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Extra Resources

 

1. Dictionaries 

2. Translators  

3. Online writing assistants

4. Extra exam practice material

5. Apps

6. Immersion resources

Dictionaries 

Lexico (by Oxford) 
The most comprehensive online dictionary, incl. useful features such as sentence examples, audios, synonyms/antonyms and other resources.

Less extensive than Lexico, incl. additional features such as the possibility to create your own word lists (see also Google Translate below*), to play quizzes etc. and each word's CEFR level.
 
This is a great tool to see new words and typical collocations in an extensive range of contexts.

Word Reference (in conjunction with Collins English Dictionary)
Similar to Linguee, this dictionary includes many sentence examples, as well as forum discussions regarding common doubts etc.

Check common collocations, such as prepositions etc. in context. This is especially helpful when preparing for Use of English and Writing. 

Translators 

Create your own vocabulary list or simply check your search history and read/listen to new vocabulary wherever you are. A much more productive alternative to Instagram etc.!

Step 1
Enter a word:









Step 2
Click "guardado" on the bottom of the page in order to save your word and create your personal vocabulary list. You can also check your search history by clicking on "historial").


Step 3
Check your list and revise new vocabulary by clicking on "guardado". 



Step 4
Organise your list chronically or alphabetically:


Online writing assistants

Grammarly
This is a great way to check not only your spelling and grammar, but also other aspects of your writing, such as the tone, thanks to real-time suggestions.  

Write and Improve (in association with Cambridge English)
I've included numerous B2 First sample writing tasks in this blog for you to do as homework. As you'll see this app provides you with a timer, and also generates feedback by marking the parts of your text that need to be changed. Last but not least, it will rate your writing according to the CEFR. 

Extra exam practice

Reading & Use of English and Writing
Download First 1 - Authentic Examination Papers (pdf) (incl. answer key at the end of the book).

Reading & Use of English, Writing and Listening

Sign up to englishaula.com (please do not use the first 2 examples of each paper/part since I've included them in the homework on this blog).

See also FCE Academy in the app section below.

Apps

Practise Reading & Use of English, Writing and Listening with this app on the go.

Test and improve your English by playing against other learners from around the world, or simply invite your friends to compete against you.

Immersion resources

Since most series and films are in American English, I've decided to share mainly British English resources with you in this section.

News websites

Online newspapers are a great way to expose yourself to a huge variety of topics and vocabulary. 

Here are a few "papers" that will be particularly helpful in preparation of the B2 First exam: 

- BBC

- The Guardian

- El Pais (English edition)

- CNN

YouTube channels & videos

- BBC Learning English 

- English speeches with big subtitles 

- The Economist

- BBC Reel

- The Guardian

- Ted-Ed

- TED

- Open Learn (Open University)

- The School of Life

Podcasts & radio

- Podcast in English

- BBC Sounds

Instagram 

@inglesparaperezosos

@amigosingleses 

@bbclearningenglish

Facebook

Cambridge English

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