Master English with fun and effective exercises

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. 

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. 

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.

Want more practice? Explore Mondly by Pearson

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 Pearson

  • Great-grandmother and child read book in park
    Learning my family language with Mondly by Pearson
    By Hannah Lawrence
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Although I’ve worked as a copywriter and editor for most of my career, I’ve always struggled to learn any language other than English. I still remember the humiliation at school as our French teacher walked between the desks, asking each of my classmates if they would continue studying French at a higher level. When she reached my desk, she stopped, looked at me, shook her head, and moved on. I wasn’t even invited to try.

  • A woman talking in a professional space to another person
    Top English exam speaking mistakes and how to avoid them
    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 7 minutes

    Preparing for your English speaking exam may seem challenging, but avoiding common mistakes can boost your confidence and help you succeed. Whether you're studying for academic English, business English, or aiming for a higher English level, mastering speaking skills is important for exams like PTE, IELTS and TOEFL.

    As an English language learner, you might wonder how to learn English online or practice effectively to respond fluently. This guide highlights the most frequent English exam speaking mistakes and provides practical tips to avoid them, ensuring you feel confident during your English speaking test.

    From English grammar errors to public speaking nerves, we'll help learners at every English level, beginner to advanced, enhance vocabulary, speech, and other key areas of improvement.

    Misunderstanding the question

    One of the most costly mistakes you can make during your English speaking exam is misinterpreting what the examiner is asking. When you misunderstand the question, your entire response becomes off-topic. No matter how eloquent your speech or impressive your vocabulary, you'll lose valuable points.

  • Agents stood outside looking at a tablet smiling
    Trust is the strategy: Why partnerships flourish with Pearson
    By Alice Bazzi
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    In international education, trust is the foundation of every partnership. Institutions need confidence in test results and families want assurance that their investment is secure. As an agent, your reputation is on the line and part of it is linked to the quality of the solutions you recommend. By introducing PTE Express to your clients, you tap into Pearson’s global reputation, a name that stands out for integrity, innovation and expertise.

    Pearson: A name institutions and people trust globally

    Pearson has decades of experience in education and assessments. This heritage is reflected in PTE Express, a secure and reliable test designed to meet US admissions standards. When you present PTE Express, you are not just offering speed, but you are also offering credibility. Institutions recognize Pearson as a trusted partner, and families are assured that their test scores come from a globally respected brand.