CNN for Learning English: Everything You Need to Know

The Cable News Network (CNN), a news outlet that launched in 1980, is an incredible resource that you might overlook (not notice) on your journey to English fluency. It offers a ton of free resources—from TV shows and news programs to articles and social media posts—that will teach you a lot about current events around the world.

Below, we have gathered the seven best CNN resources you can use to learn English, as well as some ideas on how to use them.

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The Best CNN Resources for English Learners

1. CNN Mobile Apps

iOS | Android

CNN offers a few different apps. You can download them to your smartphone to browse articles on the go (while you are traveling). This is the perfect option for some daily CNN reading on your commute to work or school.

Also, if you allow notifications from the app, you will receive CNN news updates and get some quick reading practice throughout the day.

If you own an Amazon Echo, this device can be paired with the CNN app. Just ask your Echo about the latest news and you will hear an update from CNN. This is another simple way to practice listening to and understanding English as you go about your day.

2. “CNN 10”

“CNN 10” is a short, 10-minute news show. Episodes are released as videos or podcasts. Often, this show is used in classrooms to get a quick overview of the day’s headlines.

“CNN 10” is a great resource for language learners because it provides quick and concise news updates. You can easily find time for daily English listening practice by watching the videos every morning.

3. “Anderson Cooper 360”

This is a news show hosted by Anderson Cooper. Here, he investigates and reports relevant and unbiased (objective, not favoring any side) news stories. “Anderson Cooper 360” mostly covers politics and often includes interviews.

Cooper tends to talk quickly but has a clear, standard accent, so it is great if you want to practice understanding native American English speakers.

Along the way, you will learn more about America’s political system. Many people also enjoy Anderson Cooper’s subtle (not dramatic or obvious) humor, so you might enjoy the jokes provided throughout the show.

4. CNN Travel

If you want to learn travel-related English phrases, CNN’s travel section might be what you are looking for.

Not only will you pick up new vocabulary, but you can also take note of English words travel writers use to describe the places they visit.

Also, you will learn so much about cultures other than your own—and that is a big plus!

5. CNN Underscored

Do you like to read all about the latest products in English? CNN Underscored mostly covers reviews about gadgets, but you will also find articles on fashion, health and even pets.

These reviews are often divided into sections, meaning you can read one part of each article at a time. In case you are in a hurry, you can mark the sections you have not read yet and pick up where you left off (continue) later whenever you have free time. 

In addition, you can pick up vocabulary related to the subjects I just mentioned above. You will also learn how to write in a way that persuades your reader to buy or not buy a certain product—a useful skill if you plan to work in sales and marketing.

6. CNN Business

CNN Business puts all of the business English vocabulary you learned in context.

For example, you can learn all about the movement of stock markets and why they go up or down. You can also read about how companies grow themselves, as well as some general articles on how you can succeed in the workplace.

7. Business English Materials: A Lesson on CNN

To be clear, businessenglishmaterials.com is not directly affiliated with (connected to) CNN like the other resources above.

But I do like how extensive (something that covers a lot) the exercises and activities related to CNN are. You have fill-in-the-blanks, roleplays, mock interviews, writing prompts and homework, among others.  

If you like what you see on this resource, you can also visit their main website, Breaking News English. It features news articles that English learners of all levels can study. The articles do not only come from CNN—they also come from other English-language news outlets.

How to Use CNN as a Learning Tool

Be an active learner

When you are using CNN to learn English, it is important to be an active viewer and reader. That means you should take notes when you are watching CNN clips or reading articles. Pause or rewind the news program to make sure you understand everything. Reread articles until you start recognizing difficult words.

You can also watch several CNN video clips on FluentU.

Watch and read more than once

Science has shown that repetition helps with language learning.

So, record CNN shows and watch them a few times. Read the same article over and over. The repetition will help you expand your English vocabulary.

Also, do not forget to take note of any words you do not recognize. If you cannot use context clues to understand these words, you can always pause and look up their definitions.

Be patient with yourself

No matter what, be patient with yourself. Learning a new language takes time. Keep watching CNN shows and reading news articles. Do not get upset if you do not understand what they are saying right away. Be patient and persistent. Over time, you will start to improve your English.

Why Learn English with CNN?

• You will gain experience reading and listening to English. CNN offers news shows and articles. That means you will be exposed to written and spoken English. You will then be able to practice both aspects of the language.
• You will stay up-to-date with current events. Not only will you improve your English fluency, but you will also know what is happening in the news. When you are knowledgeable about current events, you can have interesting things to talk about with other English speakers and learners. You also understand why certain things happen—like why the prices of the things you buy go up, for example.
• You will have an advantage if you want to become a journalist. Have you ever thought about a career in English-language journalism? If so, you should be familiar with the terms and phrases used in this field.
  Even if you want to be a journalist in your native language, knowing English news terms can still help—whether you are covering international news or networking (building professional connections or relationships) with English-speaking media professionals.

 

So what are you waiting for? Download the CNN app, click “Follow” on social media and start tuning in to (watching or listening to) some CNN shows.