INTRODUCTION

Hi everybody!
I am Dr. Ioly Robinson and I am your English teacher for this first semester.
I am very pleased to welcome you to this very first ITU Computer Science (=informatique)
Communication course in English!
First of all, I would like to answer at the frequently asked question about learning English as a
Second Language (ESL).

Why do we need to learn English?

We need to learn English because English is mostly used to communicate with each other.

People are nowadays becoming very close thanks to the internet and use mostly English.

We need to learn English because English is an international language and it is used in many
fields, especially in Information and Technology, so we cannot escape to learning English.

We need to speak English more than our own native language to get a good job for example.

Those are some of the reasons why have English class.

Computer Science Communication in English class is:
- to help each of you improve your English language skills, whatever your current
language level and
- to help you practice what you have learnt.

And remember:
The lessons are aimed at everyone despite your different English levels.
I will make sure that each other will find something useful every time.

To proceed, I'll focus your study on the four main language disciplines of:
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
We will deal as well with some general rules to make this learning simpler.
- You need good vocabulary so you can work with.
- You need to practice daily.
- You need to think of English as part of your everyday life rather than another subject.
- If you consider it as part of your life, you will progress.
- You need not to be afraid making mistakes because the more mistakes you made, the
more you can learn from them.

You need time, patience and you need to be confident too to learn and improve your English.

The more you practice, the more your fluency and confidence will increase and the more you
want to use English.

And remember:

There is no such free lunch and no pain, no gain!

The Communication in English program is designed for you so that you can:
- exchange information by speaking and writing in English,
- increase your educational opportunities, and
- broaden your world:
- from job opportunities
- to the ability to relate to people from every country .

English general culture studies upgrade and strengthen your communication skills in English.

Communication in English studies for Computer Science:

- enhance your technical reading skills
- promote the acquisition of theoretical competences on this subject
- improve your understanding of Computer Science English in order to be able to write
technically in the discipline
- reinforce your understanding of Computer Science English and enhance your
technical writing in the discipline
- extend Computer Science terminology at different language levels
- develop as well your speaking skills
Aims (=what you hope to achieve)

- To acquire the ability to understand the meaning of oral messages

- To acquire the ability to understand the meaning of written messages
- To be able to fulfill communication needs to be able to write messages

Objectives (= the action(s) you will take in order to achieve the aim.)

- To offer knowledge of English to be able to manage in English- speaking environments.

- To acquire knowledge of the 4 skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- To understand the role of general and informatics culture in current society.
- To help students use English in a broad range of contexts.
- To relate informatics culture with media culture.
Lesson # 1 How have you been?
How is your girlfriend?
1. GREETINGS - She’s fine, thanks.

It is a way of opening a conversation: How are you doing?

Hello! - I am fine, thanks! And you?

Hi! How are you today?

Howdy! - Very well! And you?
Gooday! - (I’m) trying to keep my chin up
Good morning! How are things?
Good afternoon! - Not too bad, thanks.
Good evening! Howdy there!
Goodnight! Howdy friend!
How do you do? Hi, it's nice to see you!
- I’m fine What's up?
- Hi, Pleased to meet you How is it going?
- How do you do? It's good to see you!
How are you? How have you been?
- I’m fine, thank you. How is life been treating you?
If you are meeting someone for the first time, Oh my God, long time no see?
after the person is introduced to you, you can Wow, it's so good to see you again!
say: Is it really you? When did we last meet?
Good to meet you! Wow, as I live and breathe, it's my ex-
It's nice to meet you! girlfriend!
I'm pleased to meet you!
If you only have short time for greeting:
It's a pleasure to meet you!
Hello, sorry I gotta go.
If you haven't seen someone for a long time, Hi there, I have to rush here's my number, give
you can say: me a call sometime.
I’m glad to see you again. Hello, look I'm a bit run of time, catch up with
I’m happy to see you again. you after work.
I’m pleased to see you again. Hi, I would love to stop and chat but I really
Nice to see you again! have to dash.
Am I dreaming or what? It’s you! Hello, I really must be going.
Oh my goodness, it's you! I must be off.
I am breathless; it's my buddy from school I’m afraid I’ve got to go.
Where have you been so far? It’s getting very late, I’ll miss my bus.
That has been a long time! Hi, I wanna get away before the traffic gets bad
In UK people use to greet each other by NB: Hello can be used to show surprise or a
talking about the weather (unpredictable). sudden interest in something
Hello, isn't it a wonderful day? Hello, I didn't know he passed away last
Hi, what a blustery day we have today! summer!
Gooday, what’s the weather like tomorrow? Hello, something is wrong here, he took my
wallet!
Some people use to greet each other by
asking about the family. Hello can be used informally to express
Hello, how is the Robinson's? sarcasm or annoyance
- We are doing well, thank you Hello, did you hear what I said?
Hi, how are your family doing? Hello, was that too difficult for you to
- We are sleepless, tense, and full of dread understand?
because we fear being exposed to covid. Hello, do you not read my lips?
Hello how is your fiancé? Hello, what time do you call this?

In China people use to greet each other by You are very late!

asking if they have eaten their food or ask Hello can be used to answer the phone

where they are going? Hello. This is IT-University.

Hello, did you eat your lunch yet? Nantenaina speaking.

Hi there, where are you going? How may I help you?

2. PARTING 3. PLEASE
People use to say goodbye to each other People use to say please when asking for
when parting something or politely saying yes to an offer
Goodbye Please, can I drink some water?
Bye for now Can I please go back to my sit?
Bye bye May I please leave the room now?
See ya Could I please have some cookies?
So long Would you like something to eat?
Take care - Yes please!
Ciao Do you want to watch some TV?
See you later - Yes, I would please!
Cheerio Can I offer you a ticket for the show?
See you around - Please, that would be great!

Farwell People use to say please to express

See you again satisfaction and pleasure
Catch you later We are pleased with our new university!
Talk to you later This computer pleases me!
Until next time Your kindness gives me pleasure!
Ta-ta for now TTFN (used in the UK during the WW II) I'm very pleased to study at ITU!
If you are pleased you can express your 4. RESPONSE to PLEASE
feeling with the following words Please, can I play “Call Of Duty Warzone” now?
Yes, but only when you finish your homework.
I am delighted to welcome you back in my
No, you are grounded for a week.
country.
May be, after lunch you can.
He feels uplifted to see his sister again.
Can I please go to the undergrad's party this
After that period of depression he's perked up evening?
noticeably. Yes, you can but you must be back before
I feel chuffed that you can come to my party. midnight.
No, you cannot, it is too late.
I feel gladdened to hear you sing again.
May be, if somebody will bring you back
They were overjoyed at the idea of working home.
together.
Can I have the new Samsung Galaxy note for
I feel over the moon that I will work at “BICI”. Christmas?
Yes, you can but you have to be good
She's flying high after the successful interview.
No, you cannot, it’s too expensive.
I'm excited about the soccer game this May be, if you've saved enough money by
afternoon. I think the coach will let me start. then.
5. THANK YOU 6. RESPONSE to THANK YOU
- To show your gratitude, Thank you very much for coming to the
- To acknowledge an act of kindness opening ceremony of ITU.
- To express your appreciation or - It's my pleasure.
- To return the generosity
Thank you for paying attention to what I said.
Thank you! - You are very welcome.
Thank you so much! or Thank you very much!
Thank you for the special award.
Thanks a lot! or Thanks a bundle!
- You deserve it.
You are so kind!
- That's OK you are worth it.
Thanks ever such a lot!
Cheers! Thank you, you’ve done a great job.
How nice of you! Thank you. - It's quite alright.
Wow! How kind! Thanks.
I really appreciate your help. Thank you very
That's good of you! Cheers.
much.
I don't know what to say! Thank you so much.
- The pleasure is all mine.
I am overwhelmed! Thank you very much.
I am speechless! You are the best.
This is a nice surprise! You shouldn't have!
7. Basic Etiquette [Give teens 20]
Be yourself – and allow others to treat you with respect
Let this one sink in, ladies.
Who you are is perfectly acceptable, and, you are worthy of being treated courteously.
Working out the rough edges can be a lifelong process, and now is a really good time to start!

Say “Thank You”

When someone gives you a compliment or does something nice, the best response is a
simple “Thank you.”
Please also remember, “Please,” “Excuse me,” and “You’re welcome,” which are other marks
of good manners.

Give Genuine Compliments

A fundamental rule of good manners is to give.
When you meet someone, you can always think of a genuine compliment to give, along with
your attention and interest.
A “Hello” or “How are you?” is most often not enough.
Be generous with sincere words of praise, warm greetings, sympathy, or whatever is
appropriate to the occasion.
Don’t be Boastful (=vantard), Arrogant or Loud
When in polite company, always exercise self-control and good taste.
Your voice, your behavior and even your clothing should reflect understated elegance.
Please do not brag about accomplishments; a well-mannered person has no need for self-
advertisement.
Let your deeds speak for themselves.

Listen Before Speaking

Respect for others is a requirement of good manners.
Listening to others is a way to show respect.
Be genuinely interested in others; learn their names, and encourage them to talk about
themselves.
Never interrupt.
Look them in the eye, and listen carefully.

Speak with Kindness and Caution

Before speaking to others, consider what effect your words will have.
Also remember the language of the body (your posture and your mannerisms) is actually
more important than the language of words.
Do Not Criticize or Complain
Negativity in any form is to be avoided.
Ignore gossip; don’t participate.
If you disagree with others, do so respectfully (agree to disagree).
Since we all need to vent, reserve your ‘bitch’ sessions to your one or two closest
friends/family members….period!

Be Punctual
Appreciate the value of time, yours and others.
If you make an appointment, arrive on time.
If you must be late, call first.
Never arrive early for a social engagement (this is fine in a business setting).
Lingering good-byes merely cause frustration and can ruin an otherwise good time.
A quick, simple exit at the proper time is usually appreciated.

Act and Look Your Best

Take time and care in how you present yourself – both in appearance and in manners.
Do Not Embarrass Others
Demeaning (=dégrader) anyone with rude jokes or an unwelcome nickname is disrespectful.
In conversation, never ask embarrassing questions about relationships, or asking how much
was paid for something (usually, grandmother said that discussing money is ‘vulgar!
Funny word, AND she was right).
How can you speak 100% English?
By playing games to learn English in groups and alone such as:

Fruits basket
Everyone except the stander ( who is standing in the middle of the chair circle) sits down in a
chair. The stander says an English phrase or vocabulary. Anyone sitting who meets the
requirement of the phrase or word must get up and sit down in a different chair. At this time,
the stander, too, tries to sit down in an empty chair. Whoever is left without a chair is the new
stander and must now say a new phrase or word to make people stand up again.

Guessing game
A guessing game is a game in which the object is to guess some kind of information, such as a
word, a phrase, a title, or the location of an object. ... In some games some player know the
answer, but cannot tell the other, instead they must help them to guess it.

Information gap activity

An information gap activity is an activity where learners are missing the information they need
to complete a task and need to talk to each other to find it. ...
Typical types of information gap activities you might find include; describe and draw, spot the
difference, jigsaw readings and listenings and split dictations.
Speaking marathon
Work with a partner. You can talk about anything you like with your partner, but you can't stop
talking! If you stop for more than 3 seconds, you are out!
Also, if you speak any Malagasy or French you are out! Which team can keep talking the
longest?!

Battleship
Players get into pairs and fill out their Battleship sheets by placing five ships on various parts of a
grid. Once they’ve “hidden” their ships, players take turns attacking each other by using their
grids to guess where the other person’s ships are. Whoever “sinks” (finds) all of his/her
opponent’s ships first wins. (5=Aircraft Carrier, 4= Battleship, 3=Submarine, 2=Patrol Boat)

Hangman
The chooser, selects a mystery word and writes down a blank for each letter in it. People in the
group then take turns guessing a letter. For each incorrect guess, the chooser draws part of a
hangman. For each correct guess, the chooser fills in the missing letters wherever they appear in
the word. Play ends when either the mystery word is guessed (in which case the group wins) or
when the hangman is complete (in which case the chooser wins).

Enjoy!
Phrases to use in Speaking & Writing
1
Apologizing :
Everybody makes mistakes sometimes.
When it happens we need to tell the other person how really sorry we are.
We hope that will stop them getting really angry.
Sorry.
Oh, my bad. (slang)
Sorry about that.
I am (so/very/terribly) sorry.
Ever so sorry!
How stupid of me.
How careless of me.
How thoughtless of me.
Pardon (me).
That's my fault.
Sorry. It was all my (entire) fault.
Please excuse my ignorance.
Please don't be mad at me.
Please accept our (sincerest) apologies.
Sorry. I was wrong on that.
I owe you an apology.
I take full responsibility for any troubles I have caused.
I want to apologize for what I did yesterday. That was wrong of me.
I sincerely apologize for what I have done wrongly.
I would like to apologize for being rude to you. Hope you can forgive me.
1. Review your alphabet ABCDEFG ….
A B C D E F G
H I J K L M N O P
Q R S T U V
W X Y Z
Now, I know my ABC’s

Next time won’t you sing with me!

2. Make different kinds of sentences
Simple sentence contains only one clause. (clause = the basic unit of grammar)
It can be short as one word:
Ex: Run!
It can be long have a subject as well as a predicate, and both the subject and the predicate
may have modifiers.
Ex: Melt!
Ice cube melts.
The ice cube melts quickly.
The ice cube in the glass melts quickly under the warm summer sun.
Staying exposed without a cooler, the ice cube in the glass melts quickly under the warm
summer sun.

NB: Simple sentences can be very effective for:

- grabbing the reader’s attention or
- summing up an argument,
but too many simple sentences can make your writing seem puerile (=enfantin).
Compound sentence consists of two or more simple sentences joined by a coordinating
conjunction such as and, but and or. Each part could still stand as independent sentence.
Simple: Madagascar is a poor country.
It has some rich people.
Compound: Madagascar is a poor country, but it has some rich people.
NB: A compound sentence is most effective when you use it to:
- create a sense of balance or
- contrast
between two (or more) equally important pieces of information, but if you overuse
compound sentences, your writing might seem childlike.

Complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
Unlike a compound sentence, a complex sentence contains clauses which are not equal.
Simple: My friend invited me to a party. I do not want to go.
Compound: My friend invited me to a party, but I do not want to go.
Complex: Although my friend invited me to a party, I do not want to go.
NB: A complex sentence is different from a simple sentence or a compound sentence in that:
- the first clause has become incomplete, or a dependent clause.
- it makes clear which ideas are less important or subordinate to the important fact.
A. Habits Polite People Have in Common
True politeness is about so much more than holding open doors. [From Reader’s Digest]
Contents:
1. They say “Please” and “Thank you”
2. They don’t touch people without permission
3. They can admit when they’re wrong
4. They don’t ask overly personal questions
5. They accept correction graciously
6. They make others feel comfortable
7. They don’t interrupt
8. They have polite body language
9. They disagree without rancor
10. They don’t gossip
11. They don’t listen to gossip either
12. They listen more than they speak
13. They treat the janitor the same as the CEO
14. They’re never passive aggressive
15. They don’t take joy in others’ mistakes
16. They know the difference between their indoor and outdoor voice
1. They say “Please” and “Thank you”
Your mother was right:
The golden rule of good manners is golden for a reason—saying “please” and “thank you” is the
oil that keeps polite society running smoothly.
They’re often the first rule we teach children yet adults often forget to use these simple niceties.
Remember:
You’re never too old to show kindness and gratitude to others!

2. They don’t touch people without permission

Beyond a handshake, polite people make it a habit not to:
- touch others or
- physically invade their space.
They do this because they understand that it may be uncomfortable for people to be touched by
a complete stranger.
If you are unsure, just ask the other party first before you proceed.
3. They can admit when they’re wrong
Being wrong isn’t fun but a polite person will:
- acknowledge when they are in error,
- take responsibility for the mistake, and
- do what they can to correct it.
Some people don’t like to admit when they are wrong but instead of making them look smart, it
makes them seem arrogant and ignorant.

4. They don’t ask overly personal questions

Asking personal questions is not the correct approach to learn more about someone.
Even if you’re dying to know more details about someone, you will be restrained in your
questions, letting the other person volunteer information about themselves.
People do like to talk about themselves:
- but a polite person will let the other person take the lead
- rather than forcing them to divulge things they may regret.
5. They accept correction graciously
Polite people:
- aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something and
- will ask questions.
Being vulnerable in this way isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a strength, and people will respect you
for your honesty.
Just don’t turn your questions into an interrogation.
Make sure you’re being polite with your tech (AirPods …) too.

6. They make others feel comfortable

Whether it’s having a cold glass of water ready or moving to a quieter room, the main habit
polite people share is their ability to put others at ease.
Polite people often:
- have a keen eye to recognize when people are uncomfortable and
- know the little things they can do to help fix that.
7. They don’t interrupt
One of the cardinal sins of manners is interrupting others when they are speaking.
Polite people simply don’t do it.
Oftentimes, being a good listener will short-circuit this impulsive behavior.
Instead of thinking about what you want to say next:
- focus on what the other person is saying and
- let them finish their thought before sharing yours.

8. They have polite body language

It’s not enough to say polite words if your body language is saying something else entirely.
Polite people are just as polite with their mannerisms and posture as they are with their speech.
This means:
- maintaining eye contact,
- keeping an open stance,
- not fiddling with your phone, and
- avoiding leering or obvious staring at the other person’s body, among other things.
9. They disagree without rancor
You can express your displeasure and still be polite!
The trick is to say you disagree while still being warm and kind.
To do so:
- keep your tone of voice quiet and level,
- don’t gesticulate wildly or get too close to the other person, and
- definitely do not roll your eyes.

10. They don’t gossip

It’s very human to:
- make snap judgments about others and
- want to share them
but a polite person will keep those thoughts to themselves.
A polite person tries to understand others’ perspectives without judgment.
This also means that if you say you won’t tell anyone then you really won’t tell anyone.
11. They don’t listen to gossip either
It’s not enough to simply not be the source of gossip—truly polite people won’t listen to it
either.
If you can’t find a way to change the conversation to a more polite topic, then find a graceful
way to exit the conversation, like saying this one phrase that is sure to stop gossip in its tracks:
“Rumor has it you’re trying to stop badmouthing people”.

12. They listen more than they speak

Nothing is less polite (or frustrating!) than a conversation that’s turned into a monologue!
Part of being polite is listening to others.
However, it’s not enough to simply be quiet when the other person is talking, polite people will
use active listening techniques to show they are:
- paying attention and
- interested in what the other person is saying.
13. They treat the janitor the same as the CEO
Politeness dictates you treat all people as equals, regardless of gender, station, wealth, race, or
any other factor.
This means you view others with respect and dignity, treating busboys (=aides-serveurs) and taxi
drivers as well as you do the president of your company or a celebrity.
It also means you act with kindness even if no one else is watching.

14. They’re never passive aggressive

Rude is rude, even if it’s dressed up in politeness words.
Passive aggressiveness is a way to be rude without appearing obviously rude and polite people
will not use this dirty shortcut.
Never dismiss an unkind comment with ‘I’m just being honest’.
This doesn’t mean you have to accept everything others say and do, it simply means you need
to get over your fear of confrontation and learn how to discuss difficult things in an open and
straightforward manner.
15. They don’t take joy in others’ mistakes
Schadenfreude (epicaricacy) is the singular feeling of finding joy in others’ misfortune and it’s
natural to feel that way sometimes.
However, a polite person will do their best not to show it.
Polite people understand no one is perfect and will be gracious when others make mistakes.
Think about how you would feel if you were in the same situation.

16. They know the difference between their indoor & outdoor voice
Being very loud in public places is not just incredibly irritating to everyone around you, it’s a
quick way to get yourself marked as rude and boorish (=grossier).
Polite people know:
- when a quiet voice is warranted and
- when indoors they will keep their volume around a two or three, on a scale of one to
loudspeaker.
B. Best Partially Free Online English Courses to Take
[From FluentU]
If you’re looking for the right online English course to take, but aren’t sure where to start
looking—or you’re not sure how to choose—this is the post for you.
Below you will find a list of the 16 best online English courses with additional information to
help you decide which one could fit your learning style and schedule best.

Contents
1. edX 9. Coursera
2. FluentU 10. Udacity
3. Alison 11. Perfectly Spoken
4. Udemy 12. FutureLearn
5. Open Learning 13. EnglishHelper
6. MOOEC 14. Saylor
7. ESOL Courses 15. USA Learns
8. My MOOC 16. Oxford Online English
1. edX
Summary: A variety of college-level courses taught by real professors
EdX is one of the biggest MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) websites out there.
It was created by Harvard and MIT, two very famous and expensive universities in America.
You can find a lot of college-level courses here, created and taught by actual professors from top
universities.
You can actually earn college credits on edX, through Arizona State University.
It’s not free, but it’s cheaper than being in an actual college.
Some of the courses have certificates you can get for completing them.
Most of these cost some money, so make sure you check the details before you sign up!
Like most other MOOCs, classes here are similar to college courses and some take a few weeks
to complete.
A certain number of hours is needed each week to learn all the material.
You can learn along with the class, or read through a course after it’s complete (though you
won’t get to talk to others about it if you choose to do that!).
The program is free but does not include course exams and certificates.
The regular price is $279.99 per year for unlimited courses and certificates, but sometimes goes
on sale for $189.99.
2. FluentU
Summary: Video-based lessons and multimedia flashcards with material that adapts to your
learning
FluentU is a language learning program that uses videos to teach English by showing you how
native speakers use it.
It technically isn’t a free course, but you can try it out with a free trial.
The videos on FluentU include:
- short videos lessons as well as
- authentic clips like commercials,
- music videos and
- scenes from popular TV shows.
With content made by and for native speakers from around the English-speaking world, you get
exposure to the way the language sounds in natural situations.
All the videos have interactive subtitles that let you click on words you don’t know to learn
more.
This way, you understand more of what you’re hearing.
The program’s built-in video dictionary lets you see definitions, example sentences, a
pronunciation guide and a list of other videos that use the word.
You can:
- add any word you see to custom flashcard decks to review later, or
- practice with pre-made flashcard decks with themes like:
- “basic adjectives” or
- “vegetables.”
You can also review:
- phrases and
- slang terms,
which textbooks and other courses often leave out.
FluentU also lets you review what you’ve learned with personalized quizzes, which change as
you learn and focus on what you most need to improve.
On the FluentU iOS or Android app, you can also practice pronunciation during these quizzes
with speaking-based questions.
The program requires a monthly subscription but I’m including it for the free trial, which gives
you full access to the entire program (and all 10 of its languages) for a period of time.
3. Alison
Summary: Well-established site with free online courses and certificates
Opened in 2007, Alison is considered by most to be the first MOOC.
The website has over 4,000 total courses and 192 language courses.
Its goal is to help learners improve their existing skills, switch careers, or pursue hobbies they’re
passionate about, all for free.
After you complete a course, you are given either a diploma or certificate depending on the
length of the course.
They have a whole section dedicated to learning English.

Courses from Alison to consider:

o English for Business and Entrepreneurship :
This course could be useful if you need to communicate with clients in English.
o English Grammar and Vocabulary:
Travel (Advanced level) – This course will teach you the future tense and travel-related
phrases.
o Fundamentals of English Grammar :
Love grammar (or just need a good grammar review)? This might be the course for you.
4. Udemy
Summary: A wide variety of either free or affordable video courses
Udemy wants to teach everything!
There are tens of thousands of courses, and even though not all of them are from well-known
universities, they have some great ones to choose from.
Not all the courses on Udemy are free, but there’s a good number of free ones.
Even the courses that are not free can be pretty affordable.
Udemy uses video lectures, written materials and quizzes to help you learn.
You can watch a video or read a lesson, then test yourself to make sure you understood.
You can go as fast or as slow as you want!

Courses you should be taking:

o English as a Foreign Language:
This course teaches grammar through real conversation examples.
o English Grammar for Beginners:
With this course, you can learn the basics of grammar and beginner-level English.
5. Open Learning
Summary: Mix of professional courses and free courses open to anyone
You’ll find a very friendly environment at Open Learning.
Here, anyone can take or create a course.
You might not find as many college professors, but you’ll find experts who want to share their
skills.
Open Learning does work with a number of universities, so you can find a good mix of both
professional and more casual courses here.
Not all the courses on Open Learning are free, but there are some that are free and open to
anyone.

Courses you should be taking:

o Using Sentence Connectors:
Here, you can learn English writing and grammar at a pre-college level of English.
6. MOOEC
Summary: Single-lesson courses English courses from Australia
The courses offered here are shorter than most MOOCs.
Instead of taking weeks to complete, MOOEC gives its courses as single lessons.
If you’re not sure if online study is right for you, MOOEC is a good place to start, since it will take
less of your time. The site offers courses in reading, speaking, writing, and listening.
MOOEC was created in Australia, and some of the lessons make that very clear.
There are some classes about places in Australia, and the spelling might be different from
American English, so keep that in mind.

Courses you should be taking:

o Elementary English Course:
Here’s a perfect course if you’re just starting out.
o Common Mistakes:
This course covers some of the most common English mistakes people make.
o Coffee Culture:
For anyone interested in Australian English and culture, this class teaches everyday
listening and speaking skills.
7. ESOL Courses
Summary: Courses for any level that include lots of resources and cultural information
ESOL means English for Speakers of Other Languages, so this site is perfect for you.
ESOL Courses offer a lot of free online English courses for learners at any level:
- beginner,
- elementary,
- pre-intermediate,
- intermediate and
- advanced.
You can choose from a lot of resources to practice the skill you want, from listening to English
for work to reading and writing.
I love the sections called:
- “Life in the UK” and
- “Life in the USA.”
They offer information about culture, travel, living, history and food in the UK and the USA,
among other cool stuff.
As a bonus, all this information is presented through hundreds of exercises where you can
practice your English.
Courses you should be taking:
o Beginners course:
If you’re just starting your adventure with the English language, this course will teach you
all the basics in just 16 lessons.
o Elementary course:
When you finish the course for beginners, continue with this course for elementary
students and keep on learning in a fun way.
o Easy readers:
Read these easy and short texts and improve your vocabulary.
They include pictures and videos, and they tell you which words you need to remember.
8. My MOOC
Summary: Quick, focused English courses that include subtitles
My MOOC is the perfect solution for learners of English:
- who don’t have a lot of free time and
- who want to improve their resume/CV fast.
The courses here take from six to 21 hours, so they’re short and to the point.
My MOOC focuses on speaking and writing, but everyone can find a course that adapts to their
needs.
The best part? Most of the courses include subtitles!

Courses you should be taking:

o Unlock your English:
Learn the basics of business English, from small talk to business meetings, in just 15
hours! A great MOOC if you like being in contact with other students.
o English pronunciation in a global world:
In this course, you’ll learn everything about English pronunciation and the differences
between the different English accents.
You’ll also improve your own pronunciation thanks to the exercises.
Courses you should be taking:
o Improve your spoken English:
This isn’t really a course, but it includes a lot of information and tips on how to improve
your speaking skills.
o Improve your writing:
Learn how to improve your English writing skills with all the tips included in this section.
Read the guides to:
- spelling (the correct way to write a word),
- capitalization (when to write in uppercase letters) and
- punctuation (the use of symbols to separate words and sentences)
to become a master of English writing.
9. Coursera
Summary: A wide variety of self-paced and university courses, particularly good for advanced
learners
Recommended for advanced learners, Coursera is another MOOC that lets you learn at your
own pace (as fast or slow as you want).
You can:
- complete courses as they take place, or just
- look over the material when they’re over.
Each course has instructional videos, followed by quizzes and exercises you can take to make
sure you understood the materials.
There are a few peer-rated (graded by your fellow students) assignments, so it’s a good place to
exchange information with other students who are learning just like you.
Coursera has a huge number of:
- partners,
- institutions and
- universities offering courses.
More are constantly being added, so it’s worth checking back regularly to see if anything
interesting has popped up.
Courses you should be taking:
o Essentials for English Speeches & Presentations:
A course specifically aimed at Chinese learners of English, this class will teach you
English public speaking.
o English Composition I:
Taught by Duke University, this class teaches college-level writing.
10. Udacity
Udacity comes from the company's desire to be "audacious for you, the student".
Summary: Courses about a variety of topics, taught in English for advanced learners
If you’re an:
- upper-intermediate or
- advanced learner of English
and want to practice the language while learning something else in English, you’re going to love
Udacity.
Feel like a real native speaker of English while you take courses on:
- business,
- computer science or
- personal development
completely in English and for free!
Udacity offers 286 courses in English.
I’m sure there’s at least one you’ll be interested in.
Courses you should be taking:
o Refresh Your Resume:
Now you can have the best English resume in town thanks to this Grow with Google
course.
o Introduction to Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial Intelligence is around us everywhere we go.
From machine learning to robotics, after you finish this course you’ll be one step
closer to calling yourself The King/Queen of AI.
o College Algebra:
Are you a math person?
If you love numbers, equations and logarithms, this course will boost your Math
English vocabulary to the ultimate level.
11. Perfectly Spoken
Summary: Video lessons for all learner levels, taught by experienced English teachers
Perfectly Spoken features over 500 video lessons, all taught by experienced English teachers.
Each course is separated by learner level, and you can find out which course is best for you with
a free English test.
But even if you start one course, you can switch to another one whenever you’d like!
There are three learner plans:
Free,
Student and
Pro.
You need to pay for the Student and Pro plans, but even the Free Plan gives you access to 300
video lessons and lets you watch 10 hours of content every month.
As a bonus for learners, Perfectly Spoken also provides:
- extra learning materials and
- practice tests.
Once you complete a course, you can even get a fancy certificate of completion!
12. FutureLearn
Summary: Learn British English from expert teachers and by socializing with your classmates
Many online courses can be done on your own, but FutureLearn encourages students to be
social and talk with other people taking the same courses.
With over a million enrolled in the classes here, there will be lots of people to talk to!
The courses offered come from 40 places all across the world, including some top British
institutions like the British Council and British Museum.
FutureLearn has no partners in the U.S., so if you’re looking for American English, you might
want to try a different website.
FutureLearn works like many MOOCs—lessons are given every week for a certain number of
weeks.
You can learn along with the class, which is highly encouraged (so you can talk to other
students).
But if the class doesn’t fit into your schedule, you can take it at your own pace.
FutureLearn has free 1-month limited access.
For a 27.99 per 3 months subscription, you get unlimited access to courses.
You can also purchase individual courses for varying flat fee.
Courses you should be taking:
o A Beginner’s Guide to Writing in English for University Study:
This one is designed for people interested in studying in an English-speaking
country, but can be useful for any English learner.
o Understanding IELTS:
Techniques for English Language Tests:
This course is excellent if you’re planning to take any English test, but especially the
IELTS.
o Exploring English: Language and Culture:
With this course, you can learn about British culture as you improve your English.
13. EnglishHelper
Summary: Adaptable program with six different listening speeds and translations for over 20
languages
This website, which is accurately named, offers two learning programs:
- Learn English and
- Write Better.
While the latter has both free and paid versions, the former is completely free.
All you need to do is sign up!
EnglishHelper is a great fit for a beginning learner, especially if you’re struggling to understand
spoken English.
They offer six different listening speeds and a pronunciation guide, which will help you speak
and understand their language.
With a picture dictionary of 400,000 words, you’ll soon pick up a lot of vocabulary.
There are translations available in over 20 languages, which means that you won’t face any
difficulty in finding English alternatives to words in your native language.
Finally, they also have periodic tests to make sure you’re learning regularly.
This sort of structure is great for English learners who have a difficult time committing to one
program.
14. Saylor
Summary: Take courses on your own time, for free or paid courses for college credit
Another advanced-level option, Saylor offers many courses for free.
This website is a non-profit, meaning it doesn’t make any money from teaching online courses.
There are no start dates here—all courses can be taken at any time.
Some courses even offer college credit if you can pass a final exam for a small fee!

Courses you should be taking:

o Pre-college English:
This course prepares you for college-level writing.
15. USA Learns
Summary: Video lessons and activities for beginner and intermediate learners
USA Learns is a website that hosts free English lessons, all of which you can access after you
register an account.
There are three main courses and their difficulties range from beginner to intermediate levels.
Lessons are taught with videos and activities that improve different English skills, from
vocabulary to speaking.
USA Learns also has content that teaches you what daily life is like in the United States!
This adds a nice flavor to the English you learn.

Courses you should be taking:

o 1st English Course:
A 20-unit course that teaches you the basics of the language, using a variety of
lesson topics and all kinds of fun activities.
o Practice English and Reading:
An intermediate-level course that focuses on improving written English skills with
stories
16. Oxford Online English
Summary: Detailed lessons covering a wide variety of skills, with new lessons uploaded
frequently
Oxford Online English has many free lessons that teach different English skills.
They cover many different topics and are surprisingly quite detailed.
There are even lessons that focus on Business English and IELTS preparation.
Free lessons are uploaded weekly, so you can keep looking forward to new content!
Besides free lessons, Oxford Online English also lets you get personal paid lessons with teachers
over programs like Skype, Google Hangouts or others.
Besides teaching you, your teacher can also give you feedback and tell you what you can
improve on.

Courses you should be taking:

o Spoken English:
It’s very important to practice your English speaking skills whenever you can.
Oxford Online English’s many video lessons on spoken English will help you build your
confidence