One-Minute English Videos

One-Minute English lessons are brief video clips of speakers from around the world answering simple questions. These lessons are under a minute long, making them perfect for quick and engaging language practice. For example, one question might be, "What is the secret to learning English?"

Each listening lesson comes with a script, a quiz, and links to more lessons.

Three Phases to Master One-Minute English Lessons

Phase 1: Listen for Enjoyment

First, just listen to the video for enjoyment. Since these videos are very short, under a minute, you won't spend much time but will gain a lot from simply relaxing and listening for the message and meaning. This initial step helps you get used to the natural flow of English.

Phase 2: Take the Quiz

In your second listening, take the accompanying quiz. This phase allows you to check your understanding of what you heard. You can play the video again if needed and take the quiz as you listen. Alternatively, try to answer the questions from memory and then check your score. A button is available to reveal the correct answers if you want to verify your responses.

Phase 3: Listen and Read

For the third phase, play the video while reading the transcript. This method significantly improves your listening and reading skills simultaneously. It also deepens your understanding of the content, enhancing your overall learning experience.

The Benefits of One-Minute English Lessons

These lessons are quick and easy to complete, making them ideal for busy learners. Despite their brevity, they offer valuable insights into how people from different backgrounds use English. You can listen to multiple videos back-to-back, practicing extensive listening without feeling overwhelmed.

For example, you might hear a speaker from Peru discussing how they learned English, someone from Egypt talking about staying healthy, a Belgian speaker sharing their sleeping habits, or a Japanese speaker reflecting on their biggest regret. These diverse perspectives make learning more interesting and relatable.

Why These Lessons are Effective

After years of teaching, I noticed that traditional textbooks often lack engaging listening activities. I designed these videos to fill that gap, providing fun and interesting content that appeals to learners of all ages. The speakers, often peers of the learners, discuss a wide range of topics, making the lessons both enjoyable and educational.

A Helpful Tip: Use the CC Button

Many of the videos have a Closed Caption (CC) button. Clicking this button displays the English text as the speaker talks. This feature allows you to read and listen simultaneously, enhancing your comprehension and retention.

Conclusion

The One-Minute English lessons on Elllo.org are a fantastic way to improve your English skills. They're quick, engaging, and highly effective. By following the three phases—listening for enjoyment, taking the quiz, and listening while reading—you'll enhance your listening, reading, and overall comprehension skills. I hope you enjoy these lessons as much as I enjoyed creating them. Thanks for listening, and happy learning!