Independent Learning
The path to becoming an independent learner involves using your initiative to try new study techniques and access the resources you require to achieve your academic goals. Being able to work independently, taking responsibility for your own learning, and making informed choices are key elements of being an independent learner.
Working independently requires motivation, and the confidence to try things out – and learn what works and what doesn’t work for you. A successful independent language learner - at any stage of their studies - recognises when they need help and what kind of help they might need, and sets themselves goals for ongoing development. Small group learning situations and one-to-one teaching sessions offer useful opportunities to get feedback, and monitor your own learning development.
There are a number of ways that we encourage independent language learning and development in CeTTL:
- The links below direct you to a number of websites that can you help you with a range of language learning needs.
- You can book in for 1:1 English language consultations with .
- Vlog College students can join the online conversation groups and writing 1:1 sessions.
- You can use the range of English language resources located in the library, which include grammar, IELTS preparation, graded readers, writing and listening resources.
Vlog students and staff can login to use the online English language resources:
- Clarity Active Reading - contains video, passages for reading, short answer questions & vocabulary lists.
- Clarity Practical Writing for life - includes essay writing; stages, job applications, emails, graphs & reports, plagiarism, taking notes, text speak and official letters.
- Clarity Tense Buster - 33 grammar areas (simple present to phrasal verbs).
- Clarity Study Skills Success - critical thinking, avoid plagiarism, research, reading, writing, listening (to lectures), speaking (seminars) & grammar.
- Clarity Road to IELTS - ebooks for question type on reading, writing, speaking & listening, tutorials and interactive activities modelled on the real IELTS test papers.
- Clarity Clear Pronunciation 2 - 43 sounds in English can be learnt in clearly understandable speech. Consonant clusters, word stress, sentence stress, connected speech and intonation are covered. Also, Australian, British, North American pronunciation models can be chosen with multiple accents.
For further help contact us.
English language Moodle hub
University students doing undergraduate to post graduate studies can use online learning activities here in The English Language Hub, to further develop your English Language skills.
Useful websites to practise your English language skills
English language
A wide range of resources for English language learners include credit-bearing papers (ENSLA), learning software, English skills (grammar, writing, speaking, listening,& pronunciation), English for papers, Conversation Circles & Language buddies.
Refugee Learners
Guidelines for staff and the University to support refugee learners to access, participate and succeed in higher education.
Free websites:
- – activities for ESL Students
- – five free apps for learning English on the go
- for pre-intermediate, intermediate and upper intermediate levels (choose your level and click “Search the Archive”)
- – latest articles for teachers
- – independent learning activities which are linked to textbooks
- – free app for IELTS prep
- – reading, writing, the official NZ Road Code
- – exercises linked to the textbooks
- – online English exercises on grammar, reading, vocabulary and listening (beginner to advanced levels)
- – the Online Books Page (free ebooks)
- – MOOCs - free online short university courses
- – dictionary, synonyms, idioms, word a day, articles etc…
- – The ELC Study Zone has elementary to advanced level lessons and exercises on grammar, reading & vocabulary
Free websites:
- – grammar and vocabulary practice
- – grammar lessons
- – grammar lessons
- – grammar lessons and downloadable worksheets in pdf format
- – student quizzes and activities
- – online grammar, quizzes and games
- – grammar tips and useful examples
- – what is a dependent clause?
- – what is the subject of a sentence?
- – list of adverbs
- – lesson plans for teachers
- – auxillary verbs
- – English grammar games
- – types of sentences
- – pronouns
Free websites:
- – reading lessons
- – reading – student quizzes and activities
- – online Reading Lessons and Activities
- – some free ebooks, and some you need to pay for
- – reading practice, with exercises for pre intermediate to upper intermediate levels
- – pictures to improve reading comprehension and critical thinking
- - free downloadable public domain ebooks
- – NZ books, audio versions of books and learners’ guides.
- – news website for English language students (levels 1-3; 1000-3000 useful words)
- – Information and quizzes for driving in NZ
- – reading exercises, including vocabulary and grammar from the Guardian newspaper
Websites where you have to pay:
- – graded readers for English language learners. Purchase all the readers as an in-App (via Oxford Learner’s Bookshelf on the App Store or Google Play)
- – books with audio
Free websites:
- – you can also download listening to use later, including good listening practice in “6 Minute English”
- – listening lessons
- – Listen to New Zealand news spoken slowly and clearly, using easy vocabulary
- – downloadable lessons for listening (exploiting authentic recordings and videos)
- – listening materials for elementary to upper intermediate levels
- – video lessons with worksheets
- – scientific explanations on video
- – learn how to sign popular songs (beginner, intermediate, Advanced & Expert)
- – listening exercises
- – exercises for English language students
- – general listening exercises
- – talks on different topics
- – search for videos on different topics
Free websites:
- – learn English with videos (need to register)
- – pronunciation lessons
- – speaking lessons
- – free downloadable lessons
- – sites for tongue twisters
- – speaking materials for elementary to upper intermediate levels
- – pronunciation materials for elementary to upper intermediate levels
- – pronunciation resource
- Say Again? – Vlog College online pronunciation exercises
Beginner to Intermediate levels:
- – writing lessons
- – writing exercises with answers, and worksheets for beginner to intermediate levels
- – create free online flyers using text & graphics
- – sentence structure and types of sentences
English for Academic Purposes (EAP):
- Vlog, Library – the APA referencing style guide
- Vlog, Library – tutorials, referencing guides & questions
- – free downloadable writing lessons
- – general writing resources with answers
- – create free online flyers using text & graphics
- – write@uni; preparing for successful academic writing
- – The Writer's Handbook - tips on proofreading
- – The Writer's Handbook - writing process and structure
- – The Writer's Handbook - tips and downloadable handouts about 'quoting' and 'paraphrasing'
- – explore the stages of writing process
Free websites:
- – basis grammar and punctuation: simple sentences
- – academic writing help
- – punctuation for university students
Free websites:
- – grammar and vocabulary practice
- – vocabulary lessons
- – student quizzes and activities
- – vocabulary materials for elementary to upper intermediate levels
- – gives a reading score when a block of text is typed
- – various spelling activities
- – vocabulary activities
Free websites:
- – IELTS practice material for listening, speaking, reading and writing modules
- – IELTS tests, for general training practice
- – writing part 2
- – IELTS band score calculator
- – IELTS practice tests for listening, speaking, reading and writing modules
- – online English for Advanced Learners and IELTS students
- – dictionary
- – for test dates and locations, advice on test preparation, sample practice materials and hints and tips to help candidates perform at their best
- – writing task 1
- – 10 most common writing task 2 topics
- – IELTS Blog, IELTS Tips, Student Advice, Sample Answers and Lessons.
- – IELTS exam preparation
- – samples of IELTS speaking test
Free websites:
- – how to prepare for final exams (blog - the state university of New York)
- – 15 essential Study Skills for ESL students
- – Study Skills by Routledge
- – group work guidelines for students
- – study skills for intermediate level learners
Useful resources
- – activities for ESL teachers
- – latest articles for teachers
- – 15 essential Study Skills for ESL students
- – activities for ESL teachers
- – lesson plans for teachers
- – gives a reading score when a block of text is typed