Help & Tutorial

Everything you need to get the most out of Poly-Puff.
Poly-Puff mascot
Hi there! I'm Poly-Puff, your language learning buddy. Let me show you around! 🐡

Getting Started

Welcome to Poly-Puff! Here's how to get the most out of your learning:

  • Set up your profile - choose your native language in Settings and your English level in the top toolbar
  • Take the Placement Test to find your CEFR level - or choose it in the top toolbar
  • Pick any exercise from the sidebar to start learning
  • Track your progress on the Progress page
  • After each exercise, discuss your score with Poly-Puff if you disagree!

Exercise Guides

Placement Test

  1. Answer a series of grammar and vocabulary questions
  2. The test adapts to your level as you go
  3. Get placed into the right CEFR level (A1-C2)
  4. You can retake it anytime to track your improvement

Take this first! It helps all exercises match your level.

Translation Trainer

  1. A sentence appears in your native language
  2. Type the English translation in the text box
  3. Click "Check" to get your score and detailed feedback
  4. Click underlined errors to see the specific grammar rule
  5. Use "Listen to Native" to hear the correct pronunciation

Don't worry about perfect word-for-word translations - natural English phrasing scores well!

Word Chunks

  1. A short phrase appears in your native language (2-5 words)
  2. Type the natural English equivalent
  3. These are fixed expressions - learn them as complete units
  4. Choose a category (Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, etc.) or let it be random

Chunks are how native speakers actually talk. Learning them makes you sound more natural!

Listening

  1. Choose your difficulty (Easy / Medium / Hard)
  2. Listen to the English audio carefully
  3. Type exactly what you heard
  4. Your words are compared one-by-one - matching words show green, errors show red

Start on Easy (slower speed + you can see the text). Work up to Hard for a real challenge!

Writing

  1. Choose a writing prompt or write freely
  2. Type your text in English
  3. Get scored on grammar (40%), vocabulary (20%), coherence (20%), and task completion (20%)
  4. Read the "Improved Version" to see how a native speaker would write it

Write at least 3-4 sentences. Short one-line answers get lower scores.

Grammar Quiz

  1. Multiple choice questions from a bank of grammar topics
  2. Select the correct answer from 4 options
  3. After the quiz, review your mistakes with explanations

Read all options carefully before choosing - tricky questions test common ESL mistakes!

Grammar Practice

  1. Choose from 3 modes: Error Correction, Sentence Builder, or Fill in the Blank
  2. Error Correction: Find and fix grammar mistakes in a sentence
  3. Sentence Builder: Click words in the correct order
  4. Fill in the Blank: Type the missing word or phrase
  5. Each exercise gives detailed feedback with grammar rules

Try all three modes - they train different skills. Sentence Builder is great for word order!

Vocabulary

  1. Flashcards test you on word definitions
  2. See the word, try to remember the meaning, then reveal it
  3. Mark each card as "Got it" or "Missed it"
  4. Missed words come back more often (spaced repetition)

Review vocabulary daily, even for just 5 minutes. Consistency beats long sessions!

CEFR Levels Explained

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is the international standard for measuring language ability. Here's what each level means:

A1

Beginner

Can understand and use basic everyday phrases. Can introduce themselves.
"My name is Ana. I am from Brazil."
A2

Elementary

Can handle simple conversations about familiar topics. Basic past tense.
"Yesterday I went to the shop and bought some food."
B1

Intermediate

Can discuss familiar topics, express opinions, and understand main points.
"I think learning English is important because it helps with my career."
B2

Upper-Intermediate

Can interact fluently with native speakers. Complex sentences and idioms.
"Had it not been for the traffic, I would have arrived on time."
C1

Advanced

Can express complex ideas fluently. Sophisticated grammar and vocabulary.
"The implications of this policy are far-reaching and warrant careful consideration."
C2

Proficient

Near-native level. Understands virtually everything with nuance and precision.
"She couldn't help but wonder whether the ostensibly altruistic gesture belied a more self-serving agenda."

Scoring & Discussing

Every exercise gives you a score from 0-100. Here's what the ranges mean:

ScoreRatingMeaning
90-100 Excellent Perfect or near-perfect answer
70-89 Good Minor errors, solid understanding
50-69 OK Some errors but core meaning is there
0-49 Needs Work Significant errors - keep practising!

Discuss with Poly-Puff

After every exercise, you can click "Discuss with Poly-Puff" to argue your score. If you used a valid synonym, correct alternative phrasing, or think the grading was too harsh - tell me! I'll consider your argument and may adjust your score. However, verified grammar rules from our database cannot be overridden.

Tips & Tricks

Practice daily

Even 10 minutes a day is better than 2 hours once a week. Consistency is key!

Use the audio

Always listen to the native pronunciation. It trains your ear and helps with speaking too.

Learn word chunks

Native speakers use fixed phrases like "by the way" and "as soon as possible". Learning these makes you sound natural.

Embrace mistakes

Errors are how you learn! Review your mistakes on the Progress screen and focus on weak areas.

Level up gradually

Start at your CEFR level. When you consistently score 85+, move up one level.

Challenge your scores

If you think your answer was correct, discuss it with Poly-Puff! Sometimes there are multiple valid answers.

Write more than minimum

In Writing exercises, longer answers with varied vocabulary score higher than short ones.

Try every exercise type

Translation trains accuracy. Listening trains comprehension. Grammar trains rules. Use them all!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an internet connection?
Most exercises need a connection to our server for AI-powered feedback. Some features like vocabulary flashcards have offline fallbacks, but for the best experience, stay connected.
Why did I get a low score when my answer was correct?
There might be multiple valid translations! Click "Discuss with Poly-Puff" after any exercise to argue your case. If you used a valid synonym or alternative phrasing, your score may be adjusted.
What does the Placement Test actually test?
It tests grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure across all CEFR levels. The test adapts as you answer - harder questions appear when you answer correctly. It takes about 5-10 minutes.
How do I change my native language?
Go to Settings and use the "My Native Language" selector under Language & Level. Changes take effect on your next exercise.
What are "Word Chunks"?
Word chunks are short fixed phrases that native speakers use as single units - like "by the way", "make a decision", or "looking forward to". Learning them makes your English sound more natural than translating word-by-word.
How is my writing scored?
Writing is scored on four criteria: Grammar accuracy (40%), Vocabulary range (20%), Coherence and organisation (20%), and Task completion (20%). You'll also see an improved version of your text.
Can I use British English?
Yes! Both British and American English spellings are accepted (colour/color, organise/organize, etc.). Contractions are also treated as equal to full forms (don't = do not).
When should I move to the next level?
When you consistently score 85% or higher across different exercise types, you're ready to move up one CEFR level. You can also retake the Placement Test to confirm.

Still need help?

Our support team is happy to help with any questions.

Send a Message support@poly-puff.com