listen again to check for any words you might’ve missed.
- You’ll also find a quiz at the end!
Transcript:
Hello friends! In today’s episode, we will be talking about the top 5 language apps you need to improve your English. Stay tuned!
Using apps is a great way to stay engaged with English between your classes!
When you aren’t in class with your teacher, apps can provide you with an opportunity to practice the skills you’ve already learned. From revising your vocabulary to finding native speakers to practice with, apps have become an important tool for language learners. I’ll be sharing with you the apps that I’ve used myself when learning new languages. All of the apps I mention are free to download and available on both iOS and Android. I am not sponsored by any companies mentioned here, I just want to share my experience with you. Alright, let’s get into it!
Google Translate
Number one on my list is Google Translate and Google Search. This may seem like a strange one, but I’ll explain. Google Translate isn’t known for the most accurate translations. However, what I really love about Google Translate is the other information it provides. For example, if you translate the Spanish verb “bailar” into English, you’ll get “dance”. But if you look beneath the translation, you’ll find some really great information. The related verbs “spin” and “jig” are also listed, with an indication to show how frequently these words are used. The phrase “to shake a leg” is also listed. If you are using Google Search, you’ll be able to access a great pronunciation tool. If you search for a word in Google Search and follow it with the word “pronunciation” you will get a recording of how to pronounce the word correctly with a standard American accent. You can slow down the recording and even use the “practice button” to record your own voice and compare it to the native pronunciation.
Tandem
Tandem is the next app on our list. This German app, launched in 2015, has become one of the most popular apps for connecting with language exchange partners. If you’ve ever tried to find someone to practice languages with, you probably know that it can be difficult to find a good partner. Some people are just looking to flirt or date. Others aren’t serious about exchanging languages at all. And some may or may not be who they say they are. Tandem lets you create a profile and matches you with native speakers of the language you are trying to learn. Fill in your details and upload a photograph, and the Tandem team will allow you to join the community within a few days. Because Tandem takes the time to review every user’s profile and requires you to upload a picture of your face, you are more likely to meet real users who want to practice with you.
HelloTalk
The second language exchange app on my list is called HelloTalk. HelloTalk is a bit more focused on socializing than language learning. With the “moments” feature, you can share photos or messages with the community to find others who you may share some common interests with you. Unfortunately, unlike the Tandem app, HelloTalk does not review user profiles before allowing them to join the community, so you will often find HelloTalk members with cartoons or random photos in their profile, so it can be difficult to know who you are really talking to. But with over 20 million members, it is worth a try.
Duolingo
Next up is Duolingo. This one is a classic and probably the most well-known language learning app. People seem to either love it or hate it. What Duolingo is great for is revising vocabulary and grammar. Duolingo does a great job at teaching language in context. Instead of learning a random list of words, Duolingo presents vocabulary in the context of everyday phrases. Lessons are also grouped around topics like “travel”, “adverbs”, or “numbers”. The daily reminders and goals help you to review language you have already learned. Although Duolingo won’t get you to fluency, it is a great program to add on to your regular English classes to keep you engaged with the language even when you’re not in class.
Clozemaster
The last app on my list is one you may have never heard of before. It is called Clozemaster. A cloze is a type of question that you will often see on exams. You are given a sentence with a part of it removed, and you need to complete it with the correct word. For example, you may be given the sentence “I’m blank late for work today.” and you will have to choose the word “running” to make the sentence complete, “I am running late for work today”. Clozemaster is great because it allows you to practice vocabulary in context. The sentences the app uses are based on the most frequently used words in the language. Because of that, you won’t be wasting time with sentences like “the apple is red” or “John swims in the sea”. You’ll find sentences that are much more useful, like “do you remember where we parked?” or “tell me the truth!”.
