Practising English on Steno.fm

Practising English

Listening practice for learners of B1 intermediate and B2 upper-intermediate levels of British English. Learn British English by listening to stories. Original and exciting stories written for learners and students of British English. Practise and prepare for Cambridge: B1 PET Preliminary and FCE First Certificate exams. IELTS: level 4, level 5 and level 6. Includes English grammar explanations and practice exercises, examples of vocabulary use, phrasal verbs and collocations help, British English pronunciation practice, advice and help for passing B1 and B2 English examinations: Cambridge, IELTS and Trinity. Start practising and improving your British English listening, vocabulary and speaking levels today!

S4 E238 · Sun, April 27, 2025
238. If so, if not, B1 level with dialogue
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E237 · Sun, April 20, 2025
237. Candle Burning - B1 short story (complete version)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E236 · Sun, April 13, 2025
Complex sentences B1, B2 (4 funny jokes)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. Help Help (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)
S4 E235 · Sun, April 06, 2025
235. Future Perfect B2 (short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E234 · Sun, March 30, 2025
234. B2 Time Adverbs
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E233 · Sun, March 23, 2025
233. Uses of 'rather' (with dialogue)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. ' 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)
S4 E232 · Sun, March 16, 2025
232. Would and used to with short story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E231 · Sun, March 09, 2025
231. B1 Do for emphasis (with dialogue)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S230 E4 · Sun, March 02, 2025
230. B2 story The Visitors (complete version)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E229 · Sun, February 23, 2025
229. B1 adjectives with hyphens (with dialogue)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 interme
S4 E228 · Sun, February 16, 2025
228. The Medical check-up (expressions for emphasis)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E227 · Sun, February 09, 2025
227. Talking about the Future (with dialogue)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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
S4 E226 · Sun, February 02, 2025
226. Get and verbs of movement B1, B2 and story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E225 · Sun, January 26, 2025
225. Verbs of Movement with story (B1, B2)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E224 · Sun, January 19, 2025
224. The Londoner (B1 B2 level story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E223 · Sun, January 12, 2025
223. The Cambridge exam B1 story writing
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E222 · Sun, January 05, 2025
222. A Window on Time (complete version) B2 level
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E221 · Sun, December 29, 2024
221. Victims of Nature (complete version) B1, B2
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 th
S4 E220 · Sun, December 22, 2024
220. A Christmas Carol - The end of it (Part 2) B2 story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 Engli
S4 E219 · Mon, December 16, 2024
219. A Christmas Carol - The end of it (Part 1) B2 story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. "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)
S4 E218 · Sun, December 08, 2024
218. Coming Home (part 2) B1 B2-level story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S4 E217 · Sun, December 01, 2024
217. Coming Home (part 1) B1, B2-level story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S4 E216 · Sun, November 24, 2024
216. Candle Burning (part 2) B1-level story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E215 · Sun, November 17, 2024
215. Candle Burning (part 1) B1-level story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S4 E214 · Sun, November 10, 2024
214. The Second-hand Shop (B2 Story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S4 E213 · Sun, November 03, 2024
213. B1 Intermediate-level Phrasal Verbs 2 (with story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S4 E212 · Sun, October 27, 2024
212. B1 Intermediate-level Phrasal Verbs 1 (with story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E211 · Sun, October 20, 2024
211. The Visitors (part 2) B1 B2 upper-intermediate level story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S4 E210 · Sun, October 13, 2024
210. The Visitors (Part 1) B1 B2 story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S4 E209 · Sun, October 06, 2024
209. A Window on Time - Part 2 (B1 B2 Story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S4 E208 · Mon, September 30, 2024
208. A Window on Time - Part 1 (B1 B2 Story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-208.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)
S4 E207 · Mon, September 23, 2024
207. Victims of Nature - part 2 (B1 B2 Story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E206 · Mon, September 16, 2024
206. Victims of Nature - part 1 (B1 B2 Story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S4 E205 · Mon, September 09, 2024
205. Every Dog has his Day (B1 B2 Story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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) cmptt r 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S3 E204 · Mon, September 02, 2024
204. Winds of Bolonia (complete B1 story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S3 E203 · Mon, August 26, 2024
203. Never Go Back (Complete B1 Story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S3 E202 · Mon, August 19, 2024
202. Who was Sidney Peabody (complete B1 story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E201 · Mon, August 12, 2024
201. The Spaceman (complete B1 story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 s
S3 E200 · Mon, August 05, 2024
200. Tsunami (complete version B1 level)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S3 E199 · Mon, July 29, 2024
Podcast 199 Stories from our listeners (B1 level)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S3 E198 · Mon, July 22, 2024
Podcast 198 Dad (full version) B1 story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S3 E197 · Mon, July 15, 2024
Podcast 197 Story telling from my listeners (B1, B2)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S3 E196 · Mon, July 08, 2024
Podcast 196 Intonation in a Story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. If you can't see the words in red on your app (the stressed words), you can visit my website at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-196.htm: ‘ 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 lear
S3 E195 · Mon, July 01, 2024
Podcast 195 Uses of SO and REALLY (B1 level)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S3 E194 · Sun, June 23, 2024
Podcast 194 PET exam writing the article B1
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 i
S3 E193 · Sun, June 16, 2024
Podcast 193 FCE writing the essay B2
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 <b
S3 E192 · Mon, June 03, 2024
Podcast 192 The Breath of the Mosquito (Part 2) B1 story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 - What does the professor of astrophysics say about the breath of the mosquito? Here is the extract from the story which explains this theory: '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 w
S3 E191 · Sun, May 26, 2024
Podcast 191 The Breath of the Mosquito (Part 1) B1 story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S3 E190 · Sun, May 12, 2024
Podcast 190 The Harmonica Players (Part 3) B1, B2 story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S3 E189 · Mon, May 06, 2024
Podcast 189 The Harmonica Players (Part 2) B1, B2 story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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://
S3 E188 · Mon, April 29, 2024
Podcast 188 The Harmonica Players (Part 1) B1, B2 story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E187 · Mon, April 15, 2024
Podcast 187 The River (B1, B2 story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E186 · Sun, April 07, 2024
Podcast 186 Cambridge Preliminary Speaking Test B1 (part 3)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E185 · Mon, March 25, 2024
Podcast 185 On The Edge (B1 Story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E184 · Mon, March 18, 2024
Podcast 184 Drawing Conclusions (B1 B2 Story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E183 · Mon, March 04, 2024
Podcast 183 Doghouse Reilly Part 2 (B1 B2 Story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E182 · Mon, February 26, 2024
Podcast 182 Doghouse Reilly Part 1 (B1 B2 Story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E181 · Fri, February 16, 2024
Podcast 181 The Octopus's Garden B1 B2 (Complete Story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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
S3 E180 · Tue, February 06, 2024
Podcast 180 The Octopus's Garden B1 B2 (Part 2)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E179 · Tue, January 30, 2024
Podcast 179 The Octopus's Garden B1 B2 (Part 1)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E178 · Mon, January 15, 2024
Podcast 178 Lunch of the Boat Party (B1 English)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E177 · Sun, January 07, 2024
Podcast 177 Never Go Back (Part 2) B1 level
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E176 · Mon, December 18, 2023
Podcast 176 A Christmas Carol (B1)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E175 · Mon, December 11, 2023
Podcast 175 Never Go Back (Part 1) B1 level
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E174 · Sun, December 03, 2023
Podcast 174 Somebody for Jenny (B1 story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E173 · Sun, November 19, 2023
Podcast 173 Tsunami (B1 Story Part 2)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E172 · Mon, November 13, 2023
Podcast 172 Tsunami (B1 story Part 1)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E171 · Sun, October 29, 2023
Podcast 171 The Picnic (short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E170 · Sun, October 15, 2023
Podcast 170 Bigfoot (B1 Short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E169 · Mon, October 02, 2023
Podcast 169 Three Hours between Flights Part 2 (B1 short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E168 · Mon, September 25, 2023
Podcast 168 Three Hours between Flights Part 1 (B1 short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E167 · Tue, September 12, 2023
Podcast 167 "Dad" part 2 (B1 short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S3 E166 · Sun, September 03, 2023
Podcast 166 "Dad" part 1 (B1 short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S2 E165 · Mon, August 21, 2023
Podcast 165 The verb 'to turn' B1 level
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 pag e 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)
S2 E164 · Wed, July 26, 2023
Podcast 164 People Watching (B2 level English)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S2 E163 · Mon, July 10, 2023
Podcast 163 Actually (meaning and uses) B1, B2 English
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S2 E162 · Wed, June 28, 2023
Podcast 162. Who's afraid of present perfect? (B1 English)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S2 E161 · Sun, June 11, 2023
Podcast 161 The Quiet Man (Part 2)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S2 E160 · Mon, June 05, 2023
Podcast 160 The Quiet Man (Part 1)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S2 E159 · Mon, May 22, 2023
Podcast 159 The Fool on the Hill (B1 short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S2 E158 · Sun, May 07, 2023
Podcast 158 Who was Sidney Peabody? (B1 short story - part 2)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S2 E157 · Mon, May 01, 2023
Podcast 157 Who was Sidney Peabody? (B1 short story - part 1)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-157.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)
S2 E156 · Sun, April 16, 2023
Podcast 156 The Great Dying (B1-level)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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)
S2 E155 · Tue, March 28, 2023
Podcast 155 Marie Claire (B1 short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S2 E154 · Tue, March 14, 2023
Podcast 154 Hattie Weatherspoon (B1 short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S2 E153 · Mon, February 27, 2023
Podcast 153 Friendship (B1 short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S2 E152 · Mon, February 13, 2023
Podcast 152 The Attic (B1-level short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S2 E151 · Tue, January 31, 2023
Podcast 151 After Twenty Years (B1 short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S1 E150 · Mon, January 16, 2023
Podcast 150 The Winds of Bolonia (B1 story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S2 E149 · Tue, January 03, 2023
Podcast 149 Carlos and his English (a story for children)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S2 E148 · Fri, December 23, 2022
Podcast 148 Generosity (a short story at B1 level)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S2 E147 · Fri, December 09, 2022
Podcast 147 - B2 idioms 2
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S2 E146 · Thu, December 01, 2022
Podcast 146 - B2 idioms 1
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
S2 E145 · Tue, November 22, 2022
The Jogger (B1 level)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S2 E144 · Tue, November 08, 2022
A Boy's Story (B1 level)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 ... 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)
S2 E143 · Fri, October 28, 2022
B1 The Inchcape Rock (the story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 ,,, 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)
S2 E142 · Wed, October 19, 2022
B1 Bishop Hatto (story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S2 E141 · Mon, October 10, 2022
B1 Clothes Vocabulary
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S2 E140 · Sat, October 01, 2022
B1 B2 Thoughts on Queen Elizabeth II
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S2 E139 · Sun, September 25, 2022
B1 Edmund the Elephant (short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S2 E138 · Thu, September 15, 2022
B1 The Spaceman (part 2)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S2 E137 · Wed, September 07, 2022
B1 The Spaceman (part 1)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S2 E136 · Wed, August 31, 2022
B1 Bully!
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. This is a B1 level podcast for learners of English. 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 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)
S1 E135 · Fri, August 19, 2022
B1 Vampire! (short story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E134 · Fri, August 12, 2022
B1 The Cucumber (story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E133 · Wed, August 03, 2022
B1 The Detectives (story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E132 · Wed, July 27, 2022
B2 The Green Door (story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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'. 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)
S1 E131 · Wed, July 20, 2022
B1 B2 Terms of Endearment
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E130 · Wed, July 13, 2022
B2 C1 Beach and Sea Collocations
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E129 · Thu, July 07, 2022
B1 B2 A Scottish holiday
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E128 · Mon, June 27, 2022
PET Writing Part 2 (story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E127 · Wed, June 22, 2022
B1 B2 Parks and Park Vocabulary
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E126 · Fri, June 17, 2022
B2 Intonation (poem of Bishop Hatto)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E125 · Wed, June 15, 2022
B2 First Certificate speaking part 4
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E124 · Fri, June 10, 2022
B2 FCE Speaking test part 3
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E123 · Wed, June 08, 2022
B1 B2 The uses of the adverb 'long'
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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.... 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)
S1 E122 · Fri, June 03, 2022
Cambridge First Certificate speaking exam part 2
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E121 · Wed, June 01, 2022
B1 Future forms
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E120 · Fri, May 27, 2022
B2 Wish and If only (a summary)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E119 · Wed, May 25, 2022
B1 PET speaking exam part 4
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E118 · Fri, May 20, 2022
B2 Flight and airport language
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E117 · Wed, May 18, 2022
B1 Speaking exam Part 3 practice
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E116 · Fri, May 13, 2022
B1 Speaking exam Part 2 practice
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E115 · Wed, May 11, 2022
B2 Please and thank you expressions
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. '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... 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)
S1 E114 · Fri, May 06, 2022
B1 PET Cambridge English Writing Part 1
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E113 · Wed, May 04, 2022
B2 Phrasal verbs and the Seville Fair
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E112 · Fri, April 29, 2022
B1 so and such
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E111 · Wed, April 27, 2022
B2 The weather
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E110 · Fri, April 22, 2022
B1 Definite article 'the' (story: Alone on a Train)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E109 · Wed, April 20, 2022
B2 Polite language 2 (in a restaurant)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E108 · Fri, April 15, 2022
B2 use of auxiliaries
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E107 · Wed, April 13, 2022
Easter in UK and Spain
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E106 · Fri, April 08, 2022
B2 Polite language
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E105 · Wed, April 06, 2022
B1 B2 Comparatives and superlatives exceptions
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E104 · Thu, March 31, 2022
B1 Too and enough
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E103 · Wed, March 30, 2022
B2 Intonation in English 3
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E102 · Fri, March 25, 2022
B2 Modal auxiliaries for deductions
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E101 · Wed, March 23, 2022
B1 The order of adjectives
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E100 · Fri, March 18, 2022
B2 Accidents and injuries language
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E99 · Wed, March 16, 2022
B1 Preliminary speaking exam practice part 1.
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E98 · Fri, March 11, 2022
B1 Linking words (Nasreddin story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E97 · Wed, March 09, 2022
B2 Intonation in English
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E96 · Fri, March 04, 2022
B1 Clothes shopping vocabulary
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E95 · Wed, March 02, 2022
B2 War and Peace language - Ukraine
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E94 · Fri, February 25, 2022
B1 Towns and Cities
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E93 · Wed, February 23, 2022
B2 Household chores
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E92 · Fri, February 18, 2022
B1 Used to, structure, use and examples
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E91 · Wed, February 16, 2022
B2 The passive voice (with story)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E90 · Fri, February 11, 2022
B1 B2 Talking about telephones
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E89 · Wed, February 09, 2022
B2 Making predictions with will and going to
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E88 · Fri, February 04, 2022
B2 - Money words and expressions
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E87 · Wed, February 02, 2022
B1 Words of obligation: must, mustn't and have to.
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E86 · Fri, January 28, 2022
B1 The infinitives
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E85 · Wed, January 26, 2022
B2 - Essential B2 holiday language
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E84 · Fri, January 21, 2022
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 18 and final chapter)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E83 · Wed, January 19, 2022
B2 - Prepositions with adjectives and verbs
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 . 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)
S1 E82 · Mon, January 17, 2022
B1 Phrasal verbs for B1
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E81 · Fri, January 14, 2022
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 17)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E80 · Wed, January 12, 2022
B2 Using colloquial language for descriptions
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E79 · Mon, January 10, 2022
B2 Babouscka - a Christmas story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E78 · Fri, January 07, 2022
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 16)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E77 · Wed, January 05, 2022
B1 Cambridge Preliminary exam listening Part 4
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E76 · Mon, January 03, 2022
B2 expressions with the word 'mind'
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E75 · Fri, December 31, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 15)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E74 · Wed, December 29, 2021
B1 B2 By the river
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E73 · Mon, December 27, 2021
B1 intensifiers
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E72 · Fri, December 24, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 14)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E71 · Wed, December 22, 2021
B1 B2 Christmas time in England
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E70 · Mon, December 20, 2021
B2 C1 The Fat One (story at Christmas)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E69 · Fri, December 17, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 13)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E68 · Wed, December 15, 2021
B1 adjectives for describing personality
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E67 · Mon, December 13, 2021
B1 B2 Imperatives
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E66 · Fri, December 10, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 12)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E65 · Wed, December 08, 2021
B1 Some and any
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E64 · Mon, December 06, 2021
B1 B2 Meanings of the verb 'get' 3
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E63 · Fri, December 03, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 11)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E62 · Wed, December 01, 2021
B1 B2 Meanings of the verb to get 2
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E61 · Mon, November 29, 2021
B1 B2 Meanings of the verb to get 1
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E60 · Fri, November 26, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 10)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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/ 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)
S1 E59 · Wed, November 24, 2021
B1 Interview with a schoolgirl
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E58 · Mon, November 22, 2021
B2 - The language of playing cards
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E57 · Fri, November 19, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 9)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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/ 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)
S1 E56 · Wed, November 17, 2021
B1 Introduction to past perfect
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E55 · Mon, November 15, 2021
B2 - Mixed conditionals
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E54 · Fri, November 12, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 8)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 . 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)
S1 E53 · Wed, November 10, 2021
B1 Third Conditional (introduction)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E52 · Mon, November 08, 2021
B1 Introduction to the second conditional
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 . 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)
S1 E51 · Fri, November 05, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 7)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E50 · Wed, November 03, 2021
B1 B2 Comparatives and their modifiers
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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.) 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)
S1 E49 · Mon, November 01, 2021
B1 B2 Language about books
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E48 · Fri, October 29, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 6)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E47 · Wed, October 27, 2021
B2 The Magician (story) ability in the past
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E46 · Mon, October 25, 2021
B2 C1 Speaking exam phrases - exercise and sport
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E45 · Fri, October 22, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 5)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E44 · Wed, October 20, 2021
B1 Cambridge Preliminary writing exam practice part 2
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E43 · Mon, October 18, 2021
B2 The rhythm of English
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E42 · Fri, October 15, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 4)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E41 · Wed, October 13, 2021
B2 IELTS 7 Speaking exam part 1 preparation
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E40 · Mon, October 11, 2021
B1 introduction to the passive
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E39 · Fri, October 08, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 3)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E38 · Wed, October 06, 2021
B1 'Going to' for predictions and short story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 . 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)
S1 E37 · Sun, October 03, 2021
B1 B2 Have something done
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E36 · Fri, October 01, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 2)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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/ 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)
S1 E35 · Wed, September 29, 2021
B1 B2 subject and object questions
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E34 · Mon, September 27, 2021
B1 B2 On my balcony
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E33 · Fri, September 24, 2021
B1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 1)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E32 · Wed, September 22, 2021
B1 B2 News - The La Palma Volcano
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E31 · Mon, September 20, 2021
B2 Formal and informal English 3
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E30 · Fri, September 17, 2021
B2/C1 short story - The man who could work Miracles 4
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E29 · Wed, September 15, 2021
B2+ C1 Household tools and their idioms
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E28 · Mon, September 13, 2021
B1/B2 Bathroom vocabulary
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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". 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)
S1 E27 · Fri, September 10, 2021
B2/C1 short story - The man who could work Miracles 3
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E26 · Wed, September 08, 2021
B1/B2 Formal and informal English 2
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E25 · Mon, September 06, 2021
B2 Future perfect and future continuous
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E24 · Fri, September 03, 2021
B2/C1 short story - The man who could work Miracles 2
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E23 · Wed, September 01, 2021
B2 - Speaking exam practice - holidays
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. I'm going to talk about walking holiday s and make a comparison with the popular beach holida y. This is useful practice for the long-turn monologue of IELTS speaking test or the discussion part with your partner in the Cambridge exam. 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)
S1 E22 · Mon, August 30, 2021
B1 Zero and first conditionals
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E21 · Fri, August 27, 2021
B2/C1 short story - The man who could work Miracles 1
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E20 · Wed, August 25, 2021
B1/B2 IELTS 5 Kitchen vocabulary
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E19 · Mon, August 23, 2021
B1/B2 Direct and indirect questions
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. I'm going to talk to you about indirect questions . In fact, I'm going to talk to you about direct question s 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? 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)
S1 E18 · Fri, August 20, 2021
B1/B2 IELTS 6 A nice cup of tea
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. The history of Britain's favourite drink and some useful vocabulary about how to make a nice cup of tea. 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)
S1 E17 · Wed, August 18, 2021
B1 / IELTS 5 Funny story Mr Bates and his hammer
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E16 · Mon, August 16, 2021
B2 English - extreme adjectives
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E15 · Fri, August 13, 2021
B1 practice - come and go
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E14 · Wed, August 11, 2021
B2 - Cycling and bicycle vocabulary
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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
S1 E13 · Mon, August 09, 2021
B1/B2 Formal and informal English
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E12 · Fri, August 06, 2021
B1 - Without a Tie - funny story in English
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E11 · Wed, August 04, 2021
B2 Hypothesizing in English
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E10 · Mon, August 02, 2021
B2 talking about big numbers - millions etc.
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E9 · Fri, July 30, 2021
B1 revision past continuous (introduction)
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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. 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)
S1 E8 · Wed, July 28, 2021
B1/B2 reported speech and direct speech
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E7 · Mon, July 26, 2021
B1 - The Bell-ringer - short story in English
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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 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)
S1 E6 · Fri, July 23, 2021
B2 - Mr Briefcase - physical descriptions of people
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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... 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)
S1 E5 · Wed, July 21, 2021
B1/B2 ability in the present and past
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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/ 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)
S1 E4 · Mon, July 19, 2021
A2/B1 Expressing likes and dislikes
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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/ 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)
S1 E3 · Fri, July 16, 2021
B2 - Tom and the Gorilla - story
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. Hello, and today I'm going to tell you another wonderful story called Tom and the Gorilla! And the level is B2 to C1, and some interesting language here for you, and also an issue as well about the importance of intonation. You can find the transcript to this podcast at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-3.htm and an exercise on the vocabulary at https://www.practisingenglish.com/b2-level/b2-text-test-1.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)
S1 E2 · Wed, July 14, 2021
B1 speaking exam practice
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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/ 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)
S1 E1 · Mon, July 12, 2021
Welcome to Practising English!
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 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/ 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)

Practising English

238. If so, if not, B1 level with dialogue

237. Candle Burning - B1 short story (complete version)

Complex sentences B1, B2 (4 funny jokes)

235. Future Perfect B2 (short story)

234. B2 Time Adverbs

233. Uses of 'rather' (with dialogue)

232. Would and used to with short story

231. B1 Do for emphasis (with dialogue)

230. B2 story The Visitors (complete version)

229. B1 adjectives with hyphens (with dialogue)

228. The Medical check-up (expressions for emphasis)

227. Talking about the Future (with dialogue)

226. Get and verbs of movement B1, B2 and story

225. Verbs of Movement with story (B1, B2)

224. The Londoner (B1 B2 level story)

223. The Cambridge exam B1 story writing

222. A Window on Time (complete version) B2 level

221. Victims of Nature (complete version) B1, B2

220. A Christmas Carol - The end of it (Part 2) B2 story

219. A Christmas Carol - The end of it (Part 1) B2 story

218. Coming Home (part 2) B1 B2-level story

217. Coming Home (part 1) B1, B2-level story

216. Candle Burning (part 2) B1-level story

215. Candle Burning (part 1) B1-level story

214. The Second-hand Shop (B2 Story)

213. B1 Intermediate-level Phrasal Verbs 2 (with story)

212. B1 Intermediate-level Phrasal Verbs 1 (with story)

211. The Visitors (part 2) B1 B2 upper-intermediate level story

210. The Visitors (Part 1) B1 B2 story

209. A Window on Time - Part 2 (B1 B2 Story)

208. A Window on Time - Part 1 (B1 B2 Story)

207. Victims of Nature - part 2 (B1 B2 Story)

206. Victims of Nature - part 1 (B1 B2 Story)

205. Every Dog has his Day (B1 B2 Story)

204. Winds of Bolonia (complete B1 story)

203. Never Go Back (Complete B1 Story)

202. Who was Sidney Peabody (complete B1 story)

201. The Spaceman (complete B1 story)

200. Tsunami (complete version B1 level)

Podcast 199 Stories from our listeners (B1 level)

Podcast 198 Dad (full version) B1 story

Podcast 197 Story telling from my listeners (B1, B2)

Podcast 196 Intonation in a Story

Podcast 195 Uses of SO and REALLY (B1 level)

Podcast 194 PET exam writing the article B1

Podcast 193 FCE writing the essay B2

Podcast 192 The Breath of the Mosquito (Part 2) B1 story

Podcast 191 The Breath of the Mosquito (Part 1) B1 story

Podcast 190 The Harmonica Players (Part 3) B1, B2 story

Podcast 189 The Harmonica Players (Part 2) B1, B2 story

Podcast 188 The Harmonica Players (Part 1) B1, B2 story

Podcast 187 The River (B1, B2 story)

Podcast 186 Cambridge Preliminary Speaking Test B1 (part 3)

Podcast 185 On The Edge (B1 Story)

Podcast 184 Drawing Conclusions (B1 B2 Story)

Podcast 183 Doghouse Reilly Part 2 (B1 B2 Story)

Podcast 182 Doghouse Reilly Part 1 (B1 B2 Story)

Podcast 181 The Octopus's Garden B1 B2 (Complete Story)

Podcast 180 The Octopus's Garden B1 B2 (Part 2)

Podcast 179 The Octopus's Garden B1 B2 (Part 1)

Podcast 178 Lunch of the Boat Party (B1 English)

Podcast 177 Never Go Back (Part 2) B1 level

Podcast 176 A Christmas Carol (B1)

Podcast 175 Never Go Back (Part 1) B1 level

Podcast 174 Somebody for Jenny (B1 story)

Podcast 173 Tsunami (B1 Story Part 2)

Podcast 172 Tsunami (B1 story Part 1)

Podcast 171 The Picnic (short story)

Podcast 170 Bigfoot (B1 Short story)

Podcast 169 Three Hours between Flights Part 2 (B1 short story)

Podcast 168 Three Hours between Flights Part 1 (B1 short story)

Podcast 167 "Dad" part 2 (B1 short story)

Podcast 166 "Dad" part 1 (B1 short story)

Podcast 165 The verb 'to turn' B1 level

Podcast 164 People Watching (B2 level English)

Podcast 163 Actually (meaning and uses) B1, B2 English

Podcast 162. Who's afraid of present perfect? (B1 English)

Podcast 161 The Quiet Man (Part 2)

Podcast 160 The Quiet Man (Part 1)