BALLOONCAST - Go Ahead School: Recent Episodes
Go Ahead School
This is a podcast series containing pedagogical resources in order to help students improve some language skills, such as Listening, Grammar, and Vocabulary. Jump into our Balloon and let's enjoy the ride! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
What do learning languages, playing Chess, and datinghave in common?
Listen to the episode, based on an essay by James Stanley,to find that out.
levels: Intermediate +
Stoicism - an old answer to modern problems ... listen to the episode to get acquainted with the philosophy of the Stoics.
Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to Roger Rosenblatt's insights on how to live brighter days at 85. Enjoy! ;-)
level: BASIC+
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What do you think is the best job in the world?
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In your opinion, what adds up to job satisfaction?
levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Different cultures celebrate Valentine’s Day in more ways than one. Listen to the episode to learn more about this topic.
And if you happen to live or to be in Brazil ...
... HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
levels: Intermediate +
Weddings are meant to be a perfect blend of love, laughter, and cherished memories—but sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. These wedding-day disasters prove that a little chaos can make the big day even more memorable!
levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Listen to the episode to learn and explore more about the history of our furry canine friends! Enjoy ;-)
Levels: Intermediate+
Aging is one of the few things every living thing has in common. Listen to the episode to learn more about this topic.
Enjoy! :-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
The innovative chocolate company with ataste for ethical trading - listen to the episode and learn more about this (delicious!) topic ;-)
levels: Intermediate +
Wine is one of the oldest beverages known to man, and continues to be celebrated globally. Listen to the episode to learn interesting facts about Bacchus's beverage!
What do you know about the author, Charles Dickens? Have you read this story - A Christmas Carol - or seen the movie?
Listen to the episode to learn more about Dickens and the creation of Dickens's Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Do you know what "triskaidekaphobia" is? How is it related to Friday the 13th? Listen to the episode to learn about the topic. Practice and improve your English with BalloonCast!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
We love our coffee, for sure—but what does it actually do to your body? Is it healthy?
Sip your coffee, relax, and listen to the episode to learn more about the topic. Practice your English with BalloonCast!
to all levels
Listen to the episode and learn more about AI, its benefits and impact on our everyday lives. Enjoy! ;-)
Are you a dog person, a cat person, or both? Listen to this episode to learn more about cats. Enjoy - meow!
levels: Intermediate +
How can The 80/20 Principle be applied in everyday life? Listen to this introductory BC episode about the topic and start learning about it. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Would you like to be (or at least to feel) more productive? Listen to the episode and check whether the author's insights resonate with you. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to the episode to practice your Business English vocab and learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
In this episode you'll have the chance to practice and learn more about some common Phrasal Verbs and Idioms. Enjoy!
levels: Intermediate +
Listen to the episode and learn more about what behavioral psychology says about it. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Why is this fruit so powerful? Listen to the episode to learn more about the topic.
Levels: Pre-Intermediate+
Who do you compare yourself to? Listen to how 4 readers answered that question. Enjoy the episode! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
How healthy are your relationships and connections? Do you think they might affect your longevity? Listen to the episode and find out. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate+
Why are soft skills considered to be the skills of the future? Listen to the episode to learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Have you ever heard about Generation Z? Listen to this episode to learn about the topic. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate+
How does speaking multiple languages affect the mind? Listen to the episode and find it out. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate+
Do you ever play jokes, tricks, and pranks on April Fools' Day? Listen to the episode to learn more about the tradition and origins of April, 1st. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
You know you're fluent when ... in this episode you'll hear about some practical situations when language learners can actually feel how fluent they are. How can you relate?
Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate+
Listen to the episode to learn more about and practice some business vocabulary. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to the episode based on an article written by Dr Denning and understand why water is essential. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate+
Listen to recording and learn more about the year that's been considered the worst ever ... enjoy? Yeah, enjoy the opportunity and learn more about it!
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to the episode and learn new things about our memory and how to learn things more effectively. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Basic and Pre-Intermediate
Listen to the episode to learn more about Halloween and how it is celebrated. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
How well do you usually sleep at night? In this episode you'll learn some interesting findings about sleep. Enjoy, and sweet dreams ;-)
levels: Intermediate +
What can beer and cycling have in common? Listen to the episode to find that out! Enjoy ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Listen to the episode to learn about how Children's Day is celebrated in Brazil and in the world. Enjoy! ;-)
to all levels
As you listen to the author's life lessons, think about the ones that resonate with you the most. Discuss them with your teacher in class. Enjoy ;-)
Levels: to all levels
A farmer accidentally found a hole on a side of a mountain ... listen to the episode to find out all about this hidden treasure. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
Is there another word to express the actual meaning of 'happiness'? Listen to the episode and learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Do you treat yourself as well as you treat your friends? Listen to the recording and reflect upon the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
In his "Encyclopedia of The English Language" David Crystal opens up by listing 6 reasons why one should study this fascinating language. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to the episode and learn about some wonderful acts of kindness. Enjoy! ;-)
When should managers give praise to their employees? Listen to Jack Altman's views on the topic and discuss it with your teacher in class. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
How attached to objects do you think you are? Listen to the episode and learn more about resourcefulness. Enjoy! ;-)
Level: Intermediate +
Listen to this episode and learn more about these goal-setting frameworks. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to an extract from Wall Street Journal Best Selling Book, "People Strategy", by Jack Altman. Enjoy the recording, and learn more about the topic. :-)
Levels: Intermediate +
In this episode, the authors of the book "The Power of Moments" tell us about Clark's moments and his creation: the C25K program. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
This BC episode's been extracted from the book "The Power of Moments". How can you create shared meaning in order to accomplish goals? Listen to the episode to learn more about the topic. Enjoy! :-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
What should a good résumé look like? And why to reject them? Listen to the words of an analyst to learn more about the topic. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
This BC episode's been taken from the book "How to Be the StartUp Hero", by Tim Draper. Listen to some of Tim's views about optimism. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: to all levels
Would you like to learn about the history behind this important Irish tradition? Listen to the episode, and enjoy it!
Levels: Intermediate +
Why do certain experiences have extraordinary impact? Listen to the episode which's been extracted from Chip & Dan Heath's book, "The Power of Moments". Enjoy! ;-)
To All Levels
Listen to the recording and find the 7 errors! They're related to the use of enough and quantifiers. Enjoy!
Levels: Basic & Pre-Intermediate
Listen to this short BC and build up questions for the answers you hear.
Levels: Intermediate +
A bull market is occurring when the economy is expanding and the stock market is gaining value, while a bear market is in effect when the economy is shrinking. Let's take a closer look at these two types of markets and their relevance for investing strategies. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Some people might not see a connection between ballet and football, but a sports medicine doctor at University Hospitals knows just how similar dancers and football players are. Listen to the episode to learn more about the topic - enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
How can a leader get everyone on the same page? Listen to our episode based on the insights of New York Times Best Selling Author John C. Maxwell. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Ashley Whillan, a Behavioral Scientist and Harvard Business School professor, shares her insights and research findings on better ways to manage (and protect) one's time. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to the author's insights on how to feel and stay young, the habits he's created and some of his life experiences. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
In today’s episode, we have the honor of receiving a very special guest for an interview, teacher Paula, who’ll share with us some facts about her experience living in France.
Listen to the episode and learn more about Santa Claus, his origins, and Christmas traditions around the world. Merry Christmas!
Levels: Intermediate +
Do you eat a lot of fruit? How about bananas? Before "going bananas", listen to the episode to learn more facts about this healthy fruit. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Do you think English is or is not a 'weird' language? Why is it so? And how would you compare some of its features to your own language? Listen to the episode to learn more about the topic. Enjoy!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
That's a day to express gratitude and count one's blessings - listen to a writer's impression on the holiday. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
What should be pondered when making the decision of changing careers? Listen to the episode to learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
With a myriad of learning options, how to filter what's best for you, and also worth your time and attention? Listen to the episode and learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Are you afraid of black cats? Would you open an umbrella indoors? And how do you feel about the number thirteen? Whether or not you believe in them, you're probably familiar with a few of these superstitions. Listen to the episode and learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
The decline of book reading may have costly implications for cognition and social skills - listen to our episode and get better informed about this topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Do you agree that competition is good for business? Why/why not? Listen to learn more about the topic, improve your business vocabulary, and discuss these questions with your teacher in class. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
"When you choose what media to consume, you are choosing your future thoughts and perspectives and opinions. And if you choose poorly, you will think poorly." Do these insights resonate with you? Listen to the episode to learn more about the topic. Enjoy!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Have you ever heard of bubbles in economy or economic bubbles? Listen to this BC episode to learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
The author makes some distinctions between a hobby, a job, a career and one's vocation. Listen to learn more about the topics. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
Have you ever heard about 'hot streaks' or 'hot hands'? This episode is based on an article that's been recently published in Nature.
Listen to the episode to learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Most people think about emotional intelligence as a skill, something you can build and train with practice. Listen to this episode based on an article by the psychologist Nick Wignall to learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
This BalloonCast episode is based on an article by Michael Bush, a global CEO who's looked into the happiness dimension at work. Listen to learn more about the topic. Enjoy ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
How do you keep track of your daily tasks and appointments? Do you do it digitally? This episode is based on an article written by an aspiring writer who's an "app-affectionate". Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
This article's been written by John Wood, his change of life path and some of his (great) accomplishments! Listen and enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Basic & Pre-Intermediate
Focus on form: listen to this short story and focus on the verbs in the Simple Past you hear. Divide them into Regular and Irregular Verbs. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
With all the responsibilities and daily activities that adulthood brings, do you find yourself needing to find ways to declutter your mind? Well, you're not alone! Hopefully these tips will help you simplify your life and refocus your mind. Here are 7 life-altering ways to declutter your mind that you may find incredibly beneficial!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Listen to the recording to learn more about the origins of some foods and drinks. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Some companies are asking candidates to attend multiple interviews. But too many rounds could be a red flag – and even drive candidates away. Listen to the recording to learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate+
Don't let people get you down - listen to some valuable advice, and enjoy the recording! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
From lying to asking too-personal questions, these interview faux pas could automatically disqualify you from getting the job. Listen to the recording adapted from Business Insider to learn more about the topic. Enjoy! :-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Listen to this advice for chairpeople about running meetings effectively. Which piece of advice do you think is the most important? Why? Discuss the questions with your teacher in class. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to Ken Beatty, the text author, talk about his own experience with Slow Food and the joys of the Summer Feast festival on Bowen Island, Canada. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Are you a 'fast-food or a slow-food' eater? Listen to this BalloonCast episode to learn about the Slow Food Movement and also with an example of one individual's journey from fast food to slow food. 'Savor' it! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
What do you think of when you hear the expression CIRCULAR ECONOMY? Much has been said about it, but do you know what it is? Listen to this BalloonCast to confirm.
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
From exercise to sleep to healthy eating, the choices you make every day can help prevent dementia and keep your brain sharp. Listen to the recording based on an article retrieved from thehealthy.com and learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Have you ever heard of Toyota Production System (TPS) and how it's changed manufacturing worldwide? Listen to this episode based on the book 'Seeds of Collaboration' to learn more about this topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
How powerful do you think words are? Do you think mentors and encouragement are important in people's lives? Listen to a text written by the professional baseball player Alex Rodriguez and learn more about these topics. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
You would think that a dog’s favorite person would be whoever gives them the most food and attention, right? While that is often the case, it’s not always that simple. Whether or not you're a dog person, listen to the recording to get acquainted with the topic - enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
This recording is part of a series of articles by HumanProgress.org called Centers of Progress. The text’s been adapted from an article by Chelsea Follet, who’s the managing editor of HumanProgress.org and a policy analyst at Cato Institute’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity.The articleis about New York City, focusing on its contribution for the progress of finance. Enjoy!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
We are used to seeing airplanes in our skies and hearing of unmanned probes heading into deep space. Listen to the recording and learn more about amazing inventions that not only made air transportation possible, but also changed the world. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to the text/message written by George Carlin in 2001. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Anthony Bourdain left nuggets of wisdom on how to navigate the world. Listen to the episode based on an article by Michael Thomson and learn more about Anthony and his "rule". Enjoy!
Levels: Basic/Pre-Intermediate
Listen to this episode about a heart patient who walks home fast asleep. How can it be possible? Listen and find out.
Levels: Basic / Pre-Intermediate
Where do you like to drop by after work or school? What kind of music do you listen to? What are you frightened by? Do you usually get to class early? Just in time? Or late? Listen to this BalloonCast called Toy Saves Man's Life.
Level: Pre-Intermediate +
Another, other, or others? Listen to a short description of two young ladies' routine. Observe the uses of another, other, and others in the text. Make the necessary corrections. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
Rosalie Edge's own struggle to protect nature is an example of how personal involvement and private initiatives can and should work. Listen and learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
When you think about stress, you might think only about its negative effects, but did you know that stress can have positive effects as well? Listen to the recording and learn more about this topic. Enjoy! ;-)
To All Levels
Reading, writing, speaking and listening – the four foundational skills of language learning. This BalloonCast looks at two of these major skills: Listening&Speaking along with 10 strategies for improving them. Listen and discuss with your teacher how such strategies can help you improve your proficiency level. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Different cultures have different attitudes to time. Listen to the recording and learn more about this topic. Enjoy!
Level: Pre-Intermediate
Alma Deutscher is a girl of many and unique talents - listen to the recording and learn more about Alma. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
This BC episode is a sequel to the previous one, “Old and New Job Skills”. Listen to an interview with a very special guest, Elusa Dalmoro, who’s been working in HR for more than 20 years and has a lot of interesting insights to share about the new and future challenges in the labor market. Enjoy! :-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Considering new technologies and changes in the world market, some jobs might disappear or new job opportunities might be around the corner. Listen to the recording to learn more about the topic. Enjoy! ;-)
To All Levels
How do STEM and Humanities walk together in education world? Listen to a delightful interview with three PhD candidates and learn more about their academic routines as well as their research scopes. Enjoy! ;-)
Level: Pre-Intermediate
The ocean, plastic, pollution ... and a man with an important message. Listen to the recording and learn more about it. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
In today's episode, you'll learn interesting facts about the city that pioneered the university model of higher learning. Enjoy! ;-)
Levels: Intermediate +
Today's recording's been adapted from an article by Moreno Zugaro. What's the actual impact of small decisions in your life? 'Pick his brain', and enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to the reading of an article written by a specialist in English education. This is a good opportunity to learn more about the vocabulary of crime and offense in American English.
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Many entrepreneurs face setbacks. As you listen to the recording, pay attention to the setbacks faced by Amazon and its founder, Jeff Bezos.
Enjoy! ;-)
In this episode, you'll listen to a nice and cozy chat/interview with teacher Daniela, aka teacher Lella, who'll talk a little bit about her experience living in Portugal. A delightful moment - enjoy!
What are your New Year’s Resolutions? What makes a good resolution? Listen to an interview/chat with teacher Inês and learn more about this topic. Enjoy! Happy New Year!
Charles Dickens has probably had more influence on the way we celebrate Christmas today than any other single individual. But who was Charles Dickens? Listen to the recording to learn more about one of the greatest writers of all time. Enjoy!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Lean is recognized globally as one of the most effective ways to build, improve, and sustain businesses and institutions. Listen to the recording to learn more about Lean. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
When describing a process, we focus more on what is done than on who does it. For this reason, the passive is commonly used. It is also possible to mention what actions people or things perform in a process as well as focusing on the action itself, so there is a mixture of active and passive.
Listen to two recordings where both structures can be found. Enjoy!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
In a job interview during a recruitment process, three applicants were asked the question, 'what was your proudest achievement?' Make notes as you listen to the recording. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to this news report and find examples of verbs being used as passives/in the Passive Voice.
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Thanksgiving has become an annual tradition in the United States, and it often overshadows Christmas Day as the biggest holiday in the country. It’s common that people travel back home to spend the holiday with their families and loved ones. Listen to our BalloonCast and learn more about this important date for the Americans. Enjoy!
Levels: Basic & Pre-Intermediate
What makes you feel at home? Listen to an unusual story that happened in India ...
Enjoy!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Listen to seven superb and beneficial reasons to never stop learning. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
In today’s increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, proficiency in other languages is a vital skill that gives you the opportunity to engage with the world in a more immediate and meaningful way—whether in your neighborhood or thousands of miles away—while better preparing you to compete and succeed in the global economy.
Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
Are you into literature? What do you know about this classic book by Aldous Huxley?
Listen to the recording to learn more about it. Enjoy!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Halloween falls on October 31st each year in North America and other parts of the world. What do you know about Halloween? Do you celebrate it in your country? Listen to some history about it. Enjoy!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Listen to three short, unrelated texts, and do the follow-up activity with your teacher.
Enjoy!
levels: Basic / Pre-Intermediate
Listen to the recording and learn some facts about Libbie Nelson's life.
Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to this article written by the screenwriter and producer Alexander Combstrong.
In terms of language practice, your task is twofold:
1 - write a list with the Phrasal Verbs you can identify
2 - write a list containing the words bearing morphemes (prefixes and suffixes).
Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
After having an online meeting, two workmates call each other and comment about a colleague's new idea. Listen to the dialogue, and pay attention to the business idioms that are used. Enjoy!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
In this recording, the narrator tells us about Spotify's CEO Daniel Ek's morning routine. What's your morning routine like?
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to two friends 'gossip' on the phone, and try to identify the Idioms that are used as well as their meanings. Enjoy!
Levels: High-Intermediate & Advanced
One of the most important things you do when you address a group of people is try to change their minds. Listen to some goals of a persuasive speech, and think of how they can help you prepare future presentations. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
Prepositions are single words such as at, from, in, of, on, and can be found:
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as simple prepositions
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in prepositional phrases
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as dependent prepositions
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as particles in Phrasal Verbs.
Listen to the recording, and pay attention to the prepositions and their functions on the text. Enjoy!
Levels: Basic and Pre-Intermediate
How do you commute to work? Tell about a time when you were red in the face.
Listen to the recording and find out the meaning of new expressions. Enjoy!
Levels: Basic / Pre-Intermediate
Listen to the recording and focus on the expressions the teacher's asking about.
Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
This text was written by Academy award-nominated writer and actress Nia Vardalos. In terms of writing style, pay attention to Nia's wit and fine irony. In terms of grammar, focus on the use of adjectives and the auxiliary 'do' for emphasis. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
Credit card companies are targeting youngsters as they've become an extremely active consumer group.
Listen to the text and learn more about this topic. In addition, improve your knowledge of noun phrases. Enjoy!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
What do you usually .... on the weekend? Does your company .... good deals?
Listen to the text and learn more about collocations with the verbs 'do' and 'make'. Also, find the 5 wrong collocations.
Enjoy!
Get to know our school and all the resources we offer - jump into our balloon with us, and enjoy the ride!
Levels: High Intermediate +
Are you a talker or a listener? Why is it important to be or to become a good listener? How do you know if you are a good listener?
Listen to a text adapted from Alain de Botton's 'School of Life' and get acquainted with such interesting topic. Enjoy!
Level: Go Teens 2
Listen to this Ballooncast and learn about Lewis Clarke and one of his adventures. Enjoy!
Level: Go Teens 2
Listen to the Ballooncast. What do these numbers refer to?
43 million / six / 150 / 11.000 / 40
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
You can find happiness when and where you least expect it ... listen to a part of a talk given on a radio program and find out more about this fascinating yet intriguing topic. Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
A crowdfunding campaign and a dream ... listen to Daniel Northcott's touching story, and how a crowdfunding campaign has helped make his dream come true.
Enjoy!
Levels: Go Teens 4 / Basic +
Have you ever heard of mob football? Can you imagine crowds of people running after a ball? Listen to find out more about this ancient sport.
Enjoy!
Level: Go Teens 2
Listen to this Ballooncast and find out more about a boy's best friend!
Who's your best friend? What's he/she like?
level: Go Teens 3
Listen to this Ballooncast and compare Hollywood now and in the past!
Levels: all
For centuries, people have tried to send signals over long distances using bonfires and flashing mirrors. Listen to the episode and learn more about the evolution of means of communication. Have fun!
Levels: Upper-Intermediate-Advanced
Customer requests: annoyance or opportunity? Maintaining the entrepreneurial zeal and relentless customer focus of a startup company.
Levels: all
Listen to a dialogue between Mike and Eric where they talk about one of their coworkers, John. Is John an "eager beaver"? Why?
Are you an eager beaver yourself?
Listen to the episode and find out. Have fun!
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Are you (or is anyone you know) a minimalist? What do you understand by minimalism? Listen to this Ballooncast and find out more about it.
Enjoy it!
Levels: all
Listen to some interesting facts about playtime toys and inventions.
Have fun! ;-)
(source: Pocket Genius - Inventions. Penguin, 2016)
Levels: Intermediate +
According to Steve Jobs, this one thing separates The Doers from The Dreamers - no one is coming to save you.
(extracted from an article written by coach career Michael Thompson)
Level: Advanced
This amusing text's been taken from "The Book of Awesome", and shows the "agonies" of finding out that your birthday will fall on a weekday, and, conversely, the excitement about having the big day over the weekend.
Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
What makes you the way you are? Are you shaped by nature or nurture?
Listen to the text and its nice insights - good food for thought! ;-)
Enjoy!
Level: Go Teens 4
Listen to the teacher's narration and learn more about vacationing in Mexico.
Have fun!
Levels: all!
What kind of music do you like? What are your favorite genres? Who are your favorite singers? Bands?
Learn more about the History of Music, discuss these questions with your teacher, and have fun!
Level: Advanced
Katie Couric is an American TV personality, journalist, and author. In 2012 she wrote the book "The Best Advice I Ever Got - Lessons from Extraordinary Lives", which went on to become a New York Times Bestseller.
The text you're about to hear is the advice provided by the singer Sheryl Crow - "Do The Best You Can".
Enjoy!
Levels: Intermediate +
The Modals are a group of auxiliary verbs - can, could, may, might, must, ought, shall, should, will, would - that we can use with other verbs to say what is possible, permitted, necessary, etc.
The Phrasal Modals are a group of verb phrases - be able to, be allowed to, be going to, be supposed to, have to, have got to - that can be used instead of modals.
Now, identify the Modals and the Phrasal Modals as you listen to the text.
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Do you know the history behind this famous phrase in English? Listen to our episode and find out!
TGIF!
Levels: All levels
Idiomatic expressions - Idioms - give English its color and vitality. They are indispensable to the daily speech of the people and to the language of newspapers and books, television and movies.
Whenever you hear a phrase whose meaning cannot be understood even if you know the definitions of the separate words involved, you have probably encountered an idiom.
Listen to the first episode - "Having a Ball" - and work on the meanings of the idioms spoken during the dialogue.
Have fun!
Level: Go Teens 2
Listen to the teacher's narration of a boy's garden. Can you imagine what it looks like and draw it?
Have fun!
Level: Go Teens 2
What is the boy's day like? Listen to the teacher's narration, and compare his day to yours!
Levels: Intermediate +
Neil Pasricha, in his "The Book of Awesome", writes about little things that turn out to be extremely important to happiness ... such as ... "wave-through".
Listen to this episode, write down the new words and phrases, and try to figure out the meaning of "wave-through".
Awesome!
(extracted from: Pasrischa, N. The Book of Awesome. Penguin, NY, 2010.
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
Moving to a new home can be pretty stressful.
Listen to this account: have you ever been through something like that?
What kind of factors added to your stress level?
Levels: Intermediate +
All special!
A special guest, Dr Ken Beatty, from Canada ... sharing special experiences ... giving a special meaning to the verb "attend".
Enjoy it!
levels: PRE-INTERMEDIATE +
Whether we like it or not, conflicts and disagreements might happen during meetings. How to deal with them? What are the best ways to sort them out?
Listen to some strategies and discuss them with your teacher.
Levels: Intermediate +
Listen to some fundamentals of EQ or EI, and get some insights on how your EI matters to your life and to others around you.
Words: 468
Level: Intermediate +
This article should raise dog-lovers' curiosity! Get acquainted with some recent studies about dogs' behavior and language!
Woof, woof! ;-)
625 words
Level: Intermediate +
This is an additional comment to the text "Time to Brush Up On Gift Giving", where the use of Phrasal Verbs is elicited.
Listen and find out more about Phrasal Verbs ... look them up, look into them, and stay tuned! ;-)
Level: Intermediate +
... this story illustrates an important point: there's more to getting to know another culture than just being able to speak the language...
Words: 776
Level: Intermediate +
In this episode, you'll listen to an article written by Phil Stanton, co-founder of The Blue Man Group and The Blue School, where he shares some things about his background as well as some events that led him to the creation of the group. Enjoy it! ;-)
source: Couric, K. The Best Advice I Ever Got - Lessons from Extraordinary Lives. Random House, NY, 2012.
Level: Pre-Intermediate + 420 words Disruptive businesses cause changes and bring innovations. Look around ... how many innovations are there inside your house, out on the streets, at your workplace?
Levels: Pre-Intermediate +
337 words
In this episode, you'll learn more about food vocabulary: fruit, vegetables, etc.. You'll also hear about different ways of buying and selling food.
Yummy!
Levels: Intermediate +
370 words
In this episode, you'll find out some different (and unusual) insights about the experience of living abroad.
(extracted from: medium.com)