Group items tagged

Put in a Web address and lingro turns all the words into clickable links to a dictionary. You can hear the word read out. Further it remembers the words and lets you review and study them. So far 11 languages, including Dutch and Chinese. A fabulous tool for students--better than a dictionary. See Russell Stannard's training video at

A free visual dictionary and online thesaurus. Enter a word to see related vocabulary. R Byrnes: "Snappy Words could be a good resource for students that are stuck in the rut of using the same words and phrases repeatedly in their writing. Snappy Words will give those students access to alternative words and their definitions much faster than thumbing through a thesaurus."

An amazing compilation of links to resources in teaching foreign languages and ESOL, including web page translators, dictionaries, and collaborative sites where students and FL teachers can connect.

" A free online Talking Dictionary of English Pronunciation " This really looks impressive and simple to use! Would be great especially for both advanced students and beginning learners.

This blog is directed to the autodidact, but would be useful for teachers to know about also. Tools are mainly traditional flashcard maker, dictionaries, and translators, however. Computers can do so much more

"A free online Talking Dictionary of English Pronunciation Just mouse over the pink words to hear them spoken " This tool also links to Google Translate to translate your entry, and you can select from dozens of languages.

Stannard gives a quick overview of http://www.rhymes.net, which helps you find words that rhyme with other words. But he doesn't mention that the site speaks the word too! There are also many other tools, such as a dictionary, words with multi-syllables, quotations using the word, phrases, abbreviations, etc. Great for vocabulary work, pronunciation, and writing poetry.

Has lists of online activities, categorized by "pre-intermediate," "intermediate," and "advanced" levels of learners, as well as links to a dozen or so chat groups for English learners, an online dictionary, and a variety of tests and exercises.

Guess the most common words in English. Nice little activity that might work with groups or a class Interactive Whiteboard. Also shows you the order of frequency. Based on Oxford English Dictionary. Rec. by Russell Stannard.

Has an interesting business letter generator.

A few things of interest -- content, dictionary, "lessons" based on quizzes, BBC Languages (40 different ones) with an area for children, etc. The problem with lists is that there is no categorizing or selection process.

This site has 100s of grammar quizzes, but also lots of exercises for paragraph level and essay and research level questions. Good FAQs on grammar, Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, and all kinds of links. Sponsored by the Capital Community College Foundation of Hartford, CT, USA.

"Word Sense is a neat little service that is one part dictionary and one part thesaurus. When you enter a word into Word Sense it will show you the definition(s) for the word as well as the connections to associated and similar words. " A nice combination for students writing or reading. T/H R. Byrne

"To summarize, then, we might say that (1) the skill of guessing from context may not be as helpful in the real world as previously imagined, (2) it may not be as useful in acquiring vocabulary items as previously imagined. When a teacher is asked by a student for the meaning of a word in a text, the reflex response of 'try to work it out from the context' may also not be as helpful as previously imagined. Translations and / or dictionary advice may well, at times, be more appropriate." An interesting view of an activity that has been considered significant by many reading teachers. More research is needed!

"Rewordify.com is powerful, free, online reading comprehension and vocabulary development software. It helps people understand difficult English faster, helps them learn words in new ways, and helps teachers create high-interest learning materials from any English text passage. "Just paste in a difficult English sentence, paragraph, or more, or enter a web page URL and click the button. You'll instantly see an easier version, for fast understanding now. No dictionary needed! Plus, the easier version is specially highlighted to help build vocabulary." I don't know about the claims for learning English faster, but it seems like a great, free tool to help faster reading of web pages that are not designed for non-native speakers.

"Learn English online with the help of this free website from the British Council with games, stories, listening activities and grammar exercises. You can search for your favourites, or have a look at the site map to find out where everything is. This is a BETA site and you will find lots of new listening activities and video content in Listen & Watch. We also have a new Grammar section and new IELTS exam practice materials. Click here to return to the 'old' LearnEnglish website. Double-click any word to see a dictionary definition. You can contact us if you have a question or want to report any problems. Become a member and you can add comments to the site and ask questions to get help with your English." This site has thematic/situationally based videos.

This picture dictionary has sound so students can see, read, and hear vocabulary elements. Each section also has little self-tests for students.

Free book (pdf) from the British Council, written by Gary Motteram. Probably published early 2012. Has sections on primary education, secondary, and general adult language education, ESP and Business English, EAP, and assessment. Nice examples from real classrooms.

You can use a number of different languages, including Mandarin. Games have points, awards, and leader boards to incourage study, and "community" for sharing.