Explore every episode of the podcast Practising English

The B2 phrases we'll be studying are:

Transcript available at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-326.htm

1. Bizarre situation

Definition: A very strange or unusual situation that is difficult to understand or explain. 

 When I arrived at work, everyone was wearing costumes, and I had no idea what was happening. It was a bizarre situation. 

 We were having dinner when a man suddenly walked into the restaurant with a chicken under his arm. It was a bizarre situation. 

 I lost my phone on the train, and then a stranger called me to say he had found it in his garden. It was a bizarre situation. 

2. Fierce

Definition: Very strong, violent, or determined. 

The two players had a fierce argument after one of them accused the other of cheating.

There is fierce competition for jobs in the city, so you need good qualifications to get one.

The dog gave me a fierce look when I tried to take its food away.

3. Uneasy

Definition: Worried or uncomfortable because you feel that something is not right. 

I felt uneasy walking home alone as a girl had been attacked in that area only last week.

I started to feel uneasy when my friend didn't answer his phone and hadn't come home by midnight.

She felt uneasy about leaving her children with the new babysitter because she didn't know him very well.

4. Desperate

Definition: Having a very strong need or desire for something, especially because you are in a difficult situation. 

After walking for three hours in the hot sun without any water, we were desperate for a drink.

He was desperate to find a job because he had been unemployed for almost six months.

I was desperate to get some sleep after working all night and then looking after the children all morning.

5. Unbearable

Definition: So unpleasant or difficult that you cannot accept or deal with it. 

The heat in the office became unbearable because the air conditioning had stopped working.

The noise from our neighbours was unbearable, so we decided to ask them to turn the music down.

After several hours of waiting in the hospital, the pain became unbearable, and I asked the nurse for help.

6. Rage

Definition: A very strong feeling of anger that is difficult to control. 

He was shaking with rage after discovering that someone had damaged his car and driven away.

She screamed in rage when she found out that her colleague had taken credit for her work.

He couldn't control his rage when the referee gave the other team a penalty in the final minutes of the match.

7. Deal with somebody

Definition: To take action to solve a problem with someone or manage someone who is causing difficulties. 

I don't know how to deal with my neighbour because he keeps playing loud music late at night.

As a manager, she has to deal with difficult customers who sometimes become angry about small problems.

If your brother keeps causing problems at school, you'll have to deal with him before it gets worse.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

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. 

Example sentences:

It was a difficult decision to leave my job.

She made the right decision in the end.

We need to make a decision before Friday.

 5) possibly

Definition: 
Maybe; it is possible that something is true or will happen. 

Example sentences:

We will possibly go to the beach tomorrow.

This answer could possibly be correct.

He is possibly the fastest runner in the class.

 6) expect

Definition: 
To think that something will probably happen or that someone will do something. 

Example sentences:

I expect the train to arrive on time.

They expect good weather this weekend.

My parents expect me to finish my homework before dinner.

 7) admit

Definition: 
To say that something is true, especially when it is difficult or embarrassing to say. 

Example sentences:

He admitted that he had made a mistake.

She didn't want to admit she was wrong.

I must admit that the food was very good.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

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.

See phrases at my website: Practising English...

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)

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

This 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

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. 

Answers to vocabulary test.

B1-level

1) owe

2) unable

3) bring up

4) signature

5) lottery

B2-level

1) debt

2) disturb

3) income

4) pay off

5) shabby

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

This is the 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:

Practising English podcast 322...

B2 Words and expressions in the story

1. couldn't face

Story sentence to listen for: Somehow, he couldn’t face starting his day without a hot shower. 

Definition: To feel unable or unwilling to do something because you do not want to deal with it. 

2. All of a sudden

Story sentence to listen for: All of a sudden , the ceiling light, television, fridge and electric heater all came on at once. 

Definition: Very quickly and unexpectedly. 

3. get hold of

Story sentence to listen for: Work as a musician had been difficult to get hold of . 

Definition: To find or obtain something that you need or want. 

4. From time to time

Story sentence to listen for: From time to time , he gave harmonica lessons online… 

Definition: Sometimes, but not regularly. 

5. kept his eye out for

Story sentence to listen for: Martin always kept his eye out for a job that he could do. 

Definition: To watch carefully for something because you hope to find or see it. 

6. Every once in a while

Story sentence to listen for: Every once in a while , he’d found work doing what he really loved. 

Definition: Sometimes, but not often. 

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. 

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Comprension questions and vocabulary tasks

At my website, you can also find B1 and B2 vocabulary tasks to do for this story:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-321.htm

Comprehension questions

1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why?

2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there?

3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it?

4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story?

Answers:

1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why?

‘Rescue mission!’ the admiral suddenly shouted and he looked irritated. ‘Who are they gonna rescue? I don’t need rescuing, thank you very much! I have a nice home and beautiful family right here on Honolulu Island. 

2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there?

They hurried along the deck and in through a door that led to the bridge* - the highest part of the ship and the best place to get an all-round view of the surrounding darkening sea and sky.

3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it?

‘Sonar?’ interrupted Pierre. ‘Do you mean it’s under the water?’ The captain ignored him.

‘Estimated time of arrival?’

‘Four minutes, Captain! It’s incredible! There’s nothing that can travel that speed under water! I… I don’t get it!’

4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story?

‘Merde!’ said Pierre ('merde' is a swaer word in French) to anyone who might be listening to him. ‘They want nothing to do with us!’

(The alien spaceship had come to rescue the dolphins and whales of the ocean, and was not interested in making contact with the humans!)

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Hello, and welcome to Practising English! Mike Bilbrough is on his summer holiday, so we'd like to offer a B1 story recorded way back in 2022. It's called Bully, and it's taken from Mike Bilbrough's book for preparing for the Cambridge Preliminary exam: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder". This week we're going to offer you the complete transcript of the story with B1 words highlighted. Enjoy!

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-320.htm

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Mike Bilbrough is taking his summer holiday at the moment. Meanwhile, we'd like to offer you a story recorded last year in two parts as one complete story for you to listen to, learn from and enjoy. You can follow the story transcript and see the B2 language in bold type at Mike's website at www.practisingenglish.com podcast-319.htm. Enjoy! 

Here is the transcript with B2 vocabulary shown in biold type: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-319.htm

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we'll study today:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-318.htm

1. Attempt
Definition: To try to do something, especially something difficult. (Can be used as a verb or a noun).

Example 1: She will attempt to pass her driving test for the second time tomorrow.

2. Welcome
Definition (Noun): The way you greet someone when they arrive.
Definition (Verb): To greet someone in a polite and friendly way when they arrive.

Example 1 (Noun): The hotel staff gave us a very warm welcome when we checked in.
Example 2 (Verb): Our neighbours always welcome us into their home with a cup of tea.

3. In charge
Definition: Having the responsibility or control over something or a group of people.

Example 1: Who is in charge of organising the office party this year?
Example 2: While the manager is on vacation, Sarah is in charge of the store.

4. Annoyed / Annoy
Definition (Annoyed - Adjective): Feeling a little bit angry or impatient.

Definition (Annoy - Transitive Verb): To make someone feel slightly angry or impatient.

Example 1 (Annoyed): I was very annoyed because the train was thirty minutes late.

Example 2 (Annoy): Loud music late at night really annoys the people living next door.

5. Clever / Bright / Brilliant / Smart
Definition: Words used to describe someone who is intelligent, learns quickly, or handles situations well. (Note: "Brilliant" can also mean exceptionally smart or wonderful).

Example 1: He is a very bright student who always gets the best grades in science.

Example 2: She came up with a clever solution to fix the broken computer.

6. Narrow / Wide / Broad
Definition (Narrow): Measuring a short distance from one side to the other; not wide.

Definition (Wide & Broad): Measuring a large distance from one side to the other. (We often use "wide" for physical spaces like roads, and "broad" for larger concepts like shoulders, smiles, or ideas).

Example 1 (Narrow): The old town has very narrow streets, so cars cannot drive through them easily.

Example 2 (Wide / Broad): The river is so wide that you cannot see the people on the other side. / He had a broad smile on his face when he won the prize.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

The B2 phrases we'll be studying are:

Full story transcipt: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-317.htm

on behalf of
Definition: Instead of someone else, or representing another person or group.
Example 1: I am writing this email on behalf of my manager who is on vacation.
Example 2: On behalf of the whole team, I want to say thank you for your help.

come to this conclusion
Definition: To decide that something is true after thinking carefully about all the facts.
Example 1: After reviewing all the documents, I have come to this conclusion.
Example 2: How did the police come to this conclusion without any real proof?

conscious of
Definition: Noticing something, or being aware that something exists or is happening.
Example 1: She was conscious of the fact that everyone in the room was looking at her.
Example 2: You need to be more conscious of how much money you spend each week.

out of nowhere
Definition: Very suddenly and unexpectedly, without any warning.
Example 1: A dog ran out of nowhere and nearly hit my bicycle.
Example 2: It started raining out of nowhere while we were having a picnic in the park.

grab hold of
Definition: To take or hold something or someone firmly with your hand.
Example 1: Make sure you grab hold of the railing while walking down the stairs.
Example 2: The little child grabbed hold of his mother's coat so he would not get lost.

every single one
Definition: All of them, used to emphasize each individual item or person in a group.
Example 1: I have watched every single one of the movies in this series.
Example 2: Every single one of my classmates passed the final exam.

as far as I know
Definition: Used to say what you think is true, based on the information you have.
Example 1: As far as I know, the local library is closed on Sundays.
Example 2: The meeting is still happening at two o'clock, as far as I know.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Here are the words and expressions we''l study today:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-316.htm

1) to handle

Definition: To deal with a situation, a person, or a problem successfully. 

Examples: Don't worry about the cooking tonight, I can handle it. 

Our manager is very calm and knows exactly how to handle angry customers.

2) sound like

Definition: To seem true or interesting after hearing or reading about it, or to make a noise similar to something else. 

Examples: Going to the beach this weekend sounds like a fantastic idea!

 I heard a strange noise outside last night that sounded like a cat. 

3) about to

Definition: Ready to do something very soon, or very close to happening. 

Examples: Hurry up and get in the car! The train is about to leave. 

I was just about to call you when your text message arrived.

4) for hours

Definition: For a very long period of time. 

Examples: We had to wait at the airport for hours because our flight was late. 

My brother can play video games for hours without taking a single break. 

5) get worse

Definition: To become more bad, difficult, or painful than before. 

Examples: If your cold gets worse tomorrow, you should definitely see a doctor.

 The traffic in the city center always gets worse around 5:00 PM. 

6) dozens of

Definition: A very large number of things or people (usually groups of twelve, but used generally to mean "a lot of"). 

Examples: There were dozens of people standing in line to buy the new phone.

 She has dozens of beautiful plants all over her apartment.

7) take a deep breath

Definition: To fill your lungs with a lot of air, usually to help yourself relax, calm down, or feel better. 

Examples: Before the important job interview started, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves. 

Just take a deep breath and explain to me what happened.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Here are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:

1) far too many/much/few etc.
There are far too many games in this new 48-team tournament, and our players look absolutely exhausted.
The manager chose far too few midfielders in the starting line-up, which is why we completely lost control of the ball.

2) in any case
I don't think the referee should have given that penalty, but in any case, we played poorly and didn't deserve to win.
It is going to be incredibly hot in Miami for the next match, but in any case, the team must adapt if they want to reach the semi-finals.

3) demand (verb)
After that terrible performance against Canada, millions of fans back home demand that the manager changes his tactics for the next round.
Spanish supporters demand beautiful, attacking football, so we cannot just defend a 1-0 lead.

4) no guarantee
Even though we have a fantastic squad this year, there is no guarantee that we will defeat a strong team like Argentina.
Winning our group easily gives us confidence, but it offers no guarantee that we will survive a penalty shootout in the knockout stage.

5) relevant
Past defeats against Germany are not relevant to this young squad; they are only focused on making history in 2026.
Having experience in big Champions League finals is highly relevant for our players during a high-pressure World Cup tournament.

6) As for...
The defense looked solid today, but as for our strikers, they missed too many clear chances in front of the goal.
I’ve already bought my match tickets for the group stage, but as for the final in New York, the flights are just too expensive.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today!

See full story audioscript here with B1 words highlighted: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-314.htm

1. Take care of. Definition: To look after someone or something and make sure they have what they need. 

• I need to take care of my little brother while my parents are at work.
• Please take care of your new books and do not lose them.

2. Alive. Definition: Living and not dead. 

• We found a small bird in the garden, and it was still alive.
• My grandfather is 90 years old, but he is very active and very much alive.

3. Recover. Definition: To get better after an illness or an injury. 

• It took her three weeks to recover from the bad cold.
• The athlete needs to rest and recover before the next big game.

4. Explanation. Definition: The reasons you give to make something clear or easy to understand. 

• The teacher gave a clear explanation of the math problem.
• He did not have a good explanation for being late to class.

5. Make up one's mind. Definition: To make a decision or choose what to do. 

• I cannot make up my mind about which movie to watch tonight.
• She finally made up her mind and bought the blue jacket.

6. By hand. Definition: Made or done by a person using their hands, not using a machine. 

• My grandmother makes all of her beautiful sweaters by hand.
• In the past, people had to wash all their clothes by hand.

7. Instead of. Definition: In the place of someone or something else. 

• I will have water instead of juice with my lunch.
• We decided to walk to the park instead of taking the bus.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrases I'll be studying today:

(See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-313.htm

as far as sth is concerned

Definition: When talking about a particular subject or issue. 

Example:

•  As far as money is concerned, we need to be careful. 

a misunderstanding

Definition: A situation in which people do not understand each other correctly. 

Example:

• The argument started because of a misunderstanding.

what on earth...! / why on earth...!

Definition: Used to show strong surprise, confusion, or annoyance. 

Example:

• What on earth are you doing here at midnight? I thought you were in bed!

flirt

Definition: To behave in a way that shows romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a playful way. 

Example:

• He was flirting with a woman at the party.

be devoted to

Definition: To be very loyal to, committed to, or focused on someone or something. 

Example:

• She is devoted to her family. She visits them every week.

clear up the question of

Definition: To explain or solve something that is unclear or uncertain. 

Example:

• The meeting helped clear up the question of who was responsible. (See: misunderstanding)

make out (find the answer to) 

Definition: To understand, discover, or find the answer to something that is difficult. 

Example:

• I couldn't make out what the reason was Dave getting upset at the party.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we're going to study today:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-312.htm

 1. after a while

Definition: after some time has passed

 Example: We talked for a while , and after a while we went home. 

 2. on purpose

Definition: intentionally; not by accident

 Example: John broke his mobile phone on purpose so his parents would buy him a new one. 

 3. put out (a fire) 

Definition: to stop a fire from burning

 Example: There was a fire in our kitchen. Fortunately, the fire brigade arrived soon put out the fire quickly. 

 4. hurry up

Definition: to do something more quickly

 Example: Hurry up , or we will miss the bus. 

 5. help yourself

Definition: take something for yourself if you want it

 Example: There are some biscuits on the table. Help yourself to some. 

 6. lend a hand

Definition: to help someone with something

Example: Can you lend me a hand with these boxes?

 7. knock something/somebody down

Definition: (a building) to destroy a building; (a person) to hit someone so they fall, often with a vehicle

 Example: They knocked down the old factory and built a park there. 

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrasal verbs we're studying today:

For full stiry transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-311.htm

1. Turn up (Meaning: To arrive or appear)
"We wrapped up the meeting early because the client didn't turn up on time."

2. Get away (Meaning: To escape or evade capture)
"The thieves managed to get away before the security guards could lock the building down."

3. Deal with (Meaning: To handle or take action on a problem)
"Don't worry about the scheduling conflict; our manager will deal with it first thing tomorrow."

4. Turn to (Meaning: To face someone or look to them for answers/help)
"When the map failed us, I turned to a local resident to ask for directions."

5. Fall for (Meaning: To fall deeply in love with someone)
"He was incredibly charming, so it didn't take long for her to fall for him completely."

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 expressions we'll study today:

For full story audio script: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-310.htm

1) just in case
Definition: to be prepared if something happens.
Take an umbrella just in case it rains.

2) get ready
Definition: to prepare for something.
We need to get ready for school.

3) come to an agreement
Definition: to decide something together after talking.
After two hours, they came to an agreement.

4) I must admit
Definition: I say something honestly, even if it is difficult or surprising.
I must admit, the movie was very good.

5) raised his voice
Definition: spoke louder, often because of anger.
The teacher raised his voice to stop the noise.

6) regret that decision
Definition: feel sorry about a choice you made.
She regrets that decision now.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:

For audioscript see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-309.htm

peculiar

Definition: strange or unusual in a way that is interesting or surprising.

Examples:

There was a peculiar smell coming from the kitchen.

worrying

Definition: making you feel anxious or concerned.

Examples:

The doctor said the test results were worrying.

playing a joke on

Definition: tricking someone in a funny way for amusement.

Examples:

My brother was playing a joke on me by hiding my phone.

strangely enough

Definition: surprisingly or in an unusual way.

Examples:

Strangely enough, I met my old teacher in another country.

unclear about

Definition: not understanding something well or not being certain about it.

Examples:

She is still unclear about the homework instructions.

at all costs

Definition: no matter what difficulties or dangers there are.

Examples:

He wanted to win the game at all costs.

I was standing by the window in Poirot’s apartment, watching the busy London street below.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today:

See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-308.htm

1) on one's own
Definition: alone, without help from others

Example:

·     She lives on her own in a small flat. 

2) of one's own
Definition: something that belongs only to a person

Example:

·     He wants a room of his own. 

3) in the end
Definition: finally, after everything

Example:

·     In the end, we chose the blue dress. 

4) backwards and forwards
Definition: moving or repeating in both directions; very well learned

Example:

·     The child walked backwards and forwards in the room. 

5) keep somebody busy
Definition: give someone enough work or activity

Example:

·     This project will keep her busy all week. 

6) get together
Definition: meet with other people

Examples:

·     We get together every Friday night. 

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 expressions we're going to study today. For full transcript of the story, you can go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-307.htm

1) take the blame
Definition: to accept that you are responsible for something bad that happened. 

• I took the blame for the mistake at work.

2) make for
Definition: to move in a particular direction or go toward a place. 

• After dinner, we made for the exit.

3) catch up
Definition: to reach the same level as someone else or to get up to date. 

• I need to catch up on my homework.

4) think something through
Definition: to consider something carefully before making a decision. 

• You should think it through before you answer.

5) figure something out
Definition: to understand or find the answer to something. 

• I can’t figure out this question.

6) push oneself
Definition: to make yourself work harder or go beyond your limits. 

• He pushed himself to finish the race.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 phrases we are going to study today.

To read the full transcript of the story, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-306.htm

Non-B1 words from this chapter of Treasure Island:
cannibals - humans who eat the meat of other humans
shipwreck - a ship which has been destroyed at sea
cannon - a large gun used in ships to shoot at other ships
Union Jack - the flag of the United Kingdom

B1 words and expressions:

unknown – something that is not known or not familiar 

face to face – meeting someone in person, not online or by phone 

to my great surprise – I was very surprised 

with great interest – with a lot of attention and curiosity 

tell me the truth – say what is real and honest 

ever since – from a time in the past until now

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Here is the B2 vocabulary I'll be studying today. The link takes you to see the audioscript.

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-305.htm

1) Reckon

Definition: To think or believe that something is true or will happen.

Example Sentence: I reckon it is going to rain this afternoon, so we should probably bring our umbrellas.

2) Head (verb)

Definition: To go or move in a particular direction.

Example Sentence: After the movie ends, we are going to head back towards the city center for some dinner.

3) Take for granted

Definition: To expect that someone or something will always be available and therefore fail to show that you are grateful for them.

Example Sentence: It is easy to take it for granted that there will always be clean water in the house.

4) What the hell

Definition: A phrase used to describe an extremely bad experience or to express surprise or anger.

Example Sentence: What the hell happened to my car? I only left it parked here for ten minutes!

5) In the meantime

Definition: During the period of time while something else is happening.

Example Sentence: The doctor will see you in twenty minutes; in the meantime, please wait in the reception area.

6) Understanding (empathetic)

Definition: Showing sympathy for someone else's problems or situation.

Example Sentence: My teacher was very understanding when I explained why I couldn't finish my homework on time.

7) Under the circumstances

Definition: Considering the particular facts or events of a situation.

Example Sentence: We didn't win the match, but under the circumstances of having two injured players, we played quite well.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B1 words and expressions we'll be looking at today: 

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-304.htm

1) Binomial pairs
Neat and tidy (meaning: clean, organized)
Example: She keeps her bedroom incredibly neat and tidy.
Sick and tired (meaning: very annoyed/bored of something)
Example: I am sick and tired of this cold weather.
Short and sweet (meaning: quick but pleasant)
Example: The meeting was short and sweet, which everyone appreciated.
Story:
The ship, the Hispaniola, was moving up and down on the sea.
up and down

2) Paired synonyms
The island looked dull and miserable

3) I was certain I couldn't stand Treasure Island.

4) The place was surrounded by trees

5) a chance = opportunity
Let’s give the men a chance to go ashore.

6) at once = immediately
The men cheered loudly and forgot about being angry at once.

7) I would rather lose my hand than not do my duty!

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 phrases we are going to study in today's podcast:

thinking twice

• Definition: Considering a decision carefully or hesitating before doing something. 
• Example: I saw the cat in the tree and, without thinking twice , I climbed up to save it. 

lose his nerve

• Definition: To suddenly become afraid or lose the courage to do something intended. 
• Example: He wanted to go skydiving, but he lost his nerve as soon as he looked out of the plane door. 

it crossed his mind

• Definition: To have a sudden or brief thought about something. 
• Example: It never crossed my mind that I might actually win the competition. 

switch

• Definition: An act of changing or swapping one thing for another. 
• Example: We made a switch at the last minute and went to the cinema instead of the park. 

rip open

• Definition: To tear something open quickly and forcefully. 
• Example: He was so excited that he ripped open the present in seconds. 

shiver

• Definition: To shake slightly because of cold, fear, or excitement. 
• Example: The cold wind made me shiver as I waited for the bus. 

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Read the audioscript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-302.htm

These are the words studied today:

1) take a good look at

Definition: to look at something carefully

2) for sure

Definition: definitely; without doubt

3) what’s on your mind

Definition: what you are thinking or worrying about

4) sooner or later

Definition: at some time in the future (not now, but eventually)

5) pay attention to

Definition: to focus on something and listen or watch carefully

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 words and phrases we will be studying today:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-301.htm

1) scared stiff

Meaning: extremely frightened; so scared you cannot move

Example:

I was scared stiff when I heard a loud noise in the dark.

2) awkward

Meaning: feeling uneasy, embarrassed, or not relaxed

Example:

I felt awkward when I didn’t know anyone at the party.

3) drop somebody off

Meaning: to take someone to a place by car and leave them there

Example:

I will drop you off at the station on my way to work.

4) seize the opportunity

Meaning: to take advantage of a good chance quickly

Example:

He seized the opportunity to study abroad.

5) might as well

Meaning: used to suggest doing something because there is no better option

Example:

It’s raining, so we might as well stay at home.

6) talkative

Meaning: someone who talks a lot

Example:

My little sister is very talkative with her friends.

7) eagerly

Meaning: with excitement and strong interest

Example:

She eagerly opened her birthday present.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the words we'll be studying in this B1 podcast today. To see the full audioscript of the story, you can go to my website at: 

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-300.htm

 ·  Set off – We set off early in the morning to start our trip to the mountains. 

 ·  Join in – Everyone was dancing, so I decided to join in and have fun. 

 ·  Reliable and efficient – Our new computer system is reliable and efficient, so we finish work faster. 

 ·  Charming – The waiter was very charming ; he chatted with us during the meal and made us laugh. 

 ·  Recover from – It took her two weeks to recover from the flu, but she’s a lot better now. 

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the B2 words we'll study today. You can also find the story transcript with B2 words highligted at:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-299.htm

 ·  in amusement 
She laughed in amusement when she saw the puppy trying to catch its own tail. 

 ·  boast 
He likes to boast about his achievements, even when no one asks him about them. 

 ·  deliberately 
She deliberately ignored his message because she was still upset with him. 

 ·  cross somebody's mind 
It never crossed my mind that I might fail the exam. 

 ·  costly 
Buying a new car can be a costly decision if you don’t plan your budget carefully. 

 ·  take a deep breath 
Before speaking in front of the audience, she took a deep breath to calm her nerves. 

 ·  spin 
The child watched the coin spin on the table until it slowly fell on its side. 

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Here is the B1 vocabulary for today's Treasure Island chapter:

1)     close up

2)     show somebody in

3)     have one’s doubts

4)     keen on / fond of

5)     dislike

6)     not be convinced

7)     give somebody a hand

 The Hispaniola was waiting out at sea, not near the land but a little way out. We rowed out in a small boat among many big ships. Their ropes hung down in the water, and sometimes they touched our boat. I had never seen a ship so close up before and was amazed at their size and beauty . At last, we came next to our ship and climbed on board...

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

The vocabulary and story transcript to today's B2 story:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-297.htm

 1.     define 
It is sometimes difficult to define success, because it means different things to different people. 

 2.     an act of will 
Finishing the marathon after injuring his ankle was purely an act of will. 

 3.     upside down 
When I turned the map upside down, I finally realized I had been reading it the wrong way. 

 4.     What on earth happened? 
The kitchen was covered in flour and broken plates—what on earth happened while I was out? 

 5.     something daring 
She decided to do something daring and quit her stable job to start her own business. 

 6.     stare in disbelief 
He could only stare in disbelief when he saw his small village on the international news. 

 7.     Don’t talk nonsense! 
Don’t talk nonsense! Of course you can pass the exam if you prepare properly. 

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the words I'll be studying today:

Transcript at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-296.htm

treasure

to sail

crew

sailor

the docks

ship

telescope

crutch

pirate

the squire

All hands on board!

aye, aye, sir!

a schooner

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

You can read the transcript here at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-295.htm

The B2 words I study today are these:

 ·  without hesitation 
She accepted the job offer without hesitation because it matched her skills perfectly. 

 ·  take pride in something 
He takes pride in his work and always tries to do his best, even under pressure. 

 ·  talk this over 
Let’s talk this over tomorrow when we’re both calmer and have more time. 

 ·  I shivered (with fear) 
I shivered with fear when I heard footsteps behind me in the dark street. 

 ·  from time to time 
From time to time, I like to turn off my phone and spend the evening reading. 

 ·  haunted 
She was haunted by the memory of the accident and found it hard to move on. 

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the questions for the story today. You can see the complete audioscript for the story at my website:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-294.htm

1) Why wouldn't the people from the village help Jim and his mother?

2) How much money did Jim's mother take from the chest (box)?

3) How did the blind man and his men get into the inn?

4) What was inside the packet that Jim found inside the chest?

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

These are the 7 B2 words I discuss during the podcast:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-293.htm

1) rolled

2) feared

3) shade

4) dragged

5) unwilling

6) endless

7) uneasy

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

For the full transcript of the story go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-292.htm

These are the phrases I study from the B1 story today:

get rid of – I want to get rid of these old clothes because I never wear them. 

run (a business) – She runs a small business with her sister. 

unpleasant – The weather was cold and unpleasant all day. 

set the table – Can you help me set the table before dinner? 

unfriendly – The waiter was unfriendly and didn’t smile at all. 

annoyed – He felt annoyed when the bus arrived late again. 

straight to somewhere – After work, I went straight to the gym. 

warning – The teacher gave us a warning about being late. 

grab – The thief grabbed my bag and ran off with it. 

threaten – The man threatened to call the police if they didn’t stop. 

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

The second and final part of my B2-level adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat: The B2 phrases studied are:

The Black Cat (B2-Level- Part 2)

 ·  fall into hopeless despair 
After losing his job and the apartment in the same week, he fell into hopeless despair. 

 ·  draw their attention to 
The teacher pointed at the board to draw the students’ attention to the maths problem solution. 

 ·  fill somebody with shock and terror 
The sudden crash in the middle of the night filled her with shock and terror. 

 ·  a growing dislike for 
After months of working late with no thanks, she developed a growing dislike for her boss. 

 ·  be ashamed to admit 
I’m ashamed to admit that I forgot my best friend’s birthday. 

 ·  beyond control 
The situation quickly became beyond control once people started arguing. 

 ·  a violent rage 
He flew into a violent rage when he realized his car had been stolen. 

 ·  completely untouched 
The cake was still completely untouched at the end of the party. 

 ·  fill somebody with great relief 
Hearing that her family was safe filled her with great relief. 

 ·  sleep peacefully 
After the storm passed, the children finally slept peacefully. 

Read the transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-291.htm

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. My B1-level version.

Chapter 1

Squire Trelawney, Dr. Livesey, and some other gentlemen asked me to write down the whole story of Treasure Island, from the beginning to the end . I must leave out only the exact position of the island, because there is still treasure there...

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-290.htm

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

First part of my B2 version of The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe: 

For the most strange, yet also ordinary, story that I am about to write, I do not expect belief, nor do I ask for it. To tell the truth, I would be foolish to expect anyone to believe me... Read story transcript with B2 words in bold: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-289.htm

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

You can find the audioscript to the B2 story today just here:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-288.htm

The Lost Ring

Mary Grams, a woman from Alberta, Canada, lost her diamond engagement ring in 2004 while she was working in her garden. The ring slipped off her finger, but although she made a long search for it, in the end, she believed it had gone missing forever.

Mary was very disappointed about the disappearance of her ring, but she did not want to worry her husband. Instead of telling him, she decided to buy a replacement ring and wore that for many years.

Thirteen years later, Mary's daughter-in-law made an interesting discovery. She was picking vegetables from the same garden when she pulled up a strange carrot. Around the carrot was a gold ring. When the family cleaned it, they realised it was Mary's original engagement ring. It had finally turned up.

Mary was over the moon. Despite being in the ground all that time, it was in perfect condition and did not need restoring - it even fit her finger. The family believes the ring had fallen into the soil years earlier, and as the carrot grew, it passed through the ring.

The story quickly became well-known around the world and reminded many people that although things can go missing, they may turn up again - even after a long time.

1. vanished - My wallet seems to have vanished without a trace.

2. locate - It took hours to locate the missing document.

3. restore - The museum worked hard to restore the damaged painting.

4. disappearance - The disappearance of the important files was never explained.

5. discovery - I made an important discovery last night. I found snails on my cabbages in the garden.

6. search - a search was made for the missing hikers

7. seek - We are seeking top secretaries for our London office

8. turn up - My door key finally turned up. It was under the sofa.

9. go missing - Several files went missing after the office renovation.

10. come across - I came across these old photograph albums in the attic

11.  hold on to - Make sure you hold on to the receipt.

12.  replacement - a part of the car engine is worn; the garage are going to find a replacement.

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For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

This is the audioscript for today's B1-level dialogue:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-287.htm

That's Life!

Mary: 'Morning, Anna. You don't look very well today. Are you sick?

Anna: 'Morning, Mary. Oh, yes. I feel terrible. I'm suffering from this backache and my head hurts. I think it's an illness caused by this awful, cold weather.

Mary: Oh dear. I've got problems too. I can't breathe properly, and I have to blow my nose all the time. I know I'm always complaining of my poor health, but it's getting worse - I can tell you!

Anna: Did you check your temperature?

Mary: Yes, it's a little high. The doctor says it's nothing serious, but I'm not sure I believe him. I've probably got some terrible, tropical disease, but he doesn't want to tell me. You know what doctors are like? Anyway, last week I fell and now I have a bandage on my leg. Just look at it!

Anna: Ooer! That looks painful. I think many people of our age suffer from the same illnesses. Our lifestyle is quite unhealthy, my mum is always telling me. Too many hamburgers and no salads.

Mary: You're right. We don't exercise enough - too much mobile phone, my dad says.

Anna: I hope I recover soon. I want to feel young again. After all, I'm only fifteen.

Mary: I'll be sixteen next month. Time waits for nobody! …By the way, Anna.

Anna: What's the matter now? Another illness you haven't told me about?

Mary: No. I was just going to ask. Is your mum giving you a lift to school tomorrow?

Anna: Oh, yes. As always.

Mary: Can she take me too? All that walking makes me tired.

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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):
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Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

This is the audioscript for this B2 story (part 2) of The Hole:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-286.htm

The Hole (Part 2)

I hurriedly set up the equipment from out of my bags.

'Can I help, señor?' Pedro stepped forwards.

'Please. Undo these two ropes. One has a harness and the other is fixed to this small sack, while I set up the laptop and monitor.'

I then had to think fast. After I had the computer equipment ready, I knelt down at the side of the borehole and felt the walls. Cement.

'Pedro. Are the walls cement all the way down to the bottom? I imagine they're not.'

'These holes are dug with a machine and lower down the walls are just earth.'

So as the child fell, his body brushed against the sides of the hole bringing the earth down on top of him, I thought to myself. Not good.

I turned to Heidi. I had already typed in the programme for her to follow.

'Go, Heidi!'

She almost jumped into the hole head first. Even her small body would find it difficult to descend, but she disappeared rapidly into the darkness. Unlike the slow and clumsy articulated robots we usually see, those constructed at my company had the ability to react and move with lively and precise movements.

I looked into the borehole, as did Pedro and the father. I could see Heidi's multiple phosphorescent bulbs on her titanium frame had now lit up. The brightness descended as her feet dug expertly but carefully into the walls of the borehole so as not to disturb the soft soil.

I then turned to the laptop screen and monitor, and Pedro and the father followed. I examined the screen. There was now a crowd of people behind us, silent but impatient. The camera and microphone on Heidi's tail showed her metal frame moving mechanically down metre after metre.

'There's the bag of sweets,' said Pedro pointing at the screen. 'And there's the earth. The tunnel stops there.'

Heidi did not pause. She began digging with great care into the floor. We could hear the sounds over the speakers.

I then picked up the rope with the sack and dropped it into the hole, ensuring that for the last few metres they were lowered slowly.

Heidi now had two feet fixed firmly into the tunnel walls, the camera and microphone on its tail, while the remaining two feet pushed the soft soil into the bag. People crowding behind the monitor, watching, waiting, hardly daring to breathe.

Then it happened. The rest of the earth on the tunnel floor then dropped down showing the head of a small boy.

'Raise the bag of earth, Pedro. Don't let it drop down onto the child!' I shouted.

While Pedro rapidly pulled up seventy metres of rope, I lowered the other rope with the harness.

It was a matter of a few tense minutes, but eventually the harness appeared on the monitor screen. Yet at that moment, something truly amazing was taking place.

During the wait, Heidi had attached a small mask to the boy's face, and a tube then led to a tiny bottle of oxygen visible inside Heidi's frame. The body moved and everybody clearly heard a small cry.

'He's alive!' shouted the father. 'Carlitos is alive!'

'The boy was covered by earth above, but below there must have been an air space so that he could continue to breathe,' I suggested.

We could now clearly see Heidi expertly attaching it to the child's body. Heidi paused. She had no voice but sent a message that appeared on

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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 ...

This is the audioscript for today's B2 story:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-285.htm

The Hole

'We're arriving, señor,' said the helicopter pilot. 'It's down there, by that hill. I'll land as close as I can get. Time is going to be crucial.' The helicopter dropped down vertically and bounced once before finally settling on the grassy slope.

There were a number of people gathered about fifty metres further up the hill, and several vehicles: cars, police vehicles, two ambulances and a fire engine. It was otherwise a lonely spot, close to a country road; pleasant with green grass, trees and four or five wooden tables with benches for picnickers.

New Year is part of the Christmas holiday season in Spain, and in Andalusia, where the weather is often mild at this time of year, families will often head for the nearest countryside with a picnic basket and spend an afternoon in the fresh, clean outdoors.

The helicopter pilot jumped out and pulled open the side exit for me, and I jumped out immediately with my backpack and heavy canvas bag. I was not alone. Sunny, my 4-year-old golden retriever leapt out too, thankful to be out of that strange and noisy craft. However, I had another companion with a more complex name: High Degree of Articulated Freedom Robot. Naturally, you cannot use that name all the time when talking to an AI robot, so I had given her a shorter name - Heidi.

At my robotics company in Almeria, she had been my own creation, although a whole team of computer engineers had been responsible for her construction. Although smaller than a golden retriever, she looked like a dog in shape, so much so that Sunny, the golden retriever accepted her company even though a little suspiciously.

However, there was little covering the shiny, titanium structure, so she looked something like a yellow and silver dog skeleton. But she had two, bright, green and gold-coloured eyes, and there was a hook-like hand at the end of the tail - so she could hold firmly to any surface. She behaved like a dog too - the perfect companion: all obeying, fast and responsive with a strength far exceeding her canine friend, Sunny.

The three of us ran up to the large group of people gathered around the hole. I was aware there were television cameras on me, reporters with microphones wanting an exclusive. I ignored them, and they seemed to respect that. There was something that needed doing, and fast. However, all eyes were then on Heidi; nobody had seen anything like her before.

I was the first to speak.

'My name is Mike Finnigan, from Cyber Robotics. I've come to help. Who are the parents?' I asked in English as my Spanish was bad. A slim, dark-haired man stepped forward with his wife just behind. Their faces were full of worry, they had obviously been crying. He spoke in an English with a strong accent.

'I am the father. My name is Juan Fernandez. What do you want to know?'

'How long ago did your son fall into the hole?'

'That was about 11 o'clock this morning. It is now one o'clock.'

'Two hours. How old is he?'

'Carlitos is two and a half.'

I looked at the hole. It was what is called a borehole, an attempt at locating deep underground water for watering crops. This one was illegal. Unfortunately, the fool of the farmer who owned it had failed to block the entrance - and so close to a picnic site too. The problem was its width - only about 25 cm wide, no adult human could possibly be lowered down on a rope to pull the child up - they si

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

This is a B1 and B2 story with phrasal verbs. Here is the audioscripy for the story:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-284.htm

A Christmas Surprise

Christmas didn't turn out very well for Flora. She lived in the north of Scotland, where the weather can be a problem in the winter months. She lived in Keiss, a fishing village at the northern end of Sinclair's Bay on the east coast of Caithness in Scotland's Highland area.

She wanted to spend Christmas with her ageing mother who lived in Lairg - not far away but higher up in the mountains. A heavy snowstorm had cut off the town, so travel there was impossible. She had to give up that idea. Feeling disappointed, she decided to stay in and wait for the weather to change.

On Christmas Eve, Flora woke up early and put on her warmest coat to check outside. The streets were quiet, and most shops were closed. While she was looking around, she noticed an elderly neighbour, Mr. Armstrong, trying to clear away the snow in front of his house. Flora went over to help him, even though she didn't know him very well.

As they worked together, Mr. Armstrong opened up about his life. He told Flora that his family lived far away and that he usually ended up spending Christmas alone. Hearing this, Flora didn't want to walk away and forget about him. Instead, she came up with an idea.

Later that day, Flora set up a small Christmas dinner in her apartment. She invited Mr. Armstrong over, and he happily turned up just before sunset. They shared stories, laughed a lot, and slowly got to know each other better. Flora realized that even though her original plans had fallen through, something special had worked out in the end.

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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 ...

This is the story text for the B2 story today:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-283.htm

The song in today's podcast is an arrangement by Dmitry Taras - check it out at Pixabay.

The Christmas Festival

'So, Miss Jenkins,' said the mayor. 'As the town's new Councillor for cultural events, it'll be your turn this year to organise the Christmas town festival.'

'Yes, Mr Mayor. I'm aware of that,' Jenny Jenkins answered.

'Councillor David did a marvellous job last year. A difficult act to follow, Miss Jenkins. I understand you used to direct pantomimes at Christmas. And you would sing yourself in them. You sing well - so I've been told.'

'Well, they were just school pantomimes, Mr Mayor. When I was a teenager. Nothing professional.' Then she added, 'The experience will help, of course.'

'We're all convinced you'll do a splendid job, Miss Jenkins.'

'I'll do my best,' Mr Mayor.

However, quite honestly, Jenny Jenkins wasn't sure she could live up to everyone's expectations. Last year's event had been perfect, and people kept reminding her of the fact. Still, she had decided to take on the challenge. Trying to get out of it was useless - it was her job after all.

At first, everything went smoothly-until the main singer suddenly dropped out of the programme a week before Christmas. Jenny tried not to panic, but she kept putting off finding a replacement. She hoped someone would magically appear, but Christmas magic seemed to be running late.

Two days before the festival, the town mayor pointed out that the schedule still had an empty space where the singer should be. Jenny realised she could no longer ignore the problem. Finally, she caught up with her long list of tasks and started calling local musicians…

It was Christmas Eve, the morning of the festival. There had been a heavy fall of snow the night before and everything was looking very Christmassy. Jenny was exhausted but proud. Everything was ready. The mayor had told her he'd found a singer himself, and she'd be the star of the festival. Jenny felt relieved - whoever it might be.

Jenny was on the stage in the market square, making final preparations. The mayor walked across the square towards her from the Town Hall. He was wearing a thick coat, a hat, and a scarf to keep out the icy wind and snow. Curiously, he was holding a paper bag in his hand. Jenny wondered what might be in it.

'Here!' he said and handed Jenny the bag. Then, without another word, he turned and walked off. Jenny opened the bag cautiously. Inside was a microphone and a note, which said:

Congratulations! You're the singer for the festival! Happy Christmas!

'Oh, no!' whispered Jenny.

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

This is the audioscript for today's story and the B1 words studied:

Scrooge and the Turkey

Scrooge ran to the window, opened it, and put his head outside. There was no fog or mist. The air was clear, bright, and cold. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the bells were ringing happily.

'Oh, how absolutely wonderful!' cried Scrooge in a cheerful voice.

'What day is it?' he shouted down to a boy wearing his Sunday clothes, who was standing in the street.

'Eh?' said the boy, very surprised.

'What day is it, my boy?' Scrooge repeated, expecting to be disappointed.

'Why, it's Christmas Day!' replied the boy.

'It's Christmas Day!' said Scrooge to himself, delighted. 'I haven't missed it. The Ghosts did everything in one night. They can do anything!'

'Hello, my boy!' Scrooge called.

'Hello!' said the boy.

'Do you know the shop on the corner in the next street where they sell turkeys?' asked Scrooge.

'Of course I do,' said the boy.

'Good boy!' said Scrooge. 'Do you know if they have sold the big prize turkey? Not the small one-the huge one.'

'The one as big as me?' asked the boy.

'Yes!' laughed Scrooge. 'That one.'

'It's still there,' said the boy.

'Good!' said Scrooge. 'Go and buy it.'

'You must be joking!' said the boy amazed.

'Definitely not, my boy,' said Scrooge. 'Go and tell them Ebenezer Scrooge will buy it, and then tell them to bring it here. Come back with the man, and I'll give you a shilling. If you don't hang about and come back in less than five minutes, I'll give you two shillings!'

The boy ran off as fast as he could go.

'I'll send the turkey to Bob Cratchit,' Scrooge said quietly, laughing to himself. 'He won't know who sent it. It's much bigger than his son, Tiny Tim. I'll wrap it up and send it as a Christmas gift. This will be a wonderful surprise for him!'

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
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 ...

Not able to bring my new B2 podcast today so I'm leaving you with an older Christmas story (repeat). Audioscript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-70.htm

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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 ...

This is the text for the B1 story today. Who was the mysterious girl in the park?

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-280.htm

A brief meeting at Christmas

It was two days before Christmas, and Lucas, a sixteen-year-old boy, was feeling rather lonely. His parents were busy at work, and his older sister was studying in London. To pass the time, Lucas decided to take a walk through the snowy park. Everything was quiet and peaceful, and the trees were covered in white.

As he walked, he noticed a small brown glove lying on a bench. It looked new, so Lucas picked it up. ‘Maybe someone lost it,’ he thought. It was made of leather with a small silver chain on the back, and looked valuable. He looked around and saw a girl about his age standing under some pine trees. She was well-dressed, her clothes seemed a little old-fashioned. She seemed worried, so Lucas went up to her.

‘Hi, is this your glove?’ he asked. The girl’s face suddenly shone. ‘Yes! Thank you. I thought it was gone forever.’ When he looked at her face, he noticed she had a beauty that was unforgettable. They started talking, and soon they were laughing. They made a snowman together, which was the handsomest one Lucas had ever made.

Before leaving, the girl said, ‘Come to the Christmas market tomorrow. I’ll be at the hot chocolate stall. I run it with my mother.’ Lucas agreed and went home – a smile on his face.

The next day, he arrived early at the market. He looked for the girl, but she wasn’t there. There wasn’t a chocolate stall either. When he asked an elderly woman about her who sold woolly cardigans, the woman looked surprised.

‘There hasn’t been a hot chocolate stall here for years,’ she said. ‘There used to be one, I remember. But I was a child then. It was set up by a lady and her daughter every Christmas. Pretty girl, the daughter. She died of typhus, poor thing, at just about Christmas time if I remember correctly.’

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-279.htm

This is a B2 recording today with a story for you to enjoy...

Christmas cheer

I’m standing in a peaceful, wealthy suburb a few miles from Bristol city centre. Without doubt, It’s going to be a white Christmas, or rather it is already a white Christmas thanks to a generous amount of snow that has fallen on this Christmas Eve. The quiet, snowy road has a number of luxury cars parked on either side, and on my right and left stand those sort of houses, or should I call them mansions, the whole world would love to own: large, spacious, attractive stone, sloping grey roofs, leafy gardens - front, back and sides, and a broad driveway to park an expensive SUV. If I take a glance through the windows, I can just make out flashing lights from Christmas trees and decorations.

A car pulls up outside a house. A couple get out. They open the boot and in the soft illumination of the street lamps I can see they take out some colourful boxes - Christmas presents. The front door of the house is pushed open. Three children dash out into the snow in their slippers laughing excitedly. They’re hugged by the two adults. The parents appear at the door shouting warm greetings. Everybody is laughing and chatting. They all disappear inside the house. A silence falls over the houses again as the front door shuts.

I hear voices to my right over the soft snow. To the best of my knowledge, they’re a group of carol singers making their way to a house on the other side of the road. Some are still singing. They’re wrapped up warm in thick coats, furry boots and woollen scarves. Some are holding sticks with candles burning still. I hear a girl make a comment: something about how hungry she is - the others agree enthusiastically. Another door is opened by a man in an apron, and they all make their way up the steps singing and shouting “Merry Christmas”. Again, the door shuts and all that happiness and laughter is shut in – as though something exclusive to a privileged few,

Who am I? And what am I doing out in the snow on such a special night? I should be with family, friends, and loved ones. It would be a sad Christmas Eve indeed if I were alone here, outside in the cold, no food, unloved, forgotten, probably even rejected by most who saw me. How many like me are out in the cold when it seems the whole world around is warm, cosy and cared for in a comfortable home? 

Or perhaps I’m just a narrator. Not really out in the cold at all - I’m just writing about people enjoying Christmas. Pull back the curtain a little and glance out. Nobody there? Of course not. No need to feel guilty, then. Just enjoy Christmas!

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-278.htm

This is the story text I'll be using with the B1 words in bold:

White Christmas

Steve Matlock worked in a car factory in Bristol. Every day at lunch, he sat in the canteen with his colleagues. They had discussions about their families, their aims, and their dreams. It was Christmas Eve, and the canteen felt warm and cheerful.

“What are you doing for Christmas, Steve?” one colleague asked.

Steve smiled politely. “I intend to spend Christmas with my brothers and sisters in Bath,” he said. “It will be lively and fun. The kids play games all day long.”

His colleagues smiled, happy for him. But when the day ended and everyone went home, Steve walked slowly back to his small flat. Nobody was expecting him. He had no brothers, no sisters—no family at all. He would spend Christmas on his own, as usual.

When Steve got up on Christmas morning, he felt the silence in the flat. He looked out of the window and stopped. There was thick snow covering the whole city, shining white as the morning sun came out. For a moment, he forgot about being lonely.

He put on his thick coat and gloves and stepped outside. The snow sounded under his boots. Children were laughing - throwing snowballs and making snowmen, people were greeting neighbours, and the city was shiny and bright.

“As long as I can enjoy moments like this,” he thought to himself, “maybe things aren’t so bad after all.”

The greatest gift is friendship and the company of those we love, yet a close second is knowing how to be happy when we are alone.

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My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
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For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...

This is the formal conversation studied today:

“Beginning morning food consuming cycle,” said the father as he entered the kitchen. “Please gather at the table for an efficient distribution of resources.”

Mother replied, “Indeed, I have organised a balancedcombination of carbohydrates and proteins, which should provide ideal operating for the day.”

The ten-year-old entered next. “Parents, I request information regarding today’s academic schedule. My timetable indicates elementary programming, and logical calculation.”

The fifteen-year-old followed. “You have not interpreted the data inaccurately. I, however, will participate in advanced algorithmic reasoning, and the completion of two complex projects.”

Father asked, “Do you require additional data input before departure?”

“Negative,” said the younger child. “The information previously provided is sufficient for maximum efficiency.”

Mother directed her attention towards the older child. “Have you reviewed the regulations for your institution’s examinations?”

“Affirmative. I have memorised all content. There is no prediction of error.”

Father sat at the table. “The tasks at my place of occupation will involve machine precision processes.”

Mother added, “And I will contribute to the coordination of instructional software. My schedule is densely arranged but entirely manageable.”

A distant mechanical sound approached the house.

Father spoke again, “The transport vehicle has arrived. Prepare for collection.”

The kitchen door opened, and a lorry stopped outside. A human driver stepped inside the house. 

“Right, time to load you all up. Headquarters wants you there early.”

His colleague entered behind him. “Kids too. Their programming school starts in an hour.”

The father, mother, and children stood simultaneously.

“Affirmative,” they said together.

They walked outside one behind the other, and the humans guided the android family onto the waiting lorry.

See on https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-277.htm

Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...