Alphabet
The traditional Spanish alphabet has 30 letters: the 26 letters you already know from the English alphabet, plus 4 others. The letters that are the same are pronounced differently, so take a moment to learn the Spanish alphabet.
Reading Practice
Reading in Spanish
Lectura
Work on your Spanish reading comprehension with short articles about travel, culture, and practical information about life in Spain and Latin America. The side-by-side translation is hidden when you first visit the page so that you can see how well you understand the Spanish without cheat- I mean, getting distracted. ;-) When you’re ready, just click to reveal the English translation.
More Spanish reading practice – These files have the French transcript with click-to-reveal English translation and links to related grammar lessons.
A1 - Beginning Spanish • spelling
Arabic Influence
Learn about the tremendous Moorish influence on Spanish language and culture in this video (with transcript and translation).
B2 - Upper-Intermediate Spanish
Bilbao
Visit the Spanish city of Bilbao virtually with this video and bilingual article.
Bilingual Dictionary Tips
Helpful tips on getting the most out of a bilingual dictionary.
Blurred Text
Some of my listening comprehension exercises feature a blurred translation so that you can listen to the sound file before looking at the English translation. Here’s how it works.
Cines de verano al aire libre
Learn about Spain’s wonderful outdoor summer cinemas in this sound file with transcript and translation.
Comida mexicana
Learn about Mexican cuisine in this listening comprehension exercise with transcript and translation.
Consultorio de libros
Forget medicine, how about a prescription for a book? Learn about an innovative, online book clinic in this bilingual audio article.
Crimen perfecto
Practice your Spanish listening and reading comprehension with this 5-part series of audio articles with transcript, translation, and links to related grammar lessons.
B1 - Intermediate Spanish • B2 - Upper-Intermediate Spanish
De crucero por España
Take a cruise of some Spanish reading and listening practice with this 5-part series of upper-intermediate audio articles. Each episode includes a sound file, transcript, translation, and links to related grammar lessons.