Master English with fun and effective exercises

ÃÛÌÒapp Languages
A woman sat in a library reading books at a table
Reading time: 3 minutes

Learning English can be a rewarding yet challenging journey. Whether you're aiming to improve your language skills for travel, work, or personal growth, using the right resources will make all the difference.Ìý

Types of English exercises you should try

Grammar exercises

Grammar is the backbone of any language. Worksheets focusing on grammar can help you understand sentence structure, verb tenses and other essential rules. Look for exercises that cover:

  • Verb conjugation: Practice different verb forms and understand when to use each.
  • Sentence structure: Learn how to construct sentences correctly.
  • Punctuation: Understand the importance of punctuation marks and how to use them properly.

Vocabulary building

Expanding your vocabulary is crucial for effective communication. Worksheets can help you learn new words and phrases, as well as their meanings and usage. Try exercises like:

  • Word matching: Match words with their definitions.
  • Fill-in-the-blanks: Complete sentences using appropriate vocabulary.
  • Synonyms and antonyms: Identify words with similar or opposite meanings.

Reading comprehension

Improving your reading skills involves understanding and interpreting written texts. Worksheets designed for reading comprehension can help you practice:

  • Short stories: Read short passages and answer questions about the content.
  • Articles: Analyze articles to identify main ideas and supporting details.
  • Inference: Draw conclusions based on the information provided in the text.

Writing practice

Writing exercises help you articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently. Worksheets can guide you through different writing styles and formats:

  • Essay writing: Practice writing essays on various topics.
  • Letter writing: Learn how to write formal and informal letters.
  • Storytelling: Create your own stories using prompts or randomly selected features.Ìý

Activity 1: Grammar & sentence structure

Rewrite the following sentences to correct any grammatical errors and improve their structure.

  1. She don't like to play football.
  2. They was going to the market when it started to rain.
  3. The cat is sat on the mat.
  4. He's more taller than his brother.
  5. We are going at the cinema tonight.

Answer key

  1. She doesn't like to play football.
  2. They were going to the market when it started to rain.
  3. The cat is sitting on the mat.
  4. He's taller than his brother.
  5. We are going to the cinema tonight.

Activity 2: Vocabulary expansion

Match the words on the left with their correct definitions on the right.

Words

1. Eloquent

2. Obsolete

3. Pensive

4. Jovial

5. Meticulous

Definitions

a. Very happy or cheerful

b. No longer in use

c. Expressive and persuasive in speaking

d. Thoughtful and reflective

e. Showing great attention to detail

Answer key

  1. c. Eloquent - Expressive and persuasive in speaking
  2. b. Obsolete - No longer in use
  3. d. Pensive - Thoughtful and reflective
  4. a. Jovial - Very happy or cheerful
  5. e. Meticulous - Showing great attention to detail

Activity 3: Reading comprehension

Read the following passage and answer the questions below.

"In an era where technology evolves rapidly, the way we communicate is constantly changing. Social media platforms have become a primary means of interaction, often replacing traditional face-to-face conversations. While this shift offers several advantages, such as instant connectivity and access to a global audience, it also presents challenges. For instance, the lack of non-verbal cues in digital communication can lead to misunderstandings."

Questions

  1. What is the main idea of the passage?
  2. Name one advantage of social media communication mentioned in the passage.
  3. What is one challenge of digital communication highlighted by the author?

Answer key

  1. The main idea of the passage is that while social media communication offers advantages, it also has challenges.
  2. One advantage of social media communication mentioned is instant connectivity. You could also have said access to a global audience.
  3. One challenge highlighted by the author is the lack of non-verbal cues leading to misunderstandings.

Activity 4: Writing skills

Write a short paragraph (5-6 sentences) about the importance of effective communication skills in today's world. Use at least three of the vocabulary words from Activity 2.

Conclusion

English learning exercises are an invaluable tool for anyone looking to master the language. They offer structured learning, reinforce key concepts, provide immediate feedback, and keep you engaged throughout your learning journey. By incorporating these kinds of exercises into your study routine, you'll be well on your way to achieving fluency in English.

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • Teaching with purpose: Why the GSE still works in 2025

    By
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    We live in a world in which change is a constant. While change has always existed, lately it has definitely accelerated. There is an idea in society that we should embrace change and adopt whatever is new, with an underlying assumption – wrong to many – that what is new is always better.one that is often wrong

    In the world of ELT, new materials are developed every year. It is unthinkable for most teachers to be using teaching materials that were published 10 years ago. Some would even claim that anything published before 2020 is already out-dated.

    How does all this impact on the Global Scale of English (GSE) – published over 10 years ago? When it was launched in 2014, it constituted a significant innovation in ELT. The following quotes were provided by ELT experts at the time of launch.

  • Three individuals are engaged in a discussion around a table in a library, surrounded by books, with one person gesturing with their hands.

    Ready to study in the USA? Not all tests are created equal

    By
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    If you’re planning to study in the USA, you’ve probably looked into English proficiency tests for university admissions. And you’ve probably noticed – they’re not all the same.

    • Some are more expensive.Ìý
    • Some take weeks to deliver results.Ìý
    • Some require you to travel to a test centre.

    The ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is different.

    What makes the ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test special?Ìý

    This online English test is designed for international students who want to move quickly and confidently through the admissions process.

    • Take it from homeÌý– No travel needed. The ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is fully online, so you can complete your exam from anywhere in the world.
    • Get certified results in 48 hoursÌý– No long waits. Receive your official English proficiency scores fast, so you can meet university deadlines with ease.
    • Pay lessÌý– It’s one of the most affordable English tests for US university applications, helping you save on costs.
    • Accepted by a growing number of US universitiesÌý– Use your results to apply to top institutions across the United States.
    • Built for momentum, not delaysÌý– Designed to help you move forward, not slow you down.

    Why this test matters

    When you’re applying to study in the USA, every day counts. You’re juggling application deadlines, coordinating with universities and planning your next big move. You need an English language test that supports your ambitions, not one that holds you back.

    What makesÌýÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test different?

    • AI scoring for fairness and consistencyÌý– Advanced technology ensures your results are accurate and impartial.
    • Security inbuiltÌý– Take your test with confidence, knowing your identity and results are protected.
    • CEFR and GSE-aligned resultsÌý– Trusted by universities and colleges, your scores are mapped to international standards for English proficiency.

    It’s everything you need for your US university application, without the stress.

    Ready to take the test?

    If you’re searching for an English proficiency test that fits into your life and helps you move forward, the ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is ready when you are. Take your test today and start your journey to studying in the USA with confidence.

  • Grammar 101: insider tips and tricks to instantly improve your writing (part 4)

    By
    Reading time: 7 minutes

    Punctuation makes your writing easier to read and understand, but it can be tricky to master. As an editor and proofreader, I often notice people confusing semi-colons and colons, so we'll explore the difference between them. And because both are often used in lists, we'll also look at the humble comma – and its sometimes-controversional cousin, the Oxford comma.Ìý

    Semi-colons and colons both connect phrases in a sentence but are used in different situations.Ìý

    Understanding colons

    Colons introduce important information and explanations. They're often used before lists as a replacement for phrases like "they are" and "which is":

    • He offered me a choice of drinks: tea, coffee or hot chocolate.Ìý
    • I packed the essentials in my bag: water, pens and a magazine.Ìý
    • She speaks three languages: English, French and Portuguese.Ìý

    You can also think of a colon as a spotlight, with the phrase that comes after the colon explaining or expanding what came before it.Ìý

    • In 1903, travel was changed forever by an important event: Orville and Wilbur Wright's first successful flight.
    • He loves visiting the animals at the farm: cows are his favourite.Ìý
    • There is one rule I live by: I treat others as I wish to be treated.

    The secrets of semi-colons

    A semi-colon links two ideas that are closely related and that would be two complete sentences if you used a period instead. They give a softer transition than a period would, and they're often used instead of conjunctions like "and", "but" and "because":

    • I love eating pizza; my sister loves eating burgers.
    • I wanted to go for a swim; I couldn't find my goggles.Ìý
    • I'm going to the park; the weather is beautiful.

    Semi-colons also seperate items in long lists to make life easier for the reader and stop a sentence becoming a sea of apostrophes. For example:

    • I've got my shopping list ready: peppers, carrots and oranges from the market; toothpaste, shampoo and pain relief from the drugstore; and a newspaper, snack and drink from the newsstand. Ìý

    Standard comma or Oxford comma?

    An Oxford comma goes before "and" or "or" at the end of a list. The first example has an Oxford comma, the second doesn't.Ìý

    • Please bring me a sandwich made with cheese, lettuce, and tomato.Ìý
    • Please bring me a sandwich made with cheese, lettuce and tomato.Ìý

    American English generally favors the Oxford comma, British English typically omits it, unless needed for clarity. Compare:

    • I love my parents, Taylor Swift and Keanu Reeves.
    • I love my parents, Taylor Swift, and Keanu Reeves.Ìý

    As with many areas of punctuation, whether you choose to use the Oxford comma is a matter of personal preference. However, the most important thing is to be consistent in your usage.Ìý