Practising English: Recent Episodes
M. A. Bilbrough
Listening practice for learners of B1 and B2 levels of English (intermediate and upper-intermediate). Includes grammar explanations, examples of vocabulary use, phrasal verbs and collocations help, pronunciation practice, advice and specific help for passing B1 and B2 exams such as Cambridge, IELTS and Trinity. There are also lots of interesting and fun stories, jokes and anecdotes to listen to and enjoy. Start improving your English listening and speaking level today with these regular podcasts (2 episodes a week).
Comprension questions and vocabulary tasks
At my website, you can also find B1 and B2 vocabulary tasks to do for this story:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-321.htm
Comprehension questions
1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why?
2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there?
3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it?
4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story?
Answers:
1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why?
‘Rescue mission!’ the admiral suddenly shouted and he looked irritated. ‘Who are they gonna rescue? I don’t need rescuing, thank you very much! I have a nice home and beautiful family right here on Honolulu Island.
2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there?
They hurried along the deck and in through a door that led to the bridge* - the highest part of the ship and the best place to get an all-round view of the surrounding darkening sea and sky.
3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it?
‘Sonar?’ interrupted Pierre. ‘Do you mean it’s under the water?’ The captain ignored him.
‘Estimated time of arrival?’
‘Four minutes, Captain! It’s incredible! There’s nothing that can travel that speed under water! I… I don’t get it!’
4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story?
‘Merde!’ said Pierre ('merde' is a swaer word in French) to anyone who might be listening to him. ‘They want nothing to do with us!’
(The alien spaceship had come to rescue the dolphins and whales of the ocean, and was not interested in making contact with the humans!)
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
Hello, and welcome to Practising English! Mike Bilbrough is on his summer holiday, so we'd like to offer a B1 story recorded way back in 2022. It's called Bully, and it's taken from Mike Bilbrough's book for preparing for the Cambridge Preliminary exam: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder". This week we're going to offer you the complete transcript of the story with B1 words highlighted. Enjoy!
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-320.htm
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
Mike Bilbrough is taking his summer holiday at the moment. Meanwhile, we'd like to offer you a story recorded last year in two parts as one complete story for you to listen to, learn from and enjoy. You can follow the story transcript and see the B2 language in bold type at Mike's website at www.practisingenglish.com podcast-319.htm. Enjoy!
Here is the transcript with B2 vocabulary shown in biold type: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-319.htm
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B1 phrases we'll study today:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-318.htm
1. Attempt
Definition: To try to do something, especially something difficult. (Can be used as a verb or a noun).
Example 1: She will attempt to pass her driving test for the second time tomorrow.
2. Welcome
Definition (Noun): The way you greet someone when they arrive.
Definition (Verb): To greet someone in a polite and friendly way when they arrive.
Example 1 (Noun): The hotel staff gave us a very warm welcome when we checked in.
Example 2 (Verb): Our neighbours always welcome us into their home with a cup of tea.
3. In charge
Definition: Having the responsibility or control over something or a group of people.
Example 1: Who is in charge of organising the office party this year?
Example 2: While the manager is on vacation, Sarah is in charge of the store.
4. Annoyed / Annoy
Definition (Annoyed - Adjective): Feeling a little bit angry or impatient.
Definition (Annoy - Transitive Verb): To make someone feel slightly angry or impatient.
Example 1 (Annoyed): I was very annoyed because the train was thirty minutes late.
Example 2 (Annoy): Loud music late at night really annoys the people living next door.
5. Clever / Bright / Brilliant / Smart
Definition: Words used to describe someone who is intelligent, learns quickly, or handles situations well. (Note: "Brilliant" can also mean exceptionally smart or wonderful).
Example 1: He is a very bright student who always gets the best grades in science.
Example 2: She came up with a clever solution to fix the broken computer.
6. Narrow / Wide / Broad
Definition (Narrow): Measuring a short distance from one side to the other; not wide.
Definition (Wide & Broad): Measuring a large distance from one side to the other. (We often use "wide" for physical spaces like roads, and "broad" for larger concepts like shoulders, smiles, or ideas).
Example 1 (Narrow): The old town has very narrow streets, so cars cannot drive through them easily.
Example 2 (Wide / Broad): The river is so wide that you cannot see the people on the other side. / He had a broad smile on his face when he won the prize.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
The B2 phrases we'll be studying are:
Full story transcipt: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-317.htm
on behalf of
Definition: Instead of someone else, or representing another person or group.
Example 1: I am writing this email on behalf of my manager who is on vacation.
Example 2: On behalf of the whole team, I want to say thank you for your help.
come to this conclusion
Definition: To decide that something is true after thinking carefully about all the facts.
Example 1: After reviewing all the documents, I have come to this conclusion.
Example 2: How did the police come to this conclusion without any real proof?
conscious of
Definition: Noticing something, or being aware that something exists or is happening.
Example 1: She was conscious of the fact that everyone in the room was looking at her.
Example 2: You need to be more conscious of how much money you spend each week.
out of nowhere
Definition: Very suddenly and unexpectedly, without any warning.
Example 1: A dog ran out of nowhere and nearly hit my bicycle.
Example 2: It started raining out of nowhere while we were having a picnic in the park.
grab hold of
Definition: To take or hold something or someone firmly with your hand.
Example 1: Make sure you grab hold of the railing while walking down the stairs.
Example 2: The little child grabbed hold of his mother's coat so he would not get lost.
every single one
Definition: All of them, used to emphasize each individual item or person in a group.
Example 1: I have watched every single one of the movies in this series.
Example 2: Every single one of my classmates passed the final exam.
as far as I know
Definition: Used to say what you think is true, based on the information you have.
Example 1: As far as I know, the local library is closed on Sundays.
Example 2: The meeting is still happening at two o'clock, as far as I know.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
Here are the words and expressions we''l study today:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-316.htm
1) to handle
Definition: To deal with a situation, a person, or a problem successfully.
Examples: Don't worry about the cooking tonight, I can handle it.
Our manager is very calm and knows exactly how to handle angry customers.
2) sound like
Definition: To seem true or interesting after hearing or reading about it, or to make a noise similar to something else.
Examples: Going to the beach this weekend sounds like a fantastic idea!
I heard a strange noise outside last night that sounded like a cat.
3) about to
Definition: Ready to do something very soon, or very close to happening.
Examples: Hurry up and get in the car! The train is about to leave.
I was just about to call you when your text message arrived.
4) for hours
Definition: For a very long period of time.
Examples: We had to wait at the airport for hours because our flight was late.
My brother can play video games for hours without taking a single break.
5) get worse
Definition: To become more bad, difficult, or painful than before.
Examples: If your cold gets worse tomorrow, you should definitely see a doctor.
The traffic in the city center always gets worse around 5:00 PM.
6) dozens of
Definition: A very large number of things or people (usually groups of twelve, but used generally to mean "a lot of").
Examples: There were dozens of people standing in line to buy the new phone.
She has dozens of beautiful plants all over her apartment.
7) take a deep breath
Definition: To fill your lungs with a lot of air, usually to help yourself relax, calm down, or feel better.
Examples: Before the important job interview started, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves.
Just take a deep breath and explain to me what happened.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
Here are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:
1) far too many/much/few etc.
There are far too many games in this new 48-team tournament, and our players look absolutely exhausted.
The manager chose far too few midfielders in the starting line-up, which is why we completely lost control of the ball.
2) in any case
I don't think the referee should have given that penalty, but in any case, we played poorly and didn't deserve to win.
It is going to be incredibly hot in Miami for the next match, but in any case, the team must adapt if they want to reach the semi-finals.
3) demand (verb)
After that terrible performance against Canada, millions of fans back home demand that the manager changes his tactics for the next round.
Spanish supporters demand beautiful, attacking football, so we cannot just defend a 1-0 lead.
4) no guarantee
Even though we have a fantastic squad this year, there is no guarantee that we will defeat a strong team like Argentina.
Winning our group easily gives us confidence, but it offers no guarantee that we will survive a penalty shootout in the knockout stage.
5) relevant
Past defeats against Germany are not relevant to this young squad; they are only focused on making history in 2026.
Having experience in big Champions League finals is highly relevant for our players during a high-pressure World Cup tournament.
6) As for...
The defense looked solid today, but as for our strikers, they missed too many clear chances in front of the goal.
I’ve already bought my match tickets for the group stage, but as for the final in New York, the flights are just too expensive.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today!
See full story audioscript here with B1 words highlighted: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-314.htm
1. Take care of. Definition: To look after someone or something and make sure they have what they need.
- I need to take care of my little brother while my parents are at work.
- Please take care of your new books and do not lose them.
2. Alive. Definition: Living and not dead.
- We found a small bird in the garden, and it was still alive.
- My grandfather is 90 years old, but he is very active and very much alive.
3. Recover. Definition: To get better after an illness or an injury.
- It took her three weeks to recover from the bad cold.
- The athlete needs to rest and recover before the next big game.
4. Explanation. Definition: The reasons you give to make something clear or easy to understand.
- The teacher gave a clear explanation of the math problem.
- He did not have a good explanation for being late to class.
5. Make up one's mind. Definition: To make a decision or choose what to do.
- I cannot make up my mind about which movie to watch tonight.
- She finally made up her mind and bought the blue jacket.
6. By hand. Definition: Made or done by a person using their hands, not using a machine.
- My grandmother makes all of her beautiful sweaters by hand.
- In the past, people had to wash all their clothes by hand.
7. Instead of. Definition: In the place of someone or something else.
- I will have water instead of juice with my lunch.
- We decided to walk to the park instead of taking the bus.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B2 phrases I'll be studying today:
(See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-313.htm
as far as sth is concerned
Definition: When talking about a particular subject or issue.
Example:
- As far as money is concerned, we need to be careful.
a misunderstanding
Definition: A situation in which people do not understand each other correctly.
Example:
- The argument started because of a misunderstanding.
what on earth...! / why on earth...!
Definition: Used to show strong surprise, confusion, or annoyance.
Example:
- What on earth are you doing here at midnight? I thought you were in bed!
flirt
Definition: To behave in a way that shows romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a playful way.
Example:
- He was flirting with a woman at the party.
be devoted to
Definition: To be very loyal to, committed to, or focused on someone or something.
Example:
- She is devoted to her family. She visits them every week.
clear up the question of
Definition: To explain or solve something that is unclear or uncertain.
Example:
- The meeting helped clear up the question of who was responsible. (See: misunderstanding)
make out (find the answer to)
Definition: To understand, discover, or find the answer to something that is difficult.
Example:
- I couldn't make out what the reason was Dave getting upset at the party.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B1 phrases we're going to study today:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-312.htm
- after a while
Definition: after some time has passed
Example: We talked for a while , and after a while we went home.
- on purpose
Definition: intentionally; not by accident
Example: John broke his mobile phone on purpose so his parents would buy him a new one.
- put out (a fire)
Definition: to stop a fire from burning
Example: There was a fire in our kitchen. Fortunately, the fire brigade arrived soon put out the fire quickly.
- hurry up
Definition: to do something more quickly
Example: Hurry up , or we will miss the bus.
- help yourself
Definition: take something for yourself if you want it
Example: There are some biscuits on the table. Help yourself to some.
- lend a hand
Definition: to help someone with something
Example: Can you lend me a hand with these boxes?
- knock something/somebody down
Definition: (a building) to destroy a building; (a person) to hit someone so they fall, often with a vehicle
Example: They knocked down the old factory and built a park there.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B2 phrasal verbs we're studying today:
For full stiry transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-311.htm
-
Turn up (Meaning: To arrive or appear)
"We wrapped up the meeting early because the client didn't turn up on time." -
Get away (Meaning: To escape or evade capture)
"The thieves managed to get away before the security guards could lock the building down." -
Deal with (Meaning: To handle or take action on a problem)
"Don't worry about the scheduling conflict; our manager will deal with it first thing tomorrow." -
Turn to (Meaning: To face someone or look to them for answers/help)
"When the map failed us, I turned to a local resident to ask for directions." -
Fall for (Meaning: To fall deeply in love with someone)
"He was incredibly charming, so it didn't take long for her to fall for him completely."
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B1 expressions we'll study today:
For full story audio script: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-310.htm
1) just in case
Definition: to be prepared if something happens.
Take an umbrella just in case it rains.
2) get ready
Definition: to prepare for something.
We need to get ready for school.
3) come to an agreement
Definition: to decide something together after talking.
After two hours, they came to an agreement.
4) I must admit
Definition: I say something honestly, even if it is difficult or surprising.
I must admit, the movie was very good.
5) raised his voice
Definition: spoke louder, often because of anger.
The teacher raised his voice to stop the noise.
6) regret that decision
Definition: feel sorry about a choice you made.
She regrets that decision now.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:
For audioscript see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-309.htm
peculiar
Definition: strange or unusual in a way that is interesting or surprising.
Examples:
There was a peculiar smell coming from the kitchen.
worrying
Definition: making you feel anxious or concerned.
Examples:
The doctor said the test results were worrying.
playing a joke on
Definition: tricking someone in a funny way for amusement.
Examples:
My brother was playing a joke on me by hiding my phone.
strangely enough
Definition: surprisingly or in an unusual way.
Examples:
Strangely enough, I met my old teacher in another country.
unclear about
Definition: not understanding something well or not being certain about it.
Examples:
She is still unclear about the homework instructions.
at all costs
Definition: no matter what difficulties or dangers there are.
Examples:
He wanted to win the game at all costs.
I was standing by the window in Poirot’s apartment, watching the busy London street below.
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My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
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For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today:
See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-308.htm
1) on one's own
Definition: alone, without help from others
Example:
· She lives on her own in a small flat.
2) of one's own
Definition: something that belongs only to a person
Example:
· He wants a room of his own.
3) in the end
Definition: finally, after everything
Example:
· In the end, we chose the blue dress.
4) backwards and forwards
Definition: moving or repeating in both directions; very well learned
Example:
· The child walked backwards and forwards in the room.
5) keep somebody busy
Definition: give someone enough work or activity
Example:
· This project will keep her busy all week.
6) get together
Definition: meet with other people
Examples:
· We get together every Friday night.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B2 expressions we're going to study today. For full transcript of the story, you can go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-307.htm
1) take the blame
Definition: to accept that you are responsible for something bad that happened.
- I took the blame for the mistake at work.
2) make for
Definition: to move in a particular direction or go toward a place.
- After dinner, we made for the exit.
3) catch up
Definition: to reach the same level as someone else or to get up to date.
- I need to catch up on my homework.
4) think something through
Definition: to consider something carefully before making a decision.
- You should think it through before you answer.
5) figure something out
Definition: to understand or find the answer to something.
- I can’t figure out this question.
6) push oneself
Definition: to make yourself work harder or go beyond your limits.
- He pushed himself to finish the race.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B1 phrases we are going to study today.
To read the full transcript of the story, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-306.htm
Non-B1 words from this chapter of Treasure Island:
cannibals - humans who eat the meat of other humans
shipwreck - a ship which has been destroyed at sea
cannon - a large gun used in ships to shoot at other ships
Union Jack - the flag of the United Kingdom
B1 words and expressions:
unknown – something that is not known or not familiar
face to face – meeting someone in person, not online or by phone
to my great surprise – I was very surprised
with great interest – with a lot of attention and curiosity
tell me the truth – say what is real and honest
ever since – from a time in the past until now
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
Here is the B2 vocabulary I'll be studying today. The link takes you to see the audioscript.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-305.htm
1) Reckon
Definition: To think or believe that something is true or will happen.
Example Sentence: I reckon it is going to rain this afternoon, so we should probably bring our umbrellas.
2) Head (verb)
Definition: To go or move in a particular direction.
Example Sentence: After the movie ends, we are going to head back towards the city center for some dinner.
3) Take for granted
Definition: To expect that someone or something will always be available and therefore fail to show that you are grateful for them.
Example Sentence: It is easy to take it for granted that there will always be clean water in the house.
4) What the hell
Definition: A phrase used to describe an extremely bad experience or to express surprise or anger.
Example Sentence: What the hell happened to my car? I only left it parked here for ten minutes!
5) In the meantime
Definition: During the period of time while something else is happening.
Example Sentence: The doctor will see you in twenty minutes; in the meantime, please wait in the reception area.
6) Understanding (empathetic)
Definition: Showing sympathy for someone else's problems or situation.
Example Sentence: My teacher was very understanding when I explained why I couldn't finish my homework on time.
7) Under the circumstances
Definition: Considering the particular facts or events of a situation.
Example Sentence: We didn't win the match, but under the circumstances of having two injured players, we played quite well.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B1 words and expressions we'll be looking at today:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-304.htm
1) Binomial pairs
Neat and tidy (meaning: clean, organized)
Example: She keeps her bedroom incredibly neat and tidy.
Sick and tired (meaning: very annoyed/bored of something)
Example: I am sick and tired of this cold weather.
Short and sweet (meaning: quick but pleasant)
Example: The meeting was short and sweet, which everyone appreciated.
Story:
The ship, the Hispaniola, was moving up and down on the sea.
up and down
2) Paired synonyms
The island looked dull and miserable
3) I was certain I couldn't stand Treasure Island.
4) The place was surrounded by trees
5) a chance = opportunity
Let’s give the men a chance to go ashore.
6) at once = immediately
The men cheered loudly and forgot about being angry at once.
7) I would rather lose my hand than not do my duty!
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B2 phrases we are going to study in today's podcast:
thinking twice
- Definition: Considering a decision carefully or hesitating before doing something.
- Example: I saw the cat in the tree and, without thinking twice , I climbed up to save it.
lose his nerve
- Definition: To suddenly become afraid or lose the courage to do something intended.
- Example: He wanted to go skydiving, but he lost his nerve as soon as he looked out of the plane door.
it crossed his mind
- Definition: To have a sudden or brief thought about something.
- Example: It never crossed my mind that I might actually win the competition.
switch
- Definition: An act of changing or swapping one thing for another.
- Example: We made a switch at the last minute and went to the cinema instead of the park.
rip open
- Definition: To tear something open quickly and forcefully.
- Example: He was so excited that he ripped open the present in seconds.
shiver
- Definition: To shake slightly because of cold, fear, or excitement.
- Example: The cold wind made me shiver as I waited for the bus.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
Read the audioscript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-302.htm
These are the words studied today:
1) take a good look at
Definition: to look at something carefully
2) for sure
Definition: definitely; without doubt
3) what’s on your mind
Definition: what you are thinking or worrying about
4) sooner or later
Definition: at some time in the future (not now, but eventually)
5) pay attention to
Definition: to focus on something and listen or watch carefully
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B2 words and phrases we will be studying today:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-301.htm
1) scared stiff
Meaning: extremely frightened; so scared you cannot move
Example:
I was scared stiff when I heard a loud noise in the dark.
2) awkward
Meaning: feeling uneasy, embarrassed, or not relaxed
Example:
I felt awkward when I didn’t know anyone at the party.
3) drop somebody off
Meaning: to take someone to a place by car and leave them there
Example:
I will drop you off at the station on my way to work.
4) seize the opportunity
Meaning: to take advantage of a good chance quickly
Example:
He seized the opportunity to study abroad.
5) might as well
Meaning: used to suggest doing something because there is no better option
Example:
It’s raining, so we might as well stay at home.
6) talkative
Meaning: someone who talks a lot
Example:
My little sister is very talkative with her friends.
7) eagerly
Meaning: with excitement and strong interest
Example:
She eagerly opened her birthday present.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the words we'll be studying in this B1 podcast today. To see the full audioscript of the story, you can go to my website at:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-300.htm
· Set off – We set off early in the morning to start our trip to the mountains.
· Join in – Everyone was dancing, so I decided to join in and have fun.
· Reliable and efficient – Our new computer system is reliable and efficient, so we finish work faster.
· Charming – The waiter was very charming ; he chatted with us during the meal and made us laugh.
· Recover from – It took her two weeks to recover from the flu, but she’s a lot better now.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the B2 words we'll study today. You can also find the story transcript with B2 words highligted at:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-299.htm
· in amusement
She laughed in amusement when she saw the puppy trying to catch its own tail.
· boast
He likes to boast about his achievements, even when no one asks him about them.
· deliberately
She deliberately ignored his message because she was still upset with him.
· cross somebody's mind
It never crossed my mind that I might fail the exam.
· costly
Buying a new car can be a costly decision if you don’t plan your budget carefully.
· take a deep breath
Before speaking in front of the audience, she took a deep breath to calm her nerves.
· spin
The child watched the coin spin on the table until it slowly fell on its side.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
Here is the B1 vocabulary for today's Treasure Island chapter:
1) close up
2) show somebody in
3) have one’s doubts
4) keen on / fond of
5) dislike
6) not be convinced
7) give somebody a hand
The Hispaniola was waiting out at sea, not near the land but a little way out. We rowed out in a small boat among many big ships. Their ropes hung down in the water, and sometimes they touched our boat. I had never seen a ship so close up before and was amazed at their size and beauty . At last, we came next to our ship and climbed on board...
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
The vocabulary and story transcript to today's B2 story:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-297.htm
-
define
It is sometimes difficult to define success, because it means different things to different people. -
an act of will
Finishing the marathon after injuring his ankle was purely an act of will. -
upside down
When I turned the map upside down, I finally realized I had been reading it the wrong way. -
What on earth happened?
The kitchen was covered in flour and broken plates—what on earth happened while I was out? -
something daring
She decided to do something daring and quit her stable job to start her own business. -
stare in disbelief
He could only stare in disbelief when he saw his small village on the international news. -
Don’t talk nonsense!
Don’t talk nonsense! Of course you can pass the exam if you prepare properly.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the words I'll be studying today:
Transcript at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-296.htm
treasure
to sail
crew
sailor
the docks
ship
telescope
crutch
pirate
the squire
All hands on board!
aye, aye, sir!
a schooner
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
You can read the transcript here at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-295.htm
The B2 words I study today are these:
· without hesitation
She accepted the job offer without hesitation because it matched her skills perfectly.
· take pride in something
He takes pride in his work and always tries to do his best, even under pressure.
· talk this over
Let’s talk this over tomorrow when we’re both calmer and have more time.
· I shivered (with fear)
I shivered with fear when I heard footsteps behind me in the dark street.
· from time to time
From time to time, I like to turn off my phone and spend the evening reading.
· haunted
She was haunted by the memory of the accident and found it hard to move on.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the questions for the story today. You can see the complete audioscript for the story at my website:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-294.htm
1) Why wouldn't the people from the village help Jim and his mother?
2) How much money did Jim's mother take from the chest (box)?
3) How did the blind man and his men get into the inn?
4) What was inside the packet that Jim found inside the chest?
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
These are the 7 B2 words I discuss during the podcast:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-293.htm
1) rolled
2) feared
3) shade
4) dragged
5) unwilling
6) endless
7) uneasy
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My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
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Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
For the full transcript of the story go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-292.htm
These are the phrases I study from the B1 story today:
get rid of – I want to get rid of these old clothes because I never wear them.
run (a business) – She runs a small business with her sister.
unpleasant – The weather was cold and unpleasant all day.
set the table – Can you help me set the table before dinner?
unfriendly – The waiter was unfriendly and didn’t smile at all.
annoyed – He felt annoyed when the bus arrived late again.
straight to somewhere – After work, I went straight to the gym.
warning – The teacher gave us a warning about being late.
grab – The thief grabbed my bag and ran off with it.
threaten – The man threatened to call the police if they didn’t stop.
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My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
The second and final part of my B2-level adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat: The B2 phrases studied are:
The Black Cat (B2-Level- Part 2)
· fall into hopeless despair
After losing his job and the apartment in the same week, he fell into hopeless despair.
· draw their attention to
The teacher pointed at the board to draw the students’ attention to the maths problem solution.
· fill somebody with shock and terror
The sudden crash in the middle of the night filled her with shock and terror.
· a growing dislike for
After months of working late with no thanks, she developed a growing dislike for her boss.
· be ashamed to admit
I’m ashamed to admit that I forgot my best friend’s birthday.
· beyond control
The situation quickly became beyond control once people started arguing.
· a violent rage
He flew into a violent rage when he realized his car had been stolen.
· completely untouched
The cake was still completely untouched at the end of the party.
· fill somebody with great relief
Hearing that her family was safe filled her with great relief.
· sleep peacefully
After the storm passed, the children finally slept peacefully.
Read the transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-291.htm
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. My B1-level version.
Chapter 1
Squire Trelawney, Dr. Livesey, and some other gentlemen asked me to write down the whole story of Treasure Island, from the beginning to the end . I must leave out only the exact position of the island, because there is still treasure there...
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-290.htm
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
First part of my B2 version of The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe:
For the most strange, yet also ordinary, story that I am about to write, I do not expect belief, nor do I ask for it. To tell the truth, I would be foolish to expect anyone to believe me... Read story transcript with B2 words in bold: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-289.htm
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
You can find the audioscript to the B2 story today just here:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-288.htm
The Lost Ring
Mary Grams, a woman from Alberta, Canada, lost her diamond engagement ring in 2004 while she was working in her garden. The ring slipped off her finger, but although she made a long search for it, in the end, she believed it had gone missing forever.
Mary was very disappointed about the disappearance of her ring, but she did not want to worry her husband. Instead of telling him, she decided to buy a replacement ring and wore that for many years.
Thirteen years later, Mary's daughter-in-law made an interesting discovery. She was picking vegetables from the same garden when she pulled up a strange carrot. Around the carrot was a gold ring. When the family cleaned it, they realised it was Mary's original engagement ring. It had finally turned up.
Mary was over the moon. Despite being in the ground all that time, it was in perfect condition and did not need restoring - it even fit her finger. The family believes the ring had fallen into the soil years earlier, and as the carrot grew, it passed through the ring.
The story quickly became well-known around the world and reminded many people that although things can go missing, they may turn up again - even after a long time.
1. vanished - My wallet seems to have vanished without a trace.
2. locate - It took hours to locate the missing document.
3. restore - The museum worked hard to restore the damaged painting.
4. disappearance - The disappearance of the important files was never explained.
5. discovery - I made an important discovery last night. I found snails on my cabbages in the garden.
6. search - a search was made for the missing hikers
7. seek - We are seeking top secretaries for our London office
8. turn up - My door key finally turned up. It was under the sofa.
9. go missing - Several files went missing after the office renovation.
10. come across - I came across these old photograph albums in the attic
11. hold on to - Make sure you hold on to the receipt.
12. replacement - a part of the car engine is worn; the garage are going to find a replacement.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
This is the audioscript for today's B1-level dialogue:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-287.htm
That's Life!
Mary: 'Morning, Anna. You don't look very well today. Are you sick?
Anna: 'Morning, Mary. Oh, yes. I feel terrible. I'm suffering from this backache and my head hurts. I think it's an illness caused by this awful, cold weather.
Mary: Oh dear. I've got problems too. I can't breathe properly, and I have to blow my nose all the time. I know I'm always complaining of my poor health, but it's getting worse - I can tell you!
Anna: Did you check your temperature?
Mary: Yes, it's a little high. The doctor says it's nothing serious, but I'm not sure I believe him. I've probably got some terrible, tropical disease, but he doesn't want to tell me. You know what doctors are like? Anyway, last week I fell and now I have a bandage on my leg. Just look at it!
Anna: Ooer! That looks painful. I think many people of our age suffer from the same illnesses. Our lifestyle is quite unhealthy, my mum is always telling me. Too many hamburgers and no salads.
Mary: You're right. We don't exercise enough - too much mobile phone, my dad says.
Anna: I hope I recover soon. I want to feel young again. After all, I'm only fifteen.
Mary: I'll be sixteen next month. Time waits for nobody! …By the way, Anna.
Anna: What's the matter now? Another illness you haven't told me about?
Mary: No. I was just going to ask. Is your mum giving you a lift to school tomorrow?
Anna: Oh, yes. As always.
Mary: Can she take me too? All that walking makes me tired.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
This is the audioscript for this B2 story (part 2) of The Hole:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-286.htm
The Hole (Part 2)
I hurriedly set up the equipment from out of my bags.
'Can I help, señor?' Pedro stepped forwards.
'Please. Undo these two ropes. One has a harness and the other is fixed to this small sack, while I set up the laptop and monitor.'
I then had to think fast. After I had the computer equipment ready, I knelt down at the side of the borehole and felt the walls. Cement.
'Pedro. Are the walls cement all the way down to the bottom? I imagine they're not.'
'These holes are dug with a machine and lower down the walls are just earth.'
So as the child fell, his body brushed against the sides of the hole bringing the earth down on top of him, I thought to myself. Not good.
I turned to Heidi. I had already typed in the programme for her to follow.
'Go, Heidi!'
She almost jumped into the hole head first. Even her small body would find it difficult to descend, but she disappeared rapidly into the darkness. Unlike the slow and clumsy articulated robots we usually see, those constructed at my company had the ability to react and move with lively and precise movements.
I looked into the borehole, as did Pedro and the father. I could see Heidi's multiple phosphorescent bulbs on her titanium frame had now lit up. The brightness descended as her feet dug expertly but carefully into the walls of the borehole so as not to disturb the soft soil.
I then turned to the laptop screen and monitor, and Pedro and the father followed. I examined the screen. There was now a crowd of people behind us, silent but impatient. The camera and microphone on Heidi's tail showed her metal frame moving mechanically down metre after metre.
'There's the bag of sweets,' said Pedro pointing at the screen. 'And there's the earth. The tunnel stops there.'
Heidi did not pause. She began digging with great care into the floor. We could hear the sounds over the speakers.
I then picked up the rope with the sack and dropped it into the hole, ensuring that for the last few metres they were lowered slowly.
Heidi now had two feet fixed firmly into the tunnel walls, the camera and microphone on its tail, while the remaining two feet pushed the soft soil into the bag. People crowding behind the monitor, watching, waiting, hardly daring to breathe.
Then it happened. The rest of the earth on the tunnel floor then dropped down showing the head of a small boy.
'Raise the bag of earth, Pedro. Don't let it drop down onto the child!' I shouted.
While Pedro rapidly pulled up seventy metres of rope, I lowered the other rope with the harness.
It was a matter of a few tense minutes, but eventually the harness appeared on the monitor screen. Yet at that moment, something truly amazing was taking place.
During the wait, Heidi had attached a small mask to the boy's face, and a tube then led to a tiny bottle of oxygen visible inside Heidi's frame. The body moved and everybody clearly heard a small cry.
'He's alive!' shouted the father. 'Carlitos is alive!'
'The boy was covered by earth above, but below there must have been an air space so that he could continue to breathe,' I suggested.
We could now clearly see Heidi expertly attaching it to the child's body. Heidi paused. She had no voice but sent a message that appeared on
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
This is the audioscript for today's B2 story:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-285.htm
The Hole
'We're arriving, señor,' said the helicopter pilot. 'It's down there, by that hill. I'll land as close as I can get. Time is going to be crucial.' The helicopter dropped down vertically and bounced once before finally settling on the grassy slope.
There were a number of people gathered about fifty metres further up the hill, and several vehicles: cars, police vehicles, two ambulances and a fire engine. It was otherwise a lonely spot, close to a country road; pleasant with green grass, trees and four or five wooden tables with benches for picnickers.
New Year is part of the Christmas holiday season in Spain, and in Andalusia, where the weather is often mild at this time of year, families will often head for the nearest countryside with a picnic basket and spend an afternoon in the fresh, clean outdoors.
The helicopter pilot jumped out and pulled open the side exit for me, and I jumped out immediately with my backpack and heavy canvas bag. I was not alone. Sunny, my 4-year-old golden retriever leapt out too, thankful to be out of that strange and noisy craft. However, I had another companion with a more complex name: High Degree of Articulated Freedom Robot. Naturally, you cannot use that name all the time when talking to an AI robot, so I had given her a shorter name - Heidi.
At my robotics company in Almeria, she had been my own creation, although a whole team of computer engineers had been responsible for her construction. Although smaller than a golden retriever, she looked like a dog in shape, so much so that Sunny, the golden retriever accepted her company even though a little suspiciously.
However, there was little covering the shiny, titanium structure, so she looked something like a yellow and silver dog skeleton. But she had two, bright, green and gold-coloured eyes, and there was a hook-like hand at the end of the tail - so she could hold firmly to any surface. She behaved like a dog too - the perfect companion: all obeying, fast and responsive with a strength far exceeding her canine friend, Sunny.
The three of us ran up to the large group of people gathered around the hole. I was aware there were television cameras on me, reporters with microphones wanting an exclusive. I ignored them, and they seemed to respect that. There was something that needed doing, and fast. However, all eyes were then on Heidi; nobody had seen anything like her before.
I was the first to speak.
'My name is Mike Finnigan, from Cyber Robotics. I've come to help. Who are the parents?' I asked in English as my Spanish was bad. A slim, dark-haired man stepped forward with his wife just behind. Their faces were full of worry, they had obviously been crying. He spoke in an English with a strong accent.
'I am the father. My name is Juan Fernandez. What do you want to know?'
'How long ago did your son fall into the hole?'
'That was about 11 o'clock this morning. It is now one o'clock.'
'Two hours. How old is he?'
'Carlitos is two and a half.'
I looked at the hole. It was what is called a borehole, an attempt at locating deep underground water for watering crops. This one was illegal. Unfortunately, the fool of the farmer who owned it had failed to block the entrance - and so close to a picnic site too. The problem was its width - only about 25 cm wide, no adult human could possibly be lowered down on a rope to pull the child up - they si
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
This is a B1 and B2 story with phrasal verbs. Here is the audioscripy for the story:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-284.htm
A Christmas Surprise
Christmas didn't turn out very well for Flora. She lived in the north of Scotland, where the weather can be a problem in the winter months. She lived in Keiss, a fishing village at the northern end of Sinclair's Bay on the east coast of Caithness in Scotland's Highland area.
She wanted to spend Christmas with her ageing mother who lived in Lairg - not far away but higher up in the mountains. A heavy snowstorm had cut off the town, so travel there was impossible. She had to give up that idea. Feeling disappointed, she decided to stay in and wait for the weather to change.
On Christmas Eve, Flora woke up early and put on her warmest coat to check outside. The streets were quiet, and most shops were closed. While she was looking around, she noticed an elderly neighbour, Mr. Armstrong, trying to clear away the snow in front of his house. Flora went over to help him, even though she didn't know him very well.
As they worked together, Mr. Armstrong opened up about his life. He told Flora that his family lived far away and that he usually ended up spending Christmas alone. Hearing this, Flora didn't want to walk away and forget about him. Instead, she came up with an idea.
Later that day, Flora set up a small Christmas dinner in her apartment. She invited Mr. Armstrong over, and he happily turned up just before sunset. They shared stories, laughed a lot, and slowly got to know each other better. Flora realized that even though her original plans had fallen through, something special had worked out in the end.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
This is the story text for the B2 story today:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-283.htm
The song in today's podcast is an arrangement by Dmitry Taras - check it out at Pixabay.
The Christmas Festival
'So, Miss Jenkins,' said the mayor. 'As the town's new Councillor for cultural events, it'll be your turn this year to organise the Christmas town festival.'
'Yes, Mr Mayor. I'm aware of that,' Jenny Jenkins answered.
'Councillor David did a marvellous job last year. A difficult act to follow, Miss Jenkins. I understand you used to direct pantomimes at Christmas. And you would sing yourself in them. You sing well - so I've been told.'
'Well, they were just school pantomimes, Mr Mayor. When I was a teenager. Nothing professional.' Then she added, 'The experience will help, of course.'
'We're all convinced you'll do a splendid job, Miss Jenkins.'
'I'll do my best,' Mr Mayor.
However, quite honestly, Jenny Jenkins wasn't sure she could live up to everyone's expectations. Last year's event had been perfect, and people kept reminding her of the fact. Still, she had decided to take on the challenge. Trying to get out of it was useless - it was her job after all.
At first, everything went smoothly-until the main singer suddenly dropped out of the programme a week before Christmas. Jenny tried not to panic, but she kept putting off finding a replacement. She hoped someone would magically appear, but Christmas magic seemed to be running late.
Two days before the festival, the town mayor pointed out that the schedule still had an empty space where the singer should be. Jenny realised she could no longer ignore the problem. Finally, she caught up with her long list of tasks and started calling local musicians…
It was Christmas Eve, the morning of the festival. There had been a heavy fall of snow the night before and everything was looking very Christmassy. Jenny was exhausted but proud. Everything was ready. The mayor had told her he'd found a singer himself, and she'd be the star of the festival. Jenny felt relieved - whoever it might be.
Jenny was on the stage in the market square, making final preparations. The mayor walked across the square towards her from the Town Hall. He was wearing a thick coat, a hat, and a scarf to keep out the icy wind and snow. Curiously, he was holding a paper bag in his hand. Jenny wondered what might be in it.
'Here!' he said and handed Jenny the bag. Then, without another word, he turned and walked off. Jenny opened the bag cautiously. Inside was a microphone and a note, which said:
Congratulations! You're the singer for the festival! Happy Christmas!
'Oh, no!' whispered Jenny.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
This is the audioscript for today's story and the B1 words studied:
Scrooge and the Turkey
Scrooge ran to the window, opened it, and put his head outside. There was no fog or mist. The air was clear, bright, and cold. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the bells were ringing happily.
'Oh, how absolutely wonderful!' cried Scrooge in a cheerful voice.
'What day is it?' he shouted down to a boy wearing his Sunday clothes, who was standing in the street.
'Eh?' said the boy, very surprised.
'What day is it, my boy?' Scrooge repeated, expecting to be disappointed.
'Why, it's Christmas Day!' replied the boy.
'It's Christmas Day!' said Scrooge to himself, delighted. 'I haven't missed it. The Ghosts did everything in one night. They can do anything!'
'Hello, my boy!' Scrooge called.
'Hello!' said the boy.
'Do you know the shop on the corner in the next street where they sell turkeys?' asked Scrooge.
'Of course I do,' said the boy.
'Good boy!' said Scrooge. 'Do you know if they have sold the big prize turkey? Not the small one-the huge one.'
'The one as big as me?' asked the boy.
'Yes!' laughed Scrooge. 'That one.'
'It's still there,' said the boy.
'Good!' said Scrooge. 'Go and buy it.'
'You must be joking!' said the boy amazed.
'Definitely not, my boy,' said Scrooge. 'Go and tell them Ebenezer Scrooge will buy it, and then tell them to bring it here. Come back with the man, and I'll give you a shilling. If you don't hang about and come back in less than five minutes, I'll give you two shillings!'
The boy ran off as fast as he could go.
'I'll send the turkey to Bob Cratchit,' Scrooge said quietly, laughing to himself. 'He won't know who sent it. It's much bigger than his son, Tiny Tim. I'll wrap it up and send it as a Christmas gift. This will be a wonderful surprise for him!'
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
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Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
Not able to bring my new B2 podcast today so I'm leaving you with an older Christmas story (repeat). Audioscript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-70.htm
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
This is the text for the B1 story today. Who was the mysterious girl in the park?
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-280.htm
A brief meeting at Christmas
It was two days before Christmas, and Lucas, a sixteen-year-old boy, was feeling rather lonely. His parents were busy at work, and his older sister was studying in London. To pass the time, Lucas decided to take a walk through the snowy park. Everything was quiet and peaceful, and the trees were covered in white.
As he walked, he noticed a small brown glove lying on a bench. It looked new, so Lucas picked it up. ‘Maybe someone lost it,’ he thought. It was made of leather with a small silver chain on the back, and looked valuable. He looked around and saw a girl about his age standing under some pine trees. She was well-dressed, her clothes seemed a little old-fashioned. She seemed worried, so Lucas went up to her.
‘Hi, is this your glove?’ he asked. The girl’s face suddenly shone. ‘Yes! Thank you. I thought it was gone forever.’ When he looked at her face, he noticed she had a beauty that was unforgettable. They started talking, and soon they were laughing. They made a snowman together, which was the handsomest one Lucas had ever made.
Before leaving, the girl said, ‘Come to the Christmas market tomorrow. I’ll be at the hot chocolate stall. I run it with my mother.’ Lucas agreed and went home – a smile on his face.
The next day, he arrived early at the market. He looked for the girl, but she wasn’t there. There wasn’t a chocolate stall either. When he asked an elderly woman about her who sold woolly cardigans, the woman looked surprised.
‘There hasn’t been a hot chocolate stall here for years,’ she said. ‘There used to be one, I remember. But I was a child then. It was set up by a lady and her daughter every Christmas. Pretty girl, the daughter. She died of typhus, poor thing, at just about Christmas time if I remember correctly.’
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-279.htm
This is a B2 recording today with a story for you to enjoy...
Christmas cheer
I’m standing in a peaceful, wealthy suburb a few miles from Bristol city centre. Without doubt, It’s going to be a white Christmas, or rather it is already a white Christmas thanks to a generous amount of snow that has fallen on this Christmas Eve. The quiet, snowy road has a number of luxury cars parked on either side, and on my right and left stand those sort of houses, or should I call them mansions, the whole world would love to own: large, spacious, attractive stone, sloping grey roofs, leafy gardens - front, back and sides, and a broad driveway to park an expensive SUV. If I take a glance through the windows, I can just make out flashing lights from Christmas trees and decorations.
A car pulls up outside a house. A couple get out. They open the boot and in the soft illumination of the street lamps I can see they take out some colourful boxes - Christmas presents. The front door of the house is pushed open. Three children dash out into the snow in their slippers laughing excitedly. They’re hugged by the two adults. The parents appear at the door shouting warm greetings. Everybody is laughing and chatting. They all disappear inside the house. A silence falls over the houses again as the front door shuts.
I hear voices to my right over the soft snow. To the best of my knowledge, they’re a group of carol singers making their way to a house on the other side of the road. Some are still singing. They’re wrapped up warm in thick coats, furry boots and woollen scarves. Some are holding sticks with candles burning still. I hear a girl make a comment: something about how hungry she is - the others agree enthusiastically. Another door is opened by a man in an apron, and they all make their way up the steps singing and shouting “Merry Christmas”. Again, the door shuts and all that happiness and laughter is shut in – as though something exclusive to a privileged few,
Who am I? And what am I doing out in the snow on such a special night? I should be with family, friends, and loved ones. It would be a sad Christmas Eve indeed if I were alone here, outside in the cold, no food, unloved, forgotten, probably even rejected by most who saw me. How many like me are out in the cold when it seems the whole world around is warm, cosy and cared for in a comfortable home?
Or perhaps I’m just a narrator. Not really out in the cold at all - I’m just writing about people enjoying Christmas. Pull back the curtain a little and glance out. Nobody there? Of course not. No need to feel guilty, then. Just enjoy Christmas!
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-278.htm
This is the story text I'll be using with the B1 words in bold:
White Christmas
Steve Matlock worked in a car factory in Bristol. Every day at lunch, he sat in the canteen with his colleagues. They had discussions about their families, their aims, and their dreams. It was Christmas Eve, and the canteen felt warm and cheerful.
“What are you doing for Christmas, Steve?” one colleague asked.
Steve smiled politely. “I intend to spend Christmas with my brothers and sisters in Bath,” he said. “It will be lively and fun. The kids play games all day long.”
His colleagues smiled, happy for him. But when the day ended and everyone went home, Steve walked slowly back to his small flat. Nobody was expecting him. He had no brothers, no sisters—no family at all. He would spend Christmas on his own, as usual.
When Steve got up on Christmas morning, he felt the silence in the flat. He looked out of the window and stopped. There was thick snow covering the whole city, shining white as the morning sun came out. For a moment, he forgot about being lonely.
He put on his thick coat and gloves and stepped outside. The snow sounded under his boots. Children were laughing - throwing snowballs and making snowmen, people were greeting neighbours, and the city was shiny and bright.
“As long as I can enjoy moments like this,” he thought to himself, “maybe things aren’t so bad after all.”
The greatest gift is friendship and the company of those we love, yet a close second is knowing how to be happy when we are alone.
Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
This is the formal conversation studied today:
“Beginning morning food consuming cycle,” said the father as he entered the kitchen. “Please gather at the table for an efficient distribution of resources.”
Mother replied, “Indeed, I have organised a balancedcombination of carbohydrates and proteins, which should provide ideal operating for the day.”
The ten-year-old entered next. “Parents, I request information regarding today’s academic schedule. My timetable indicates elementary programming, and logical calculation.”
The fifteen-year-old followed. “You have not interpreted the data inaccurately. I, however, will participate in advanced algorithmic reasoning, and the completion of two complex projects.”
Father asked, “Do you require additional data input before departure?”
“Negative,” said the younger child. “The information previously provided is sufficient for maximum efficiency.”
Mother directed her attention towards the older child. “Have you reviewed the regulations for your institution’s examinations?”
“Affirmative. I have memorised all content. There is no prediction of error.”
Father sat at the table. “The tasks at my place of occupation will involve machine precision processes.”
Mother added, “And I will contribute to the coordination of instructional software. My schedule is densely arranged but entirely manageable.”
A distant mechanical sound approached the house.
Father spoke again, “The transport vehicle has arrived. Prepare for collection.”
The kitchen door opened, and a lorry stopped outside. A human driver stepped inside the house.
“Right, time to load you all up. Headquarters wants you there early.”
His colleague entered behind him. “Kids too. Their programming school starts in an hour.”
The father, mother, and children stood simultaneously.
“Affirmative,” they said together.
They walked outside one behind the other, and the humans guided the android family onto the waiting lorry.
See on https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-277.htm
Support the show
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Here is the text we are studying today.
The Best Way to Learn a New Language
If you want to build confidence in English language speaking, rather than silent study, choose conversation activities instead. And try writing short messages instead of only memorising vocabulary lists.
Practice speaking whenever you find someone willing to talk, and use new words wherever you go. It does not matter whether the conversations are long or short; every moment helps.
Keep studying, unless you are feeling extremely tired, because rest is also important for learning. You will improve since your brain becomes more familiar with patterns over time. Continue your daily habits until you can hold a simple conversation. You will notice real progress as soon as you use the language in real-life situations. Your pronunciation should also improve as long as the speakers you listen to speak correctly.
Support the show
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
B2 conjunctions
City Life Compared to Country Life
Many people wonder whether they would be happier living in the city or in the countryside. City life offers a fast rhythm and many opportunities, and it can be exciting, though it often feels crowded and noisy. Some people imagine that they would enjoy the peace of rural areas, when, in fact, they admit they enjoy the crowds and the lively lifestyle a city provides.
Life in the countryside is usually quieter, whereas cities are full of cultural events, restaurants and shops. You can find something to do at almost any hour in a big city, while the countryside may seem limited in activities for some people. Still, country life gives you space to breathe, or at least more contact with nature than you would normally have in a city.
Moving from one place to the other can completely change your routine. Now that many people can work remotely, living outside the city has become easier. You may enjoy a healthier lifestyle provided that you don’t mind longer distances to services and entertainment.
Some people say they would choose the countryside if they had grown up in a big city. Others prefer the city once they have tried living in a small village, discovering they miss the energy and convenience that urban life provides. The best choice depends on the stage where you are in your life and what you value most.
Support the show
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This is part 1 of my TWO podcasts on B1 linkers: The text for today is:
Many people want to learn a new language, yet they often wonder what method works best. One helpful idea is to treat the language as you would a musical instrument, practising regularly. Learning can also happen as you travel or do other activities, as practice is important because it keeps the language fresh in your mind.
In addition, using a mix of reading, listening, and speaking gives you a balanced approach. In addition to lessons in a classroom or online, try watching films or listening to music in the target language. These activities help you hear natural expressions, although they can sometimes feel difficult, though you may not understand every word at first.
Despite these challenges, progress is possible in spite of busy schedules or limited resources. Try speaking with native speakers. You can do this in person or online.
Support the show
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Here is the text for the B2 story today:
Priorities
Steve was a talented guitarist who had spent years trying to make it big. When his band finally got an album deal, he felt his dreams were coming true. But his wife, Laura, was tired of being alone with their two children. One night, she told him enough was enough: 'Spend time with us, or you'd better leave. We can't go on like this.'
Steve didn’t know what to say. He loved Laura. He had fallen for her at once years ago. He'd come across a little night club where they played jazz, and she was sitting at the bar, and it was love at first sight.
But music was Steve's life. He promised he’d cut down on late-night rehearsals and tours, yet every time he tried, the band had a new music project to follow up.
Laura tried to clear up their communication problems, but Steve kept thinking he could get away with spending just a little more time away. Eventually, she stopped believing his excuses.
One night, sitting alone in his studio, Jake realised he couldn’t do without his family. He packed his guitar and went home, ready to get down to what really mattered—being a husband and a father. The world might forget his music, but at least he wouldn’t lose the people who had inspired it in the first place.
Support the show
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Here is the script for today's B1 story:
The Sandwich Hero
In our town there used to be this chap, Tom. Every day, he sat near the market asking for coins or for a sandwich to eat. His clothes were dirty, and his hair was messy, I noticed he smelled a bit too. People didn’t pay him much attention. I couldn’t say I was fond of him, but I did feel sorry for him. He looked a bit depressed. I wondered if he’d had a difficult life. I used to give him money now and again.
I remember one cold winter morning, smoke began to rise from the baker’s in the High street. Soon, the fire filled the building. People just stood there watching. Quite honestly, I didn’t know what to do either. Where the baker was – I don’t know. Somebody called the fire brigade, but that was it. We all heard this crying sound from inside – a child crying. Then Tom appeared, and without delay, he ran into the burning building.
A few minutes later, Tom came out, coughing, with a small girl in his arms. The crowd clapped. The baker’s daughter was safe, thanks to him.
Then the fire brigade arrived. Fortunately, they didn’t need to save anybody. I think people felt ashamed of how they had felt about Tom. Now he was a hero.
The baker, who had left the baker’s for change when the fire started, gave him a new coat and a place to stay.
From that day on, people greeted Tom with smiles instead of cold looks. He no longer asked for money in the street as the baker gave him a job in the shop selling sandwiches.
Support the show
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Here is the B2 story for today:
A chance of a lifetime (B2)
Sophie had always led a busy life. Between her job at the hospital and her evening art classes, she hardly had a moment to relax. One Friday, after a long shift, she received a last-minute call from her boyfriend, Tom. He insisted she came to the old café by the river.
When Sophie arrived, the place was quiet, and Tom was waiting with a big smile. ‘You’ll never guess what’s happening,’ he said.
Sophie laughed sharply. ‘You’re such a liar, Tom. You said you’d gone to Italy on business for a few days!’
Tom nodded his head. ‘I did go. That was part of the surprise. I was planning something for you.’
He handed her an envelope. Inside was a plane ticket to Italy and a letter inviting her to an international art exhibition — her paintings had been chosen to be displayed.
For a moment, Sophie couldn’t speak. She had always lived for her art, but never believed it would lead anywhere. ‘I can’t accept this,’ she whispered.
‘Just enjoy it,’ Tom replied gently. ‘Don’t worry about work. You can’t live on stress forever.’
That evening, Sophie realised this was the chance of a lifetime — and she wasn’t going tomiss this opportunity. Last but not least, she now knew that Tom was a guy worth holding on to.
Support the show
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This is the B1 story I'm going to read to you today and the vocabulary I'll look at:
A helpful ghost (B1)
Detective Sam Green liked to hang around any place where strange things happened. One autumn morning, he arrived in a small town surrounded by a beautiful landscape of snowy mountain peaks.
The people there seemed friendly, but whenever Sam asked about the old castle on a nearby hill, they were silent. At night, lights could be seen in the windows, yet nobody had lived there for hundreds of years.
Sam had some knowledge of what people were like in this area, and knew the villagers were hiding something.
‘It’s better to keep this secret,’ one old woman admitted to him. ‘We don’t want the tourists to get frightened and leave. We need them.’
However, Sam kept on thinking about this mystery, watching from a distance and taking notes.
One foggy evening, he saw a soft light in the window. Quietly, he climbed the hill and broke in through the locked door. In an upstairs room, a simple lightbulb was attached to a battery and a clock.
Sam smiled. ‘Well, would you believe it?’ he said. ‘There’s nothing like a ghost to attract the tourists. If you don’t have one, you’ve got to invent one. Mystery solved!’
Support the show
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Norman Newbury has never won anything in his life, and then when a swimming competition comes up, Norman thinks he could, at last, win the trophy.
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1) talk things over with
2) kept in good shape
3) push himself
4) (feel) over the moon
5) took a deep breath
6) taken it for granted
The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold.
B1-level
1) achvmnt n. (something difficult you managed to de)
2) dscssn n. (talking among people)
3) rd v. (opposite of polite)
4) rcgnsd (saw somebody and knew who they were)
5) cmpttr n. (somebody in a competition)
B2-level
6) otstnding adj. (exceptional, very good)
7) trgc adj. (very sad)
8) prftbl adj. (a way that earns you money)
9) gggls n. (worn over the eyes when swimming)
10) astnshd adj. (very surprised)
To see the answers: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-205.htm
Support the show
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The B1 story today:
The Girl in the Painting
Sophie had been meaning to visit the old house on the hill for years, and she was surprised to see the door open, as though inviting her to visit.
Inside, the air was heavy and quiet. She glanced around the dusty room and saw an old mirror. In the glass, she saw a handsome young man smiling at her. She turned suddenly, however, there was no one there behind her. She turned back to the mirror. There was the same young man dressed in a smart dinner jacket and matching trousers, his dark, curly hair falling down onto his broad shoulders.
“Help yourself to some tea,” he said calmly, and pointed to a table with a silver teapot, plates and dishes with cakes.
Sophie wanted to escape, but the man’s deep, brown eyes somehow pulled her towards them, and then she disappeared into the mirror altogether.
When her friends came looking for her a few days later, the mirror was gone, and in its place was an enormous painting of a young couple in fine clothes taking tea and cakes. The gorgeous woman looking out of the painting, they recognised as Sophie. Her sad eyes filled with tears.
Support the show
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This is a B2 level podcast:
The Magic of True Friendship
Have you ever stopped to think what really makes a good friend? We all have people we hang out with, but genuine friendship goes beyond just having fun together.
A good friend is someone you can count on, no matter what. They listen when you need to talk, cheer you up when you’re feeling down, and tell you the truth — even when it’s hard to hear. Trust and honesty are key. After all, what’s friendship without trust?
With good friends, you don’t have to pretend to be someone else. You can be completely yourself — messy hair, bad jokes and all! They accept you for who you are and stand by you, whatever happens.
But can we really be good friends with lots of people? Honestly, I don’t think so. You can have many acquaintances, sure, but real friendship takes time, effort and care. You can’t give that to dozens of people!
In the end, it’s not about having loads of friends — it’s about having a few who truly matter. Because when you find those special people, you know you’ve found something priceless. So, who’s that person you can always count on?
Support the show
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Today, I'm going to read an article, which is similar to the articles you have to write if you're doing the B1 Cambridge PET exam.
Many people enjoy playing games in their free time. Some prefer board games like chess or Monopoly, while others like video games such as Minecraft or FIFA. But which type of game is more interesting to play?
Board games are great for spending time with family and friends. You can sit together, talk, and have fun face to face. These games often need players to think carefully and plan their moves, so they help improve memory and problem-solving skills. They also teach people how to be patient and work as a team.
Video games, on the other hand, are exciting because of their fast action and colourful graphics. They can take you to different worlds and let you do amazing things, like flying a plane or saving a city. Some video games help you think quickly and make decisions under pressure. Online games can also connect you with players from around the world, which is a great way to make new friends.
In my opinion, both types of games are interesting in different ways. Board games are better for real social time, while video games are more exciting and creative. From playing games, people can learn teamwork, problem solving, and how to think in new ways. No matter which type you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the game.
Here is a link to a Pdf extract from my book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" so you can see how it works and how it can help you reach a B1 English level.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/pdf/Bully-sample-with-explain.pdf
Support the show
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
A B2 -level stort for you today...
A True Champion
Sofia had always dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player. She trained every morning, even when she was tired, because she knew success would depend on her hard work. Some people tried to discourage her from doing so much training, saying she was wasting her time, but Sofia refused to listen.
Her first big tournament didn’t go well. She suffered a terrible defeat, and her confidence began to decline. Deep down, she felt that maybe everyone had been right. For a moment, she even hesitated to enter the next competition.
However, her coach reminded her that real champions never give up. He said that despite the fact she had lost she had learned something important. Sofia realised he was right. She returned to the court, determined to demonstrate her true ability.
In the final match, her opponent tried to deceive her with tricky shots, but Sofia stayed calm and focussed. This time, she won.
When she lifted the trophy, she smiled – not because of the victory, but because she had proved to herself that determination and a belief in yourself are stronger than fear.
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The Mystery of the Lake
Day after day, Lily walked past the old lake near her village. The elderly people of the village said it was dangerously deep, and that in its depths lived an enormous monster. In all her life, Lily had never seen anything, although she often wondered why there were never ducks or swans on the lake.
One summer morning, she decided to take her small boat and explore the lake herself.
As her tiny boat moved further from the lake’s edge, dark clouds began to form. The wind grew stronger, and waves started to crash against the side of her boat. She tried to turn back, but something sharp cut into the wood and made a huge hole. Lily thought she saw something just under the water – something powerful and dark that moved under the boat. It was huge like a whale. But no whale lives in lakes.
Water started to pour into the boat fast. Lily knew she had to deal with the situation quickly. She jumped into the cold water, swimming hard towards the shore. Her arms felt heavy, and her energy began to run out. Just when she thought she wouldn’t make it, a fisherman’s voice shouted from behind her. She knew him. He was a friend of her father’s. He grabbed her arms and pulled her on board. Lily was delighted to be rescued but shaking from cold and fear.
The fisherman smiled and said, “You were lucky! The last person who went out so far out into the lake never returned. You should stay near the shore.”
Now safe, Lilly sat in the back of the large, metal fishing boat. She thought about what she had seen under the water, and realised that perhaps what the elderly people of the village said might be true.
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The audioscript for today's B2 story:
If only we could go back
On Tuesday morning, Alice decided to call in sick, not because she was ill, but because the clouds outside looked like elephants marching across the sky. Today she felt like the little girl that she used to be many years before. She simply couldn’t be bothered to sit at her office desk when such wonders were happening around her.
She set off to the fields near her country home, carrying a picnic basket. A rabbit wearing a red jacket ran beside her and said, “You’ve picked a magical day for an adventure.” Alice asked the rabbit how it could talk, to which it didn’t reply, so instead she chose to change the subject and offered the rabbit a sandwich.
As they walked together, a clumsy, rather overweight fairy flew past, dropping fairy dust everywhere. She apologized for her carelessness, then laughed and raced through the air. Alice, trying to be cautious, didn’t touch the fairy dust, unsure what it might do.
“Don’t be so suspicious,” the rabbit said in a cheeky voice. “Magic works best when you trust it.”
Under normal circumstances, Alice might have turned back, but today she followed them, just as a little child follows that which is innocent and wonderful. And when they came to a golden door that appeared among the trees – inviting them to go in, Alice couldn’t face doing the safe thing anymore. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open, ready for whatever lay beyond.
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The story audioscript for the story. The B1 words are shown in black.
The missing actor
Detective Anna Jones had a long career solving strange crimes. One rainy night, the police had called her to a dark hotel outside the village to help them. A film actor and celebrity, John Kelly, had disappeared from his locked room. The manager had knocked on the door, to bring his dinner, but there had been no reply.
Unfortunately, the local police had been careless, and Anna realised they had touched and moved objects in the room. Anna couldn’t stand this lack of professional behaviour. It made her job even more complicated.
However, she couldn’t help feeling that probably there was a simple explanation to this mystery – despite the locked door. There usually was.
Although the window had been pushed shut, it wasn’t, in fact, locked. The actor had left by the window. The room was only on the first floor. But why?
‘Search the gardens around the hotel,’ she ordered. ‘He can’t have gone far.’
Walking through the rain, Anna went in a different direction from the police.
She came to a part of the huge gardens where there was a single lamppost, and in its light, a young man was dancing and singing holding an umbrella.
‘He’s mad!’ thought Anna.
John Kelly then saw Anna. ‘Hello,’ he said.
‘Good evening, Mr Kelly. I’m Detective Jones. We’ve been looking for you. Are you all right?’
John Kelly laughed. ‘Yes, thank you! Please don’t tell anybody. They’ll think I’m crazy. But I’m practising for a play in the West end – Singing in the Rain. I saw this lovely lamppost in the hotel garden, and it was raining. I thought what a wonderful opportunity!’
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
B2 story and vocabulary today. Here is the audioscript of the story and the B2 words in bold.
The Crown Thief
Detective Harris was on the point of leaving the police station when the phone rang. A robbery had taken place at the old museum. He grabbed his coat and hurried out.
At the scene, the guard looked bad-tempered. “This is a disgrace!” he shouted. “The thief just walked in and out. Nobody stopped him. There are three of us, but the robbery happened the other side of the museum. My colleague should have stopped the thief, but he did nothing it seems. I don’t understand why.”
Harris tried to stay calm. “Don’t be ashamed,” he said. “I’m sure you did your best. Now, tell me what happened.”
The guard explained that the lights suddenly went off in the entire museum. “Basically, I heard footsteps, then silence. But I thought it was my colleague checking on the situation. When the lights came back on, the gold crown in the medieval room was gone. With the lights out, it must have been a piece of cake to steal the crown.”
“Well. We should be checking on what your colleague has to say. Will he back up your story?” asked the detective.
“I can’t seem to find him,” said the guard. “That guy is a real pain. He’s never where he should be. He’s new, you see.”
Suddenly, they heard a noise behind a curtain. Harris pulled it back, and there stood a man with the missing gold crown in his hand.
“You again,” Harris muttered.
“You know him, sir?” asked the guard, amazed. “But that’s my colleague, George Rigby – he works as here a guard. He’s been working here for 3 months now.”
The thief tried to run, but the guard stopped him easily. Harris sighed with relief.
“Good work,” Harris said. “His real name is Jack Smith. He’s a well-known jewel thief. We’ve been chasing him for months. Well, finally I’ve caught him. Case closed.”
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
A B1-level podcast today with a story and a test on the B1 words and expressions:
A frightening experience at the airport
Read the audioscript of the story at:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-260.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This is the B2 podcast for this week.
Aidioscript:
The Fresh-food Market
See audioscript with B1 words highlighted at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-259.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
I'm back from my holidays!
Today I'm publishing the first B1 podcast of season 5 - five years helping intermediate students pass Cambridge exams.
I also have news of my new book just published on Amazon "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases
Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam.
Hear more on the podcast!
See audioscript with B1 words highlighted at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-258.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This favourite story for learners of B1 will be the last of the summer episodes before my return for season 5 next week. Enjoy the story!
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Here are some words that are not B1 and you'll need to understand the story.
Words which are outside the A1 to B1 levels
*Greenhouse - a building with glass sides and roof for growing plants in.
*Skin - the outside of some types of vegetable and fruit.
*String - a long piece of material used for tying things together.
*Ultraviolet (light) - a blue light with wavelengths shorter than violet light.
*Allotment - an area of land in a town which a person can rent or buy in order to grow vegetables on it.
*Gardener - somebody who works in a garden as a profession or for pleasure.
*Waiting list - a list of people waiting.
*Chimney - structure often made of stone that carries away the smoke of a fire through the roof.
*Fireplace - where a fire is made in a house to keep the house warm.
*Botanist - a scientist who studies flowers.
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This lovely story from the the American writer O'Henry, I completely re-wrote for B2 level.
Here is the vocabulary discussed:
Just around the corner. The means a place further on where we cannot see but is very close.
English proverb: The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. This means that life is better any place but where you are now.
hesitation - worried about doing something because you are not sure that it is the right thing to do.
impersonal - without friendly human feelings or atmosphere.
uncaring - not sympathetic about the problems or suffering of others.
loneliness - unhappiness because you have no friends or people to talk to.
vibrant and bustling - full of people moving about in a busy way.
optimism - a feeling that good things will happen.
look at someone in the eye - look directly into someone's face.
passers-by - people walking past in the street.
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Here is Part two of my popular story, Tsunami for learners of B1 English
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
I am still on holiday during August, so today I bring you a favourite of many listeners - the B1 story of Tsunami! (Part 1). Part 2 next week.
Enjoy it and enjoy your summer!
Mike Bilbrough
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
While I'm on my summer holiday, here is a repeat of a lovely B1 story - Part 2 of "Dad". I published Part 1 last Wednesday.
The verbs we are studying today are:
realize
drop
call out
weigh
admire
encourage
dive
appear
breathe
hug
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
I'm on holiday so I'm leaving you with a favourite story of mine "Dad" in 2 parts. This is a repeat of a podcast from September 2023. Next Wednesday, I'll publish part 2.
This is part 1 of a B1-level story for learners of English, especially Cambridge English. The story is called Dad. It's about a family fishing trip in Spain. Vocabulary about the sea, boats and fishing equipment...
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Comprehension questions for this B2-level story.
(I'm on holiday at the momento so leave you with a repeat episode.) Enjoy!
1) What reasons did Alberto's mother give Alberto for leaving the Alpujarra?
2) What did Gustavo mean by the comment "we're just victims of nature"?
3) The story says, "When Alberto saw the pink clouds at dawn, he knew bad weather was on the way". What was the saying mentioned in the story which told Alberto there was going to be a storm?
4) Why was Alberto worried when he saw the effects of the storm on the mountain?
5) Why did the picnickers run away from the pool?
6) Was this a true story?
I also include the transcript.
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This is about the trial in Australia that finished just last week and is popularly known as "The Mushroom Murders". Today, I'll ask the famous detective, Hércules Poirot (from Agatha Christie's novels) to explain to his exclusive audience of people involved in the crime and to us, the listeners of the podcast, what happened exactly, and who the murderer is.
This is a B2-level podcast with focus on the third conditional. e.g.
If I had studied more, I would have passed my Cambridge exams.
Listen for examples of the third conditional.
You can read the full transcript of Hércules Poirot's speech at my website:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-249.htm
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This is a B2-level recording and story with vocabulary about animal sounds and movement:
Animal words:
warren - where rabbits live together in the ground
roar - sound like a lion makes
thunder - sound like large animals running past
scream - high pitched sound that sounds angry or scared
hop - to jump (in humans - on one leg)
poke your head out - look out briefly from somewhere
twitching - quick movements like a rabbits nose or ears
crouch - when somebody or an animal moves their body down, or down flat to the ground
beast - an animal
whine - high pitched sound like a car engine when going fast, a dog 'crying'.
slip back in - move quickly into a place
hum - sound similar to that the bees make
B2 words:
beyond - further away than
generation - referring to people or animals, the sons, then sons of sons etc.
mutter - talk quietly
unfamiliar - something you have not seen before
tremble - shake, often with fear
whistle - sound made with lips, often with a tune
uneasy - a little frightened
giggle - a laugh like a little girl's
glance - look quickly
to fade - sound getting quieter
To read the Transcript of the story, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-248.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Hello, dear students!
Future continuous for fixed events, which are expected to happen. (This is B1 grammar with interest for B2 students too!)
will + be + verb+ing
I'll be giving a talk at that time, but I could see you afterwards for a coffee.
This time next week I'll be flying into paradise
I'll be seeing you soon, then. Yes. Holidays finish next week.
Not about making decisions but sth decided anyway
Shall I take you into town?
Don't bother
No bother. I'll be going to the shops anyway.
Polite - not to influence people's decision about plans
Will you be staying the weekend?
Yes, if that's OK with you.
Of course, we'd be delighted to have you stay with us.
Compare;
Are you going to stay the weekend?
(Come on! Tell me! I want to know now!)
Note often with non-ing verbs like want.
Will you be wanting breakfast tomorrow?
Yes, please!
Say what people are doing now.
Don't call now. They'll be having lunch at this time.
Well, the managers will be deciding who leaves and who doesn't.
I'm just hoping I won't lose my job.
For transcript of story, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-247.htm
For more help on Future Continuous, also listen to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-25.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Today, I’m going to talk about the family of ‘there is’! At first, that might seem very basic English grammar. Indeed, the phrase ‘there is’ is A1 level. However, at B1 and even B2 level, I must admit there are few students who talk about this family. Why? Because it’s not a structure that has a literal word for word translation in many other languages.
Anyway, let’s meet some of the family first of all. I can’t name all of them because it’s a very extended family tree. But here are some you might often meet while reading or listening to native English speakers.
There is, there are, there was, there were, there has been, there had been, there will be, there won’t be, there can be, there can’t be, there may be, there could be, there might be, there must be, there would be, there should be…
Read the transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-246.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
B1 Linking Words
Linking words join two sentences together. Here are the ones I mention during the podcast:
A Rainy Adventure
Tom wanted to go hiking. The sky looked grey but he didn’t mind – no problem
With linker: Tom wanted to go hiking, although the sky looked grey.
He packed his bag. He wanted to be ready the moment his friend Anna called.
With linker: He packed his bag in order to be ready as soon as his friend Anna called.
Anna wasn’t sure if they should go or not. The weather looked bad.
With linker: Anna wasn’t sure whether they should go or not because of the weather.
It was raining. So what? They decided to try. They wore boots and jackets. They didn’t wear their normal clothes.
With linker: Despite the rain, they decided to try. They wore boots and jackets instead of their usual clothes.
The rain was heavy. The trail was wet and muddy. If they walked slowly it would be safe. If they walked fast they might risk falling.. They chose to go slow.
With linker: Due to the heavy rain, the trail was wet and muddy. They could either walk slowly and be safe, or go fast and risk falling. They chose to go slow.
They reached the top. The rain stopped. The view was beautiful! They took photos and ate lunch.
With linker: Once they reached the top, the rain stopped. The view was beautiful! They took photos and ate lunch.
They were tired. They sat down and rested. They hoped the weather didn’t get worse. They wanted to stay longer.
With linker: Since they were tired, they sat down to rest. Unless the weather got worse, they planned to stay longer.
In the end, they were happy they went, the rain at the start wasn’t a problem. It was a fun day full of adventure.
With linker: In the end, they were happy they went, despite the rain at the start. It was a fun day full of adventure.
See the full transcript of the second story at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-245.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
For health reasons, I'm afraid I cannot share a new podcast with you today. I include instead, one of my favourite stories that I wrote for students studying for B1 English level: The Breath of the Mosquito as a complete version.
This extract will help you understand what the story is about...
'If… if something went back in time and existed in the past, something or somebody who was not there before, he/she/it would change time in the present. Things would not be the same when he or she returned. It would take just a moment, the tiniest movement in the past would have the effect like a stone thrown into a pond. The circles of effect would move out, growing and growing
for ever and changing the world as they go.'
'But, Emil,' interrupted his friend. 'I was only there for a minute or so.'
'Mathew, a minute is a long, long time. Listen to me, even the breath of a mosquito 33 million years ago would change the world and events in history as we know them today. Just one breath of a mosquito. Imagine how incredibly small that would be.'
Has time changed in the present? If so, in what ways?
Enjoy the story!
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Here are the B1 words we're studying today:
acceptable
accurate
amusing
annoyed
convenient
embarrassed
forbidden
grateful
hopeless
miserable
To see the transcript of the story:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-243.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
In today's B2 FCE story, you'll be listening to this B2 vocabulary:
heading for Paris
his hands were trembling
both thrilled and terrified him
doubting every shot
gazing out of the window
an old woman wiped her eyes.
the crowd clapped enthusiastically
as he nervously walked up
his anxiety forgotten
To read an annotated version of the full story audioscript go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-242.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
How to write the FCE story (B2 level) for the Cambridge exam. If you're not taking this exam, this episode will be useful for learning how to express yourself at B2 level in written prose.
You can see the transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-241.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
I apologise for not bringing you a new podcast this week. I leave you with chapter 1 of the Tudor Conspiracy (from an audio book and reader I published a few years ago). Hope to be with you next week with a new podcast episode!
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
These are the words I discuss today. They are linking words, essential for your B1 and B2 writing papers in the Cambridge exam.
Moreover
In addition,
Besides
What is more,
Furthermore,
Yet
To begin with,
In the same way,
Similarly,
Consequently,
See audioscript of story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-239.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
How to use 'if so' and 'if not' in dialogue.
A conditional clause to refer a previous direct or indirect 'yes-no' question where the answer might be ‘yes’.
Do you think we could study more grammar? If so, could you give us more help with tenses?
Is it possible to pay by credit card? If so, which card do you accept?
Does Mrs Smith like wine? If so, does she prefer white or red?
Could you tell me if she said anything about me? If so, what did she say?
I was wondering if we could meet one morning. If so, which day would you prefer?
Is this shirt your size? If not, we have plenty of other sizes.
Do you open at the weekend? If not, how can I pick up the vacuum cleaner I bought online?
I hope next Saturday is ok for you. If not, we can find another date for the excursion.
I'd like to know if we'll be going to the beach when I arrive. If not, what plans do you have?
See the transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-238.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
These are the four comprehension questions to read before you listen to the story.
1) What was the first thing Nigel did when he went into the shower?
2) What did Nigel decide not to have for breakfast that day?
3) Why did Nigel lose his job?
4) What reason did the doctor give for Nigel's death?
Answers are given at the end of the podcast
For complete transcript of the story, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-237.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Structure Summary
Would like / want / ask
I would like you to come to a party on Saturday
Object Clause (noun clause): you to come to a party on Saturday
Subject + verb + [object = (object pronoun + verb + more information)]
I / would like / you to come to a party on Saturday.
Other examples:
I would like you to come to a meeting on Monday to discuss the terms of the contract.
My parents want me to go on holiday with them this summer.
You asked me to tell you about the football match.
Make(verb that follow are without ‘to’ in the infinitive)
She makes me smile
Subject: She.
Verb: makes
Object: me – the direct object of makes
Complement (Bare Infinitive Verb): smile – this is the bare infinitive (infinitive without "to") following the causative verb make.
Other examples:
She makes me laugh when I'm feeling sad.
She always makes me angry!
Let(verb that follow are without ‘to’ in the infinitive)
Let me know if Monday is suitable for you.
You are eighteen now, your parents should let you do what you like!
I think you should talk with your parents and try to make them understand how you feel.
My parents are afraid of letting me go away by yourself, they still think I'm a baby.
HelpHelp (verbs that follow are with or without ‘to’.
Please would you help me find something better?
Indirect Object: me – the person receiving the help.
Bare Infinitive Verb: find – after help, we use the bare infinitive (you can say "help me to find" too.).
Other examples:
I wanted to help him (to) make some friends.
I hope that it will help you (to) keep fit.
I hope my advice will help you (to) decide where to go on holiday.
This hotel is terrible and I hope you can help me (to) find a better one.
For transcripts of jokes see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-236.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
LOOKING BACK FROM A POINT IN THE FUTURE - FUTURE PERFECT
I have studied / I have been studying English for/since...
(from the past to the present)
Next September, I will have studied / been studying English for ten years
(from the past to a moment in the future
I will have had this car for fifteen years next month.
I will have lived / been living in Seville for twenty-five years
This summer I will have been working for three years at the car factory.
The structure is the same for other verbs that use modal auxiliary verbs
I should study now
I should have studied in the past (but I didn't)
We call this the perfect infinitive.
I could work in the car factory
I could have worked in the car factory (but I didn't)
I might buy that sweater I saw in the shop window.
I might have bought that sweater I saw in the shop window. (but I didn't)
(Georgia on my Mind cover by M.A. Bilbrough)
Read the story transcript at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-235.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
These are the B2 time adverbs you should learn for the speaking and writing of the Cambridge FCE exam. Listen for them in the podcast, and decide which I am referring to in the dialogue section at the end of the podcast. (B1 students also invited!)
firstly, etc. lastly, (often at the beginning of a sentence)
instantly (often at the end of a sentence)
temporarily (often at the end of a sentence)
currently (often before a verb)
sharp (at the end of a time phrase)
precisely / exactly (often before a time phrase)
increasingly (often before a verb)
roughly (often before a time phrase)
continuously (often before a verb)
constantly (often before a verb)
permanently (often at the end of a sentence)
gradually (often before a verb)
simultaneously (often at the end of a sentence)
eventually (often before a verb)
seldom (often before a verb)
shortly (often at the end of a sentence)
To see the transcript of the dialogues, go to my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-234.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
'Rather' and its uses
FORM/USE: 'RATHER THAN' + PHRASE
B1
Use a specialist book rather than the Internet. A book is more reliable.
Take the stairs rather than the lift. It’ll keep you fitter.
FORM: 'RATHER THAN' + NON-FINITE CLAUSE
B2
I’d prefer to go camping rather than stay in a hotel. It’s nice to be out in the fresh air.
Rather than sitting around doing nothing, why don’t you go and do some sport. (instead of)
I’d rather take the bus than get the car out.
FORM: WITH 'RATHER A'
ADJECTIVES
B2
Actually, I’m rather bad/good at playing football. I’ve got two left feet.
She lives rather a long way from school, so she’s often late.
FORM: WOULD + RATHER + PAST
I’d rather + indirect object + past (but it’s not a past)
I’d rather you didn’t go to that concert next Saturday. I don’t think it’s suitable.
I’d rather you stayed at home and helped with the baby. I’ve got to catch up with some work.
See the transcript of the dialogue: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-233.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Stative verbs
Thoughts and opinions
believe
know
understand
suppose
think
(I would sit and think about her every day.)
(People used to think that smoking was good for you.)
Emotions
love
I used to love watching children's TV when I was a kid. TV programmes for kids used to be better then than they are now.
hate
dislike
detest
appreciate
Senses
see
(I used to see Jane every day as she walked past my house with the dog)
(I would go and see my grandmother every day at a café by the river)
hear (would listen to)
smell
(The bakery used to smell of delicious freshly baked bread)
(I would smell each flower as I walked through the field)
taste
(It used to taste like something out of this world)
(I would taste each wine and give my opinion)
feel (I used to feel upset every time my neighbour shouted at his dog)
notice
In the end, I never used to notice the planes flying over our heads.
Being
be
seem
appear
belong
have
(When I was a teenager, we used to have Dr Marten boots - it used to be the fashion)
(Every day my grandmother would have a bath, spending at least an hour in there.)
stand
(The castle used to stand by the river)
(He would stand by the door waiting for her to come home)
lie
(The cat would lie on the veranda enjoying the afternoon sun.)
(the village used to stand in the valley until it was flooded.)
Short story. Three hours between flights by F. Scott Fitzgerald (adapted to B1 level)
You can read the transcript here: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-232.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Emphasis is used with lots of auxiliary verbs:
- I MUST get to the shop before it closes.
- You SHOULD try and finish the painting today. I'm fed up with smelling paint all over the house.
- I do like your new tie. It's so colourful!
- I do want to go and see that new film Anora. You know, the film that won all those oscars.
- Well, I saw it. I don't think it's suitable for you, if your favourite film is the Sound of Music.
- I do wish it would stop raining. I can't get out at the weekend.
Third person:
- Mary does like new job. She has chances of promotion now that she never had before.
2nd person
- You know, you do annoy me with all the regaton music you play at full volume in your bedroom.
Past tense
- I did want to go away last weekend, but we gave up the idea because of the rain.
In negatives:
- You helped yourself to my biscuits again, didn't you?
- I didn't, actually. I'm on a diet. It must have been Yvonne.
Questions:
- Where have you been all this time, Peter?
- I borrowed your car, Mum. Just went out for a short drive.
- You did, did you? And without my permission. Well, you're grounded for the rest of the week.
To read the dialogue, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-231.htm
Podcasts on intonation
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-43.htm
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-97.htm
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-103.htm
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-197.htm
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-126.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The Visitors
This is the full version of my story The Visitors recorded in October of last year. The level is B2, but my B1 students are also invited, of course! ;-)
These are the comprehension questions: (the answers are further down - but don't look at those yet!!
1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why?
2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there?
3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it?
4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story?
Answers:
1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why?
‘Rescue mission!’ the admiral suddenly shouted and he looked irritated. ‘Who are they gonna rescue? I don’t need rescuing, thank you very much! I have a nice home and beautiful family right here on Honolulu Island.
2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there?
They hurried along the deck and in through a door that led to the bridge* - the highest part of the ship and the best place to get an all-round view of the surrounding darkening sea and sky.
3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it?
‘Sonar?’ interrupted Pierre. ‘Do you mean it’s under the water?’ The captain ignored him.
‘Estimated time of arrival?’
‘Four minutes, Captain! It’s incredible! There’s nothing that can travel that speed under water! I… I don’t get it!’
4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story?
‘Merde!’ said Pierre ('merde' is a swaer word in French) to anyone who might be listening to him. ‘They want nothing to do with us!’
(The alien spaceship had come to rescue the dolphins and whales of the ocean, and was not interested in making contact with the humans!)
Hope you enjoyed the story and learned some new language from it!
Mike.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Adjectives with hyphen at B1 level
good-looking (only with hyphen) - attractive (for people, often men)
well-known - a lot of people have heard of it and know it/him/her
old-fashioned (only with hyphen) - (often criticising something) not new, not in fashion
well-dressed - dressed in attractive clothes, smart, elegant
up-to-date - (usually technology) the newest in software, hardware, computers etc.
middle-aged - around 50 years old
face-to-face (only with hyphen) (also adv. came face-to-face with the burglar) - talk to somebody while looking at them in the same room.
out-of-date - (fashion, technology) not new, there are more up-to-date versions, or a more recent fashion, or more modern.
hand-held (only with hyphen) - held in the hand e.g. like a mobile phone.
next-door (adv. next door) - referring to your neighbours. They live next to you. A house with is next to another.
full-time - (work) a complete schedule. 40 hours a week, for example. Compare with 'part-time'.
self-service (only with hyphen) - (usually a restaurant) where you get your own food from the counter, no waiters or waitresses.
first-floor - on the first floor of a building.
second-hand (only with hyphen) - not new, has been used before.
We can also invent words by putting the adjective and noun together to make another adjective: dark-haired, short-haired, short-sleeved shirt, long-sleeved shirt.
Young people's slang in Great Britain
Ace - really good
Bog off - go away and leave me alone.
Bonkers - crazy
Chippy - fish-and-chip shop
Chuffed - really pleased
Fancy - want to do something
Snog - kiss
dead wealthy / dead boring
go for a spin
To see the dialogue, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-229.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/
My novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Words and expressions for emphasis- The reason is I like working with people, I have experience of looking after elderly people and I enjoy volunteering work.
-
The problem is I’m a little lazy, I am often late for work because I sleep in.
-
The fact (of the matter is) is that the planet is warming and many species are dying.
-
The fact is we need computers to function better in business.
-
It is true that a lot of accidents are caused by motorbikes. But the point is that the car if far more dangerous.
-
The thing is, he is in a wheelchair and cannot access his own house because of the high steps.
To read the full dialogue, go to my website at: Practising English, podcast 228...
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Future Forms in English
I'm not going to talk about future tense and predictions, but other uses of future tense.Going to and present continuous for future
Going to – plans and intentions that we have;
I'm going to pay Mum a visit later today. She's not feeling well.
Strong intentions.
I'm going to learn German next year. It's something I've always wanted to do.
Present continuous – something that had been planned earlier – some sort of planning has taken place. You have a plan now. That's why we often call this present –future. You've made an appointment, you've phoned somebody about it, etc. You might write these things in your diary – if you have one.
The Jones's are coming round to dinner this evening. (I've called them)
I'm having my haircut this afternoon. (I have an appointment)
But I could say those above with ‘going to' as well.
Be careful – present continuous doesn't work well if you want to express strong intention about something you've been thinking about doing, like your intention to learn German:
I'm learning German next year – does not express that intention.
Better:
I'm going to learn German next year, if it's the last thing I do.
I'm going to keep asking her until she says yes.
In British English, you'll hear present continuous used more with verbs of movement.
I'm just popping out to buy a newspaper.
Are you coming down the pub, Dave?
Where are you going for your holidays this summer.Will
Will does not talk about any planning at all. It describes actions in the future when you decided to do that thing at that moment.
I can't open this tin of tomatoes.
I'll do it for you!
Mum told me she was feeling lonely.
Really? I'll give her a call this afternoon.
So then we need to remember that when we talk about these future actions later. We just used the past tense of these forms.Past tense of going to
I was going to study German this year but I haven't started yet.
You said you were coming down the pub, Dave. Where are you?
The Jones's were going to come to dinner this evening, but they can't make it.
So the past tense of ‘will' is ‘would'
You said you would open this tin of tomatoes. Well you haven't done it.
See the dialogue at...
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-227.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here:https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Now it's interesting that we use get as a verb of motion. Often, when it's difficult to actually move. Have you noticed that we say,
Would you like to get into my car.
Now, you go into your house, you open the door and you walk in. You don't usually get into your house, but you get into a car. Why? Because you have to bend down usually to get in. So you get into a car. Perhaps you're up a ladder, you know, a ladder, which takes you upwards. If you're painting a wall, for example. And you don't like heights. So you find it difficult to get down the ladder. To get down. It means just to step down, to walk down the ladder.
Now, we might say, to get into a house, especially if there's some difficulty. For a burglar, for example, somebody who breaks a window and gets into your house that way. So last year, a burglar got into my house, he broke the window and opened it from the inside and got in and stole a television. So there, it's difficult because he has to break the window. So there we do say to get into the house.
I can't get in. The door's locked.
The old lady can't get across the road, there's too much traffic.
The cat's climbed up the tree, and now it can't get down.
Nobody can get to their homes because of the floods.
We've put the biscuit tin on the top shelf so that little Jonny can't get at/to it. (reach)
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-226.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Why my students say 'enter the classroom'Where there is movement, there's a preposition, and a preposition is used in the same way we use preposition of place (where things are)
He ran across the street.
The dog ran after the cat.
Go / run / walk / swim etc. along this street until you get to the crossroads and then turn right.
I walked among the all the people.
They travelled all around / round the country.
The little girl walked between her mother and father.
He ran down the stairs.
She got into her car and drove away.
The cat fell off the chair.
She got onto the motorbike and drove away.
The eagle flew over the mountains.
The train went through the tunnel.
She ran under the bridge.
My cat climbed up the tree.
To see the audioscript and more help, visit my website
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-225.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
In today's story, I'll be looking at some B2-level phrasal verbs.
I explain 5 of the phrasal verbs below in the podcast: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10. You can listen to all ten of these phrasal verbs. They are in the order you'll hear them.
1) figure something out - try to find the answer to a problem
2) get on with something - continue an activity you were doing earlier
3) get round to something - do one of the jobs that needs doing but you don't find time for it
4) go down with something - to get ill
5) get over a bad cold etc. - recuperate from an illness
6) live up to your expectations - when something is as good as you expected it to be e.g. a product you bought
7) put somebody up - give temporary accommodation to somebody
8) stick out - something can be seen because it is showing from inside something e.g. a handkerchief sticking out somebody's pocket
9) miss out on an opportunity - lose an opportunity you did not take advantage of
10) Get round to something (repeat of nº3)
To see the answers, please visit my website at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-224.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
To write a successful story for the Cambridge PET exam (Preliminary English Test)
Here is some of the help and advice I talk about in the podcast. I will also read you a model story.You are always given a first sentence, which you must use.
'When Jasmin looked down at the soft ground, she could see quite clearly that the tiger had recently come this way.'
Use of 'when' here. 'When ' is a good word to use in your story as it means you create a complex, 2-part sentence.Setting the scene - where the story is happening etc.
It was foggy in the early morning light, but she clearly noticed that something was moving in the long grass.
Here we can show where the action is happening, and things that can be seen from where we are. Note the use of past continuous.Putting the story into context by saying what happened before.
It had all started when she began hanging out with gamers*. They said she was a ‘natural’. So she had started training. All that time spent in the gym working out to get fit for the most realistic computer game ever.
Notice the use of the past perfect here to talk about what happened before the present moment in the story.Use of linking words.
Despite, however, although, so, because...Back to the present action...
She turned and set off again.
We now use past simple to describe the action in the story.Use of adverbs like, luckily, fortunately, unfortunately, slowly etc.
She fell about ten metres. Luckily, her fall was broken by a branch
Fortunately, she had not reached the bottom,
Although this world was not real, the tears on her cheeks were wet, and the cold morning fog and her fear made her body shake.
(linker 'however' - making the story exciting - what happened next?)
However, what happened next made Jasmin scream. The branch began to break - slowly, at first. You could also finish with a more classical ending than mine
Finally, her friends came to rescue Jasmine and took her out of the virtual world.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Strong B1 to B2-level story. Today, as I'm still on holiday, I'm offering you the complete version of the very popular story I published in September - A Window on Time. Read and listen to the comprehension questions before you start listening.
1) What was the bad news Geoffrey received at the beginning of the story?
2) What physical changes happened to Geoffrey when he entered the classroom for the first time?
3) Why did Geoffrey stay in the classroom and not make an attempt to get back to his own time?
4) What was the plan that Geoffrey, or Geoffer, Ken and Timmy made for 6.30 that evening?
5) Why did Geoffrey decide not to stay in the past as a teenager, and live his life again?
Below, are the answers. Please, don't look until you have listened to the story!
1) What was the bad news Geoffrey received at the beginning of the story?
He learned from the hospital that he possibly had cancer.
2) what physical changes happened to Geoffrey when he entered the classroom for the first time?
a) his skin was younger and fairer
b) he had lost his stomach - he now had a firm, flat tummy
c) his voice was higher pitched.
d) He was 14 again.
3) Why did Geoffrey stay in the classroom and not make an attempt to get back to his own time?
Because he was excited to at the thought of seeing his parents again.
4) What was the plan that Geoffrey or Geoffer, Ken and Timmy made for 6.30 that evening?
Ken was going to bring some cigarettes and they were going to smoke them.
5) Why did Geoffrey decide not to stay in the past as a teenager, and live his life again?
He realised he would make the same foolish mistakes, and he missed his wife and two children.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Victims of Nature Complete Version (B1, B2)
This is the full version of the two story parts published last September.
Comprehension questions
1) What reasons did Alberto's mother give Alberto for leaving the Alpujarra?
2) What did Gustavo mean by the comment "we're just victims of nature"?
3) The story says, "When Alberto saw the pink clouds at dawn, he knew bad weather was on the way". What was the saying mentioned in the story which told Alberto there was going to be a storm?
4) Why was Alberto worried when he saw the effects of the storm on the mountain?
5) Why did the picnickers run away from the pool?
6) Was this a true story?
There are some more exercises at my website:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-206.htm
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-207.htm
Answers to the questions above - please listen to the podcast first before you read the answers.
1) What reasons did Alberto's mother give Alberto for leaving the Alpujarra?
She said Alberto would be bored:
"You’ll be bored stiff. Only sheep, poverty and danger around here. Do you want to be a shepherd for the rest of your life?"
She said Alberto should be like his brother, Gustavo:
"Your brother took a risk and left. Look at him now. He’s taken charge of his life: he’s set up his own business in Granada - paying a mortgage on his flat. He has an expensive car and a lovely wife and baby."
She said Alberto would probably die in the Alpujarra:
Where’s that going to lead you?’ Off a cliff probably, off another cliff - just like your father, and tears fell down her cheeks.
2) What did Gustavo mean by the comment "we're just victims of nature"?
That the mountainous Alpujarra was too dangerous to live in:
This place defeats a human being. Those mountains are too big, too dangerous. You can’t beat them. Life here is beyond our control. This land will kill you in the end. Here, we’re just victims of nature itself.’
3) The story says, "When Alberto saw the pink clouds at dawn, he knew bad weather was on the way". What was the saying mentioned in the story which told Alberto there was going to be a storm?
“Red sky at night, shepherds' delight, but red sky in the morning, shepherds’ warning”, which means red clouds in the evening means good weather tomorrow, but red clouds in the morning bad weather that day.
4) Why was Alberto worried when he saw the effects of the storm on the mountain?
He was worried about the picnickers lower down the river in Trevelez:
"Every day in August the place was full of swimmers and picnickers. Those enormous wooden logs were rushing towards them. To make matters worse, they would fall over the waterfall down into the swimming pool below killing everybody in their path."
5) Why did the picnickers run away from the pool?
Because they were frightened when they saw Alberto:
At the sight of this mad-looking, bearded mountain man, who had apparently fallen out of the sky into the
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
B1 B2-level story with exra Christmas idioms included. I have re-written this story for my English students.
Ebenezer Scrooge visits his nephew for Christmas dinner and surprises Bob Cratchit with some astonishing news.
Phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase in the story? You can see the answers after you listen in the audioscript below.
1) Give somebody the cold shoulder
To be rude to somebody by ignoring them.
e.g. I think my colleagues were jealous I got a promotion at work, as they gave me the cold shoulder.
2) Christmas comes but once a year
We should take advantage of a special event and enjoy it - because they don't happen very often.
e.g. Let's stop arguing and enjoy ourselves at this party - Christmas comes but once a year.
3) Be in the holiday spirit
Mostly refers to Christmas holidays. To enjoy onself at Christmas, and forget work or studies.
e.g. I've put all my study books away. I want to be in the holiday spirit.
4) The proof of the pudding is in the eating
Only by actually doing something can we know something is really true.
e.g. I think I've fixed this computer, but let's switch it on and see. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
5) Skating on thin ice
Taking a big risk.
e.g. When John argued with the boss yesterday, he was skating on thin ice. He could lose his job.
6) A piece of cake
Something is very easy to do.
e.g. I can solve the puzzle of the Rubik's cube easily now. It's a piece of cake.
7) The more the merrier
The more people who join a group the better the event will be.
e.g. 'Can I join you and Mary for coffee?' 'Of course! The more the merrier!'
8) Feel at home (make yourself at home)
Feel comfortable in somebody else's home.
e.g. 'Please, take a seat. Make yourself at home!' 'Thank you, I feel very much at home.'
9) Be my guest
Said when somebody offers you food in their home.
e.g. 'May I have another biscuit? They're delicious!' 'Please! Be my guest!'
10) Make merry
to enjoy yourself at a party
e.g. I feel really tired today. Yesterday I ws making merry at Steve's birthday party.'
You can see the answers, and read the full transcript to the story at my website here: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-220.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
"Scrooge jumped out of bed and rushed over to the window, opened it, and put his head out. There was no fog, no mist; it was a clear, bright, cheerful day...."
This is the last chapter of Charles' Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol adapted to B2 level.
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each word?
1) seasonal - refers to a time of year e.g. seasonal decorations (during the Christmas season)
2) remarkable - a wonderful qualities, for a person, perhaps intelligent, clever.
3) astonished - very surprised
4) absurd - ridiculous, very strange
5) cautious - being very careful because you are suspicious about something
6) arrogant - showing yourself to be superior to others
7) uncertain - not sure about something
8) delightful - wonderful, lovely
9) worthwhile - you do it because you know the results will be positive
10) unbearable - you can't stand something, usually a situation you want to get away from it
11) exceptional - of superior quality than other examples of something
12) priceless - so valuable it has no price at all
To read the answers to the task, go to my webpage: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-219.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Jonathon goes to the bank to claim his prize, but he comes away with something he didn't expect.
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1, get rid of - try to make disappear
2, be taken in - makes you believe something bad
3, live for - be a very important thing in your life
4, fall apart - collapse, disappear so it exists no longer
5, see to something - make something happen
6, let somebody down - not help somebody so they are at a disadvantage
The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold.
B1-level
1, tk cr of something - do something very carefully
2, shv - cut hair from face or legs
3, accnt - where you keep money in a bank
4, lk up - check sth in a book, computer, etc.
5, b in tch with - keep contact with
B2-level
1, attmpt - trying to do something
2, qlfd - somebody with the training and experience
3, mnnrs - behaving politely
4, stnnngly - very, very much, amazingly
5, blngngs - things that are yours
To see the answers: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-218.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
English podcast story for B1, B2 levels (intermediate - upper intermediate) - Jonathon Baxter has spent ten years walking around Britain, playing his harmonica to survive. Then he decides to return to his home, but what will he find?
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1, more or less (finished etc.) = nearly
2, obliged to = you have to
3, not have the slightest intention = (used in the neagative) not want or will not do something
4, neither (inversion = e.g. neither do I like...) / neither... nor... e.g. I don't want to do neither one thing or the other
5, drop in = an informal visit
6) turn up = arrive without an appointment
Vocabulary test
The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold.
B1-level
1) ow - when you must pay somebody money because it is theirs
2) unbl - you cannot do it
3) brng up - the care and protection that parents give their children until they are adults
4) sgntr - your written name
5) lttry - tickets you buy to try to win a money prize
B2-level
1) dbt - the money you owe to somebody
2) dstrb - by making noise etc. other people get annoyed
3) incm - the money you earn in your job
4) py off - pay the money that you have borrowed
5) shbby - untidy clothes
You can find the answers at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-217.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
B1 words and expressions studied:
In this B1-level podcast today, I'll also discuss 6 interesting intermediate B1-level words, which you can listen for while you listen to the short story.
Intermediate-level words and expressions:
lack of something - not enough of something
get rid of somebody - tell somebody to leave
out of work - to have lost your job
try your best - do a task the best way you can
stay behind - to wait after others have left
consist of something - talks about the parts of something
To see answers and read the full transcript, go to my website:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-216.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
In this B1-level podcast today I'll use lots of important vocabulary and expressions to talk about daily actions. I'll also discuss 10 interesting B1-level words, which you can listen for while you listen to the short story.
I'll analyse these intermediate-level words and expressions:
no going back - you cannot go to where you were earlier, or if you start something, you cannot leave it but must carry on.
warning - a notice or something spoken to tell us to be careful of a danger
damage your health - to harm (B2) or do something that can make you ill
step into / step out of - go in or out of something you get to by using your feet
fresh - can mean cool, such as a cool breeze (but not cold); it can also mean not bad when referring to fruit; or it can mean 'new' such as 'fresh ideas'
admire - to look at a picture etc. and realise you like it; or to look up to somebody (B2) when we think somebody is wonderful because of their qualities.
backwards - moving in the opposite way from forwards; or something like a word seen the other way around e.g. ENGLISH = HSILGNE
funny - amusing, it makes you laugh; also strange or peculiar
topic of discussion - a subject to talk about
can't help + verb + ing - something we do but perhaps should not do like eating too much chocolate.
For answers and transcript of story, see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-215.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The upper-intermediate phrsal verbs studied in today's episode are:
look up to - admire somebody because of their qualities
fall apart - to break into pieces, probably because it's old
date from - saying how old something is, from what year something is
think sth over - consider something carefully
take on - offer a contract of work to somebody
miss out - not to take advantage of an opportunity which would bring benefits
come across - find something unexpectedly, find something you were not looking for or didn't expect to find
do without - not need something, even though it may or may not help you
Listen for the phrsal verbs in the story and not down the context. Youbcan find the answers at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-214.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This is another podcast on B1 intermediate phrasal verbs - those a little difficult to learn. The ones I will talk about are:
put on - to switch on or activate some device (electrical?)
sign up - to join or becme part of a club etc.
show up - to arrive somewhere unexpectedly.
deal with - to try to resolve a problem
take up - to begin a new sport, hobby or other activity
carry on - to continue, often when things seem difficult.
Listen to the context these phrasal verbs are used in during the story. Answers are given at the end of the episode. You can read the full transcript of the story and read the answers at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-213.htm
Solidarity with the people who have suffered after the Valencia storms (Spain)!
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The six B1 phrasal verbs studied are:
give up - stop doing some activity e.g. smoking, or a game because you are losing.
end up - to finish in a place probably you didn't expect to find yourself in.
put off - to do some activity at a later time.
set off - to start a journey.
run out - to find you have no more of something e.g. petrol in your car, milk in the fridge.
look forward - wait excitedly for an event to happen.
For story transcript and answers: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-212.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Intermediate (B1) and upper-intermediate (B2) English expressions and vocabulary.
Words to explain:
binoculars - a device used to see objects far away
UFO - unidentified flying object (alien spaceship)
What the hell is going on? - What is happening?
fin - wing-like structure of a creature that lives in the sea
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1, failed to comprehend
2, under the impression
3, get straight to the point
4, It goes without saying
5, taken somebody's word for it
6, I don’t get it
The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold.
B1-level
1, swtchd off - turned off
2, accrt - precise
3, brz - a light wind
4, srrndd - were on all sides
5, dcrsng - less and less
B2-level
6, cmpsd of - made up of
7, drknng - losing light
8, ignrd - did not look at or speak to
9, incrdbl - hard to believe
10, Srly - of course, obviously
Find all answers at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-211.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Words to explain:
extraterrestrial - from another planet
alien - life from another planet
life forms - beings which are living
electro-magnetic field - this surrounds the Earth and protects us from harmful rays from space
orbit - going around the sun etc.
meteorite - an object that may crash into the Earth
evolve / evolution - life that grows and changes over long periods of time
cosmic - from the universe
comet - a huge ball of us that flies through space
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1) Nevertheless
2) no expense spared
3) you've got another thing coming!
4) evidently
5) up to one's eyes
6) in the middle of nowhere
The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold.
B1-level
1) knwldg - what is known
2) ancnt - very old
3) dstntn - the end of your journey
4) plnt - Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars etc.
5) elmntry - easy
B2-level
6) wsdm
7) uncnvncd
8) figr ot - find a solution
9) ovrxctd - too nervous
10) hbtbl - a place where life can exist
See the answers at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-210.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The second part of my story A Window on Time.
Strong B1 and B2-level story.
Words to explain:
detention - in schools this was (is?) a punishment for children. We had to stay in a classroom during the lunch-break and do extra homework
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1) to feel faint
2) Naturally,
3) tremble with excitement
4) hit it off
5) stick together
6) stand by somebody
The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold.
B1-level
1) uncmfrtbl adj. a chair, for example, that is not nice to sit in because it is too hard etc.
2) blvd v. thought something was true
3) cmplnd v. said he didn't like something
4) aplgy n. saying sorry
5) mngd t v. was able to
B2-level
6) astnshd adj. very surprised
7) rvrsng v. going backwards
8) trvl adj. not serious at all
9) pndng v. beating hard e.g. your heart
10) bd-tmprd adj. angry, in an angry mood
For the answers to the questions above, see https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-209.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send me a text.
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context they are used in during the story.
1) deep in thought
2) Strangely enough,
3) strictly forbidden
4) an exception to the rule
5) the situation had become unbearable
6) the truth of the matter was
B1 words from the story: what are they?
1) prvs adj. what happend before
2) shckd n. very surprised in a bad way
3) prvntng v. stopping
4) apprchd v. got closer
5) aplgs v. say sorry
B2 words from the story: what are they?
6) rclld v. remember
7) prsmbly adv. supposedly
8) grdlly adv. little by little
9) strd v. looked at somebody in a long hard way
10) frd v. be frightened of
Answers to word test given on 1st October
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send me a text.
Part 2 of my exciting story Victims of Nature for students studying B1 and B2 English.
Words to explain:
shepherd = somebody who looks after sheep in the countryside
raft = a small flat boat
flock of sheep = a group of sheep
waterfall = where water falls vertically down from a high rock
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1) All of a sudden
2) scared him stiff
3) To make matters worse
4) it went without saying
5) Out of breath
6) shout at the top of his voice
The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold.
B1-level
1) prdctd v. said what would happen in the future
2) crshd v. hit sth hard
3) clff n. a long vertical drop down in the countryside
4) stt n. a stone model of a person
5) fld n. when the water from a river, etc. covers the land
B2-level
6) trmnds adj. to a large extent, very much
7) ignrd v. did not take notice of because it seemed unimportant
8) shllw adj. not deep (water)
9) rg n. anger
10) exhstd adj. very tired
For answers to the above, go to https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-207.htm You can also see a video clip on this page of the flood mentioned in the story!
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send me a text.
A Strong B1 and B2-level story based on a real event this summer in the Alpujarra mountain region of Southern Spain (Granada).
Words to explain:
shepherd = spmebody who looks after sheep in the countryside
raft = a small flat boat
flock of sheep = a group of sheep
waterfall = where water falls vertically down from a high rock
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1) The reality of the situation...
2) take charge of...
3) he held on for dear life...
4) What’s the point of...
5) be bored stiff...
The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold.
B1-level
1) dsty adj. covered in a fine layer of dirt, sand, etc.
2) shd n. the dark are under a tree, for example, where the sun does not shine.
3) strm n. a small river
4) dprtr n. opposite of arrival, where you leave from, going away
5) end p v. finish, where an event has its end.
B2-level
6) unblvbl adj. something you find difficult to think is true
7) pctrsq adj. very pretty scenery e.g. mountains, woods etc.
8) wtty adj. clever with words
9) undrstndbl adj. when you respect somebody's feelings and feel what they say is true
10) thrtnng adj. something that could hurt or harm us, it could be dangerous
Read the answers at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-206.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send me a text.
One way or another, Norman imagined that other people regarded him as an underachiever. He became obsessed by what his colleagues at the supermarket might call him when he was not listening. What about Norman Nobody or Norman Nothing in Particular. Norman was a man who was of the opinion that life had not treated him fairly...
This is a strong B1 to B2-level story.
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1) talk things over with
2) kept in good shape
3) push himself
4) (feel) over the moon
5) took a deep breath
6) taken it for granted
The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold.
B1-level
1) achvmnt n. (something difficult you managed to de)
2) dscssn n. (talking among people)
3) rd v. (opposite of polite)
4) rcgnsd (saw somebody and knew who they were)
5) cmpttr n. (somebody in a competition)
B2-level
6) otstnding adj. (exceptional, very good)
7) trgc adj. (very sad)
8) prftbl adj. (a way that earns you money)
9) gggls n. (worn over the eyes when swimming)
10) astnshd adj. (very surprised)
For answers, listen to the podcast, and go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-205.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send me a text.
The Winds of Bolonia (B1 Story with new comprehension questions)
I wanted to publish this story together with the Para-olympics in Paris. I was watching it on television. It shows how positive attitudes, strength, determination are not qualities limited to those athletes in the Olympics we saw earlier this summer, but that persons with disabilities are no different and share the same qualities.
The heroine in my story today, The Winds of Bolonia (B1 level) is about a young girl in a wheelchair. Her story is a success story, not because she learns how to be better than her disability but because she has a disability.
Comprehension questions and vocabulary test for the complete story (read before you listen)
1) Why was the wind a problem on the island of Bolonia?
2) What was Ainimos' favourite hobby?
3) Why was Animos in a wheelchair?
4) Did Animos pass the university entry exam?
5) Why did Animos feel positive at the end of the story?
The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out of each word (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold.
1) pnfl adj. (hurts very much)
2) lkd frwrd t v. past (waited for an event and wanted it to happen soon)
3) prvntd v. past. (stopped her from doing something)
4) sns of hmr (be funny, know how to make people laugh; laugh at good jokes)
5) old-fshnd adj. (not modern, not in fashion)
6) hpfl adj. (feeling good about what is going to happen)
7) at lng lst (in the end, finally)
8) rmnd qt (continued not saying anything)
9) cldn’t blv hr eys (she saw something but she didn’t think it could be true)
10) injrd v. past (hurt yourself e.g. in an accident)
See all answers at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-204.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send me a text.
Comprehension questions and answers for the complete story.
1) Why did Benjamin decide to go back to the hotel?
2) How did Jessica know Benjamin was staying in the Borromeo Hotel?
3) Where did Benjamin move to when fe left school?
4) What did Benjamin think the old woman was doing on the stairs?
5) What did Benjamin plan to do with Jessica?
6) Why did Benjamin's son, Logan, leave the car at the end of the story?
You can see the answers to these questions at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-177.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send me a text.
Comprehension questions to read before listening to the complete B1-level story:
Who was Sidney Peabody?
1) What was unusual about the way Sidney Peabody looked?
2) According to Simon Fotheringay, the journalist and reporter, why did Sidney Peabody perform the miracle in Benalmadena?
3) What did people do in Madrid just before Sidney Peabody said the words: "I wish it would rain!"?
4) After talking to his friend, Stephen Smithers, who did Simon think Sidney Peabody was?
5) Did the detective believe Sidney Peabody wanted to help others by making it rain?
You can find the answers at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-158.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send me a text.
This is the complete B1-level story of The Spaceman (first published in 2022)
Comprehension questions for story
1) Why was Max Headroom angry at the beginning of the story?
2) What were the space-time doors?
3) Who was the old man in Max's bedroom?
4) Why did Max and his wife, Sheena, separate?
5) Do you think Max and Sheena got back together again?
I'll give you the answers at the end of the story.
Think about this question below. You can send your written answer at the link at the top of this page "send me a text" (mobile phones only)
If you as a much older man or woman came to visit you now from the future, what would he or she (you) tell you that you should stop doing before it's too late?
Transcript.
The transcript below is for the first part of the story (until you hear the music). Listen carefully to the rest of the story and try to answer the questions 2 to 5 above. (Answers at the end of the podcast.)
Max Headroom felt very annoyed. As he looked out of the side window of his tiny spaceship, he could clearly see the red paint falling off the back wings. Max remembered the words of the advertisement at his local spaceship garage.
Special offer - this week only!
Small-sized spaceships painted at half-price!
Why hadn’t he taken his spaceship* to the garage last week? Now it was too late for the special offer.
Max turned away from the side window and looked forward through the front windscreen. Bright stars filled the black space ahead of him. It was another wonderful weekend away in space for Max. He really looked forward to his weekends.
Max opened the computer screen and turned on the display. He could now see the space social network groups and who was online. Max found a few of his friends. Dekker was in his own spaceship*. He had just left the planet Gonda. Baxter and Bleeper had been in space since Thursday and were close by. Max touched Dekker’s avatar on the screen. Dekker replied immediately.
‘Hi, there, Max! How are you?’ said Dekker.
‘Fine,’ answered Max. ‘Good to hear from you, Dekker! Let’s do some space travel!’
‘Sure!’ said Dekker. ‘I’ll contact Baxter and Bleeper. The space cowboys are gonna have fun! Wahoo!’
They enjoyed going to the typical holiday planets around Vega with their hot and sunny weather, luxury hotels, enormous swimming pools and noisy night clubs.
However, Max and his friends chose to go to a completely different planet this time – a holiday planet called Bluewater. Not many people travelled there and Max had to choose a different flight route.
First of all, he had to fly past the planet Darkhole, which was where strange non-humans* lived in dirty, smelly houses. They hated visitors from other planets and if they had the chance they would attack and rob them. Even the space police wouldn’t go to planet Darkhole.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send me a text.
Today I'm giving you the full version of my B1-level story (with some B2 English)
Tsunami!
Here are 4 comprehension questions for part TWO of the story, which starts after the written transcript has finished.
1) What did Yannick think Melville's name was?
Mr Tsunami
2) Which was the last accident that stopped Melville and the French family from escaping from the beach?
But that jeep was going nowhere that day. It hit a rock hidden under the sand, which made it jump to the side and turn over completely - everybody with it.
3) What happened to the Tsunami? Why weren't Melville and the French family killed?
The huge wave divided in two – like a pair of curtains at a window. Each half dropped in height to just a few metres and moved down to the sides of the island and disappeared.
4) What did Melville look like?
Melville stood there in front of them, dark-skinned, handsome, long black curly hair and beard, looking larger than life - like a Greek god.
To read the trandscript go to https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-200.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send me a text.
These are the two stories I chose for the story task I gave you at podcast 197.
Story 1
Mrs Jones was 82. Her husband had died many years ago, so she lived alone with her cat. She had a large vegetable garden, and she kept fit by working there every day.
But she was often unhappy, because she remembered she had lost her wedding ring many, many years ago. It was like a treasure for her.
One day, she was in the garden pulling carrots out of the ground. Suddenly she saw the ring. A carrot had grown inside it.
'Well, well, well. After all these years!' she said.
(Yolanda, La Coruña, Spain)
Story 2
Yvette was a very responsible girl, although she was only 12 years old. One evening, her parents decided to go out for a meal and leave Yvette at home to look after her brother, who was 10.
Yvette sat in front of the fire and read her book. It was a big old house and some people said it had a ghost.
Suddenly, Yvette's mobile phone rang.
'I am the ghost of this house, and I'm coming to get you!' said a voice.
'See you in a bit, then,' she said, and hung up.
Then her little brother came in.
'Why weren't you frightened,' he said.
'Stop playing silly games and go to bed,' said Yvette.
(Aleksy, near Warsaw, Poland)
Thank you for your contributions!
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send me a text.
There are 4 questions for you to answer while you listen to the story:
The questions are:
1) What did uncle Tom make so he didn't have to get up early?
2) When they were on the boat, where did Stephen Liddel put the box of beer?
3) What did William's Dad do wrong that made him lose the fish?
4) Why did Uncle Tom fall into the sea?
At the end of the story, I'll tell you the answers.
You can also answer the question:
Is there a hero in your family? Who is it?
You can send me your answer by clicking on the link above: Send me a Text. You can only do this from your mobile phone.
I'll read out answers on next week's podcast - July 29th 2024. Please include a name and the country you are from.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send me a text.
Here are the rules for the story-writing activity.
- The story must include at least one of the phrases 1 to 8 shown below.
- The subject of the story can be anything you like.
- The story should not be longer than 80 words.
- The story can only be sent from the link on mobile phones "send me a text" at the top of this page in your podcast app.
- Please include your name and the country you are from at the bottom of the text.
- The last day for sending the story is 28th July 2024.
- I'll read two or three of the best stories on my podcast.
1) The voice sounded rather weak, sleepy even.
2) I’ve got a few hours. I thought we could meet up.
3) Thoughts began to go through Stephen’s mind
4) 'Why don’t you come over?' Jane suggested.
5) ‘See you in a bit* then,’ she said and hung up.
6) On such a small island, everybody knew everybody else
7) 'Well, well, well. After all these years!' she said.
8) She had to move piles of papers off the sofa, so Stephen could sit down.
See the full transcript of the story extract at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-197.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send us a Text Message.
Today I have joined the two halves of The Quiet Man together so you can enjoy this story in one complete story.
I briefly discuss intonation and give you a task to listen to while enjoying the story.
For more podcasts on intonation at Practising English, go to podcasts: 126, 109, 43, 103. See the podcast numbers at my website...
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-content.htm
The Quiet Man
First part of story. Stressed words are shown in bold:
‘Come on, you’ll like them! They really are super people!’
Simon Willoughby wasn’t convinced. He had never been keen on theatres and actors.
On the only occasion Simon had actually been to the theatre, he had felt terrified. On this visit, he was sitting just two rows back from the front, when, during the play, one of the performers had come down from the stage. She asked if someone would like to come up and take part in the play. As nobody raised their hand, the actress came among the audience to look for someone.
For one terrible moment, Simon thought it was going to be him. He closed his eyes, and his heartbeat raced while sweat poured off his face and hands. Fortunately, for Simon, the actress chose another person, who had been sitting right next to him. Simon could breathe normally again. In fact, feeling worried that the same thing might happen later on in the performance, Simon got up and quietly walked out of the theatre. He’d never been back.
How he had become friends with his department’s manageress, Simon couldn’t even guess. She seemed to like him. Her name was Phillipa, and she had asked Simon to come into her office to talk about his work in the company. He couldn’t really understand why he deserved the attention. His work as a computer programmer was hardly important, as what he did was simple and even rather dull.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send us a Text Message.
Extracts from my stories with examples of SO and REALLY Here are the 4 extracts from my stories I use in this podcast to give examples of the use of SO and REALLY as intensifiers.
Extract 1:
'The fishmonger,' corrected Vanessa again. 'The person who sells fish is called a fishmonger.'
'The fishmonger was REALLY big and fat,' added Jason. 'Then Gran pointed to the fish man and said to me, "Do you know what this gentleman's name is?" And I said, "No, I don't." And Gran said, "His name's Mr Whale!" And Gran laughed, and the big fat fish man looked at me with his big red face and laughed, and everybody in the shop laughed, but I didn't laugh because I didn't understand what was SO funny.
Then Gran said it again, "His name is Mr Whale!" So I said "Oh! I see! His name is Mr Whale, and he's REALLY big and fat like a whale!" And then everybody stopped laughing, and Mr Whale went redder in the face, and then looked the other way, and Gran was REALLY annoyed, but I didn't understand why.'
'Stupid!' said Vanessa angrily. 'It was funny because his name is Mr Whale and he's a fishmonger. Don't you see?'
For extracts 2, 3 and 4, visit my website at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-195.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send us a Text Message.
**Writing the B1 article.
(If you are interested in my podcast about writing the B1 story...*https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-128.htm* )
These are some general, very important words I recommend you learn for writing in any part of the PET exam. You won't be able to use all of them, but try to use some at least:**
**unless, available, suitable, encourage, increase, intend to, involve, keen to/on, supposed to, unable to. (Which words do I use?)
These are the usual topics that come up for the article, Try to learn a few B1 words and expressions related to each topic.**
work (adults only),
shopping,
Travel and transport.
Entertainment.
Leisure activities.
Sport, health and fitness.
Education.
News and media. (adults only)
Technology.
My topic today for the article today: Sport, health and fitness.
You see this notice in your school magazine. Write an article about young people and how to be healthy. Do you think it is important for young people to do sport and keep fit? Why?
Which are the best ways to stay healthy?
The best articles to answer these questions will be published next month.
Write your article.
Vocabulary for this topic: (which words do I use?)
fitness
illness
unfit
unhealthy
disease
aches and pains
injure
keep fit
recover
join a club
competition
compete
court
pitch
Swimming, the best way to exercise.
In this world where mobiles and video games are available to everybody, keeping fit isn't always easy. Do you find time to exercise?
I'm really keen on swimming, so I joined a club, where I go nearly every day, and I feel great! However, my brother’s idea of leisure is playing video games! Now he has a weight problem, he’s unfit, and complains of aches and pains. He's unable to swim one length of our local pool!
**Although TV and video games are fine sometimes, I encourage teenagers to swim because it keeps you fit and healthy. Be free of pain and start swimming!
So I used the following general B1 words: available, keen on, unable to, encourage.
And the following specific words related to the topic: keep fit, joined a club, unfit, aches and pains.**
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send us a Text Message.
Expressions to memorize
1) There is a decline in the numbers of lynxes. (usually negative)
The decline in the number of tourists.
2) It is extremely important that we finish this project on time.
It is crucial that we finish this project on time.
3) Tigers are an endangered species.
Tigers are a threatened species.
Bees are becoming threatened by the use of pesticides.
4) Forests are disappearing very quickly.
Unemployment is increasing at an alarming rate. (usually negative)
5) Preventing climate change is becoming more and more difficult.
Preventing climate change is becoming increasingly difficult.
Language learning has become increasingly important.
6) We were very confused trying to understand the menu in Chinese.
We were very puzzled trying to understand the menu in Chinese.
7) Everybody in our group was unhappy with the service at the restaurant.
Everybody in our group was dissatisfied with the service at the restaurant.
8) The tourists were all very happy after the party.
The tourists were all very content after the party.
9) We thought the Swiss mountain scenery was incredibly beautiful.
We thought the Swiss mountain scenery was breathtaking.
Some of their football was breathtaking, a delight to watch.
10) He didn’t get up in time, so he missed the bus.
He failed to get up in time, so he missed the bus.
FCE Writing Paper (Part 1)
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your points of view.
People need to do more to protect the environment. Do you agree?
Notes:
1, Recycling
2. Using bicycles and public transport
3. .......... (your own idea)
People need to do more to protect the environment. Do you agree?
The topic of the environment is an increasingly worrying issue. How much consumers should be involved in caring for our planet is a subject that needs to be discussed.
We should all feel dissatisfied with the current situation of waste. Recycling is available to all of us. Providing local governments place bins near our home, surely, the consumer alone must be responsible for their own recycling.
Secondly, taking the bicycle or public transport instead of the car is an option we should all choose. On the other hand, if local government fails to provide proper bicycle lanes or transport services, our choice may be limited.
Thirdly, as forests disappear at an alarming rate, and animal and plant habitats decline, consumers need to make better choices when shopping to protect our threatened ecosystems. Therefore, it is crucial we buy more goods that come only from renewable forests, and clothing and food produced ecologically.
In conclusion, I find it puzzling that so many people believe irresponsible governments alone will take care of our planet. We should not feel content that everything will be done for us. Instead, both governments and consumers must become more involved.
(194 words)
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
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Introduction to part 2 of The Breath of the Mosquito
Emil Zimmermann, professor of astrophysics at Corpus Christi College, Oxford University sat back in his leather chair and studied the colourful feather, he was holding in his hand, through his thick glasses.
‘Incredible!’ he said. ‘You say it comes from an extinct* type of bird, don’t you?’
Mathew was sitting the other side of Emil’s huge wooden desk, covered in piles of papers.
‘That’s what we believe, yes, Emil. It came from a bird called Geranopterus alatus, we have found them as fossils from the Eocene period. It stood about thirty centimetres high, so it was quite a large bird. If it was still flying about the county of Oxfordshire, somebody would have seen it.’
Here are some of the "space" words that you will hear in the story:
‘Yes, of course. That’s true, but it’s not exactly what I meant,’ Emil continued. ‘Our Earth, the sun, and all the planets in our solar system are moving through space, as we go round or orbit the centre of our galaxy. In fact, the Earth and sun are moving at 720 thousand kilometres per hour in their galaxy orbit. But, we then also have to consider the speed of the complete galaxy. All the galaxies are moving through the universe at enormous speeds. In 4 billion years from now, we will crash into Andromeda, our nearest neighbour galaxy.’
‘That’s amazing,’ said Mathew. ‘But, what are you trying to say?’
‘This means that if you travelled back in time on Earth 33 million years and lived to tell the story afterwards, you must also travel back to where the Earth was situated 33 million years ago.’
Emil looked hard at Mathew. ‘Earth, Mathew, was many, many light years away from where it is now 33 million years ago!’ said Emil loudly. ‘A time traveller must also be a space traveller, an astronaut!'
I'll also talk about the use of Question Tags.
You can listen to how they are used, and why we use them.
There are also some exercises on Question Tags at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar-exercises/question-tags_2.htm
Answer to the question -
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send us a Text Message.
This is a B1-level short story in two parts.
Professor Mathew Pearson, a paleontologist and professor at Oxford University, made an incredible discovery when he found a skull. Tests are done and the results are extremely surprising...
Technical vocabulary in the story
Prehistory / A prehistoric scene
paleontology
fossils
The Jurassic period (finished 145 million years ago)
The Eocene period (finished 33m years ago)
skull
The prehistoric animal mentioned in the story is a sarkastodon.
B1 vocabulary I discuss at the beginning before the story starts
The weather forecast
seriously hurting the planet
spectacularly beautiful buildings
A friend had introduced them to each other.
Christine had encouraged him to keep on going.
explain in detail
We must keep it a secret.
changed the subject
taking all this extremely seriously
Sorry, if I kept you waiting!
'I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure,’ said Mathew.
There was an embarrassing pause.
without any doubt
Listen for these phrases and enjoy the story.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Send us a Text Message.
This is the third and final part of the story 'The Harmonica Players'.
Here are the B2 phrases I discuss in the podcast.
1) This was not the familiar peaceful atmosphere of Oxted.
2) He found London rather threatening.
3) An awful lot of unfamiliar people who packed the streets.
4) You were swept along by dense, hostile crowds of total strangers.
5) A black man in a hat, moving quickly towards Jeffrey in the opposite direction, bumped straight into him.
6) Jeffrey, although in his fifties, was quite a well-built man, so managed to keep his feet.
frostily
coldly
icily
Which one do I use in the story?
7) 'That’s my wallet!' said Jeffrey ????. 'What do you want from me?'
8) Jeffrey felt he had no choice. He reluctantly took out his own harmonica from his pocket.
9) While Jeffrey was still trying to figure out what he had meant by that comment.
10) He wasn’t ready, but he wanted to give it a go. (I also use give it a try, which has the same meaning,)
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
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Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
In Part 2 of my story, The Harmonica Players, I’ll be talking about racial prejudice. That means the irrational distrust and dislike of people from other countries. My motive for bringing up this topic and creating Jeffrey, a man who is very prejudiced against foreigners, has been from the unfortunate policy by the current Conservative party in the UK, who have proposed and are about to carry out flying immigrants, who have arrived illegally into the UK, to the African country of Rwanda.
This is a B1 to B2 level English story.
B2 vocabulary discussed in the podcast:
foreigner
native English
"I don’t know what this country is coming to. More foreigners than native English."
In contrast to
primarily
"In contrast to the London area, Oxted was primarily a small town of white people."
respectable
"All respectable, traditional people. Proper English people, Jeffrey would say. "
upbringing
"His upbringing had always been in country areas, away from cosmopolitan* cities. "
distrusted
"He distrusted foreigners in his country, in general. "
superior / inferior
What does he say about these words? (see answer 1 below)
raise their voices
Who don't raise their voices? (see answer 2 below)
take it for granted
decency and fair play
"In England, you could take it for granted that you would find decency and fair play*.
deceit and dishonesty
"Unfortunately, the deceit and dishonesty, which so many immigrants brought with them from elsewhere was giving this country a bad name. "
discourage
"The current government’s policy of sending them all to Rwanda was obviously a practical solution which would discourage others, tempted by England’s superior standard of living, from attempting the crossing of the English Channel. "
"immigrants giving the country a bad name"
Answer 1) His main argument was that why would anyone from another country wish to live in England unless his or her own origins were somehow inferior. Here, in England, everybody enjoyed a superior** culture, a better welfare state: medical care, friendly doctors (such as his own Doctor Feelgood, for instance).
Answer 2) The English didn’t raise their voices or shout at each other like they did on the Continent. (By the term ‘the Continent’, Jeffrey referred to all of Europe excluding** Britain.)
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The Harmonica Players. The story of two people who are very different from each other, yet there is something that unites them.
Words and expressions discussed in the podcast:
bedsit - accommodation, which is very basic, and is usually just one room. meter - a machine you put money into which controls the amount of electricity is consumed.
-
Somehow, he couldn’t face starting his day without a hot shower
-
All of a sudden, the ceiling light, television, fridge and electric heater all came on* at once.
-
work as a musician had been difficult to get hold of
-
From time to time, he gave harmonica lessons online…
-
Martin always kept his eye out for a job that he could do.
-
Every once in a while, he’d found work doing what he really loved
-
a chance of a lifetime
-
he dropped out of college
-
struggling to make ends meet
-
Jeffrey had a strong dislike of mobile phones
-
They should be behind bars.
-
[She] gazed out of the window at the daffodils in the snow
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-188.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This is a B1 and B2 level podcast with a new story about the ages of Man. (See link to audioscript of story below.)
B1 words discussed:
sunrise
landscape
valleys
scenery
waterfall
cave
the cool shade
setting sun (sunset)
B2 words discussed
youth
bounced along
life was a gift, which he would grab for himself
make the most of
the lines around his eyes
a bald area
mature
his body was curved and bent
slow, clumsy and tired
leaned awkwardly
his old legs struggling to make the final steps
To see full transcript, visit my website:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-187.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
I'm listing below the phrases I explain in the audio.
This is a B1-level story. Below, are the phrases I explain from the story.
Vocabulary expressions for the story
Today's story is B1 level. I'm listing below the phrases I explain in the audio.
The point of this podcast is to explain that the language you use in your speaking exam must sound authentic.
These are the B1 expressions I suggest you use in the speaking:
some kind of - when you are describing something, or identifying something
That must be... I suppose - this means you are quite sure what something is
very fond of - like
I've changed my mind - I don't agree with what I said before
I think that's a... isn't it? - easy to use question tag
Good point! - You have said something which I agree with
keen on - like
It's difficult to please everybody - to please means to make somebody happy
I mean, - say this to explain something you have said in a better way, or add more information
See the picture and transcript for the speaking test at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-186.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
In Telmah's life, very little happens. His garden is really the only thing he seems to care about. But one day, a neighbour loses her dog, and Telmah's life suddenly becomes much more complicated than he would like.
These are the B1 expressions I explain from the story:
be just about to do sth
believe it or not
feel sorry for
a sense of humour
straight away
be fond of sb/sth
keen on sth
shortly afterwards
just in case
What do you think about Telmah. Is there a little of him in all of us?
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This is a B2 story in the genre of mystery or thriller. It's called Drawing Conclusions, which is one of the expressions I explain before I start the story.
B2 phrases:
- drawing conclusions
- Mrs Robinson had neither seen nor heard Lorna since
- take great pride in sth
- to go into more detail
- he couldn’t look her in the eye
- was very absorbed in everything
- as far as she knew,
- ideas had crossed Mrs Robinson’s mind
- gossip
- the trouble with
- was on the point of
- it’s common knowledge
- sooner or later
Important words:
- greenhouse (a glass house in a garden, where you keep flowers)
- boot (the back of a car, where you put suitcases etc.)
- to split up (to separate from your partner, husband or wife)
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
These are the dog expressions I mention today:
Dog Eat Dog
Raining cats and dogs
Teach an old dog new tricks
And these are the B1 and B2 expressions I explain, and that you will hear in the story:
B1
It didn’t look like they were expecting me.They were definitely up to something.He walked in and I went after him. I glanced around.Rocky close on my heels. Somehow, I had to get rid of him.
Winning that dog food would be a dream come true.
B2
‘Weather seems to be getting worse and worse, this winter.'
The sight of those tins brought back fond memories
‘It was raining cats and dogs yesterday. Not to mention the cold. A dog can’t get warm at night.’
I wasn’t about to make a fool of myself.
I was under the impression something was going on.
‘Nice-looking collar,’ said Bozo. ‘Fair enough. You’re in.’
See the picture that inspired the story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-183.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Today's story is B1 level with lots of B2 phrases added. This let's you improve little by little without getting lost because the text is too difficult to understand. I'm listing below the phrases I explain in the audio.
I also talk about ellipsis, which is where you omit words from a sentence in an "economy of words". We still understand the meaning - only the grammar is affected. Ellipsis is common in informal prose and speech. The examples are:
- Not a nice place, the street.
- No nice mat by the fire to sleep on either.
- Got to keep away from the police.
The expressions I talk about are:
B1 level.
take it easy
make a face
in case (of)
keep somebody waiting
be willing to do something
keep something a secret
B2 level.
taking everything into consideration
make your way
in actual fact / as a matter of fact
the look of somebody
be out of practice
be a disgrace
none of your business
Listen for these expressions and examples of ellipsis as you listen to the story.
You can see a better version of the painting which inspired my story at my website:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-182.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This is a special edition podcast. Today I’m publishing The Octopus’s Garden as one complete story.
If you have listened to this story in the two parts I published two weeks ago (podcasts 179 and 180), you’ll remember that I have dedicated this story firstly, to the children of Gaza, who are suffering so terribly during this horrific war.
Secondly, I’ve also dedicated this story to my brother Nick Bilbrough and the HandsUp Project team, who worked for so many years to give the Gazan children a voice in the world. Please see the introduction of podcast 179 for more details of the HandsUp Project.
For this special edition, which is a B1 and B2-level story, I include eight comprehension questions for you to read before you listen. You can find the answers below the questions.
I hope you enjoy this story in its complete form.
Questions
1) What was Dunya drinking while she was sitting in the courtyard?
2) In what season of the year did the action take place?
3) According to Yousef Hussan Omar, Dunya's father, what are the two reasons why the reception room should belong to him?
4) What happened immediately after Dunya's mother spoke?
5) In which part of Dunya's house did the drone land?
6) What do you think is the symbolic meaning of the box where the mouse was kept?
7) How many bombs fell on the street where Mohammad and his family lived?
8) What was waiting for Dunya when she walked into the sea?
Answers
1) Dunya sat on a rug in the corner almost hidden by the rubber plants, drinking a glass of honey lemonade...
2) The warm autumn sun shone through the opening above the courtyard...
3) ‘I’m just saying that the reception room, which is at the entrance on my side of the house (and always has been), should belong to me in the testament - officially. Furthermore, I am the older brother.
4) There was a scream above. Dunya lifted her gaze to the sky above the courtyard. A bright flash. Everything went white. Then, an enormous bang split the world.
5) The doctors also said the drone had landed in the reception room of the house and exploded killing every member of her immediate family...
6) [The box represents Gaza.] She wondered how people could live in a place, from where no friendly countries could be seen. It was like being shut in a room where the only window was too high up to see out of.
7) The block of flats in front has been hit, and so has the block at the end of the street. [two bombs]
8) The water came up to her waist, and it was then that she saw the octopus. He was sitting on the seabed looking up at her with his seven legs stretched out
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Hello, dear listeners!
This is part 2 of my story, The Octopus's Garden, which I'm dedicating to the children of Gaza and my brother's HandsUp Project team that has been working with Palestinian children to help them have a voice in the world by producing plays in English online. You can find out more about the HandsUp Project here... (https://www.handsupproject.org/)
Most of the language of this story is B1 with some B2 words added. You can find the audioscript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-180.htm The B2 words mentioned in the introduction are shown below.
It smashed(b2), silently, into pieces on the floor.
A dreadful(b2) feeling of guilt(b2) rushed(b2) into her head.
Dunya bent down(b2) and picked up two of the larger pieces of broken glass.
They assumed(b2) Dunya could not hear their conversation, but now she could hear perfectly(b2) clearly.
‘He’s not a rat,’ Ali assured(b2) her. ‘He’s a real mouse.
She just collapsed(b2) from tiredness(b2) and hunger(b2).
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Dunya Yousef Hussan AL-BARGHOUTI sat on the white sand and looked out across the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Somehow, at last, she had found comfort here...
This is a B1 to B2-level English podcast about my story dedicated to the children of Gaza.
I will introduce a lot of new B2 words for you to listen for during the story. I also include a full AUDIOSCRIPT of the story at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-179.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
A painting by Renoir inspired today's story. The painting is famous, and is called "The Luncheon of the Boat Party" (I have used the simpler word "Lunch").
These are the adjectives to talk about people's personality that I mention at the beginning:
miserable
lively
keen
lonely
exhausted
embarrassed
easygoing
reliable
charming
sensible
cheerful
talented
And I discuss these two B1 expressions:
a sense of humour
in tears
The question I ask is that you identify Angèle in the story, in the painting. You can see the full painting by Renoir at my website. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-178.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Part 2 of my short story for B1 learners of English - Never Go Back. I'll look at the vocabulary I used, related to suspense.
Here are the words I explain for you to listen for:
Benjamin looked up, shocked at this unexpected and rude behaviour.
Why all this unfriendly behaviour, when this morning the hotel staff he had met had been so kind.
Her face looked sour and unfriendly.
‘Your card, sir,’ she said. But her look was cold.
He felt anxious and confused.
Benjamin left the room angrily and walked to the lift.
…the whole world had gone mad.
The idea was crazy…
Benjamin became annoyed.
A face with fear written across it. (I forgot to mention this one in the podcast. 'Fear' the noun of 'afraid'. Notice the collocation ‘fear written across her face’ = she felt very afraid.)
The doorman gave a shout and fell two or three steps, his sunglasses sent flying.
He fell badly and screamed in pain…
There are two words I will explain so you can better understand the scene on the stairs. In most European hotels with several floors, there are stairs used usually only in emergencies, for example, fire. They are built in a spiral going from one floor to the other from the top to the bottom floors. In the middle of this spiral, there is a big drop or space going all the way down – this is called a stairwell.
Stairs have a construction you can hold on to so you don’t fall off them, this is called a handrail.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
In this podcast I thank my listeners for all the times you have downloaded Practising English Podcasts in 2023. I'll talk a little about an English Christmas and read my B1 version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
You can read the entire transcript at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-176.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Today is part 1 of my new story Never Go Back. It's in the thiller, suspense or even horror genre. I mention some useful B1 adjectives and other B2-level words and one swear word in English. I will release Part 2 of this story at the beginning of January. Here we go...
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Jenny is looking for a relationship. Will she ever find somebody suitable? Today's B1 story comes with a test. The story contains around 60 B1 words, which are useful for B1-level English study, and some of them are not easy to learn as they are not very intuitive (false friends).
I include below a list of thes B1 words in the order they appear in the story:
disappointed
allow
attempted
advertising
keen to
suitable
refused
advised
abroad
encouraged
advice
explored
regions
searching
suitable
introduced
handsome
unable
fall in love
refused
relationship
unless
made contact
support
disappointment
complained
average
annoying
silly
none of
vegetarian
no longer
involved
persuaded
once more
successful
partners
although
completely
convinced
arranged
the following day
partner
vegetarian
keen on
magnificent
match
amazed
in fact
handed (to)
anxious
Listen to these words in the story and look for the meaning of those you don't know.
There is then a test on some of them. You can find the answers to the test at my website:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-174.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The second part of Tsunami (See Podcast 172 for Part 1). Story for B1 and B2 learners of English.
The words and expressions I describe today are:
frightening
strike fear into human hearts
the heart beats faster
mysterious giant horse
screaming with/in fear, happiness
be in shock
a totally hopeless situation
The three questions for the story area:
1, What else screamed besides the children?
2, Which animals are named in the story?
3, Which two Greek gods are named?
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
B1-level story with questions and a grammar point.
For the audioscript, please go to my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-172.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
I discuss some important language for part 1 of the reading paper of the Cambridge Preliminary B1-level exam and include those words in a story called The Picnic.
The formal phrases for you to change to a more informal version are the following:
1) ‘I’ll make the arrangements,’ Marvin had then said.
2) I’m sure I have a few eggs available.
3) Actually, I’m not sure I have suitable ingredients for tiramisu.
4) Would you be available at six o’clock?
5) I suppose you have an announcement to make.
6) I imagine you won’t be able to attend.
I'll give my versions at the end of the podcast.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Advice for story-writing at B1 and B2 levels for Cambridge exams, and my short story Bigfoot for you to enjoy. You can follow the story this week on the transcript I include here and on at my website. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-170.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The second part of my adaptation to B1-level English of the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald "Three Hours between Flights".
You can find the transcript of the story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-169.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
A B1-level version of a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
I talk about aeroplane and airport language before starting this romantic story of two people, who haven't seen each other since they were at school, meet again when adults.
You can find the transcript of the story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-168.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This is the second part of the story "Dad" by M.A. Bilbrough. A story written for B1-level students of English.
The verbs we are studying today are:
realize
drop
call out
weigh
admire
encourage
dive
appear
breathe
hug
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
This is part 1 of a B1-level story for learners of English, especially Cambridge English. The story is called Dad. It's about a family fishing trip in Spain. Vocabulary about the sea, boats and fishing equipment...
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
I'm still on holiday so I'm away from my recording studio and just making a quick podcast using my mobile phone while people watching. This week, I'm going to talk about the verb 'to turn' and use it in the context of the people I can see in a shopping centre by the sea.
Here are examples of the uses of this verb:
Turned on the radio
Turn around and walk away
Turn something into something else
Turn away and look somewhere else
Turn to somebody to speak to them
She stopped and turned.
Turn your back on somebody
Turn red with anger, turn blue with cold, turn green with envy,
Turn a page in a book
It’s your turn, wait your turn, take turns.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
An atypical podcast! I'm just sitting outside a cafeteria in Seville watching the world go by. I comment on them and talk a little about Spain, its customs, and what people do in summer here. I apologize for all the background noise and this recording was just spoken directly into the mobile phone.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The word 'actually' is not an easy word to use in English for learners. In this podcast, I explain its meanings and uses and give lots of examples from my podcast stories. There's a full transcript with this episode, which you can read at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-163.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
In today's podcast, I'm going to show you how to use present perfect, and that if you avoid present perfect, you may lose points in your Cambridge exam, especially at B1 level and above. I'm going to play some extracts from my stories here on Practising English as examples of present perfect use. I include the transcript so you can listen and read. See transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-162.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
In this final part of the story (see part 1 at Podcast 160), Simon prepares for his part in the play, and life seems to be getting better for him - but will everything happen the way Simon imagined? Lots of B1 adjectives to listen for about personality:
alike,
uninterested,
embarrassed,
ashamed,
uncomfortable,
charmimg,
shy,
stressed,
nervous,
serious,
confident.
Enjoy the story!
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Part 1 of this B1-level short story with vocabulary about the theatre. In this first part, Simon Willoughby is a very shy man but is attracted towards Phillipa, but Phillipa is also a member of the local amateur dramatics group...
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Short story called The Fool on the Hill for B1 learners of English. Useful personality adjectives and other vocabulary at B1 level.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
The second and final part of the short story "Who was Sidney Peabody?". Listen for the adverbs I use in this story. The language is for B1-level students studying for Cambridge PET exam or similar. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-158.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Part 1 of this story about someone who performed a miracle - or did he? B1 English study. Words for calculating: plus, minus, divide by, multiply by. Part 2 of this story on Sunday May 7th.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Vocabulary about climate change for B1-level students. The Great Dying refers to a time millions of years ago when the Earth warmed so much that most animal and plant life could no longer exist. I include a short story about the next Great Dying. Let's work together so this will never happen. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-156.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
Use of adjectives and adverbs in your B1 stories. A short story about a an English boy and a French girl and what happened when they met.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough
A B1 short story about a walk on the white cliffs of Dover. Vocabulary to describe the countryside and the weather. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-154.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough
Today, I'm talking about useful cognates at B1 level. Useful, because they can be used in the Cambridge Preliminary or First exams instead of repeating words like 'fantastic' or 'great'. There's a story for the B1 writing at the end - even though it's longer than the usual 100 words!
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough
This episode is for B1 students with lots of useful language to talk about describing a house. It's an extract from a short story by O. Henry set in New York at the beginning of the 20th century.
I also give you some tips on how you can quickly increase your B1 word power by using vocabulary in the writing and speaking parts of the Preliminary Cambridge exam which is easily learnt.
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough
After Twenty Years was, originally, a short story by the US writer O. Henry. I've completely re-written the story for B1-level English students with lots of useful language at the B1 level. I also talk about the different words we use to talk about crime...
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough
A B1 story about an island in the sea and a young girl's hopes and dreams for the future. B1 English with useful expressions about the sea and about learning. For more help with studying towards a B2 level, get my book The Tudor Conspiracy at https://amzn.to/33Axu2N For more help with your B1 and B2 level English study, visit my website at https://www.practisingenglish.com/
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough
Today, to celebrate Epiphany, I'm going to release the audio version of my book for children learning English - Carlos and his English, The level is at A1 to A2. I invite you to buy this brightly illustrated book (written and illustrated by myself, M. A. Bilbrough) for your children or a younger member of your family as much of the story will be better understood when the pictures are seen. I enclose a link here to a full synopsis of the book https://mabilbrough.com/carlos-synopsis.htm and a link to Amazon, where it can be bought. You can view the transcript of the introduction to this episode at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-149.htm Find more English learning activities at https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar-exercises/
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough
As we approach Christmas, we think more about being generous and being kind to others. This is a short story about generosity. This is a B1-level podcast for learners of English. For more help with your English, visit https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Also, check out my book for B1 students working towards B2 - The Tudor Conspiracy at https://mabilbrough.com/
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough
Continuation of the study of six more idioms at B2 level. Some are hidden in a story that you must listen to and find. The six idioms in the podcast are:
have an eye for something
can't keep/take your eyes off somebody/something
look somebody in the eye
be a piece of cake
take your breath away
cross your mind
Check your answers at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-147.htm
Also, check out my book for B1 students working towards B2 - The Tudor Conspiracy at https://mabilbrough.com/
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough
A study of six idioms at B2 level. Each one is hidden in a story that you must listen to and find out which it is. The six idioms are:
break the ice
break sb's heart
be a pain
to lose track
be over the moon
from out of nowhere
Check your answers at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-146.htm
Also, check out my book for B1 students working towards B2 - The Tudor Conspiracy at https://mabilbrough.com/
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough
This is a B1-level story with a few surprises. There are lots of useful B1 level words in it, and, as usual, I'll explain some key words before we start. If you would like to read one of my full-length stories, and you're a B1-level student studying for B2, you could buy buy my book The Tudor Conspiracy... https://amzn.to/33Axu2N For more exercises to improve your English, visit my website, www.practisingenglish.com
This is a story about a family. There's quite a lot going on in this family but that's not very obvious unless you listen very carefully. The story is told from the point of view of a six-year-old boy and his ten-year-old sister. I've written this story for B1 students with lots of B1 language all the way through. As usual, I'll explain some key words before I start. Come to www.practisingenglish.com to find exercises for B1 and B2 English. Get my book for learning B2 English The Tudor Conspiracy...
There is a place off the west coast of Scotland called the Inchcape Rock and on that rock many, many years ago there used to be a bell to tell the ships of the danger. This is a story about that rock and about pirates. It's a B1 level story with lots of useful B1 vocabulary. Come to www.practisingenglish.com to listen to more stories like this. You can also buy my book for B1 students: The Tudor Conspiracy,,,
This is a B1-level story that I wrote based on a poem by Robert Southey. It's a story about terrible things and revenge. It has lots of verbs especially that are at B1 level and essential to study. Come over to www.practisingenglish.com to see more exercises to learn English or see my book The Tudor Conspiracy for B1 to B2 level students.
This is a B1 session on clothes. I did a session on buying clothes at podcast 96 but this one looks at important B1 vocabulary describing clothes and talking about different parts of articles of clothing. Come over to www.practisingenglish.com for more English help... Here we go...
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, I wanted to write a few lines about what she meant to me and to so many other people from the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. This is a B1 and B2 level podcast and there's a short poem at the end. Visit my site www.practisingenglish.com for more help for B1 and b2 level students.
And welcome to www.PractisingEnglish.com, where I'm going to tell you another story. Now, the story today, I suppose you could say it's about identity, our self-identity. It's very important to know who we are, the part we play, our role in society. Usually, perhaps that is defined by the job we do, or what we do with other people, how we behave. It's important to know who we are. And this is a little story about that, I suppose. But there again, on the other hand, it could be just a silly story about an elephant! Anyway, I'm going to continue now with the story. There will be a little explanation of the vocabulary. This is a B1-level podcast, but good for B2-level students too.
Welcome back to Part Two of the story, which I started last week, called The Spaceman. I think the story has a message. And the message is about addiction. It's not about addiction to drugs or addiction to alcohol, or smoking. Listen to the story and think what is the addiction which is referred to here. So I'm going to continue then, with the exciting part two of the Spaceman. Here we go... Visit www.PractisingEnglish.com for more podcasts and English help.
So today I'm going to tell you a story about space. The area above, around the Earth, planet Earth, where the stars and the planets are found. The story is called The Spaceman. I'm going to tell this story in two parts. Today, part one, and this is a B1-level podcast with lots of useful B1 language in it. And I will start off with telling you a few words related, connected to the subject of space. Visit www.practisingenglish.com for more B1 language help and exercises.
Are bullies stupid, unintelligent? If that were always true, then when somebody is bullied at school, he or she just needs to get their big brother and the bully will run home crying to his mother! Just like so many stories in comics. If it were that simple, then bullying in schools today wouldn't be the huge problem it is. I've written a story about a school bully, who probably doesn't fall into that category of coward or stupid, or does he? Listen and you decide. You can see a short description of the vocabulary at www.PractisingEnglish.com
If I say the word 'vampire', I think you'll know what it means. The monster from the dead with two large sharp teeth is known throughout many cultures and countries even though it's meant to be a fictional character. The definition of 'vampire' in my Oxford English dictionary reads: 'A dead person who leaves his or her grave at night to suck the blood of living people'. My story today is for B1 level students of English and it is called just that - Vampire! For more stories and exercises at B1 and B2 levels, visit www.practisingenglish.com
This is a story I wrote specially for B1-level learners of English. It contains a lot of B1 language that is useful to learn. The story also contains useful language about English gardens. The story is called The Cucumber... Come over to www.practisingenglish.com podcast 134 to read the audio script and see the answers to the questions...
A short story for B1 learners of English. The original title of the story was called The Sleuths. It was a short story by the American writer, O. Henry. I've completely re-written this story to a B1 level so learners of English can enjoy it. To see the podcast audioscript come over to www.practisingenglish.com at podcast 133.
I have a short story for you today. A story by the American writer, O. Henry. He was born in 1862 and died in New York in 1910. He is best known for his short stories. The one I'm going to read to you today I have completely re-written for B2 level English students. Well, there are a few words in there from higher levels but I'm sure if you have B2 English, you'll be able to understand everything quite easily. If you want to check on the more complicated words, please come over to www.PractisingEnglish.com at podcast 132. The name of the story is 'The Green Door'.
There is definitely language that you will find as a visitor to the UK that you won't find in the English language learning textbooks. You need to go to special places to hear terms of endearment. Well, I say special places but you can hear this language anywhere, I suppose: when you're asking the way, when you're getting onto a bus, buying a loaf of bread in a baker's etc. etc. You might be lucky in any of those places or circumstances. But, I'm going to give you some inside information in just a moment, I'm going to tell you a secret - a place where to hear these terms of endearment - guaranteed! Find the audioscript at www.practisingenglish.com podcast 131.
A visit to the beach in the south of Spain (Cadiz). Typical collocations (words that go together), words and expressions we use to talk about the beach, picnics and a swim in the sea. Come to www.practisingenglish.com (podcast 130) to tead the audio script and a glossary and explanations of the more difficult words.
I've just come back from a short holiday in Scotland. In this podcast I'm going to talk about my stay in the south-west of this country and make some comparisons with where I live in Spain. So some useful comparative and superlative language here and if you come over to www.practisingenglish.com (podcast 129), you can see some of the photos I took.
In this podcast I'm going to talk about part two of the Cambridge English PET or Preliminary writing paper, where you have the option of writing a story. I'm going to read three model stories to you . I'll explain the verb forms, structure and essential vocabulary you'll need to make your story a winner for the exam. Read the stories at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-128.htm
As the season of exams comes to a close at the end of the school year, I'm going to start with another type of podcast - looking at vocabulary of the world around us. In this podcast, I took a walk around my local park - María Luisa Park in Seville, Spain. I talk about all the things you can find there. This will be useful for B1 and B2 students who want to build their vocabulary about various subjects - and this one on the park... www.practisingenglish.com
I'm still on the theme of intonation and how important it is to place more emphasis or stress on the meaning words. That is: the nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and negative words especially, while the words which carry less meaning will receive less stress. Words like: prepositions, articles, the verb 'to be' and auxiliary verbs. But today I'm going to demonstrate this rhythm peculiar to English by reading a poem to you. Come to www.practisingenglish.com podcast 126 to listen to and read the poem.
I was giving some students a practice speaking test the other day and I noticed something that worried me. All students learn those set phrases for Part 3 and Part 4 of the First Certificate speaking test. You know, those phrases for interacting with your partner. Examples:
Yes, I agree with you.
I don't agree with you.
Etc. The problem was that as I was testing lots of students, I noticed the same sentences again and again and no real intonation. They just sounded as if they had been learned like a parrot learns them... In this podcast I'm going to offer you a model answer for Part 4 of the FCE speaking test and how to make your set phrases sound more natural and authentic. Come to www.practisingenglish.com podcast 125 for the written version...
When I was examining some students the other day for First Certificate (FCE) speaking exam, I noticed one thing especially which most students could not do correctly. I'm referring to intonation! If your intonation is poor, you will lose marks. In this podcast, I'm going to offer you a model version of Part 3 of the FCE speaking exam (the collaborative task) which will emphasize the correct intonation. Read and see the test at Practising English Part 3 podcast 124... Also, have a look at my B1, B2 level English graded reader on Amazon The Tudor Conspiracy by M.A. Bilbrough.... https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
How long is a piece of string? How long have you been waiting? My goodness! You weren't very long! How long does it take? Not long. The use of 'long' can be a bit confusing but it's a word which expresses quite simple things and everyday language. So, listen on to learn how to use this word correctly! It won't take long! This is for B1 and B2 level students of English. You can read this podcast at PractisingEnglish.com podcast 123... Also, have a look at my B1, B2 level English graded reader on Amazon The Tudor Conspiracy by M.A. Bilbrough....
Help and secrets for passing Cambridge First Certificate speaking exam part 2. While you are speaking, both examiners in the room are listening and assessing your spoken language according to some strict criteria. One of the most important criteria is this: are you using simple sentences or are you using complex sentences? Get the written blog on this podcast at practisingenglish.com podcast 122...
For a student who is still in the pre-intermediate level of English, it's very easy to think that 'will' is what we use to talk about future. To get to a B1 level, it's important to know that there are several ways to talk about future - not just one. Today, I'll look at the three main ways we talk about future in English: the use of 'will', 'going to + infinitive' and present continuous for future. This is a B1 level podcast! Read this podcast at PractisingEnglish.com podcast 121...
This is a follow-up from podcast 11, which was about 'wish' and 'if only' to talk about unreal or unlikely situations. I'm continuing on that theme today because I want to make it clearer about how to use these structures. Some textbooks can be bit confusing, can't they? They're confusing because they often try to put a rule on how to use these words. Do we say 'I wish the rain stopped' or 'I wish the rain would stop'. Listen to find out my solution to this problem. This is B2 level English. For the audio script, go to PractisingEnglish.com podcast 120...
This is a continuation of podcast 117, which showed you how to do Part 3 of the Cambridge English exam. In this podcast, I'll show you how to pass Part 4 of the exam and you can hear a model answer by two candidates. If you go to PractisingEnglish.com you can read and copy the audio script for your English notes.
B2 language level podcast for key vocabulary and expressions to talk about travelling by plane. Essentail language for going through check-in, customs and passport control, boarding your plane and flying off to your destination. To see the audio script, please come over to www.practisingenglish.com podcast 118...
This is for B1 level students who are studying for the Cambridge Preliminary English (PET) exam. This is a podcast on advice, strategies and expressions you'll need to pass Part 3 of the speaking test. It also includes a model answer for you to follow and borrow expressions for your own PET speaking test. Come to practisingenglish.com at podcast 117 so you can read and copy the phrases...
Another practice session on the Cambridge PET Preliminary English speaking exam part 2 for students studying for B1 level. This time I'll tell you about how to upgrade your language to B1 level and how to use words and expressions in the test that you learnt in your studies even though they are not very relevant. Come to www.PractisingEnglish.com, podcast 116 to see the picture and the audio script...
'Please' and 'thank you' are words you learnt very early in your English studies. But do you know how to use them properly in English? There are also a lot of interesting expressions with these words. This is a B2 level podcast. Listen on and thank your lucky stars you found this podcast! Come over to Practising English to see the written notes on this podcast 115...
Cambridge B1 Preliminary exam Writing Part 1. How to write the email and lots of useful expressions and help to write the email to help you pass successfully. This is a B1 level podcast with advice and tips for those students of English studying towards the PET exam. Come and visit me at Practising English.com podcast 114 to read the audio script and copy the notes...
Exclusive podcast of the Seville April Fair for B2-level students. I'll be exploring six interesting phrasal verbs and some useful adverbs to use in your Cambridge speaking exams or writing part of the exam, e.g. the article. Come over to Practising English dot com and podcast number 113 to also read the audio script and learn these essential B2 words. Let's go...
Today I'm going to look at those words 'so' + the adjective or 'such a' + a noun phrase. This is a B1 session. If you look up the meaning of 'such' and 'so' in a dictionary it says that these words mean 'to a great degree'. That means they are used to emphasize the amount or the quality of something. These words can mean 'very', 'really' or 'extremely'. They can also be used in comparative sentences too. So, (and that 'so' as a linking word is not connected to the 'so' we are talking about today) - so, let's have a look at some examples. For the transcript of this podcast, please go to Practising English at podcast 112...
Podcast for listening practice for B2 level students. Today I'll be talking about the weather in the UK and the words and expressions we use. These are essential words for all B2 level students studying for the Cambridge FCE exam and similar exams. For the audio script to this podcast on the weather, pleae go to Practising English at podcast 111...
For B1 students learning English. Today I'm going to talk about the definite article 'the' and mostly about when it should be omitted or left out before certain nouns. There is also a love story which follows this. You can see the answers to the questions I ask and the audio script at Practising English podcast 110...
B2 English podacst for learners of English. I'm continuing with the theme of polite language in English and the importance of intonation. This time we'll hear typical phrases in the restaurant used by the waiter and the responses from the customers when ordering their food. The point is though being polite is more than using polite words... Come over to Practising English, podcast 109 to see the audio script and other exercises you can do to improve your English level.
This is a listening podcast for B2 level students of English. In today's episode, I'm going to talk about more advanced uses of auxiliaries in English such as 'do' and 'did'. They're not only used for making questions and negatives but have several other important uses too. Listen and find out! You can read the audio script with answers to the questions I ask at Practising English podcast 108...
This is a special podcast I made four years ago about Easter. I'm not doing one this week because officially I'm on holiday! The podcast is for A2 and B1 students in a slow and easy to understand English for learners. The podcast talks about Easter in the UK and Seville, Spain (where I live) and makes a brief comparison between the two - lots of useful Easter vocabulary and expressions. To see an audio script of this podast, please visit Practising English at podcast 107...
In this B2 level listening we'll hear examples of conversations using polite language in English. Most of this language depends on the modal auxiliaries like: would, could, can, may, and lots of please and thank yous. Enjoy these dialogues from genuine-sounding dialogues and learn how to be polite for the next time you're invited to somebody's home for a cup of tea. I invite you over to Practising English at podcast 106 to read the audio script while you listen.
B1 and B2 revision English listening podcast to talk about comparatives and superlatives in English and the exceptions there are to the usual rules. For the audio script to this podcast please visit Practising English podcast 105...
Podcast for learners of English at B1 level and studying for exams like the Cambridge Preliminary. This podcast is about the words too and enough and how they are used in sentences and how the syntax depends on whether they are used with nouns, verbs or adjectives. The podcast also comes with a short funny story, which gives examples in context of the words too and enough. For a transcript of this podcast, please go to podcast 104 at Practising English.
Podcast and listening skills for B2-level students. Today I'm talking about intonation again. This is a follow-up of my previous podcasts on this subject. In this session, I will be discussing and giving examples of how meaning in a sentence can change if the intonation changes. You can read this podcats (recommended so you can see the examples properly) at Practising English, podcast 103...
In today's podcast, I'm going to talk about how to make deductions in English in different ways but especially with the use of the modal auxiliaries: can't, may, could, might and must. I'll give you a little audio quiz and you must deduce (or guess) what the sounds are. We'll use those modals to talk about the possibilities. To see the audio script of the podcast, come over to Practising English...
A description of the order of adjectives in English. Adjectives usually go before the noun, and if there are several of them, then they go in a certain order. In this podcast for learners of B1 level English, I explain what the adjective categories are. I will also talk about the language we use to describe holiday accommodation in English. You can find the audio script to this episode if you go to Practising English...
Hello, and today I'm particularly happy! This is podcast number one hundred! So that's one hundred free listening podcasts I've published at Practising English since July last year. Not only that, B1 and B2 learners of English have downloaded nearly thirty thousand podcasts from Practising English in just nine months! So today I'm celebrating and I would like to say thank you all for subscribing to Practising English on your favourite podcast app or listening to them here at the Practising English website.
Anyway, in today's podcast, I'm going to talk about the language connected with the subject of accidents and injuries. This is a B2 podcast and there will be lots of words and expressions on this subject that will be very useful for students studying for a B2 level exam. For the audio script to this podcast, please visit Practising English podcast 100...
Poscasts for B1 level learners of English with listening skills practice. Listen to and repeat model answers to the Cambridge speaking exam Part One (for adults and for schools). I'll also help you to understand what the criteria are that the Cambridge examiners are assessing you on. Come over to Practising English to read the transcript and do more grammar exercises to help you with English grammar and vocabulary.
B1 English level help for Cambridge English exam students, Today, I'm going to talk about linking words: also, as well as, too, despite, in spite of, although, though and however. I'll explain how we use them and what they mean. I'll also explain their position in the sentence. There is a Nasreddin story which follows with examples of these linking phrases for you to identify. Come over to Practising English so you can read the audio script and do the listening task.
Podcast listenings for B2 level learners of English. Today I'm continuing with the subject of intonation in English. This is an important area for students because correct intonation can transform the impression we give of our oral competence level. Good intonation provides the listener with an English which is clearly understood. Furthermore, it may often convince language examiners that our language level is, in fact, higher than it really is. Come over to Practising English to see the audio script notes I have prepared for this session.
In this podcast, I'll talk about the words and expressions we need to go shopping for clothes. How to talk about sizes, and if clothes suit you etc. This is essential language for B1 level students of English studying for Cambridge exams or similar. To see the audioscript, please go to Practising English...
We're living in difficult times at the moment - very sad times. I'm referring to, of course, the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I'm going to talk about that today. There aren't many words from the Common European Framework of languages (CEFR) about war. But I'm going to bring some words in. The podcast, in general, is at a B2 level. So I'm going to talk about the situation in Ukraine to the present day, which is the 1st of March. And I'll also make a little personal comment at the end. So if you can come over to Practising English, I've highlighted some key words to talk about war and peace.
Today I'm going to talk about towns and cities. This is a B1 session. And this vocabulary is particularly useful for people studying for B1. I will include lots of words and expressions to describe a city. In this case, Seville, which is the city where I live, there will be lots of useful expressions here for you to learn. For the transcript, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-94.htm
Podcast listening for B2 level students of English. Today, a vocabulary study of the expressions we use to talk about the different types of housework with also a discussion about the roles of men and women and household chores. For a transcript of this podcast, please visit https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-93.htm
Podcast listening on the auxiliary verb used to for B1 level students of English. I'll talk about its structure and how and why we use used to. I'll give you lots of examples by talking about things I used to do when I was a child. To read the audio script on this podcast, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-92.htm
Poscasts for learners of B2 level English. This is a follow-up of Podcast 40, where I gave an introduction to the passive. In this B2 level description of the passive, I'll go into the use of the passive in a little more detail. I'll talk about the important phrases we use to discuss what people say, think and believe - It is said that... etc. There is a story with examples of the passive to listen out for. This listening podcast with full transcript and questions on the text can be found at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-91.htm
Essential B1 and B2 language for learnees of English - talking about the mobile phone and telephones in general. Words and expressions about the phone and a few expressions we use when we make or receive a telephone call. You can also find a link to a complete page on useful telephone phrases for receptionists. There is also a short story afterwards about a funny telephone conversation. For audio script, please visit: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-90.htm
B2 level English for students at this level wishing to take exams or who just want to improve their general English. Today I'm talking about the use of 'will' and 'going to' when they are used for predictions. I'll talk a little about how these words have other meanings and therefore the meanings can become changed and ambiguous. We mustn't think of 'will' as just a word to talk about future - it has various meanings... To read the audio script, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-89.htm
This session teaches students studying for B2 level English most of the words and expressions you'll need to talk about money matters. From saving money, getting an allowance from our parents (when we're at school) and words about having a bank account, loans, ATM's and buying things in the sales. For the audio script, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-88.htm
The words that we use to express obligation are: must, have to and then similar words, not necessarily obligation, but strong advice: should and ought to. I'll talk about how we use those words and what they really mean and also when not to use them and how we can make our orders sound softer and less direct. See audio script at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-87.htm
Today I'm doing a B1 level podcast about infinitives. Now, the problem with infinitives in English is that there are three of them. So, I will just briefly talk about the three types of infinitive. And the practice I'm going to do today is just on two types, and there's a shorter story afterwards to illustrate the infinitives I'm using. For the audio script, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-86.htm
This is a follow-up of Podcast 23 about holidays. It has lots of vocabulary and expressions B2 students of English must learn for passing exams at this level. This time I'm including a Hangman game for you to practise the holiday expressions. You can find the link at the end of the audio script page at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-85.htm
B2 level reader novel The Tudor Conspiracy listening with book version to read. In the last chapter of the book, Isabel and Philip are now in the police station, where a few surpises are waiting for them. To see the questions and activities for this chapter go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-83.htm To buy the book to read with this podcast: The Tudor Conspiracy...
This listening text talks about common prepositions following adjectives and verbs used at B2 English level. I will discuss why sometimes choosing the wrong preposition could change the meaning of what you want to say. There is also a short story which illustrates the use of these prepositions.
Listening to phrasal verbs. B1 level English for students of English. Here are seven important phrasal verbs you must know for B1 level English exams. Listen to an explanation of the phrasal verbs and then a short funny story where they are used in context. See audio script to this podcast at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-82.htm
Graded reader for students studying for B2 level exams. The Tudor Condpiracy. In this chaper Isabel and Philip are taken to the police station for questioning and Isabel reveals some interesting news. For answers to the vocabulary and question, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-81.htm To purchase the book to read and listen at the same time, go to: The Tudor Conspiracy on Amazon...
In this episode I will tell you some essential colloquial B2 phrases to use to describe things. I will be describing my favourite town in Spain. This podcast for intermediate students of English can be used with podcast episode 50, which used more formal modifiers to describe and compare things. The sort of language I'll be using is somewhere around, an awful lot, masses of, great big, a handful of and other similar colloquial expressions. Find the audio script to this podcast at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-80.htm
Stories for students at a B2 level of English. This is a late, Christmas story called Babouscka. I was told this story when I was a very small child but I still remember it today as it seems somehow sad but relevant as a story about searching but not finding. It contains useful vocabulary to talk about keeping warm inside when it's cold outside.
Graded reader for B1-level students who are working towards B2 level (and above) in English. My novel called the Tudor Conspiracy that you can also read while you are listening by buying the book at https://mabilbrough.com In the last chapter, Isabel was about to be shot by the fanatic Jane from the Anglia Nostra sect but something happens to change the situation...
You can find comprehension questions at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-78.htm
This is a help podcast for the B1 Cambridge Preliminary exam listening Part 4 with advice on how to do the test and you can also listen to a full test for practice. To read the questions and answers go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-77.htm
The word mind refers to the part of us that thinks - in other words, our brains. But there are a lot of expressions using mind that have a wide range of different meanings. Learn about those meanings with my podcast today. For transcripts of this podcast, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-76.htm
B2 reader for learners of English called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can buy the book and listen to each chapter in my weekly podast episodes. In this chapter, Isabel and Philip arrive at Shakespeare's birthplace, where they find Jane and the Master. However, things do not go to plan. You can find the answers to the comprehension questions in the podcast at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-75.htm You can buy the book at https://mabilbrough.com
Vocabulary and expressions for intermeditae level students of English. Today for the interest of B1 or B2 level students - talking about being by te river and the vocabulary we use to describe the activities we can do there.
Podcasts for intermediate level students of English. Today I'm going to look at intensifiers or modifiers: not exactly, fairly, quite, pretty, really, extremely. These help us to give opinions about things more precisely. In other words, "it's a good school" and "it's an extremely good school". For audio script on this podcast, please visit: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-73.htm
Graded reader novel for students of English at B1 and B2 levels. The Tudor Conspiracy. In today's chapter Philip continues to explain the plans the Anglia Nostra sect had to rule England and Spain. They then take the bus back to Stratford-upon-Avon and prepare to meet the terrifying Anglia Nostra Master. If you are interested in reading The Tudor Conspiracy while you listen, you can find it at my website https://mabilbrough.com/ Answers to the comprehension questions will be posted at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-72.htm
Hello, and welcome back to Practicing English. And today it's the 22nd of December. And we're getting close to Christmas Day. So I thought it would be nice to talk about Christmas and give you some relevant vocabulary for talking about the different things that we do at Christmas and the traditions.
This is definitely an English Christmas that I'm talking about. English or British and not American, which is probably somewhat different from the way that the English or British celebrate their Christmas. So I think I'll be making, really, references to my own childhood. Because now I live in Spain. And my Christmases are a little bit different. Even though I've tried to mirror the way we celebrated Christmas back in the UK. For audioscripts of this podcast, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-71.htm
Podcasts for learners of intermediate level English.
I've always been amazed as a Brit, living here in Spain, about the fascination for the Christmas lottery. I've always been fascinated by the way the Spanish talk about the lottery ticket number - if it's a pretty number, a beautiful number or an ugly number. As though having one number or another can make a difference to the result of the lottery. If you have a pretty number, well, then you have more chances of winning. This story then is rather an ironic story about the Christmas lottery. In fact, we could perhaps put it in the genre of a horror story. It's not really a Christmas story. I prefer not to call it a Christmas story. I prefer to call it the Fat One! For transcripts of this podcasts, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-70.htm
Reader for intermediate students progressing from B1 to B2. The Tudor Conspiracy, chapter 13. In this chapter, Philip explains what he knows about the secret society Anglia Nostra. To do so he must explain about the events surrounding the times of the Tudor kings and queens. For questions and answers about this chapter, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-69.htm
Hello! Today I'm going to do a session on the B1 exam English, for the B1 Cambridge exam especially, or any, B1 [level] exam that you may be going to do. This will be very useful and it's based on analysing vocabulary which is essential for the B1 level. And it will be vocabulary in different categories. And the category today is English for making friends.
And they are sensitive, annoying, easy-going, jealous, sociable, reliable, sensible, and there are a few more as well so, just listen up and try to write down as many as you can while you're listening. To see the transcript of this podcast, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-68.htm
Today I'm talking about the imperatives and lots of examples I translate from Spanish from my experience at my MOT test. I also talk about the parts of the car and related verbs we use when driving a car. To see the transcript of this podcast, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-67.htm
After the shock of finding Jane in the same guest house where they are staying, Isabel makes a plan to trap her at Shakespeare's Birthplace... This is chapter 12 from the book The Tudor Conspiracy by M.A. Bilbrough. A book for B1 students studying towards B2 English level. This book can be purchased to listen along with these podcasts at https://mabilbrough.com To view the comprehension questions about this chapter, go to https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-66.htm
Hello, and today, I'm going to talk about quantifiers! Now, when we talk about quantifiers, we refer to those little words that we use, such as some, and any, little, a few, much and many. In this episode, I'm just going to talk about some and any.
Now, I think it's more useful if we think of some and any when we talk about plurals as just the plural of a or an. So if I have a pen in my hand, there is one pen. If I have more than one, I have some pens or any pens - depending on whether we are talking about questions, negatives or affirmative sentences. For a transcript of this episode, please visit https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-65.htm
English for intermediate level students studying for B1 and B2 exams. Today I'm continuing with my description of the verb 'to get' with the meanings: get your car fixed, get talking to someone, get to do something, get into, get the top off, get the phone and it gets my goat! You can see the transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-64.htm
The Tudor Conspiracy is a reader for B1 learners of English studying towards B2 level English. In chapter 11, Isabel and Philip are hiding out in a guest house close to Stratford-upon-Avon. Then Isabel discovers there is something very sinister about the room next to hers... Questions and answers on the text at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-63.htm
If you are interested in following the story by reading too, the buy the book on any Amazon platform. https://mabilbrough.com
Podcasts for learners of English at intermediate levels. Today I'm continuing with my description of the verb 'to get' with the meanings: find, fetch, arrive, reach, illnesses and taking a boat down the river. See the transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-62.htm
In this episode of podcasts for intermediate level students learning English, I'll talk about one of the most common verbs in the English language - the verb to get. As a learner, you may find you prefer to use other verbs instead of get - it's easier to do so! But if you wanr to sound more like a native speaker, the verb to get should probably substitute most of those more formal verbs you're using: achieve, obtain, etc. This is the first of three podcasts on the most common meanings of this verb.
Podcast version of the graded reader The Tudor Conspiracy by M.A. Bilbrough to help B1 students progress to B2 level English. In this week's episode we learn how Isabel and Philip escape being killed by the strange woman with a gun, Jane. They find shelter in a guest house but for how long can they stay out of danger...? https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-60.htm The book can be purchased at https://mabilbrough.com/
Hello, and today, I'm going to interview my daughter. My daughter is 11 years old. And we're going to talk about her school. This is good B1 language about school subjects, school terminology and the school routine.
Podcasts for learning and practising English for intermediate level students. Today I'm talking about the language we use when we're playing cards. I'll talk a little about the history, where cards came from and the language we need to talk about playing cards with friends or family.
The Tudor Conspiracy is a reader for B1 students studying for B2 level English. In this chapter Isabel and Philip, who now believe the quarto to be a fake, visit the Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was christened. They don't know, however, they are being followed and the person who is following them is determined to get the quarto back. You can buy the book from any Amazon platform... https://www.mabilbrough.com/
Help with understanding the different tenses and aspects in English. Here, I explain in simple language and with examples the past perfect (she had already left). I explain its structure and why we use past perfect and compare it to past simple. For the transcript, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-56.htm
Following on from the podcasts on zero and first conditionals, second and third conditional, we now look at the circumstances when we mix conditionals. This happens when we make references to both past and present in the same sentence. This podcast explores mixed conditional clauses and offers simple to understand examples for the various cases when we use them. See transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-55.htm
This is chapter 8 from my book, The Tudor Conspiracy, which is a reader for B1 students studying for B2 English level exams. In this chapter, Isabel and Philip visit David Buddle's laboratory where they find out some surprising and worrying news about the newly discovered play by Shakespeare. You can find out more about this book at my website: https://mabilbrough.com and for more podcasts for intermediate learners of English, visit my podcast site https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-54.htm .
Part of a series of B1 level talks on the grammar, structure and use of the conditionals in English. This is the third conditional. Learn what the phrases 'spilt milk' and 'water under the bridge' mean. Offers lots of example sentences and the full transcript can be read at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-53.htm
Grammar study for B1 level English. Today I'm continuing with the series of conditional studies. The last one was episode 22 on the zero and first conditionals and today we're looking briefly at the main points of the second conditional - If I were a rich man... You can find the audioscript to this podcast at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-52.htm.
The continuing story of The Tudor Conspiracy for B1 students studying for B2 level English. Available in book form and now these weekly audio podcasts. Isabel and Philip drive on to Stratford-upon-Avon. When they arrive, they decide to have lunch before going to see David Buddle but an unexpected visitor turns up at the restaurant, and Isabel and Philip have to react quickly.
This podcast is about words which go with comparatives so that we can add more precision to what we mean. So the words that we're using are words like not quite, slightly, almost, easily, a good deal, far...
I don't think they make much sense on their own. So I'm going to put them together. And it will be clearer then what I'm trying to explain to you, in fact, it will be far clearer. It'll be far clearer once I put this into context. (Also comes with a fun story that will use some of these words as examples.)
In this episode, I talk about the different genres of books and give some examples I have on my bookshelves. I explore the language associated with books: the different types of book, the parts of a book, what we do with a book and the language of commercialization of books. Useful language to complete your knowledge on the correct way of expressing ideas when talking about literatures or your reading hobby. For the audio script, please visit: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-49.htm
This is the continuing story of The Tudor Conspiracy - a reader for B1 students studying for B2. In this chapter, Isabel and Philip decide to head for Stratford-upon-Avon to meet the antique book authenticator while some people in the dark shadows of the Bodleian Library are making sinister plans. See audioscript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-48.htm
B2 level podcast story listening - talking about ability in the past and useful vocabulary explained before the story begins. Verbs like: manage to, be able to, which we use for certain single events in the past instead of the auxiliary could. See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-47.htm
Help with IELTS, Cambridge B2, C1 speaking exams, phrases and expressions talking about the question of how sport influences our lives. I bring in lots of useful language for students to copy and learn in preparation for their speaking exams. For transcript, go to - https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-46.htm
This is the continuing story of the Tudor Conspiracy - a reader for B1 students studying for B2. In this chapter, Isabel and Philip set out for Oxford and the Bodleian library. They meet the librarians there but one, in particular, reacts in a strange way when she hears what Isabel and Philip are looking for. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-45.htm
A look at how to write the story for Cambridge Preliminary writing exam practice part 2 and in this case the story-writing option. I look at the use relative pronouns and how to use them in the story so as to make your text more interesting and impress the examiners, who will give you more marks. I'll finish the episode with another story of Nasreddin and I'll use relative clauses for you to identify. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-44.htm
English is a language we call a stress-timed language. Perhaps it's unusual, because many other European languages are syllable-timed, especially Latin-based languages, like Spanish and Italian, for example. I'm going to explain and give examples of what a stress-timed language is. I'm also going to read you a poem. It's by a poet called Robert Southey, who was a poet in the 18th century. And he wrote a series of adventure poems, and one of these I'm going to read you today. It is called The Inchcape Rock. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-43.htm
Graded reader for B1 and B2 students. You can buy the book and follow the reading every week of each chapter. In this chapter, Isabel and Philip go for a coffee and talk about the mysterious missing play. Philip explains to Isabel the history of the first copies of Shakespeare's plays. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-42.htm
This is a podcast on tips for approaching the part 1 sections of both the IELTS and the Cambridge FCE speaking exams. It's about the brief questions you will be asked and how to answers them: the vocabulary, grammar and linking words to make your answers coherent.
Hello, and today I'm going to talk to you about the passive voice. I'll talk about its structure, about how to change from the active voice to the passive voice and why we use the passive.
Chapter 3 of the reader for learners of English progressing from B1 to B2. In this chapter, Isabel takes the bus to the Globe Theatre and meets Philip. Philip gives Isabel a tour of Shakespeare's theatre but Isable then reminds him they must talk about the mysterious lost play. Book written for intermediate level learners of English and now with audio.
The Tudor Conspiracy...
And today I'm going to talk to you about... that. Exactly that... going to. I'm going to talk about going to. Now I think the going to structure is something that most learners of English acquire quite quickly. Why? Well, because it's quite intuitive to talk about the future. And we usually feel that if we use going to, we will always get it right. But I'm going to talk about another aspect or another use of going to, which is to talk about predictions in the future.
Now, in English, there is a structure that we use when we talk about other people doing things for us. And that is have something done. If you go to the hairdresser's, well, you don't cut your
own hair, do you? You ask somebody else to do it for you. And that person is the hairdresser. So afterwards, we say, I went to the hairdressers today, and I had my hair cut. I'll also discuss another structure, which is to get someone to do something. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-37.htm
Chapter 2 of the reader for learners of English progressing from B1 to B2. In this chapter we learn about Isabel's job in Arthur's Antique Bookshop. Mr Fanshawe asks Isabel to set out on a mysterious mission to search for a very special book. The TudoerConspiracy is available as a paperback book and in Kindle on Amazon. Find out more here at my book website: https://mabilbrough.com/
Hello, and today I'm going to talk to you about subject and object questions. Questions with and without inversion and auxiliaries: do, does or did. And I'm going to explain just a little, because I think this is revision really rather than a full explanation. I will also tell you a very old Nasreddin story called The Dinner Party with some examples of these questions types.
In the series of vocabulary about the house, this week you can listen to vocabulary about my balcony, and views from it - interesting collocations about the things you find there and use. Audio script at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-34.htm
The Tudor Conspiracy (first chapter) a book for students progressing from B1 to B2 English, which can be listened to with the book available on all Amazon platforms. This week we learn about Isabel, the university student from Seville and how she found her job in the strange little antique bookshop in London.
This is about the recent events in La Palma island where a volcano has erupted and destroyed much property and land. This podcast for practising English will use example of the passive voice. If you go to https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-32.htm, you can read the audio script and see the examples of the passive.
Formal and informal English is the third in this series and follows episode 13 and episode 26. In this episode I talk about the formal language of complaints and how we need formal language to express strong opinions so that the reader takes notice. I'll also mention how literary language also sounds more formal.
This is the final episode of H.G. Wells short story. Today Mr Fotheringay's miracles go catastrophically wrong. Find out the terrible things that happen in this last part of the story - find out how all of Mankind is destroyed...
Discussing the names of common tools we have at home, hammer, screws, nails, saw and drill etc. and looking at the idiomatic and metaphorical use of these words in English.
Not just words from the bathroom like, soap, towel and toothbrush but also useful idioms and collocations about what we do in the bathroom. Listen to me giving you a tour around my bathroom and learn expressions like "have a nice soak in the bath" and "scrub your back".
The third episode of H.G. Wells' The Man who could Work Miracles (part 3). The language of this short story has been adapted a little for learners of English at B2 and C1 levels. This week Mr Fotheringay demonstrates the miracles he is able to do but Mr Maydig is already thinking that he could do a lot more than turn a vase of flowers into a bowl of fish...
And this is the second episode about formal and informal English - how to identify the formal and informal words and how to use them. And when we use them. This is a follow-up of podcast 13 on formal and informal English. I'll talk about word and sentence length and why these structures may sound more formal.
Today I'm going to talk to you about future continuous and future perfect. And what I would like to do is to try to put them into context for you with tenses and aspects of tenses that you already know such as present perfect and present continuous etc. You'll see that they all function in the same way - the only difference being that each is placed in a different time zone...
The second episode of H.G. Wells' The Man who could Work Miracles (part 2). The language of this short story has been adapted a little for learners of English at B2 and C1 levels. This week Mr Fotheringay gets into trouble with working miracles so he goes to ask for advice from the local priest.
I'm going to talk about walking holidays and make a comparison with the popular beach holiday. This is useful practice for the long-turn monologue of IELTS speaking test or the discussion part with your partner in the Cambridge exam.
B1 / EELTS 4.5. Zero and first conditionals, the structure, how to use them and real-life examples of the conditional usage for listening practice and with audio script.
See my new graded reader novel for B1 and B2 level students: The Tudor Conspiracy...
See the audioscript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-22.htm
Short story in English by H.G. Wells in four parts with updated language so to be useful for learners of English but still in the H.G. Wells style. Part 1 - Mr Fotheringay finds out he has a special gift - he can work miracles.
A visit to my kitchen and a description of the utensils you'll find there, the expressions used and also some related food vocabulary too.
I'm going to talk to you about indirect questions. In fact, I'm going to talk to you about direct questions as well. So what is a direct question? Well, an example is,
What is the time, please?Now, an indirect question has a little phrase before the direct question. Something like,
Could you tell me what the time is, please?
The history of Britain's favourite drink and some useful vocabulary about how to make a nice cup of tea.
A funny story using vocabulary connected with a doctor's surgery and also some basic tools we use at home and the grammar point about present perfect continuous for actions that begin in the past and are still continuing.
And today I'm going to talk to you about extreme adjectives. And also about the adverbs that qualify them or that go with them. So what do I mean by extreme adjectives? Well, we could divide the adjectives into two groups. Those adjectives which are gradable, we say, by gradable, we mean that those adjectives can be less or more.
Hello. And today I'm going to talk about two verbs go and come. Now, they're very common and very simple verbs, aren't they? Well, they do have complications in their use for learners of English. Let's talk about them.
Today, I'm going to talk about language around the bicycle. When you get on your bicycle, you say you push off, you push off and you start pedalling. Isn't it lovely to go out on your bicycle on a sunny day, when it's not too hot, not too cold? At the moment, I'm cycling along the river - along by the side of the river.
Now, I think the first thing we could talk about is the all the different parts of the bicycle. Okay, of course it's got two wheels. And the wheels have tyres, TYRES, which are inflated. That gives you a nice, soft ride. So you ride a bicycle, you get on your bicycle, and you ride a bicycle. Sometimes if you have an accident, you can fall off your bicycle.
Okay, talking about the tyres. Sometimes if you're unlucky, you can ride over something sharp and get a puncture, and the tyre deflates. And you have to get off your bike and fix your puncture. Or if you don't have a puncture repair kit, then you have to push your bicycle home.
So, the wheels have spokes which are those long, thin spaghetti like things which given rigidity to the wheel. And the front wheel is held in the front forks which are two long metal parts which run down from the frame and the front wheel is inserted into the forks.
Now the frame of the bicycle itself. There are different types, but often we talk about a gentleman's bike and the lady's bike and the gentleman's bike has a crossbar, which is a horizontal bar running from the top of the forks to the saddle or the seat of the bicycle, where you sit - on the saddle. And a lady's bike traditionally doesn't have that crossbar. So they don't have to, ladies don't have to lift up their leg to get over the saddle when they push off.
Now, then, of course, to make the bike go along, you have to pedal and like many English words, it can be the noun, the thing or the verb. So you pedal along - you pedal, you turn the pedals and that drives a chain, which drives the back wheel. And probably you will have gears. And those gears, what they do is to allow you to go faster or slower. Go up hills. When you want to go up the hill, for example, what you'll do is to put it into a low gear, a low gear when you go downhill, or you want to go fast on the straight and you put it into a high gear.
Right, the thing that you hold on to, to steer the bicycle is the handlebars. And on the handlebars, there are brakes, hopefully, the front brake and the back brake, which help to slow down the bicycle or stop it altogether. It's a good idea to check your brakes and make sure they're always working. So you don't have an accident and fall off your bike.
Okay. And also on the handlebars, you've got the gear change, which is a switch or a lever, which you move to change the gears of the bicycle. So that's about it. I also usually bring along a pump, a bicycle pump to pump up the tyres if they get a little low to stop them going flat.
Right, well, that's about it. Oh, one thing I forgot to mention, which is very important on your bicycle is the bell. Okay, that's all I'm going to say today on the subject of cycling. I'm going to have a nice long cycle now along the river. Enjoy myself.
Test time. Right. So here are seven words that I mentioned about the bicycle. Do you remember what they were? The first one is part of a wheel, which you inflate with a pump and it gives you a softer ride.
The word is tyres.
Number two. This is what happens when the tyre has a hole and the air comes out of the tyre. What is it called?
A puncture.
Number three. This is what you need if you have a puncture. W
Hello, and today I'm going to talk about the difference between formal and informal English. Now, it's very important to be able to distinguish between formal and informal English. Why? Well, if we are being too informal in circumstances which require more formality, well, we could get ourselves into trouble. And the other way around as well. If we are too formal with people who are expecting us to be much more informal, well, then we may sound a little bit pompous.
Montague Pilkinson was flying over the desert one day when the engine of his little plane suddenly broke down. It made that sort of noise as engines do when they start to go wrong. The plane then suddenly started to drop out of the sky - nose first, down, down down it went...
Hello, and today, I'm going to talk to you about hypothesizing in English, or making hypotheses. So what do we mean by hypothesize? Well, it means that we talk about things that we would like to be true, but they seem impossible. So they're similar in a way to conditional sentences, like the second conditional.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-11.htm
And today we're going to talk about very large numbers, how to use them. And also an interesting article about outer space. Now, when we talk about numbers, I mean, large numbers, hundreds, thousands, millions, [billions] and trillions. Well, we usually use them in the singular. So we say a million, or 1 million, 2 million, two million five hundred thousand, several million. So we don't put the s on the end of these large numbers.
We usually use the past continuous with words, like when, or as or while. So we often say, while she was coming home, a friend greeted her in the street. Or, as she was coming home, a friend greeted her in the street, or when she was coming home, a friend greeted her in the street.
What is reported speech? What "to report" means is to say something that has been said before. So really what we're doing is we're repeating something that somebody said earlier. And that's what reported speech is - we're reporting what we can call direct speech. Today, I'll discuss using questions, adverbs and imperatives with reported speech. See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/practising-english-8.htm
Short story in intermediate English for enjoyment and learning. In the middle of the village, there is a church in the square. And the church is called Santa María, or St. Mary's. Now, when we were there, somebody told us that the bells of the church clock were rung by this little old lady from the first hour in the morning, until the evening. Now, what was also a little bit of strange, we thought, was that apparently, she was deaf...
See transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/practising-english-7.htm
Hello, and today, I'm going to tell you another story. And I'm going to bring in some useful vocabulary, especially adjectives to talk about people's appearance. In other words, what people look like, and the story is called, Mr. Briefcase has a bad day. Audio script at Practising English...
Modal auxiliaries - what are they? Well, words like can, could, may, might, would, shall, etc. And the problem is that they are defective. What does that mean? Well, they're not like other verbs. They don't have an infinitive, or they don't have a past participle form. Now, that means that if we're talking about can, well, what are we going to do if we want to use can as an infinitive, or as a past participle? Well, what we have to do is to look for another verb, which has a similar meaning. And the verb we usually use, is be able to. You can find the audioscripts to these podcasts at https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Today I'm doing another session on A2/B1 English for Cambridge exam or IELTS 4.5 and useful vocabulary. And the vocabulary category today is likes and dislikes. First of all, I suppose most of the verbs which express like have verbs after them or the infinitive after them, which ends in ING. So, for example, we say I enjoy playing football, I enjoy playing football. Also, I talk about when we say interested with 'ed' and when we say interesting 'ing'. You can find the audioscripts to these podcasts at https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Hello, and today I'm going to tell you another wonderful story called Tom and the Gorilla! And the level is about B2 - C1, and some interesting language here for you, and also an issue as well about the importance of intonation. You can find the audioscripts to these podcasts at https://www.practisingenglish.com/
I'm going to talk about the B1 Cambridge exam, and more specifically about the speaking exam. And part two of the speaking exam, which is talking about or describing a picture or photo. You can find the audioscripts to these podcasts at https://www.practisingenglish.com/
Hello, and welcome to practising English. This is my first podcast with you. In this episode, I'll talk about the following things:
- I'll introduce myself and tell you about my professional background as an English teacher, researcher and writer.
- I'll talk about the learners of English who will most benefit from these podcasts.
- You'll find out about the levels of English used (mostly B1 and B2 intermediate and upper intermediate level students). And what sort of material I'll be offering you.
- And finally, I'll say why I think these podcasts will really help you improve your English language skills.
- You can find the audioscripts to these podcasts at https://www.practisingenglish.com/