One fun way to learn a language is to read the news. Can’t find any sources, here are a few we have found for beginner, intermediate, and advanced English learners like you! Found your own sources, that’s great! Share the link with your tutor and we can read together….Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions about words, phrases, or anything you don’t understand, we want to help you learn!
Beginner level and looking for easy articles to read. Try these sources!
- Newsela (https://newsela.com/): Newsela offers a wide range of news articles at different reading levels. You can adjust the complexity of the articles to suit your language proficiency. This one requires a subscription, but looks easy to read.
- BBC Learning English – News Reports (https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/news-report): The BBC Learning English website offers news reports with simplified language and explanations of key vocabulary and grammar points. Also, looking for listening practice? They provide an audio version of the article, vocabulary words, and a quiz! Take it by yourself, or as a tutor to help!
- VOA Learning English (https://learningenglish.voanews.com/): Voice of America’s Learning English website provides news stories with simplified language and interactive features to help learners understand and practice English. Their articles are simple and easy to read with vocabulary at the bottom.
- Simple English Wikipedia (https://simple.wikipedia.org/): While not a news site, Simple English Wikipedia offers articles on a wide range of topics in easy-to-understand language.
- Breaking News English (https://breakingnewsenglish.com/): This website offers news articles with simplified language and includes various comprehension activities to test your understanding. This one also has an option to buy/subscribe, however the free version looks like it only provides the transcript and not audio. This is great for listening practice. Partner up with a tutor, and have them read the article while you fill in the blanks. After, see how much you were able to get right!
- ESL News (https://eslnews.org/): ESL News provides news articles with audio recordings and comprehension exercises, making it suitable for English language learners.
- Time for Kids (https://www.timeforkids.com/): Time for Kids offers news articles written specifically for young readers, making it an excellent choice for beginners. You can choose your level both as an adult and as a kid!
- The Guardian – Easy English (https://www.theguardian.com/education/series/guardian-easy-english): The Guardian occasionally publishes easy English versions of its articles, which can be useful for learners. The Guardian is a well-know English news source. This one is probably best for more advanced beginner learners!
Intermediate level and looking for harder articles to read. Try these sources!
- News in Levels (https://www.newsinlevels.com/): News in Levels categorizes news articles into three levels of difficulty, allowing learners to choose articles that match their proficiency. It’s a great resource for gradual progression. They offer both audio and transcripts along with new vocabulary.
- Easy English Times (https://easyenglishtimes.com/): Easy English Times offers news articles specifically designed for English learners at intermediate levels. The articles include vocabulary and comprehension exercises.
- Breaking News English (https://breakingnewsenglish.com/): While mentioned earlier, this website offers news articles at various levels of difficulty, including intermediate. It includes comprehension activities to test your understanding. There are also lots of exercises you can do, including fill in the blanks and matching.
- VOA Learning English – Special English (https://learningenglish.voanews.com/z/947): Voice of America’s Special English program provides news articles with simplified vocabulary and slower-paced audio recordings, making it suitable for intermediate learners.
- ESL Lounge (https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/index.php): ESL Lounge offers news articles along with vocabulary and comprehension exercises tailored for intermediate English learners.
- British Council – Learn English Teens (https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading): The British Council’s Learn English Teens website provides news articles and stories aimed at young learners, making them accessible to intermediate English speakers. They also have a bunch of exercises. It is a subscription….but it looks as though it is a FREE subscription. (We are not responsible for there being a cost if there is one).
- News For You Online (https://www.newsforyouonline.com/): News For You Online provides news articles written at an intermediate reading level. It’s designed for English learners and includes comprehension questions. They require you to subscribe, and there is a fee.
- Time for Kids – TFK (Intermediate) (https://www.timeforkids.com/g56/tfk-56-intermediate/): Time for Kids offers articles suitable for intermediate learners. It covers current events and features engaging stories.
- ESL Holiday Lessons (https://www.eslholidaylessons.com/): ESL Holiday Lessons offers news articles, discussions, and lesson plans designed for English learners at intermediate levels. They have both audio and transcript, and additional exercises for students to see how much they learned! Work with a tutor and see if you get everything right!
- The New York Times Learning Network (https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning): The New York Times Learning Network provides articles and resources for educators and students. Some articles are suitable for intermediate learners. Don’t want to do too many exercises? This one is perfect for oy. Choose an article, read it with a tutor, and then have a discussion on it! It is perfect for developing reading and speaking skills!
Advanced level and looking for articles that are challenging to read. Try these sources!
- The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/): The New York Times offers in-depth coverage of international and domestic news. While some articles may be challenging, they provide an excellent opportunity for advanced learners to enhance their language skills. They do have a subscription fee though.
- The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/international): The Guardian’s international section provides comprehensive news articles in standard English. It’s a great resource for advanced learners looking for quality journalism. You can subscribe, it looks like it is free, or just continue without subscribing and read the news!
- The Economist (https://www.economist.com/): The Economist covers global news, politics, and economics in a well-articulated and advanced level of English. It’s ideal for learners who want to dive into complex topics. They do have a subscription fee though.
- The Atlantic (https://www.theatlantic.com/): The Atlantic offers in-depth articles on a wide range of subjects. While some pieces are quite advanced, they provide valuable insights for language learners. Articles look as though they are also good for beginners. However, there is a subscription fee.
- BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news): BBC News provides comprehensive news coverage in standard English. It’s suitable for advanced learners who want to stay informed about global events. Looks free, and you can even register an account that will show articles according to your age.
- Al Jazeera English (https://www.aljazeera.com/): Al Jazeera’s English website offers in-depth news articles on international issues. The language used is advanced but informative. The provide articles, and you can then have a discussion during or after reading it!
- NPR (National Public Radio) (https://www.npr.org/): NPR provides a mix of written articles and audio content on various topics. It’s a good resource for advanced learners looking to engage with spoken and written English. There is a subscription option, however it looks like access to articles is free.
- Reuters (https://www.reuters.com/): Reuters offers detailed news articles with a focus on global events. The language used is suitable for advanced learners. Looks free, and they have a lot great topics to choose from!
- CNN (https://www.cnn.com/): CNN provides a wide range of news articles, videos, and broadcasts in standard English. It covers a variety of topics, including international news. They are considered to be one of the most popular sources among English speakers. Articles are a bit longer than other sources, and there appears to be no subscription fee required.
- Bloomberg (https://www.bloomberg.com/): Bloomberg covers business, finance, and economic news in an advanced level of English. It’s a valuable resource for learners interested in financial topics. They have 2 options for subscribing: the first is free which has limited access, and the second allows more access to more articles.
Disclaimer: None of these sources are owned by us, and all material provided by these third-party websites belong to them. We also do not claim any creative right ownership to anything they have created or published.