People learning American English can find a number of helpful online resources. Many of these online resources are free. From study guides and programs to dictionaries, exploring one of the many indexes of available language learning resources can uncover many study aids. In addition to the online resources, a number of local community resources may be available in your area.

Dictionaries

One of the most useful free online items are online dictionaries and translators. Available in a number of languages, they can help you explore new English words. To use them, do a web search for software like Google Translator. To use these types of websites, simply type the word, in your native language, in a text box. The web-based dictionary will display the English equivalent and offer a pronunciation guide and several definitions.

Pronunciation Guides and Help

A number of sites offer very good pronunciation guides and exercises. From comprehensive lists of the phonetic sounds of American English to fun tongue twisters, there are many websites targeted toward improving American English pronunciation. In addition to drills and pronunciation exercises, there are a number of free resources to help with pronunciation and presentation when a non-native English speaker must give a public presentation in English.

Quizzes, Tests and Examinations

In addition to vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation guides, a number of sites offer free quizzes, tests and examinations to help people formally ascertain their levels of English mastery. These are often designed more for people who want to enter an American college or university and who will need to pass an ESL exam before being admitted to regular classes. Many of these online tests and quizzes use old college and university assessment exams and, as such, are good tests of English mastery.

Community Resources

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are often offered as public services by churches, libraries or other community organizations. In some areas, there are nonprofit ESL organizations that offer language classes in multiple locations around a city. The best way to find these resources is either to do a web search or to call your local reference librarian who may have lists of free ESL classes.