English Language Resources for International Students

One of the most basic tools for language learners is a dictionary, or dictionaries. There are many good quality dictionaries that are designed especially for learners of English as a Foreign Language. Dictionaries of general English are available online for free. However, more specialist dictionaries, such as the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English (OLDAE) require payment through a subscription or paid app. Although dictionaries are expensive, they can be a worthwhile investment. A good set of dictionaries for an international student learning English might include: a dictionary of general English, a thesaurus (a dictionary of synonyms); a dictionary of academic vocabulary, and a dictionary of subject-specific terms (technical words used in a given subject). Online dictionaries also include word lists. For example, Oxford University Press has produced lists of words which can be accessed through their online learner's dictionary websites. Well-known word lists include: the "Oxford 3000" with an extended version called the "Oxford 5000".