Study Zone
Welcome to the ELC Study Zone
This area provides you with resources to help you extend your English studies beyond the classroom and after your stay with us in Bristol.
Online language learning materials
Students of ELC are given access to various online study packages. Select a resource below and login.
Useful links
This section provides a variety of language weblinks to support your studies.
Use these links to help you with your studies outside class.
BBC Learning English
This BBC website uses news stories and clips with activities to practise many areas of English language.
Learn English with British Council
Grammar and vocabulary practice from the British Council. There is a mixture of explanations, exercises and games on this site
Using English Quizzes and Workshops
Lots of quizzes on both grammar and vocabulary - it also includes reference materials.
Language Guide
Basic vocabulary with pictures, sounds and spelling. Several different categories of vocabulary.
Thought Co. English as a Second Language
Explanations and some exercises about many areas of English language, especially at lower levels. There are many different areas that are worth exploring.
English Page
Grammar and vocabulary with explanations and exercises at a variety of levels.
Listening with British Council
There are many clips on a variety of subjects including British culture, cooking and how English is spoken on the street. The material is not divided by level, but is a special section of elementary level podcasts.
BBC News Live
This material will be difficult for lower level learners, but can provide valuable authentic listening practice for higher level students.
BBC iPlayer
This is a valuable source of authentic listening material (many with subtitles). There are all kinds of programme and broadcasts from all BBC radio stations. Programmes stay on this site for 7 days. Some can be downloaded.
TED Talks
Fascinating and inspiring talks, mostly under 20 minutes long. A large number of video clips on many different topics.
Multimedia English
A wide range of short clear video clips that include examples of songs, situations in English, IELTS speaking practice and much much more. There are videos in both British and American English. The materials will generally suit students up to Upper Intermediate level.
Ship or Sheep
Available on our Multi-Media Centre PCs. It can be accessed through the Self-Access materials shortcut on the desktop of the PCs.
Phonetics Focus by Cambridge English Online
The most complete, fun, free phonetics resource on the web! Brought to you by Cambridge English Online Ltd.
BBC Learning English - Pronunciation
Do you want to improve your English pronunciation? Well, you've come to the right place. Tim's Pronunciation Workshop shows you how English is really spoken. It'll help you become a better listener and a more fluent speaker.
Writing with British Council
This site is especially useful for those who are going to be writing in English at university. There is a small number of sections, but each one contains a great deal of advice and support.
IELTS with British Council
Tips and advice for IELTS candidates. There is useful support and some listening exam practice.
Flo-Joe Cambridge Exam Preparation
Materials to practise all Cambridge Exams from PET to CPE. Materials include activities to practise key language areas and practice exam papers.
IELTS Speaking
There are materials to extend your vocabulary, useful language, example speaking tests and tasks.
The Guardian
Online version of the daily newspaper. News and current affairs articles and features.
The Observer
Online version of the Sunday newspaper. Sister paper to The Guardian. News and current affairs articles and features.
The Independent
Online version of the daily newspaper. News and current affairs articles on a variety of topics.
The Times
Online version of the daily newspaper. Current affairs articles and in-depth features on a number of different topics.
The New York Times
Access to up-to-date news from the USA.
The Economist
Current affairs, news and articles. Especially useful for IELTS, business and high level students.
New Scientist
Online access to articles focusing on technology, health, the environment etc. Useful vocabulary and reading texts for IELTS and higher level learners.
Newsweek
Online access to articles from the American magazine. Useful for IELTS, business and higher level students. It is also helpful for cross-referencing when doing research.
Business English with British Council
A useful site giving language advice for people using English at work or to get a job. There are podcasts, a business magazine and a series of video clips that show how an English-speaking workplace functions.
BBC Learning English - General & Business English
Useful language for a variety of business situations such as getting the job, handling business calls and participating in meetings.
BBC Learning English - English at Work (Intermediate Level)
This is a new animated series that focuses on English communication in the office. With a great cast of characters and a friendly narrator to help you, this series will get you ready for your next job.
Business English Site
Activities on general and specific business language. Includes materials on a variety of areas such as IT, medical English and English for sales and marketing.
English File
Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and much more
English File Intermediate Plus
English File Upper Intermediate
Headway
Grammar, vocabulary and tests you can build for yourself