Archie Comics Help ESL Learners

Who knew that someone named Jughead could help you learn English? Sure, he may not know the rudiments of grammar or the proper use of syntax, but what he does have going for him is likeability. And that can go a long way.

Archie Comics has dedicated a portion of their website to people who’d like some assistance with ESL – English as a Second Language. The writers compose a three-frame comic strip, then break down each segment with explanations about everything a native English speaker would take for granted: idioms, slang, definitions of words, etc.

In order for the ESL learner to get the joke, he or she has to follow the explanations. And while they’re reading, they’re learning English, subtly.

I strongly recommend the use of this website for anyone struggling to master the English language (and that can be a struggle, even for native speakers), or for those people prepping for the TOEFL or the TOEIC exams.

It can’t hurt, right? At the very least, you get a laugh. And who doesn’t need more of those?

Photo © Flickr user Nutmeg