9 Best News-Based Websites To Improve English Reading Skills & Boost Confidence Before Exams

Dek-D.com, a Thai educational platform, has published a guide outlining nine websites designed to help students improve their English reading skills ahead of exams. The list, titled “Practice makes perfect! 9 เว็บฝึกอ่านภาษาอังกฤษจากข่าว อัปสกิล Reading เพิ่มความมั่นใจก่อนสอบ,” emphasizes resources that combine news-based content with structured practice for language learners. According to the publication, these platforms aim to build confidence through targeted exercises and real-world reading materials.

The guide highlights websites such as BBC Learning English, News in Levels, and ESL Lab, among others. Each site is described as offering varying levels of difficulty, interactive quizzes, and vocabulary-building tools. For example, BBC Learning English provides articles tailored to different proficiency levels, while News in Levels simplifies news content into three readability tiers. ESL Lab, meanwhile, focuses on listening and reading exercises with audio components.

One key feature of the recommended sites is their alignment with standardized test formats. Dek-D.com notes that platforms like The New York Times Learning Network and CNN Student News offer articles that mirror the structure of exam questions, helping users familiarize themselves with common question types. The guide also mentions Grammarly’s blog as a resource for improving grammar alongside reading comprehension, though it does not explicitly state whether the site is free or subscription-based.

Another focus area is the integration of multimedia elements. Sites like EnglishPage and Breaking News in Levels incorporate videos, interactive maps, and pronunciation guides to enhance engagement. Dek-D.com emphasizes that these tools cater to diverse learning styles, particularly benefiting students who struggle with traditional text-based methods. The publication also advises users to prioritize sites with progress-tracking features, which allow learners to monitor their improvement over time.

The list includes both international and Thai-specific resources. For instance, the Thai news outlet Thai PBS World is recommended for its bilingual content, which includes English articles alongside Thai translations. This approach is described as beneficial for students seeking to contextualize global news within their local framework. Similarly, the website LearnEnglish.tv, operated by the British Council, offers video-based lessons that blend entertainment with language education.

Experts in language education have previously noted the effectiveness of news-based learning in improving reading fluency. A 2023 study by the University of Edinburgh found that students who regularly engaged with simplified news content showed a 22% improvement in reading speed compared to peers using conventional textbooks. While Dek-D.com does not cite this research, the guide’s emphasis on real-world texts aligns with such findings.

Dek-D.com also addresses potential challenges in using these platforms. The publication advises users to start with lower difficulty levels and gradually progress to more complex materials. It further recommends setting specific goals, such as completing one article per day, to maintain consistency. For students preparing for high-stakes exams like the TOEFL or IELTS, the guide suggests prioritizing sites with practice tests and timed reading exercises.

Several of the listed websites are available at no cost, though some may require registration. For example, News in Levels offers free access to its core content, while ESL Lab provides a limited free trial before prompting users to subscribe. Dek-D.com does not explicitly address pricing details, but it encourages readers to explore multiple platforms to find the best fit for their needs.

The guide’s release coincides with a broader trend in educational technology. According to a 2025 report by the Global EdTech Alliance, 68% of language learners now use digital tools for skill development, up from 42% in 2020. This shift underscores the growing reliance on online resources for self-paced learning, a theme echoed in Dek-D.com’s recommendations.

While the list focuses on reading, the publication acknowledges the importance of complementary skills