Aprendos Learning Guide
Your complete guide to improving your language skills through podcasts, graded readers, and conversation practice.
1. Getting Started
Welcome to Aprendos! This guide will help you make the most of our podcast episodes, graded readers, voice practice, and learning tools designed for serious language learners.
Quick Start Steps:
- Take our placement test to find your level
- Choose content that matches your CEFR level (A2-C1)
- Listen to podcasts and read graded stories
- Practice speaking with our AI conversation partners
- Use transcripts and exercises to deepen your learning
2. Understanding Your Level
A2 (Elementary)
Basic everyday topics, clear speech, simple vocabulary
B1 (Intermediate)
Familiar topics, standard speech, some complex ideas
B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
Abstract topics, natural speech, detailed discussions
C1 (Advanced)
Complex topics, implicit meaning, nuanced language
3. Recommended Listening Routine
Before Listening
- Read the episode description
- Think about what it might be about
- Look up unfamiliar words
While Listening
- Focus on the main idea, not every word
- Use the transcript if you get stuck
- Mark words that stand out
- Repeat sections for pronunciation
After Listening
- Write a short summary
- Answer comprehension questions
- Retell the main points aloud
- Re-listen without the transcript
4. What Aprendos Offers
Content & Features:
- Podcast episodes with natural speech and multiple accents
- Graded readers matched to your level
- Voice practice with AI conversation partners
- Vocabulary exercises with spaced repetition
- COACH recommendations that adapt to your learning gaps
- CEFR level tags on all content
Our Approach:
Aprendos is part of the ElevenLabs grant program, the leading AI voice platform. Our content is designed to help you understand and use the language as it appears in real-world situations.
5. How to Use the Transcripts
The transcript is your best friend, but don't rely on it too early. Try this routine:
6. Building Consistency
Consistency matters more than intensity. Aim for 15-20 minutes daily rather than long sessions once a week. Aprendos tracks your progress automatically.
What Aprendos tracks for you:
- Episodes and stories you have completed
- Words you're learning and your review schedule
- Your consistency over time
- Voice practice minutes used
7. Activities for Deeper Practice
Voice Practice
Use our AI conversation partners to practice speaking. Start with guided topics at your level and build confidence.
Vocabulary Review
Complete your vocabulary exercises daily. The spaced repetition system helps you remember words long-term.
Read Then Listen
Read a graded story first, then listen to the audio version. Compare what you understood from each.
Shadow Practice
Listen to a podcast section and repeat aloud in real time. This trains your ear and pronunciation together.
8. Tips for Teachers and Tutors
Aprendos works well in classroom settings. Assign content for homework or use it during lessons.
- Assign episodes or graded readers for homework
- Use transcripts for guided reading in class
- Practice listening comprehension together
- Model pronunciation with the audio
- Build vocabulary from episode word lists
- Use comprehension exercises as assessments
- Assign voice practice for speaking homework
- Track student progress across levels
9. FAQ + Troubleshooting
Q: I can't understand everything. Is that okay?
A: Yes. That's completely normal. Focus on the general idea. The more you listen, the more you'll catch.
Q: Should I use subtitles or transcripts right away?
A: Try to listen once without them. Then bring them in as support, not as a crutch.
Q: How does vocabulary practice work?
A: Words from episodes and readers appear in vocabulary exercises. Complete them daily and the spaced repetition system schedules reviews based on how well you know each word.
Q: What is voice practice?
A: You can have real-time conversations with AI partners matched to your level. They help you practice speaking in a low-pressure environment.
Q: Are these real voices or AI?
A: Aprendos is part of the ElevenLabs grant program, the leading AI voice platform. The voices are designed to sound natural and expressive while maintaining clarity for learners.
10. Additional Resources
Aprendos includes built-in vocabulary tracking with spaced repetition, so you don't need external flashcard apps. Here are a few extra resources if you want to explore further.
Cambridge Dictionary
Look up words with clear definitions, examples, and pronunciation in both British and American English.
YouGlish
Search for a word or expression and hear it used in real YouTube videos, TED Talks, and interviews.
Forvo
Hear native speakers pronounce words and phrases in many languages and regional accents.