Frequently Asked Questions

Method

Which age group can use the platform?

The topics are most suitable for 10 to 25 year-old learners, though it also can be used by older people. We cover topics and thinking skills which are too complex for younger learners.

Is the platform for beginner learners?

Beginner learners can use the platform, but we thought more about false beginners. Most learners already have learnt and failed with English. We want to help and encourage them.

Where to start learning if I am not a beginner?

Most of us are false beginners. At some point everyone has learnt some English. With our customised learning path you will skip topics and modules you already know. Don't waste your time. Don't waste your money. Take the tests and they will tell you what to learn and what to skip. Check your Learning Planner.

Which language learning method do you use?

We use a mixture of proven methods, many of them have been known for decades and overlooked. Mentioning three features: 1. Drill is the best way to learn ready-to-use language structures. We have Listen-Record-Compare practices for that. 2. Spaced learning: we cover the same topics, grammar, vocab over and over in various modules for better retention. 3. Learners should plan their own learning to be motivated, so we use a Learning path planner to select the units for lessons.

Is the platform bilingual?

No. It uses exclusively English, because this is the best way to learn a language. Even if you translate at the beginning, you should forget about it soon. Every language has its own logic, and translation word by word doesn’t work. You have to switch your brain into “English mode” while you are studying, for the best outcome. We build the content with gradually growing difficulty levels, so you will understand everything from the very beginning. We also help understanding with a lot of supporting images and voice over.

How does this method improve speaking?

In many ways. The stories have a lot of open-ended questions so that the learners create sentences from the very beginning. Learners can also take up classes with other learners to discuss those questions, or can book sessions with teachers or native English speakers.

How long does it take to speak English with this method?

In fact you will speak from the first class, but to be fluent in any topic, you need at least one year. On the other hand it depends on how much time you spend studying weekly, how many modules and live classes you take. For good progress it is recommended to spend at least five hours weekly on English. It can include watching movies or listening to podcasts in English.

How much time should I spend learning a day?

Not more than 20 minutes in one go. It is proven that after 20 minutes the effectiveness of learning declines sharply. After 20 minutes take a break, at least 10 minutes, so that your brain has a chance to regenerate and digest what you have learnt. However you can repeat the short learning bursts many times daily.

Why are the live classes only twenty minutes long?

Language learning should not be longer than 20 minutes in one go, because this is our attention span; after 20 minutes, learning is not effective, attention lags and efforts are wasted.

How do you develop thinking skills?

Our content covers contemporary topics to discuss. Most questions are open-ended, debatable, asking for opinion. We also use riddles, brain teasers and other types of exercises to improve logic, critical thinking and creativity.

Is it difficult to learn English?

Depends. If you are motivated and use what you have learnt, it will be easy and natural. If you just mug up and don’t use it, it would be a struggle.

Can anyone learn English or we need special talent for that?

Some of our learners had thought the same before they came to us. They barely passed their exams and were not able to use the language even after 9 years of learning. However it is a myth that you need special talent. You just have to find the right method for you. The key is: if you don’t use what you have learnt immediately, then you will forget.

I could not learn English even with teachers. Why do you think I can learn by myself?

Because our learning materials, advisors, tutors, and mentors give you good guidance. The content gets more complex gradually, so you won’t have problems with understanding. If you control and plan your learning, you are more motivated, so learning becomes more effective.

What is the role of the Advisors?

Advisors track your progress and help in case you are stuck or you don't know what would be the next step. They can also help you to navigate on the platform. You can contact your advisor any time.

Content

What is a module? A lesson?

Modules are topics, for example Hobbies, Holidays, or Jobs. They are made up of a couple of units. Their length varies, and they should not be completed within the same time frame. Modules by no means denote learning units. You can freely choose units from them, no need to take each and every unit.

Do the modules follow any curriculum?

No, they don’t follow any curriculum, so that they can be mapped against any curriculum. We follow the CEFR as our beacon. The platform can complement any course or classroom teaching to help skill improvement. We also aim at preparing our students for TOEFL and IELTS exams.

How do you teach grammar?

We don’t teach rules in theory, but show how to use the rules. Grammar learning is more imitating good examples, like it happens when we learn our mother tongue.

How do you teach words?

In two ways. When the words denote objects, we use picture cards. Every module has a picture card unit to introduce words which can be depicted. When a word covers an abstract concept, we give plenty of examples in sentences.

How can I use the picture cards to learn words?

They are very effective to learn new words, though you don’t have to mug up all the words all the time. The first step should be just to recognize the word when later you use it in sentences. As for usage:

  1. Flip the card to listen to the pronunciation of the word.
  2. If you recognize the picture and know the word, select the green box on the right side (or at the bottom on mobile) and the card won’t come up anymore.
  3. If you have difficulty remembering a word, just select the yellow or the red box and these cards will turn up until you know the word well.
  4. Fun: it doesn’t give you extra knowledge but insight
  5. If you click on the card, the deck gives you the next one without evaluation.

How does the platform help with my pronunciation?

In many ways. All the stories come with American voice overs so that you can not only read, but listen to the stories, too. The picture cards also have voice overs. The Listen-Record-Check units also reinforce good pronunciation. Finally, just book a live session with one of our native speaker teachers.

Platform

What are the units?

They are the smallest block of learning. They can be a story, an exercise, or a simulation. Most of them take about ten minutes to complete. They don’t have a specific order to complete, though they are numbered to show the optimal order. They are also self-contained, not referring to other units or content.

We recommend doing one unit a day, but regularly. Don't skip days!

Is there any fun for me on the platform?

Yes, sometimes the stories are funny, and also we use interactive simulations for higher engagements. We plan to add more and more simulations.

How many units do you have?

More than 700 units, but we add new units weekly. We will never stop expanding the content.

Most platforms do not have images. Do you have any?

Yes, we use a lot of illustrations. The platform is not bilingual, so we support understanding this way.

How many modules does the platform have?

Right now we have more than 50 modules (topics) on 7 levels, but we continuously add more and more.

Is the platform expensive?

Not at all. You don’t have to worry about monthly subscription fee. You can buy packages that suit your budget. On the other hand you can make up your wallet by giving tutor classes. By working you can even learn our platform for free.

The native English teachers are more expensive, but they are still cheaper than other platforms’ offerings.

How can schools use the platform?

It is possible to book our native English teachers for a class session. It can be very useful to improve speaking and listening skills.

Can I use the platform with my brother’s account?

You can, though your progress will be mixed with his progress and planning the learning will be more difficult. Also, the live classes are not as effective as they should be. Based on our observation one of the kids is more active, while the other one is quiet. That is the reason we have one-to-one sessions.