ESL Resources

Films on Demand               

• What is it? A streaming films database with films on many topics (you can also access these videos through the Library Catalog search). It is accessible 24/7 with your CPCC username and password.
• How do I find it? The easiest way to access it is by clicking “F” in the A-Z database list in the databases section of the library’s website and look for the link on the list of databases, http://www.cpcc.edu/library/databases
• What else do I need to know? Films on Demand features a great video series for ESL students called “Cutting Edge Communications: Simple English Series.” You can access it directly by going here: https://tinyurl.com/y7m5e4zt

• What is it? Transparent Language Online is the most complete language-learning system. With over 110 languages to choose from, including English for speakers of over 30 languages, there is something for every learner.
• How do I find it? The easiest way to access it is by clicking “T” in the A-Z database list in the databases section of the library’s website and look for the link on the list of databases, http://www.cpcc.edu/library/databases
• What else do I need to know? Like all of our online resources, to access Transparent Language, you’ll need your CPCC username and password. Feel free to re-use your CPCC username and password when setting up a new account.

​PrepSTEP and Testing & Education Reference Center (TERC)

• What are they? These are two separate testing and education preparation resources with practice tests, exercises, and skill-building courses. They feature resources for the U.S. citizenship exam, TOEFL, and for learning English.
• How do I find them? The easiest way to access them is by clicking “P” or “T” in the A-Z database list in the databases section of the library’s website and look for the link on the list of databases, http://www.cpcc.edu/library/databases
• What else do I need to know? Like all of our online resources, to access these tools, you’ll need your CPCC username and password. But in order to use them, you need to create a separate username and password for each resource. Feel free to re-use your CPCC username and password when setting up an account for either resource.

Reading and Grammar:  

• Road to Grammar: This website allows students to practice their grammar and quiz themselves in the process.
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: This website provides a series of lessons and resources for both ESL students and instructors.
• Read Print: Thousands of online books to practice your reading skills.
• Grammar Check: Best grammar check tool for your homework.

Listening and Speaking Websites:

• Voice of America English News: VOA's Learning English multimedia is a source of news and information for millions of English learners worldwide featuring thousands of lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advance students. 
• Antimoon: Great website to learn and polish you English pronunciation.
• Perfect Pronunciation Merriam-Webster: Practice your American English pronunciation. This website has audio practice activities that you can use to practice American English vowels,consonant sounds, and syllable stress patterns. 
• BBC Learning English: Learn how to speak English with the BBC. New videos uploaded daily, plus more to help learn English with a British accent.
• Elllo: This website offers over 2.500 free listening lessons. Teachers and students can access lessons for beginner, intermediate, and advance students.

Apps and Other Useful Websites:            

• Duolingo: Download this app on your cell phone and take advantage of all the lessons anytime, anywhere!
• International House of Charlotte: This nonprofit organization serves as a welcoming place to all immigrants helping them gain the hard skills needed to succeed in the U.S. They offer programs like the immigration law clinic, citizen diplomacy, rising readers, citizenship and ESL classes, and conversational hours.
• Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library: The Public Library offers thousands of services and resources. Besides books, eBook, and databases, the Public Library offer story time and conversational hours in different languages! Check their calendar for more interesting events involving culture and community.