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!
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My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
325. Treasure Island (chapter 16) B1 Story
Season 6 · Episode 325
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • Duration 26:58
I'm back from my holiday. It's a new season! My sixth year with Practising English Podcasts. There'll be new things this season, which I'll let you know about soon. Firstly, here is the continuation of Treasure Island with interesting B1 language for you. To sea the transcript with B1 words highlighted, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-325.htm
1) remain calm
Definition: To stay relaxed and not become worried, angry, or frightened in a difficult situation.
Example sentences:
The teacher told everyone to remain calm during the fire drill.
You should remain calm if you have a problem in the exam.
She remained calm even when she missed her bus.
2) to be honest
Definition: A phrase used when you want to say what you really think or feel.
Example sentences:
To be honest, I didn't enjoy the film very much.
To be honest, I forgot about our meeting.
To be honest, I think this is the best choice.
3) achieve
Definition: To succeed in doing something that needs effort or hard work.
Example sentences:
She worked hard to achieve her goal.
We hope to achieve better results this year.
He achieved his dream of becoming a doctor.
4) decision
Definition: A choice that you make after thinking about something.
324. Drawing Conclusions (B2 story) summer repeat
Season 5 · Episode 324
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 25:54
Drawing Conclusions is a mystery story about a woman who witnesses some strange things happening at the house next door.
The B2 phrases analysed before the story can be found at the show notes of your podcast app and at Practising English dot com, podcast 184.
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
323. Coming Home (complete version) B1 - B2 Story
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • Duration 22:07
This story is the complete version of the B1, B2-level, Coming Home, first published here in 2024. Now you can enjoy the full story with vocabulary exercises below and at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-323.htm
Words to explain:
to strengthen = to make stronger
a property = a house (usually for sale)
keep clear = stay away, do not come near
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
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
322. The Harmonica Players (full version) B2 story
Season 5 · Episode 322
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 • Duration 33:57
This is the complete version of the B2-level story, The Harmonica Players. I include here for you a B2 vocabulary list of words and expressions to listen for in the story:
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!’
320. Bully! (B1 short story)
Season 5 · Episode 320
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 • Duration 25:01
Hello, and welcome to Practising English! Mike Bilbrough is on his summer holiday, so we'd like to offer a B1 story recorded way back in 2022. It's called Bully, and it's taken from Mike Bilbrough's book for preparing for the Cambridge Preliminary exam: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder". This week we're going to offer you the complete transcript of the story with B1 words highlighted. Enjoy!
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
319. The Hole (complete story) B2 level
Season 5 · Episode 319
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 • Duration 15:32
Mike Bilbrough is taking his summer holiday at the moment. Meanwhile, we'd like to offer you a story recorded last year in two parts as one complete story for you to listen to, learn from and enjoy. You can follow the story transcript and see the B2 language in bold type at Mike's website at www.practisingenglish.com podcast-319.htm. Enjoy!
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
1. Attempt Definition: To try to do something, especially something difficult. (Can be used as a verb or a noun).
Example 1: She will attempt to pass her driving test for the second time tomorrow.
2. Welcome Definition (Noun): The way you greet someone when they arrive. Definition (Verb): To greet someone in a polite and friendly way when they arrive.
Example 1 (Noun): The hotel staff gave us a very warm welcome when we checked in. Example 2 (Verb): Our neighbours always welcome us into their home with a cup of tea.
3. In charge Definition: Having the responsibility or control over something or a group of people.
Example 1: Who is in charge of organising the office party this year? Example 2: While the manager is on vacation, Sarah is in charge of the store.
4. Annoyed / Annoy Definition (Annoyed - Adjective): Feeling a little bit angry or impatient.
Definition (Annoy - Transitive Verb): To make someone feel slightly angry or impatient.
Example 1 (Annoyed): I was very annoyed because the train was thirty minutes late.
Example 2 (Annoy): Loud music late at night really annoys the people living next door.
5. Clever / Bright / Brilliant / Smart Definition: Words used to describe someone who is intelligent, learns quickly, or handles situations well. (Note: "Brilliant" can also mean exceptionally smart or wonderful).
Example 1: He is a very bright student who always gets the best grades in science.
Example 2: She came up with a clever solution to fix the broken computer.
6. Narrow / Wide / Broad Definition (Narrow): Measuring a short distance from one side to the other; not wide.Definition (Wide & Broad): Measuring a large distance from one side to the other. (We often use "wide" for physical spaces like roads, and "broad" for larger concepts like shoulders, smiles, or ideas).Example 1 (Narrow): The old town has very narrow streets, so cars cannot drive through them easily.Example 2 (Wide / Broad): The river is so wide that you cannot see the people on the other side. / He had a broad smile on his face when he won the prize.
on behalf of Definition: Instead of someone else, or representing another person or group. Example 1: I am writing this email on behalf of my manager who is on vacation. Example 2: On behalf of the whole team, I want to say thank you for your help.
come to this conclusion Definition: To decide that something is true after thinking carefully about all the facts. Example 1: After reviewing all the documents, I have come to this conclusion. Example 2: How did the police come to this conclusion without any real proof?
conscious of Definition: Noticing something, or being aware that something exists or is happening. Example 1: She was conscious of the fact that everyone in the room was looking at her. Example 2: You need to be more conscious of how much money you spend each week.
out of nowhere Definition: Very suddenly and unexpectedly, without any warning. Example 1: A dog ran out of nowhere and nearly hit my bicycle. Example 2: It started raining out of nowhere while we were having a picnic in the park.
grab hold of Definition: To take or hold something or someone firmly with your hand. Example 1: Make sure you grab hold of the railing while walking down the stairs. Example 2: The little child grabbed hold of his mother's coat so he would not get lost.
every single one Definition: All of them, used to emphasize each individual item or person in a group. Example 1: I have watched every single one of the movies in this series. Example 2: Every single one of my classmates passed the final exam.
as far as I know Definition: Used to say what you think is true, based on the information you have. Example 1: As far as I know, the local library is closed on Sundays.Example 2: The meeting is still happening at two o'clock, as far as I know.
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My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
4) py off - pay the money that you have borrowed
5) shbby - untidy clothes
Answers to listening to the context of the B2 phrases:
1, more or less (finished etc.) What amazed Jonathon was that his house was more or less standing. For most, it would have proved to be a painful experience. His charming two-storey country house was in ruins.
2, obliged to Jonathon had been unable to pay the debts he owed on it in the taxes that he was obliged to pay after the house had been left to him on his mother’s death.
3, the slightest intention For some unexplained reason, nobody in his family had had the slightest intention of strengthening the bottom floor, and neither did Jonathon do anything about it after his mother passed away.
4, a) neither... nor... / b) neither (inversion) a) However, the fact that it had been abandoned, and had neither been rebuilt nor pulled down completely, gave Jonathon a certain sense of satisfaction. b) For some unexplained reason, nobody in his family had had the slightest intention of strengthening the bottom floor, and neither did Jonathon do anything about it after his mother passed away.
5, drop in To claim your prize, please drop in at any local branch of your bank.
6) turn up Jonathon felt he could not turn up at the bank looking like a vagabond.
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
7. a chance of a lifetime
Story sentence to listen for: It was a chance of a lifetime .
Definition: A very special opportunity that is unlikely to happen again.
8. dropped out of
Story sentence to listen for: He dropped out of college.
Definition: To leave a school, college or course before you have finished it.
9. make ends meet
Story sentence to listen for: He was struggling to make ends meet .
Definition: To have just enough money to pay for the things you need.
10. had a strong dislike of
Story sentence to listen for: Jeffrey had a strong dislike of mobile phones.
Definition: To strongly dislike someone or something.
11. behind bars
Story sentence to listen for: They should be behind bars .
Definition: In prison.
12. gazed out of
Story sentence to listen for: She gazed out of the window at the daffodils in the snow.
Definition: Looked at something for a long time, often without moving your eyes.
13. foreigners
Story sentence to listen for: 'I don’t know what this country is coming to. More foreigners than native English .'
Definition: People who come from a different country.
14. native English
Story sentence to listen for: 'I don’t know what this country is coming to. More foreigners than native English .'
Definition: Describes people who have English as their first language.
15. In contrast to
Story sentence to listen for: In contrast to the London area, Oxted was primarily a small town of white people.
Definition: Used to show how one thing is different from another.
16. primarily
Story sentence to listen for: In contrast to the London area, Oxted was primarily a small town of white people.
Definition: Mainly or mostly.
17. respectable
Story sentence to listen for: 'All respectable , traditional people. Proper English people, Jeffrey would say.'
Definition: Considered to be good, honest and acceptable by most people.
18. upbringing
Story sentence to listen for: 'His upbringing had always been in country areas, away from cosmopolitan cities.'
Definition: The way a person is treated and taught by their parents while they are growing up.
19. distrusted
Story sentence to listen for: 'He distrusted foreigners in his country, in general.'
Definition: Did not trust someone because you believed they might not be honest or reliable.
20. take it for granted
Story sentence to listen for: 'In England, you could take it for granted that you would find decency and fair play .'
Definition: To believe that something will always be there or happen, without thinking about it.
21. decency and fair play
Story sentence to listen for: 'In England, you could take it for granted that you would find decency and fair play .'
Definition: Decency means behaving in a good and honest way. Fair play means treating people fairly and following accepted rules.
22. deceit and dishonesty
Story sentence to listen for: 'Unfortunately, the deceit and dishonesty , which so many immigrants brought with them from elsewhere was giving this country a bad name.'
Definition: Deceit means trying to make someone believe something that is not true. Dishonesty means not being honest or truthful.
23. discourage
Story sentence to listen for: '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.'
Definition: To make someone less willing to do something.
24. giving the country a bad name
Story sentence to listen for: 'Immigrants giving the country a bad name .'
Definition: Making other people have a bad opinion of a country because of someone's actions.
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
(The alien spaceship had come to rescue the dolphins and whales of the ocean, and was not interested in making contact with the humans!)
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9
Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i
For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv
Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
