ESOL Extras: Recent Episodes
Kieran McGovern
ESOL listening practice materials for English language learners. Prepared by ‘one of the best writers of language learner materials in English'. All levels including IELTS, FCE, GCSE etc. Linked worksheets and other learning resources can be found here: https://esolepacks.com/
Part of Strange but True series. https://esolepacks.com/sample-materials/there-goes-the-bridegroom.html
Lost dog climbs into a balloon basket - and falls asleep! Free picturebook for young leaners with audio and learning activities. English language level: A1-2
Phileas Fogg has made a bet at the Reform Club in London. Reading worksheet from lightly adapted version of the classic Jules Verne adventure story. English language level: B2
Classic fairy tale retold for young learners. Free picture book with audio & learning activities. English language level CEFr A2
Generally, the pronunciation of French loanwords stays close to their source. The final consonant in ballet for example, is not sounded in either language. Linked to more resources here English language level: B1+
Macbeth Quotes Quick Quiz: Who said what? When? Where? Why. Quick quiz & fun revision exercise centred on Act One.
Ten things you might not know about the English language. Listening comprehension with linked worksheet. English language level: B1 and above.
April 1st is called April Fool's Day in the English-speaking world. It is a day people when people traditionally play jokes.
How many French words in English? How did they get there? Linked to worksheet and resources here: https://esolepacks.com/sample-materials/french-words-in-english
A teacher appeals to a thief's conscience - with a surprising result. Level: Upper Intermediate+ Age: 12+
Mountain dogs are big and brave. Short listening comprehension for young learners. Linked to learning materials here: https://esolepacks.com/animals. English language level: CER A1-2
Short reading and listening activities introducing Titanic and the basic vocabulary of ships. Linked to learning activities here English Language Level: Intermediate CEFR A2 and above
Musicians on Titanic were second-class passengers, without the obligations of the crew. So why did the orchestra play until the end? Linked to learning activities here English Language Level: Intermediate CEFR B2
Fred is late for college -again! His teacher is not happy with his excuse. Reading worksheet from a new comic Fred and Rita story - with answers/teaching notes. English language level: A2-B1
Professor Parkins takes a winter holiday in a coastal town to practise his golf. University colleagues ask him to investigate the ruin of an old abbey while he is in the area. On the first evening he is returning to his hotel along the beach. Listening based on extract from new adaptation of classic MR James ghost story. With links to adapted & original texts, plus more reading and listening activities. English language level: B1+
Washington judge claims $65 million for 'emotional distress' caused by missing trousers. Linked to worksheet & activities here: https://esolepacks.com/sample-materials/pants-suit Language level: CEFr B1
Fun facts about Ariana Grande, child actress turned international pop star. Short listening comprehension, with video and worksheet. Aimed at young learners (pre-teens+) Avoids controversial topics. English language level: CER A2 (pre intermediate)
The famous closing passage of James Joyce’s classic story of love and loss.. Adapted for advanced English language learners, reluctant readers etc. The worksheet includes Before Reading & Quick Check activities.
Denver 1918: A young journalist meets a soldier waiting to go the war in Europe. They fall in love. Then she falls ill; Katherine Anne Porter’s autobiographical story about the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918.. Reading worksheets based on extracts from Pale Horse, Pale Rider. With links to the original text:. English language level: Upper Intermediate/Advanced (B2 and above)
Edward Lear (1812-1888) wrote the classic children’s poem: The Owl and the Pussycat. He also invented limericks - short funny poems. English language level (A2/B1)
Short listening (B2) with worksheet, script and answers. Dsastrous medical treatment of a wounded American president. English language level: Intermediate/B1+
English has the biggest vocabulary of any European language. Harvard research concludes that it now has more than a million words. Reading & listening materials English language level: B1+
Reading and listening activities introducing basic cat vocabulary for young learners. English language level: A2-B1
Quiz & cloze activity based on new adapted extracts from Daniel Defoe’s classic account of the Great Plague of London. With learning cloze, quiz, worksheets etc. English language level B1-2
Edward Jenner’s work on vaccination was not universally applauded.. With quiz and links to more pandemic materials. English language level - upper intermediate (B2)
Reading/listening worksheet based on extract from opening of George Orwell classic. Linked to complete condensed version (with audio) plus learning activities: esolepacks.com/animal-farm Ideal for GCSE students & English language learners Level: B2+
Fettes turned towards us. ‘You don’t know how dangerous that man Macfarlane is!’ he said. ‘What I am going to tell you must never leave this room.’ Robert Louis Stevenson's The Body Snatcher is based on a 'grave robbing' scandal in 1820s Edinburgh. English language level: B1-2
In 1871 a deserted ship is found drifting in the sea.... Ideal for classroom use with young learners and/or ESOL/EFL/ESL students.
Presentation about Edward Jenner, the man who ‘invented’ vaccination. With quiz and links to more pandemic materials. English language level - intermediate and above (B1+)
For centuries surgery was the ‘cure worse than the disease’. (B1-2) Short listening comprehension for English language learners. Aimed at non-specialists but introduces some key medical vocabulary Language Level: Intermediate+ FCE B2 First (CEFr B2) Skills Practice: Reading & Listening, Writing, Speaking & Use of English
Fun Facts About Greenland - short presentation with learning materials. English language level: intermediate+ Listening (A2-B1) and Reading (B2).
Before Watching/Listening Look at the title of the audio.
- Can you guess the answer to the question?
- What is unusual about the spelling of the word ‘Beatle’?
Quiz & WorksheetLevel B2 Format: FCE Practice Paper 4 * Quiz Self marking * Worksheet -* Answers
English Language level: Intermediate (CEFR B2 - Upper Intermediate )More Beatles Activities1. Starter Quiz2. Beatles Top 20 Quiz The Beatles Story
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Resources include: * classroom presentations * text & audio graded for English language learners * worksheets with teaching notes * extension materials * quizzes (with recorded responses & answers).
Age: 12+
Language Level: Intermediate CEFr B1 and above
Sample: Penny Lane Powerpoint Lesson
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The Listeners by Walter de la Mare (1912) is a classic narrative ghost poem. My adapted version stays close to the original. Language level: strong A2 and above
Short listening describing the history, format & frequency of UK government’s live #coronavirus briefings. With comprehension questions & answers. Language level: B1/B2
Fun facts about British titles. Who has them? What do they signify? . For English language learners: intermediate and above.
Classic halloween ghost story. A young couple move to the country. Every night they visit a beautiful local church. Inside there are two marble statues. Why do these statues frighten local people? And what is the secret of the broken marble finger? Adapted from Man Size in Marble (1893) E. Nesbit, writer of The Railway Children.
Hallowe'en or All-Hallows-Eve takes place on the night of 31 October. Hallow is the old English word for saint.
What is #surgery? (B1-2) Short listening comprehension introducing key medical vocabulary for non-specialist English language learners. Level: Intermediate+ FCE B2 First (CEFr B2) Skills Practice: Reading & Listening, Writing, Speaking & Use of English
The first football video - shown in English cinemas in the years following 1966. With learning activity. English language level: A2-B1
When John Met Paul
John Lennon first met Paul McCartney in a church hall when they were teenagers.
Before You Listen English Language level: Intermediate (CEFR B1/B2) Write down a) three things you know about John Lennonb) three things you know about Paul McCartneyYou are going to hear about the first meeting between John and Paul1. What would you like to know about this meeting? Write down two questions.2. Watch the presentation below. Does it answer your questions?Watch/Listen When John met Paul (reading)Worksheet
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Modern football started in English schools. The rules were written in an exercise book in a London pub. Reading & listening comprehension - English language level: A2-B1
The story of how ‘the beautiful game’ first arrived in Brazil. Reading and listening activities. English language level - lowe intermediate CER B1
Christina Rossetti’s ‘What is Pink?’ Poem for very young learners. English Language Level: A1-2 Beginners/Elementary
In 1871 a deserted ship is found drifting in the sea.... Ideal for classroom use with young learners and/or ESOL/EFL/ESL students.
Which countries do not have an official language? Why?
Language Level: Upper Intermediate (CEFr B2)
In 1871 a deserted ship is found drifting in the sea.... Ideal for classroom use with young learners and/or ESOL/EFL/ESL students.
The first part of story about a bell ringer -with a very unusual technique. Listening comprehension for English language learners at upper intermediate (B2) - download free quiz & worksheets here:
Lovely Rita
Story behind the classic Beatles song
- Test Question Worksheet (IELTS Listening Paper format - Section 2)
- Answer Sheet
- English Language level: Intermediate (CEFR B2 - Upper Intermediate )
Taken from The Beatles Teaching Pack - see below.
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The Beatles Story
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US park ranger proved the old saying wrong. Lightning does strike twice in the same place. It struck him eight times! Reading comprehension - English language level (B1-2)
Why English is not the official language of the USA. With worksheet. English language level B1-2)
On the run from Blind Pew and the pirates, Jack and his mother open the chest left by ‘Captain’ Billy Bones. Adapted extract from Chapter 4 of Treasure Island . English language level: CEFr B1-2
Young Rudolf Rassendyll of England is in Ruritania for the coronation of his distant cousin. And Rupert is the ‘double’ of the new king ...
The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope (1894) is a classic adventure story. This version, with audio & activities is adapted for English language learners at lower intermediate level (A2-B1)
Extraordinary story of Tsutomu Yamaguch, the only known survivor of both atomic bombs dropped on Japan. Longer listening (under four minutes) ideal for B2 First, IELTS or similar
Fun facts about macaroni penguins. English language listening activity with linked worksheet. CEF English level: A2
John Lennon
An angry young man
The Young John Lennon - Short teaching presentation with videoWar Baby Reading comprehension about Lennon’s early childhood
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The Beatles Story
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A White Wedding
The story behind the song The Ballad of John & Yoko
Listening Worksheet AnswersEnglish Language Level: CEFr B2 (upper intermediate)
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The Beatles Story
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New reading of The Owl and the Pussycat with learning activities, video, worksheets & colouring page.
Edward Lear (1812-1888) wrote & illustrated ‘nonsense’ verse for children. He also invented limericks - short funny poems starting ‘There was…’ . English language level (A1-2)
Fred & Rita are college students. They argue about everything…Fred is not a fan of the Bard: "Trust me!" he tells Rita. "William Shakespeare is not funny ..." With Worksheet English Language Level: CER B2
Gulliver has an enemy - the second smallest person in Brobdingnag. Extract from new adaptation of Gulliver’s Travels - with audio, worksheet & answers. All English language levels from low intermediate.
Aesop fable retold for young learners. Free pp presentation, video, extract & worksheet. Ideal for classroom or online presentation. English language level: A1/2
Ding Dong Dave is ready to ring the church bell for the big wedding. What could possibly go wrong? Listening comprehension - higher intermediate (B2)
From the Gulliver’s Travels. Gulliver’s first voyage comes to a dramatic end when he washes up on a strange island.
The chronometer was one of the key innovations in improving sea safety and navigation. It allowed ships to accurately record their longitude. Listening comprehension at upper intermediate (B2) with worksheet and answers.
Linked to more tall tales and strange news stories here.:https://esolepacks.com/comic-stories
Short reading & listening activities about the Titanic disaster. English Language Level: Intermediate CEFR B2
A rich businessman dies with no money in the bank. So where is his cash? Listening Comprehension - B1
Brown bears don’t do social distancing.. Reading & listening at B2 - with linked learning activities.
The Beatles
Fun facts - presentation & quiz
"I got out of bed, sat at the piano, found G, found F sharp minor 7th - and that leads you through then to B to E minor, and finally back to E… I liked the melody a lot, but {thought} I'd dreamed it,. "
Paul McCartney on one of the most famous songs of all time. Can you guess which song? Fun Facts About The Beatles: Quick Quiz
The Big Beatles Quiz
Presentation: How it all began
English Language Level: CEFr B1 (intermediate)
Covid-19Free downloads of these graded readers/audiobooks & teaching packs for the duration of the crisis : * Adventure Stories Gulliver’s Travels, 39 Steps, Treasure Island etc. * Resource packs TESOL for Teens, Cars, Medical English, The English Language * The Canterville Ghost * TESOL for Teens * Getting Started with Macbeth
Fun facts about about polar bears. Listening activity for young learners with worksheet. English language level: lower intermediate CEFR A2/B1
Foxes FAQ - reading & listening worksheet for young learners.Language Level : Elementary (A2+) * Age: 8+ * Skill:s Reading/Extracting simple information.
Story of two celebrating golfers who run into a kangaroo in the outback. B2 listening practice
Love by Design (Macmillan Readers) is a contemporary story popular with teens. Try a sample chapter (Elementary-B1)
John Buchan’s classic man-on-the-run thriller adapted for English language learners/reluctant readers. (Intermediate B1+) It is May 1914. Richard Hannay has just arrived in London from Africa. A mysterious neighbour asks him for help: ‘They are trying to kill me…’ With linked learning resources, including presentations with audio.
True story of a New York office worker’s elevator ordeal. Stuck in a lift when the building maintenance staff have gone home for the weekend. Reading comprehension (upper intermediate B2)
Short presentation for young learners about brown bear hibernation. Linked to this worksheet: https://tinyurl.com/y7cg96va. More resources here: https://esolepacks.com/young-learners/
‘Watch the greatest challenge ever? Or do the Zoom class for Zombies? Tough choice!’
Comic story for older children/teens/young adults. Told via powerpoint with accompanying worksheet. . Language Level CEFR B1 & above
A cat lost in Colorado reappears in New York - five years later! Short listening comprehension for young learners (B1) with accompanying worksheet & linked materials.
Cats FAQ - reading & listening worksheet for young learners.Language Level : Elementary (A2+) * Age: 8+ * Skill:s Reading/Extracting simple information.
A Very Long Walk is a lovely story for young learners about a lost dog. Part One with free accompanying powerpoint & worksheet
Did Edison invent the modern world? Short listening comprehension (video) with worksheet & answers. . Language level: Upper Intermediate (CER B2) Activity: Listening
Can you name our mystery island? Here are some clues: Before listening activity Language Level: CEF B1 Skills: Listening/Vocabulary
Stories from the history of the World Cup. Short listening activity. English language level: A2-B1
One of the funniest episodes from Diary of a Nobody (1892) in which Pooter attempts some painting and decorating.
Before listening1. Do you know the names of the two main political parties in the USA?
- From which party does the current US president come?
Now listenListening Comprehension True or false
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In the United States there are only two political parties.
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All Republicans oppose gun control.
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Republicans generally support military spending.
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Republicans generally support free trade between countries.
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Democrats generally believe in more market regulation.
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Democrats agree with Republicans on taxation.
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Many Republicans criticise the UN.
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Only the rich vote for the Republican Party.
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Only the poor vote for the Democrat Party.
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The Democrats have a lot of support in the big cities.
Listening for young learners with accompanying reading worksheetDownload the complete Owls FAQ video, plus presentation & many more learning resources in the Nocturnal Animals Teaching Pack
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Nocturnal Animals Teaching Pack (A2)
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Some animals only come out at night…
Foxes FAQ Worksheet
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With thanks for use of photo to Diane Helentjaris on Unsplash
Before reading
What is a pandemic?
- On a cruise ship a large number of passengers are infected by the same virus. Is thisa) an outbreak
b) an epidemic
c) a pandemic
- What links these conditions a) SARS
b) MERS
c) Covid-19
You can find the information here
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Journal of the Plague Year (B1+)
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Doctors (B1+)
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