The British Council has launched a website designed to enable learners of all levels and ages to practise English. There are three learning zones: kids, teens and adults.
When users enter they are offered a description of the site in their language (currently Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish), enabling them to choose an appropriate learning zone. There is an online test designed by Cambridge University Local Examinations Syndicate to help users assess their level and relevant activities.
Designed by British firm Deepend (www.deepend.co.uk), the site has downloadable audio files of stories, poems and pop songs, lyrics to read, word games and grammar tips. A magazine section offers weekly news updates, celebrity gossip and a learner's corner. Users can send virtual postcards and enter competitions with prizes including free language courses.
The Learn English site has a database of links to other useful sites designed for students and teachers, which have been quality checked by David Eastment (author of The Internet and ELT). The site also provides information about English courses in the UK and at British Council Teaching Centres around the world, including online courses.
Details: www.britishcouncil.org/ learnenglish