What you need

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Basics

Smartphone or computer with internet1 · Free internet is available at public libraries.
$0 (you probably have it)
Notebook for new words1 · You can also use a free notes app.
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$3-$6
Pens and highlightersoptional1 set · Useful for marking new words.
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$5-$10
Headphones with microphoneoptional1 · Helps with online classes and speaking practice.
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$10-$25

Books and learning materials

English learner dictionary (Oxford or Longman)optional1 · Free online options exist, such as the Cambridge Dictionary.
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$10-$25
Grammar book: English Grammar in Useoptional1 · Buy used to save money. Pick your level.
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$30-$45
Easy graded readersoptional2-3 · Libraries lend them for free.
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$8-$15 each
Flashcardsoptional1 pack · Or use the free Anki app.
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$5-$8

Apps and classes

Free apps (Duolingo, Anki, YouTube)3 · Free versions are enough to start.
$0
Free ESL class at library or adult school1 class · Search for ESL classes near you. Community colleges often charge low fees.
$0-$50
Online tutor (italki, Preply)optional1 lesson/week · Optional. Good for speaking practice.
$8-$25 per lesson
Test fee (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test)optional1 · Only if you need proof of your level.
$65-$250

02

Certificates and registration

Certificate recommended

English proficiency test (TOEFL iBT, IELTS or Duolingo English Test)

No certificate is required to learn or speak English. A test is only useful if you want to apply to a US college or a job that asks for proof. The tests are offered online or at test centers. Check what your school or employer accepts first.

Decide if you need proof of your level (school, college, job, visa).
Ask the school or employer which test they accept.
Take a free practice test on ets.org (TOEFL) or englishtest.duolingo.com.
Register for the test and pay the fee.
Take the test and send your score to the school or employer.

Can I start right away? Open the free Duolingo app or the VOA Learning English website and study for 20 minutes today. Then search online for 'free ESL classes near me'.

03

What you need to know

6

Daily routine

Study 30 to 60 minutes every day. Short and regular is better than long and rare. Try 10 minutes of words, 15 minutes of listening, 15 minutes of speaking or writing, and 10 minutes of reading.

Speak from day one

Use English in real life: at the store, at work, at school, with neighbors. Do not wait until you feel perfect. Mistakes are normal and help you learn. Join free conversation groups at libraries, churches or on Meetup.

Listening

Watch TV shows and YouTube videos with English subtitles. Replay short parts and repeat out loud (shadowing). Start with slow content like VOA Learning English, then move to normal speed shows.

Vocabulary

Learn words in sentences, not alone. Learn the 1,000 most common words first. Use Anki or paper cards and review them every day. Write 5 new words per day with an example sentence.

Grammar and writing

Learn basic tenses first: present, past, future. Then practice with short writing, like a daily diary of 3 to 5 sentences. Use a free tool like Grammarly to find mistakes and learn from them.

Know your level

Levels go from A1 (beginner) to C2 (expert). Take a free level test and choose materials that are slightly challenging. Check your level every 3 months to see progress.

04

Where to learn it

6

WebseiteVOA Learning EnglishFree news and lessons at slow speed, with audio and videos.

WebseiteBBC Learning EnglishFree lessons, grammar and short videos for all levels.

BuchEnglish Grammar in Use (Raymond Murphy)Classic grammar book with exercises. Buy used or borrow.Book on Amazon

Kurs vor OrtLocal public library ESL programsMany offer free classes, conversation groups and materials.Browse online courses

Online-KursUSA LearnsFree English course for adult learners in the US.Browse online courses

YouTubeRachel's EnglishLearn American pronunciation.

05

Key websites and creators

9

Websites

learningenglish.voanews.comVOA Learning EnglishFree news and lessons for learners.Visit

bbc.co.uk/learningenglishBBC Learning EnglishFree lessons and videos.Visit

usalearns.orgUSA LearnsFree online English course for adults.Visit

ets.org/toeflETS TOEFLOfficial test information and free practice.Visit

dictionary.cambridge.orgCambridge DictionaryFree dictionary with audio and examples.Visit

Creators and channels

YouTubeRachel's EnglishAmerican pronunciation and speaking tips.Visit

YouTubeEnglish with LucyClear grammar and vocabulary lessons.Visit

YouTubeBBC Learning EnglishShort lessons and real-life English.Visit

YouTubeengVidFree lessons from many teachers.Visit

Recommended by the AI, not paid. Please check them yourself.

Are you a creator or do you run a related website? Get featured here

06

Step by step

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Set your goalWrite why you learn English (school, job, daily life) and what you want to do in 6 months, for example: have a 10-minute conversation.
30 minutes
Done
Test your levelTake a free online level test and note your result.
30 minutes
Done
Find a free classSearch online for ESL classes near you, or ask at your library, community college or school counselor.
1-2 hours
Done
Build a daily routinePick a fixed time each day for studying. Use an app, a notebook and listening practice.
30-60 minutes daily
Done
Find speaking partnersJoin a conversation group, find a language partner or book a tutor.
1-2 hours per week
Done
Track your progressRecord yourself speaking once a month and retest your level every 3 months.
15 minutes monthly
Done

07

Your timeline

5

What to do when, from the first week to the first year.

Week 1
- Set your goal and take a level test
- Install free learning apps
- Search for free ESL classes near you
- Study 30 minutes every day
Weeks 2 to 4
- Join an ESL class or conversation group
- Learn 5 new words per day
- Watch one short English video daily with subtitles
Months 2 to 3
- Start a daily 3-sentence diary
- Practice speaking with someone at least twice a week
- Read an easy graded reader
Months 4 to 6
- Retest your level
- Watch shows with English subtitles only
- Have a 10-minute conversation without a translator
Months 7 to 12
- Read news or books for your level
- Decide if you need TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test
- Join a class at community college or practice for work or school

Downloads a calendar file with one reminder per phase, starting today (Google, Apple, Outlook).

08

Product reviews

0

Experiences from signed-in users. We do not verify whether the product was purchased.

Guide: Learn English