The Best Way to Learn English Online

Learn from the world's best online teachers. This "Teacher Tips" blog series offers a window into the experiences and insights of Crimson Global Academy's expert educators, providing valuable advice for students across different year levels, courses, and debunks common subject misconceptions, suggesting effective study strategies.

CGA offers a variety of online English courses designed to meet the diverse needs of our students. Our courses are taught by experienced educators who are passionate about their subjects and dedicated to helping students succeed.

Suzanne Stacey is the Teacher in charge of English at CGA. She joined online teaching drawn by the academic nature of the school, the obvious passion for learning, and the desire to help students perform their best. Seeing online learning as the next developing frontier in education, she was eager to be part of it right from the beginning.

Perform Your Best in Online English Classes

If it's time for you to step up your English writing skills, Ms. Stacey provides a look into best practices for online learning, study tips, and how to prepare for exams and assignments. With her guidance, you'll be equipped to tackle your English courses with confidence.

As an expert in teaching English online, what key advice would you give to students to excel in this subject?

You MUST read widely and often. There is no one genre or type of reading that is more important than any other, just read and be immersed in other worlds and other people’s thinking and then decide what you think.

Students can also explore various mediums such as novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and non-fiction. Reading online articles, blogs, and watching literary adaptations in films and television can also help to broaden your understanding and appreciation of different storytelling forms.

Another way to excel in English classes is to keep on writing! Try keeping a journal, start a blog, or practice your essay writing and have a Teacher or parent review it. Regular writing practice enhances your ability to articulate thoughts clearly and effectively. It also helps in mastering different writing styles and techniques.

What are some common misconceptions or challenges that students face in English classes?

The challenge I get asked about most often is ‘how do you know that is what the writer meant’ and to be honest it doesn’t matter if that is what they meant, the beauty of a literature text is we all interpret them slightly differently and that is what we should celebrate. Define what literature means for you and you are on to a winner.

Another common concern is, ‘What if I’m not a good writer? How can I do well on my exams?’ Many students feel that they need to be naturally talented writers to succeed in English classes, but this is not true. Writing is a skill that can be developed with practice and feedback. Read high-scoring essays to understand what makes them effective. Pay attention to how arguments are structured, how evidence is used, and the type of tone and language they use.

What study strategies do you recommend for students to retain and apply knowledge effectively?

When learning key quotations or sections of texts, put them on post-it notes and stick them all around your house in everyday places such as the cookie jar. You can’t have a cookie until you can recite the quotation and its significance to the text and how you would use it in analysis.

Another useful tool can be summarising each chapter or section of a book in your own words can be highly beneficial. This practice ensures you comprehend the material and can recall important details. Using visual aids such as mind maps can help you connect themes, characters, and events within a text, making it easier to see the bigger picture and understand complex relationships.

What could a career through English courses look like?

I became an English Teacher due to my love for reading, writing, talking about what I am reading and my love for theatre. In English I get to indulge all of my passions and help others become passionate about them too.

For students curious to know where a career in English could take them here are some ideas on how to transform your passion for reading or writing into a profession.

Creative Writer: Become a dramatist, screenwriter, or author through creative writing. Creative writers have the chance to bring their ideas to life and captivate audiences through the creation of novels, short tales, stage plays, and screenplays.

English Teaching: If you have a passion for English, consider becoming a professor or teacher. Develop the reading and writing skills of the upcoming generation of pupils by educating and motivating them.

Journalist: Report on current affairs, speak with key figures, and craft gripping narratives using your writing abilities. Journalists are employed by broadcast media, periodicals, newspapers, and internet media.

Publisher: Engage in editorial, literary, or publishing work. Contribute to the publication of new books, the discovery of unknown writers, and the development of material for a global readership.

Lawyer: A career in law is greatly enhanced by having a degree in English. Develop the analytical, persuasive writing, and critical thinking abilities that are necessary for law school and the practice of law.

How can students develop a passion for English and stay motivated throughout their academic journey?

Start by reading and discussing subjects you are passionate about, then read things the other people in your groups are reading. Read all the ‘banned books’, it will make you feel adventurous and you can then question why they have been sanctioned. Questioning is a good thing!

Are there any specific resources or tools that you find particularly helpful for students studying English?

So many BUT… The British Library www.bl.uk, The Folger Library www.folger.edu, and a good quality newspaper.

To further aid your studies in English, consider utilising the following resources:

1. Project Gutenberg: Offers over 60,000 free eBooks, including many literary classics.
2. SparkNotes: Provides summaries and analyses of a wide range of literary works.
3. Grammarly: A writing assistant that helps with grammar, punctuation, and style.
4. Coursera: Offers online courses from top universities on various aspects of English literature and writing.
5. Khan Academy: Provides free educational resources, including English grammar and writing tutorials.

How can parents support their children's learning in English outside of the classroom?

Read what they are reading and studying so you can make their learning interactive and actively engage in discussions and academic debate in the family setting.

Study Your Way to Top Universities with Online English Courses

CGA's English courses introduce students to new ideas and concepts while reinforcing previously learned skills. The courses focus on providing a solid understanding of literary analysis and the ability to express ideas clearly and effectively.

IGCSE English

Our IGCSE English course introduces students to key aspects of English literature and language. It focuses on developing analytical and writing skills, preparing students for further studies.

A Level English Literature

This course delves deeper into literary analysis, exploring a range of genres and periods. Students will develop critical thinking and essay-writing skills, essential for university-level studies.

AP English Language and Composition

For those interested in advanced study, AP English Language and Composition focuses on rhetorical analysis and argumentation. Students practice their writing skills and learn to analyze complex texts.

US Diploma English Courses

In these courses, students learn essential writing and analytical skills, preparing them for college-level coursework and beyond. Understanding these concepts shows universities that students are well-prepared for academic challenges.

Interested to learn how an online English course can help you get into top universities? Speak to an Academic Advisor today for personalised guidance and support. Selecting the right subjects for your academic goals will help to strengthen your university applications.