English Language Learning

When Little Women was first released in 1868, it sold 2,000 copies in just two days. A coming-of-age story that defied convention, it has gripped and inspired readers for generations.

Children’s literature is fiction created specifically to be read and enjoyed by young people. Let’s explore the many forms it can take, what it teaches readers and some of the finest examples, from Alice in Wonderland to Harry Potter.

Magical realism is a genre of literature that uses the real world as a setting, but adds a sprinkle of magic or fantasy. Let’s explore some of its finest works.

Analysis of Text is an important skill that helps readers to understand the true meaning of a text. Let’s explore what clues to look out for to analyze any text.

Understand nonfiction texts with these five essential text structures. From chronological narratives to cause and effect explanations, problem-solving essays, compare and contrast articles, and descriptive lists, once you know these structures, you can read and write with more clarity.

Whether in speech or writing, citing relevant and credible evidence strengthens your analysis and increases your ability to convince others, making your arguments more persuasive and trustworthy.

Just as painters carefully select brushstrokes and colors, writers meticulously choose words to convey emotions, create tone, and shape meaning. By understanding the impact of word choice, you can express yourself more clearly in both speech and writing.

Allegory is a form of literary fiction that uses symbolism to comment on actual events, people or elements of the human condition. Let’s explore its evolution and take a closer look at some of its finest authors.

Novel in Verse is a form of narrative poetry that uses poetry to tell a novel-length story. Let’s explore its evolution and take a closer look at some of its finest examples.

Symbolism is a literary tool that lots of authors use to make complex ideas more accessible to readers. Let’s explore how writers use objects, characters and events as symbols in their work.

Nonfiction texts can be complex and dense. But anyone can summarize their contents by following four simple steps. It’s as easy as explaining what you have read to a friend.

Learn how to make inferences to uncover hidden meanings in texts. Discover the power of evidence and reasoning as you piece together the author's clues, enhancing your reading experience and engaging with stories on a deeper level.

Discover the secrets of storytelling with the five key ingredients of fiction - settings, characters, dialogue, narrator and plots. Use these elements to analyze and appreciate your favorite stories on a deeper level.

Understanding the main idea allows you to grasp the author's purpose. Whether the main idea is communicated implicitly or explicitly, there are simple steps you can follow to identify it and gain a deeper understanding of a text's key message.

A short film looking at the romantic literary genre.

Lots of the words that we use everyday have their roots in the ancient languages of Latin and Greek. Let’s explore some examples and learn how language is constantly evolving.

Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction that whisks readers off other worlds, filled with magic and adventure. From The Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter, let’s explore some classics of the fantasy canon.

With its roots in stories from folklore, legends and religious traditions, gothic horror has entertained, and terrified, readers for centuries. Here we look at some examples of the form through the ages.

Historical fiction is a genre based on real life events that happened in the past. Often involving real people, these stories imagine events as they may have happened. Let’s explore how this genre developed by looking at some of its finest works.

By analyzing the people, events, and ideas that shape a narrative, you can uncover the underlying connections that make a story compelling. Discover how causes, effects, and influences work together, and enhance your own reading and writing skills.

Adventure is a form of literature that takes readers on extraordinary journeys across time and space. Let’s explore its evolution and some of its finest works.

Autobiographies and memoirs are similar – but each is a distinct nonfiction literary genre. Here we discover what they share in common and why true stories about people’s lives remain popular for readers across the globe.

Annotations are notes that a reader makes to a text. They help you familiarize yourself with both the content and organization of what you read. Let’s discover ways you can annotate a text.

Sometimes, when we’re reading, we can come across words that we don’t understand. But all texts feature context clues that help us to decipher their meaning. You just need to know where to look.

Themes are the profound ideas that shape narratives and give insights into the human experience. Explore how authors subtly convey themes through plot, characters, and details, allowing you to relate universal messages to your own life.

Discover five techniques that author’s use to develop memorable and engaging characters. From traits and dialogue to thoughts, effects, and actions, learn how your favorite characters are brought to life.

Coming-of-age stories chart a character’s journey from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood. This genre is also known by the German word, 'Bildungsroman'.

Folklore and folk tales are stories that have been passed down through the generations in cultures all around the world. Let’s explore different examples and consider why these types of stories have endured for so long.

Mystery is a genre of fiction that focuses on solving a crime through a gripping plot. Let’s examine the conventions that mysteries share and explore some of the finest examples through the ages.

Myths and legends are ancient stories that have survived for centuries in all parts of the world. Let’s explore some examples from around the world to learn about their enduring appeal.

Books and articles aren't just made up of words. They can contain images, maps, charts and many other items too. Let’s learn about the Nonfiction Text Features you should look out for.

The author’s purpose is the reason that he or she writes a piece of literature. Let’s explore how you, as a reader, can identify that purpose by examining the text in more detail.

Harness the power of critical thinking through the four elements of effective arguments: claim, reasons, evidence, and counterarguments. Learn to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of any argument and make your own case with solid reasoning and evidence.