Congratulations on deciding to learn a new language! Every time you learn a new language, you open doors of possibility! You can meet more people, get involved in more activities, travel, and experience the world more fully. And thankfully, there are some fantastic websites that can help you as you move forward on your journey. Here are a few of the best sites for language learners.
1)  Duolingo - Duolingo is one of the best ways to learn a language today. The website is free and gives you access to 13 commonly spoken languages (including Spanish, English, French, and German). The website (and accompanying app) let you learn a new language the same way you learned your native language: with repetition and deduction. Not only is it an effective way to learn a new language, but it’s also a lot of fun. Complete levels and unlock prizes along the way. Prizes can be anything from extra language categories (like flirting and travel) to costumes for your Duolingo navigator, a talking owl. 
2)  Plagiarism Checker - One of the most important parts of writing a strong essay is to make sure it is free from plagiarism. PlagTracker can make sure your essays are 100% your own. The website will scan the entire document to search for instances of plagiarism across the web. If they find any, they will notify you so you can rewrite them. If you’d prefer to pay a little more, PlagTracker can rewrite them for you so they are completely original.
3) Dissertation Writing Service – The service can review the dissertation before you turn it in to make sure it is properly edited, formatted, and fully proofread. If you want some help without hiring anyone, you can gain helpful insights from their blog and infographics.
4) LiveMocha - Live Mocha is free, and it lets you take online lessons in over 35 languages. Once you finish taking a lesson, you can submit your work and scores to receive personalized feedback from community members. Some are native speakers and educators. What’s more, in addition to the feedback, you might also learn about the culture and gain speaking and pronunciation tips. If you want to move past the free section, you can either opt to pay a small fee or provide feedback for other language learners.
5)  Memrise - Memrise is a little different in that it lets you learn spoken languages and also take computer and engineering classes. So, you can learn some technical “languages” as well. If you’re artistically inclined or have an appreciation for beauty, you might prefer this site for its aesthetics. As you learn new words, they “grow” into flowers. Words you’re still learning only have a green stem, while those you have mastered sit in fully bloomed flowers.
6) Essay Services - If you’re writing an academic essay while still learning a new language, a little help can go a long way. Enter essay writing service Essays Capital. The professional staff of writers can help you as you write you paper.
7)  Polyglot - Instead of thinking of Polyglot as a program to learn a new language, think of it as a personal assistant to any of these programs. It’s a supplemental website of sorts. Use Polyglot to make your own flashcards in whatever language you are learning in one of these programs. Keep the app on your phone to practice on the go.
8)  Busuu - Busuu is the world’s largest social networking site for language learners. The site has more than 50 million users who learn 12 different languages through interactive exercises and conversations. What’s really nice about Busuu is the forum section. So, even languages that aren’t represented on the site can exist in the forums. Native speakers and learners can chat with one another to improve their skills.
9)  Lingua.ly - Like Polyglot, Lingua.ly is a supplemental program to help you learn a new language. Scan through web articles, emails, and websites to find words you want to learn in your new language. Lingua.ly will create flashcards for these vocabulary words and let you flip through them at your leisure to practice. You decide how many you want to review at a time depending on how much time you have to study at the time you use the app.
Learning a new language is exciting and fun! But it also requires a lot of commitment, time, and sometimes money. Not only can these websites save you a lot of money (most of them are free) but they can save you a lot of time as well! (In fact, 34 hours of Duolingo is the equivalent of an 11-week class.) So, choose a website to get started, and set aside an hour every day to practice. Before you know it, you’ll be speaking a new language and opening the door to new possibilities. Buena Suerte!

After meeting the language requirements for study at an American school, you are confident in your academic and formal English, but how well did you prepare for casual conversation? 
Casual English can contain many confusing elements, including slang terms, regional language, and linguistic quirks like idioms. For non-native speakers, phrases like, “I love you to death,” or, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” can seem strange, which can add a bewildering or embarrassing element to the conversation. 
Unfortunately, there are far too many of these quirks to learn them all, and they tend to change rather quickly. There are, however, several exercises that you can use to become more familiar with the nuances of English and to improve your conversational skills:
1. Participate in school groups
One of the most effective ways to improve your conversational skills in any language is to be surrounded by those individuals who are fluent. So, with that information in mind, why not join an extracurricular activity or student group that is comprised of international and native-born students?
Not only is this a great way to meet new people, but it will also provide you with an opportunity to regularly practice your conversational skills with a group that is casual, patient, and understanding.
2. Watch television
If the idea of joining an extracurricular activity or student group is daunting, you can turn to the Internet or the television to find a wide variety of programs in conversational English. Furthermore, television programs and Internet content are often designed for specific audiences, so you should have no problem locating different types of speech. For instance, try watching American news shows—these programs are generally fast-paced and involve diverse tones. They also feature multiple forms of communication that one typically learns through social interaction, rather than in books or classrooms.
3. Master nonverbal communication
Whatever the language, verbal communication is generally supplemented or enhanced by nonverbal communication like raising an eyebrow or rolling your eyes. Many of these nonverbal cues are culturally or socially specific, and they can give you a good sense of what the person is truly trying to say. 
If you have practiced your conversational English with native speakers or watched conversations on television, you have likely seen many nonverbal cues already, which can help you begin practicing your own. Experiment with standing in front of a mirror and practicing conversational English with the addition of nonverbal cues. These can be particularly effective when communicating humor or emotion, and you will want them to look natural.
4. Read children’s books
Reading children’s books may seem like an insulting or silly way to improve your conversational English skills. However, when you consider that these books are often designed to familiarize young people with the nuances of a language, you may find that reading children’s books is one of the best ways to improve your conversational speaking skills.
In addition to teaching children grammar and sentence structure, children’s books may also introduce aspects of humor and other elements of English that can help them develop a fundamental understanding of the informal use of the language. While it might not be the most exciting material, this can still be a great way to improve and practice your conversational skills.
David White is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world's largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.

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Happy St. Patrick's Day!
The following is a St. Patrick's Day Lesson Plan courtesy of The TEFL Academy.​

ESL LESSON PLAN
Name:
Email:
Level of students targeted by the plan: Grade School/Elementary students
Topic: Holidays and special events
Time: 30 minutes
Objective: 
This lesson plan aims to enlighten the minds of students about holidays, special events, and traditions that people in the United States celebrate annually. 
The information provided delivers details about one of the most celebrated occasions in the United States among those of Irish descent. 
Reinforce facts about history and American and Irish culture.
Source: https://esllibrary.com/courses/
Introduction:
Ask you students to read the following facts about St. Patrick’s Day. Answer the questions in the drills down below. 

• March 17

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every March 17. It is considered to be the most important national holiday in Ireland, it is also celebrated by Irish men and women living in different parts of the globe.
It is customary that people of Irish descent wear green during St. Patrick’s Day. This color represents the national color of Ireland, which also happens to be the color of the shamrock- a plant with three leaves on a single stem. This symbol is yet another popular item associated with Ireland. It is also considered the official symbol of St. Patrick’s Day. 
In many cities, people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by way of parades, dances, and festivals. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, you will notice the Irish community will have a celebration of sorts for this occasion. 
It is also customary for people to greet each other with well wishes and good fortune during St. Patricks’ Day. In fact, most Irish people will send cards to each other in commemoration of this social event. 
During St. Patrick’s Day, stores are decked with green decors, cakes, pastries, and candies.  There are also Irish pubs and bars that sell green-colored beer during this festive occasion.

• A Brief History of St. Patrick’s Day

• St. Patrick is actually British. He was born in Britain at the end of the 4th Century. He was kidnapped by Irish pirates at the age of 16 and was taken back to Ireland.

• St. Patrick was sold as a slave in Ireland. He worked for six straight years as a shepherd. He led a lonely life while in Ireland so he turned to the Bible for comfort and solace. 

• He escaped from slavery when he went to France at the age of 22. He studied the Bible thoroughly and became priest in France. 

• He returned to Ireland to convert the natives to Christianity.

• St. Patrick grew popular in Ireland due to his strong sense of bravery. Many admired him for his work, as his mission allowed him to build churches and schools all over Ireland. With the spread of Christianity, he was also able to build a strong sense of national spirit among the Irish people. 

• The Shamrock

• St. Patrick allegedly used the shamrock leaf in his Christian bible teachings. In his teachings, he used the shamrock to compared it with the Holy Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit)

• There are no snakes in Ireland

• There are no snakes in Ireland. This is a fact, and is believed to be due to a miracle performed by St. Patrick. It is said that St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland by placing all of them in a box and hauling them into the sea. 

• It was on March 17, 461 that St. Patrick died. Soon after his demise, March 17 was then marked as St. Patrick’s Day. Apart from celebrating the life of a saint, St. Patrick’s day is also a special occasion as it remembers the conversion of Ireland into a Christian nation. 

The Lesson #1
Read the statements and answer them aloud before placing your answers on the space below. 

• St. Patrick’s Day is regarded as a national holiday in which European country?

• St. Patrick was born and raised in which country?

• What happened to St. Patrick when he turned 16?

• Upon arrival in Ireland, what was his main line of work as a slave?

• How long was he a slave in Ireland?

• Where did he go when he escaped from slavery?

• What was the main goal of St. Patrick for returning to Ireland?

• When did St. Patrick die?

• How do people from all around the globe celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

• What were the contributions of St. Patrick to show his love and concern for the people in Ireland?

The Lesson #2 
Vocabulary Review

• Matching Test

Directions: Simply match the words on the left with their correct definition/ meaning on the right.
____ 1. Paradea. a book of sacred writings of the Roman Catholic Church
____ 2. Pirateb. a religious individual who serves and represents the Church
____ 3. Miraclec. to steal or take away a person 
____ 4. Admire d. an act of God, an unbelievable event that cannot be explained
____ 5. Convertby Science
____ 6. Prieste. an individual forced to work for someone, a person
____ 7. Biblebought/sold
____ 8. Shepherdf. coming from; origin
____ 9. Slaveg. a plant native of Ireland featuring three long leaves in one
____ 10. Shamrocksingle stem
____ 11. Kidnaph. a robber who lives in the sea
____ 12. Descenti. to adore or respect
j. an individual with the main task of taking care of sheeps
k. to change or alter

• Complete the Sentences

Directions: Choose the correct word from the box below in order to complete the following statements.

• Francisco is of Argentinian __________. His grandparents moved to the United States 50 years ago.
• In many animated movies, a _________ wears a black patch over one eye and a scarf on his head.
• When his father recovered and fully healed from cancer, the whole family thought it was a ________.
• The ________ is the national symbol of Ireland.
• The _________ customarily performs the wedding vow in a church.
• There are many clowns, dancers, and entertains in the __________.
• Before the American Civil War, it was normal for Americans to own _______.
• You can _______ your US dollars to Singapore dollars at the airport. 
• He is a very religious person. He reads the _____ daily

Priest
 Shamrock
 Miracle
Pirate
Descent
Kidnapped
Bible
 Convert
Slaves
Parade

• After they _______ the rich businessman, they asked for 5 million dollars for his safe return. 

This lesson plan was provided by The TEFL Academy.

As an academic author, you know the importance of writing clear and logical articles. You are aware that your work requires strong references and proper grammar. However, it’s not easy work. And even if you comprehend what successful academic writing includes, it’s not always an easy road. 
It’s a complex process. Seeking support is nothing to be hesitant about. Try the online tools listed here. Each can help guide you through the academic writing process. And each will simplify the overwhelming areas of academic writing, such as annotated bibliographies and dissertations. 
1.  Grammar Girl
If you are in need of grammar assistance check out Grammar Girl’s “Quick and Dirty Tips”. The site allows readers to send in grammar questions and receive tailored suggestions. Visitors can search for specific topics and browse through various grammar subjects to find the help they need. 
2.  Purdue Online Writing Lab
The Purdue Online Writing Lab is a one stop shop for academic writers. The site contains 200 resources that will guide you through the writing process. Topics include grammar, research, mechanics, technical writing and style guides. 
3.  Dissertation Proposal Resources
Obtain dissertation or similar writing assistance with UC Berkeley’s Dissertation Proposal Resources. Graduate students and professors will both benefit from the categorized topics such as process and parameters, nuts and bolts, style and examples.
4.  Harvard Guide To Using Sources
The proper use of sources is an important component to any piece of academic writing. This guide will show you how to find proper and reputable sources in relation to any topic and how to properly use them. 
5.  Purdue OWL's Four Main Components for Effective Outlines
Purdue OWL’s guide to writing a strong outline could be the difference between tightly structured writing and sloppy writing. Academic authors have no business being lazy with their work. The guide helps writers to discover appropriate examples and to find proper sources. 
6.  EssayMama's Writing Guide
Essaymama’s free writing guide can help any writer who is blocked. From creating an appropriate outline to researching and referencing materials, the site also offers professional assistance with editing and proofreading. 
7.  Dragon Naturally Speaking
This transcription tool is a paid service, but a highly useful one for academic writers. The software allows writers to dictate and send any document or email as well as search the web, all with voice recognition. 
8.  Writing and Presenting Your Thesis Or Dissertation
This extensive website features pretty much everything you could ask for in terms of academic writing. Writers will receive one on one suggestions and guidance through the entire writing process. From brainstorming and subject matter to preparing proposals and thesis or dissertation writing, any academic writer will likely benefit from the site. 
9.  Punctuation Made Simple
Learning the nuances of punctuation can be tedious. Even for the best writer or professor, the rules can fall through the cracks during editing. Punctuation Made Simple is a website that first lets you choose your area of question (colon, semicolon, comma, dash, or apostrophe) and proceeds to detail all uses. It’s a great refresher and proofreading guide for any author. 
10.  Clearer Writing
If your writing is unclear, then no amount of proper grammar or correct use of punctuation can save it. Clear writing is essential if you want to be taken seriously or successful as an academic writer. This website explains how to structure your work and helps you to convey profound ideas with clear sentences. The site also assists with incorporate information, when to limit or expand your vocabulary and how to formulate logical arguments.
These tools will help any academic author find success and enhance their productivity. First identify your weaknesses and then review the options. Try incorporating one of these resources next time you begin writing. They each can help you reach your highest potential. 
Kenneth Waldman is a professional content writer with over 5 years of experience. His expertise includes education, marketing, freelancing. ​

One of the most exciting aspects of qualifying to teach English abroad is the prospect of living and teaching abroad, and it’s for this reason that many newcomers to TEFL decide to begin their career.  However the adventurous backpacker’s existence isn’t for everyone, with more and more newly qualified UK TEFL teachers opting to instead stay within the UK, either as a means of first gaining experience or as a long term plan to remain settled.    Though this may at first seem like it’s completely contrary to the adventure and experience that draws in many new students each year, the UK is home to many fantastic and vibrant cities where TEFL teachers are in demand virtually year around, offering newly qualified teachers the chance at brilliant new experiences without ever having to leave home. 
Below are a few of our top picks of the most popular cities within the UK in which to teaching English as a second language. 
Brighton
Brighton is a smaller town with that bigger city feel, a coastal retreat with a bustling night life and endless daytime events and attractions.  Located just an hour’s train journey south of London, Brighton boasts many of the same thrills as the big city, along with the unique experiences of playing a few rounds of games on the Pier, walks along the gorgeous seafront, and even a quick dip in the frigid sea!   All the while being only a short hop, skip, and jump away from the nation’s capital. 
TEFL teachers are constantly in demand in Brighton as it’s a popular destination for foreign students studying abroad, having come to the UK to specifically learn English as a second language.  As is the case each year, Brighton explodes in the summertime as students from Italy, Spain, France and more flood the city, everyone looking for the amusement of spending the warmer months seaside whilst continuing their study programmes.  As a result, there is end to all the ESL and TEFL job opportunities Brighton has to offer, both within public and private language schools.   Additionally many of these schools are filled to capacity year around and not solely during the breaks and holidays, giving TEFL teachers the ease of steady work. 
The TEFL teachers that settle in Brighton typically attribute the appeal to the fact that Brighton offers a great work/life balance: as a teacher, you will be well paid and can find work all year long, and the city (indeed the entire region) offers no end in terms of entertainment value, and the public transport will get you anywhere you need to go, whether it’s just across town or on a weekend train journey to another city.   Newly qualified teachers should not overlook all that Brighton has to offer. 
Cambridge
Cambridge is another hot spot in the UK for foreign students looking to learn English.   Home to Cambridge University and more than twenty different accredited language schools, Cambridge is another city where the ESL teacher will have no troubles finding work year around, regardless if through public schools or as a private tutor, thanks to the allure this beautiful and historic city offers.   Cambridge also boasts an active ESL scene, dozens of arts and literary festivals each year,  and endless student activities thanks to the city’s university, making it easy for the ESL teacher to involve their students in the local flavour.
One of the biggest draws for teachers, however, is Cambridge’s academic feel.   The university and the students who attend any of the wonderful schools in town are a big influence for city and many new teachers cannot help but falling in love with the idea of intellectual conversation in any one of the city’s quaint (and likely, famous) pubs.  Much like Brighton, Cambridge is only a short train journey away from London as well, leaving the TEFL teacher spoiled for choice in terms of off time entertainment.  
Oxford
Similar to Cambridge, Oxford is another city offering both the charm and appeal of a historic town combined with the bustling student life surrounding one of the world’s top universities.  From Oxford’s endless museums and galleries to the colourful student nightlife, it’s no wonder Oxford is top of the list for many foreign students wishing to learn English… and why it’s on our top list of cities in which to teach English. 
Like with Cambridge, TEFL teachers are in near constant, year around demand in Oxford.  Not only is the university a big draw for foreign students, but Oxford also has a number of accredited language schools that are filled all year long, providing steady and well-paid positions both during peak holiday seasons and year round. 
Academic ambience once again tops the reasons why TEFL teachers choose Oxford, with events, lectures, and unique exhibits always on and open to the public.   Many teachers find the appeal of sitting in an old pub where many famous authors penned their work to be too much to resist.  And given the seemingly endless attractions Oxford has to offer, there is plenty to do with the hours not spent teaching. 
London
London is the top city for the new TEFL teacher.  Though ESL salaries tend to be lower and inversely the cost of living much higher than the rest of the country, London acts as the gateway to the English-speaking West, so it’s no wonder why London hosts more students each year than anywhere else in the UK.  Given that there is no shortage of students in London, there is no shortage of ESL jobs either, with many language institutions paying hourly and flexible to the hours you want or need (within reason).  London language schools also have perhaps the most varied student body than in any other city in the UK, with people of all ages and countries of origin having flocked to the UK to learn English. 
Many find the idea of a big, bustling city to be intimidating, but it needn’t be, and there is a load of activities and events to check out in your downtime, from cultural and academic events, to the big city nightlife, to all of the historic locales, and more.  Additionally, London’s colourful cultural menagerie and events offers the TEFL teacher the opportunity to involve their students as well, helping to bridge the gap between their home and host cultures.  

​About Ryan O’Sullivan - English Instructor at The TEFL Academy
Ryan is an experienced EFL Teacher and director of The TEFL Academy. A combined love of language learning and a hunger to travel led Ryan to become a TEFL teacher. He advocates the practice of language teaching from the students’ perspective and believes that empathy and patience are essential for this job. Ryan has plenty of advice for new teachers, but thinks the most important thing in his job is to take a genuine interest in your students.