Explore every episode of the podcast Practising English

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	Title	Pub. Date	Duration
	263. If Only We Could Go Back (B2 story)	02 oct. 2025	00:18:56
Ask me a question for the podcast? The audioscript for today's B2 story: If only we could go back On Tuesday morning, Alice decided to call in sick, not because she was ill, but because the clouds outside looked like elephants marching across the sky. Today she felt like the little girl that she used to be many years before. She simply couldn’t be bothered to sit at her office desk when such wonders were happening around her. She set off to the fields near her country home, carrying a picnic basket. A rabbit wearing a red jacket ran beside her and said, “You’ve picked a magical day for an adventure.” Alice asked the rabbit how it could talk, to which it didn’t reply, so instead she chose to change the subject and offered the rabbit a sandwich. As they walked together, a clumsy, rather overweight fairy flew past, dropping fairy dust everywhere. She apologized for her carelessness, then laughed and raced through the air. Alice, trying to be cautious, didn’t touch the fairy dust, unsure what it might do. “Don’t be so suspicious,” the rabbit said in a cheeky voice. “Magic works best when you trust it.” Under normal circumstances, Alice might have turned back, but today she followed them, just as a little child follows that which is innocent and wonderful. And when they came to a golden door that appeared among the trees – inviting them to go in, Alice couldn’t face doing the safe thing anymore. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open, ready for whatever lay beyond. My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	262. The Missing Actor (B1 Story)	01 oct. 2025	00:21:06
Ask me a question for the podcast? The story audioscript for the story. The B1 words are shown in black. The missing actor Detective Anna Jones had a long career solving strange crimes. One rainy night, the police had called her to a dark hotel outside the village to help them. A film actor and celebrity, John Kelly, had disappeared from his locked room. The manager had knocked on the door, to bring his dinner, but there had been no reply. Unfortunately, the local police had been careless, and Anna realised they had touched and moved objects in the room. Anna couldn’t stand this lack of professional behaviour. It made her job even more complicated. However, she couldn’t help feeling that probably there was a simple explanation to this mystery – despite the locked door. There usually was. Although the window had been pushed shut, it wasn’t, in fact, locked. The actor had left by the window. The room was only on the first floor. But why? ‘Search the gardens around the hotel,’ she ordered. ‘He can’t have gone far.’ Walking through the rain, Anna went in a different direction from the police. She came to a part of the huge gardens where there was a single lamppost, and in its light, a young man was dancing and singing holding an umbrella. ‘He’s mad!’ thought Anna. John Kelly then saw Anna. ‘Hello,’ he said. ‘Good evening, Mr Kelly. I’m Detective Jones. We’ve been looking for you. Are you all right?’ John Kelly laughed. ‘Yes, thank you! Please don’t tell anybody. They’ll think I’m crazy. But I’m practising for a play in the West end – Singing in the Rain. I saw this lovely lamppost in the hotel garden, and it was raining. I thought what a wonderful opportunity!’ My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	261. The Crown Thief (B2 Story)	25 sept. 2025	00:19:43
Ask me a question for the podcast? B2 story and vocabulary today. Here is the audioscript of the story and the B2 words in bold. The Crown Thief Detective Harris was on the point of leaving the police station when the phone rang. A robbery had taken place at the old museum. He grabbed his coat and hurried out. At the scene, the guard looked bad-tempered. “This is a disgrace!” he shouted. “The thief just walked in and out. Nobody stopped him. There are three of us, but the robbery happened the other side of the museum. My colleague should have stopped the thief, but he did nothing it seems. I don’t understand why.” Harris tried to stay calm. “Don’t be ashamed,” he said. “I’m sure you did your best. Now, tell me what happened.” The guard explained that the lights suddenly went off in the entire museum. “Basically, I heard footsteps, then silence. But I thought it was my colleague checking on the situation. When the lights came back on, the gold crown in the medieval room was gone. With the lights out, it must have been a piece of cake to steal the crown.” “Well. We should be checking on what your colleague has to say. Will he back up your story?” asked the detective. “I can’t seem to find him,” said the guard. “That guy is a real pain. He’s never where he should be. He’s new, you see.” Suddenly, they heard a noise behind a curtain. Harris pulled it back, and there stood a man with the missing gold crown in his hand. “You again,” Harris muttered. “You know him, sir?” asked the guard, amazed. “But that’s my colleague, George Rigby – he works as here a guard. He’s been working here for 3 months now.” The thief tried to run, but the guard stopped him easily. Harris sighed with relief. “Good work,” Harris said. “His real name is Jack Smith. He’s a well-known jewel thief. We’ve been chasing him for months. Well, finally I’ve caught him. Case closed.” My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	260. A Frightening Experience at the Airport (B1 Story)	24 sept. 2025	00:20:47
Ask me a question for the podcast? A B1-level podcast today with a story and a test on the B1 words and expressions: A frightening experience at the airport Read the audioscript of the story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-260.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	259. The Fresh-food Market (B2 story)	18 sept. 2025	00:18:32
Ask me a question for the podcast? This is the B2 podcast for this week. Aidioscript: The Fresh-food Market See audioscript with B1 words highlighted at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-259.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	258. The Climbing Accident (B1 Story)	17 sept. 2025	00:23:06
Ask me a question for the podcast? I'm back from my holidays! Today I'm publishing the first B1 podcast of season 5 - five years helping intermediate students pass Cambridge exams. I also have news of my new book just published on Amazon "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam. Hear more on the podcast! See audioscript with B1 words highlighted at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-258.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	257. The Fool on the Hill (B1 story) (last of the summer repeats)	10 sept. 2025	00:26:32
Ask me a question for the podcast? This favourite story for learners of B1 will be the last of the summer episodes before my return for season 5 next week. Enjoy the story! My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	256. The Cucumber (B1) (summer repeat)	03 sept. 2025	00:16:57
Ask me a question for the podcast? Here are some words that are not B1 and you'll need to understand the story. Words which are outside the A1 to B1 levels Greenhouse - a building with glass sides and roof for growing plants in. Skin - the outside of some types of vegetable and fruit. String - a long piece of material used for tying things together. Ultraviolet (light) - a blue light with wavelengths shorter than violet light. Allotment - an area of land in a town which a person can rent or buy in order to grow vegetables on it. Gardener - somebody who works in a garden as a profession or for pleasure. Waiting list - a list of people waiting. Chimney - structure often made of stone that carries away the smoke of a fire through the roof. Fireplace - where a fire is made in a house to keep the house warm. Botanist - a scientist who studies flowers. My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	255. The Green Door (summer repeat) B2 level	27 août 2025	00:19:28
Ask me a question for the podcast? This lovely story from the the American writer O'Henry, I completely re-wrote for B2 level. Here is the vocabulary discussed: Just around the corner. The means a place further on where we cannot see but is very close. English proverb: The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. This means that life is better any place but where you are now. hesitation - worried about doing something because you are not sure that it is the right thing to do. impersonal - without friendly human feelings or atmosphere. uncaring - not sympathetic about the problems or suffering of others. loneliness - unhappiness because you have no friends or people to talk to. vibrant and bustling - full of people moving about in a busy way. optimism - a feeling that good things will happen. look at someone in the eye - look directly into someone's face. passers-by - people walking past in the street. My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	254. Tsunami (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 2)	20 août 2025	00:22:53
Ask me a question for the podcast? Here is Part two of my popular story, Tsunami for learners of B1 English My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	253. Tsunami (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 1)	13 août 2025	00:20:41
Ask me a question for the podcast? I am still on holiday during August, so today I bring you a favourite of many listeners - the B1 story of Tsunami! (Part 1). Part 2 next week. Enjoy it and enjoy your summer! Mike Bilbrough My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	252. Dad (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 2)	06 août 2025	00:21:46
Ask me a question for the podcast? While I'm on my summer holiday, here is a repeat of a lovely B1 story - Part 2 of "Dad". I published Part 1 last Wednesday. The verbs we are studying today are: realize drop call out weigh admire encourage dive appear breathe hug At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	251. Dad (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 1)	30 juil. 2025	00:19:34
Ask me a question for the podcast? I'm on holiday so I'm leaving you with a favourite story of mine "Dad" in 2 parts. This is a repeat of a podcast from September 2023. Next Wednesday, I'll publish part 2. This is part 1 of a B1-level story for learners of English, especially Cambridge English. The story is called Dad. It's about a family fishing trip in Spain. Vocabulary about the sea, boats and fishing equipment... At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	250. Victims of Nature B2 (repeat)	27 juil. 2025	00:27:06
Ask me a question for the podcast? Comprehension questions for this B2-level story. (I'm on holiday at the momento so leave you with a repeat episode.) Enjoy! 1) What reasons did Alberto's mother give Alberto for leaving the Alpujarra? 2) What did Gustavo mean by the comment "we're just victims of nature"? 3) The story says, "When Alberto saw the pink clouds at dawn, he knew bad weather was on the way". What was the saying mentioned in the story which told Alberto there was going to be a storm? 4) Why was Alberto worried when he saw the effects of the storm on the mountain? 5) Why did the picnickers run away from the pool? 6) Was this a true story? I also include the transcript. My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	249. The Mushroom Murders (B2 English)	17 juil. 2025	00:20:21
Ask me a question for the podcast? This is about the trial in Australia that finished just last week and is popularly known as "The Mushroom Murders". Today, I'll ask the famous detective, Hércules Poirot (from Agatha Christie's novels) to explain to his exclusive audience of people involved in the crime and to us, the listeners of the podcast, what happened exactly, and who the murderer is. This is a B2-level podcast with focus on the third conditional. e.g. If I had studied more, I would have passed my Cambridge exams. Listen for examples of the third conditional. You can read the full transcript of Hércules Poirot's speech at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-249.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	248. The Unexpected Visit (animal vocabulary) B2 Story	08 juil. 2025	00:19:29
Ask me a question for the podcast? This is a B2-level recording and story with vocabulary about animal sounds and movement: Animal words: warren - where rabbits live together in the ground roar - sound like a lion makes thunder - sound like large animals running past scream - high pitched sound that sounds angry or scared hop - to jump (in humans - on one leg) poke your head out - look out briefly from somewhere twitching - quick movements like a rabbits nose or ears crouch - when somebody or an animal moves their body down, or down flat to the ground beast - an animal whine - high pitched sound like a car engine when going fast, a dog 'crying'. slip back in - move quickly into a place hum - sound similar to that the bees make B2 words: beyond - further away than generation - referring to people or animals, the sons, then sons of sons etc. mutter - talk quietly unfamiliar - something you have not seen before tremble - shake, often with fear whistle - sound made with lips, often with a tune uneasy - a little frightened giggle - a laugh like a little girl's glance - look quickly to fade - sound getting quieter To read the Transcript of the story, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-248.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	247. Future Continuous for B1 (and B2) with story	01 juil. 2025	00:20:06
Ask me a question for the podcast? Hello, dear students! Future continuous for fixed events, which are expected to happen. (This is B1 grammar with interest for B2 students too!) will + be + verb+ing I'll be giving a talk at that time, but I could see you afterwards for a coffee. This time next week I'll be flying into paradise I'll be seeing you soon, then. Yes. Holidays finish next week. Not about making decisions but sth decided anyway Shall I take you into town? Don't bother No bother. I'll be going to the shops anyway. Polite - not to influence people's decision about plans Will you be staying the weekend? Yes, if that's OK with you. Of course, we'd be delighted to have you stay with us. Compare; Are you going to stay the weekend? (Come on! Tell me! I want to know now!) Note often with non-ing verbs like want. Will you be wanting breakfast tomorrow? Yes, please! Say what people are doing now. Don't call now. They'll be having lunch at this time. Well, the managers will be deciding who leaves and who doesn't. I'm just hoping I won't lose my job. For transcript of story, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-247.htm For more help on Future Continuous, also listen to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-25.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	246. There is / are and extended family	22 juin 2025	00:13:51
Ask me a question for the podcast? Today, I’m going to talk about the family of ‘there is’! At first, that might seem very basic English grammar. Indeed, the phrase ‘there is’ is A1 level. However, at B1 and even B2 level, I must admit there are few students who talk about this family. Why? Because it’s not a structure that has a literal word for word translation in many other languages. Anyway, let’s meet some of the family first of all. I can’t name all of them because it’s a very extended family tree. But here are some you might often meet while reading or listening to native English speakers. There is, there are, there was, there were, there has been, there had been, there will be, there won’t be, there can be, there can’t be, there may be, there could be, there might be, there must be, there would be, there should be… Read the transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-246.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	245. B1 Linking Words with a story	15 juin 2025	00:17:27
Ask me a question for the podcast? B1 Linking Words Linking words join two sentences together. Here are the ones I mention during the podcast: A Rainy Adventure Tom wanted to go hiking. The sky looked grey but he didn’t mind – no problem With linker: Tom wanted to go hiking, although the sky looked grey. He packed his bag. He wanted to be ready the moment his friend Anna called. With linker: He packed his bag in order to be ready as soon as his friend Anna called. Anna wasn’t sure if they should go or not. The weather looked bad. With linker: Anna wasn’t sure whether they should go or not because of the weather. It was raining. So what? They decided to try. They wore boots and jackets. They didn’t wear their normal clothes. With linker: Despite the rain, they decided to try. They wore boots and jackets instead of their usual clothes. The rain was heavy. The trail was wet and muddy. If they walked slowly it would be safe. If they walked fast they might risk falling.. They chose to go slow. With linker: Due to the heavy rain, the trail was wet and muddy. They could either walk slowly and be safe, or go fast and risk falling. They chose to go slow. They reached the top. The rain stopped. The view was beautiful! They took photos and ate lunch. With linker: Once they reached the top, the rain stopped. The view was beautiful! They took photos and ate lunch. They were tired. They sat down and rested. They hoped the weather didn’t get worse. They wanted to stay longer. With linker: Since they were tired, they sat down to rest. Unless the weather got worse, they planned to stay longer. In the end, they were happy they went, the rain at the start wasn’t a problem. It was a fun day full of adventure. With linker: In the end, they were happy they went, despite the rain at the start. It was a fun day full of adventure. See the full transcript of the second story at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-245.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	244. The Breath of the Mosquito (complete version) B1 Story	09 juin 2025	00:37:18
Ask me a question for the podcast? For health reasons, I'm afraid I cannot share a new podcast with you today. I include instead, one of my favourite stories that I wrote for students studying for B1 English level: The Breath of the Mosquito as a complete version. This extract will help you understand what the story is about... 'If… if something went back in time and existed in the past, something or somebody who was not there before, he/she/it would change time in the present. Things would not be the same when he or she returned. It would take just a moment, the tiniest movement in the past would have the effect like a stone thrown into a pond. The circles of effect would move out, growing and growing for ever and changing the world as they go.' 'But, Emil,' interrupted his friend. 'I was only there for a minute or so.' 'Mathew, a minute is a long, long time. Listen to me, even the breath of a mosquito 33 million years ago would change the world and events in history as we know them today. Just one breath of a mosquito. Imagine how incredibly small that would be.' Has time changed in the present? If so, in what ways? Enjoy the story! My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	243. B1 adjectives (short story)	01 juin 2025	00:20:50
Ask me a question for the podcast? Here are the B1 words we're studying today: acceptable accurate amusing annoyed convenient embarrassed forbidden grateful hopeless miserable To see the transcript of the story: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-243.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	242. FCE Story 2 (B2)	25 mai 2025	00:19:50
Ask me a question for the podcast? In today's B2 FCE story, you'll be listening to this B2 vocabulary: heading for Paris his hands were trembling both thrilled and terrified him doubting every shot gazing out of the window an old woman wiped her eyes. the crowd clapped enthusiastically as he nervously walked up his anxiety forgotten To read an annotated version of the full story audioscript go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-242.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	241. FCE Story (B2 )	18 mai 2025	00:23:59
Ask me a question for the podcast? How to write the FCE story (B2 level) for the Cambridge exam. If you're not taking this exam, this episode will be useful for learning how to express yourself at B2 level in written prose. You can see the transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-241.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	240. Tudor Conspiracy revisited B1, B2	11 mai 2025	00:16:53
Ask me a question for the podcast? I apologise for not bringing you a new podcast this week. I leave you with chapter 1 of the Tudor Conspiracy (from an audio book and reader I published a few years ago). Hope to be with you next week with a new podcast episode! My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	239. The Letter (B1, B2)	04 mai 2025	00:18:51
Ask me a question for the podcast? These are the words I discuss today. They are linking words, essential for your B1 and B2 writing papers in the Cambridge exam. Moreover In addition, Besides What is more, Furthermore, Yet To begin with, In the same way, Similarly, Consequently, See audioscript of story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-239.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	238. If so, if not, B1 level with dialogue	27 avr. 2025	00:14:18
Ask me a question for the podcast? How to use 'if so' and 'if not' in dialogue. A conditional clause to refer a previous direct or indirect 'yes-no' question where the answer might be ‘yes’. Do you think we could study more grammar? If so, could you give us more help with tenses? Is it possible to pay by credit card? If so, which card do you accept? Does Mrs Smith like wine? If so, does she prefer white or red? Could you tell me if she said anything about me? If so, what did she say? I was wondering if we could meet one morning. If so, which day would you prefer? Is this shirt your size? If not, we have plenty of other sizes. Do you open at the weekend? If not, how can I pick up the vacuum cleaner I bought online? I hope next Saturday is ok for you. If not, we can find another date for the excursion. I'd like to know if we'll be going to the beach when I arrive. If not, what plans do you have? See the transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-238.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	237. Candle Burning - B1 short story (complete version)	20 avr. 2025	00:28:49
Ask me a question for the podcast? These are the four comprehension questions to read before you listen to the story. 1) What was the first thing Nigel did when he went into the shower? 2) What did Nigel decide not to have for breakfast that day? 3) Why did Nigel lose his job? 4) What reason did the doctor give for Nigel's death? Answers are given at the end of the podcast For complete transcript of the story, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-237.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	236. Complex sentences B1, B2 (4 funny jokes)	13 avr. 2025	00:15:47
Ask me a question for the podcast? Structure Summary Would like / want / ask I would like you to come to a party on Saturday Object Clause (noun clause): you to come to a party on Saturday Subject + verb + [object = (object pronoun + verb + more information)] I / would like / you to come to a party on Saturday. Other examples: I would like you to come to a meeting on Monday to discuss the terms of the contract. My parents want me to go on holiday with them this summer. You asked me to tell you about the football match. Make (verb that follow are without ‘to’ in the infinitive) She makes me smile Subject: She. Verb: makes Object: me – the direct object of makes Complement (Bare Infinitive Verb): smile – this is the bare infinitive (infinitive without "to") following the causative verb make. Other examples: She makes me laugh when I'm feeling sad. She always makes me angry! Let (verb that follow are without ‘to’ in the infinitive) Let me know if Monday is suitable for you. You are eighteen now, your parents should let you do what you like! I think you should talk with your parents and try to make them understand how you feel. My parents are afraid of letting me go away by yourself, they still think I'm a baby. Help Help (verbs that follow are with or without ‘to’. Please would you help me find something better? Indirect Object: me – the person receiving the help. Bare Infinitive Verb: find – after help, we use the bare infinitive (you can say "help me to find" too.). Other examples: I wanted to help him (to) make some friends. I hope that it will help you (to) keep fit. I hope my advice will help you (to) decide where to go on holiday. This hotel is terrible and I hope you can help me (to) find a better one. For transcripts of jokes see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-236.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	235. Future Perfect B2 (short story)	06 avr. 2025	00:18:31
Ask me a question for the podcast? LOOKING BACK FROM A POINT IN THE FUTURE - FUTURE PERFECT I have studied / I have been studying English for/since... (from the past to the present) Next September, I will have studied / been studying English for ten years (from the past to a moment in the future I will have had this car for fifteen years next month. I will have lived / been living in Seville for twenty-five years This summer I will have been working for three years at the car factory. The structure is the same for other verbs that use modal auxiliary verbs I should study now I should have studied in the past (but I didn't) We call this the perfect infinitive. I could work in the car factory I could have worked in the car factory (but I didn't) I might buy that sweater I saw in the shop window. I might have bought that sweater I saw in the shop window. (but I didn't) (Georgia on my Mind cover by M.A. Bilbrough) Read the story transcript at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-235.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	234. B2 Time Adverbs	30 mars 2025	00:19:05
Ask me a question for the podcast? These are the B2 time adverbs you should learn for the speaking and writing of the Cambridge FCE exam. Listen for them in the podcast, and decide which I am referring to in the dialogue section at the end of the podcast. (B1 students also invited!) firstly, etc. lastly, (often at the beginning of a sentence) instantly (often at the end of a sentence) temporarily (often at the end of a sentence) currently (often before a verb) sharp (at the end of a time phrase) precisely / exactly (often before a time phrase) increasingly (often before a verb) roughly (often before a time phrase) continuously (often before a verb) constantly (often before a verb) permanently (often at the end of a sentence) gradually (often before a verb) simultaneously (often at the end of a sentence) eventually (often before a verb) seldom (often before a verb) shortly (often at the end of a sentence) To see the transcript of the dialogues, go to my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-234.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	233. Uses of 'rather' (with dialogue)	23 mars 2025	00:18:29
Ask me a question for the podcast? 'Rather' and its uses FORM/USE: 'RATHER THAN' + PHRASE B1 Use a specialist book rather than the Internet. A book is more reliable. Take the stairs rather than the lift. It’ll keep you fitter. FORM: 'RATHER THAN' + NON-FINITE CLAUSE B2 I’d prefer to go camping rather than stay in a hotel. It’s nice to be out in the fresh air. Rather than sitting around doing nothing, why don’t you go and do some sport. (instead of) I’d rather take the bus than get the car out. FORM: WITH 'RATHER A' ADJECTIVES B2 Actually, I’m rather bad/good at playing football. I’ve got two left feet. She lives rather a long way from school, so she’s often late. FORM: WOULD + RATHER + PAST I’d rather + indirect object + past (but it’s not a past) I’d rather you didn’t go to that concert next Saturday. I don’t think it’s suitable. I’d rather you stayed at home and helped with the baby. I’ve got to catch up with some work. See the transcript of the dialogue: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-233.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	232. Would and used to with short story	16 mars 2025	00:26:28
Ask me a question for the podcast? Stative verbs Thoughts and opinions believe know understand suppose think (I would sit and think about her every day.) (People used to think that smoking was good for you.) Emotions love I used to love watching children's TV when I was a kid. TV programmes for kids used to be better then than they are now. hate dislike detest appreciate Senses see (I used to see Jane every day as she walked past my house with the dog) (I would go and see my grandmother every day at a café by the river) hear (would listen to) smell (The bakery used to smell of delicious freshly baked bread) (I would smell each flower as I walked through the field) taste (It used to taste like something out of this world) (I would taste each wine and give my opinion) feel (I used to feel upset every time my neighbour shouted at his dog) notice In the end, I never used to notice the planes flying over our heads. Being be seem appear belong have (When I was a teenager, we used to have Dr Marten boots - it used to be the fashion) (Every day my grandmother would have a bath, spending at least an hour in there.) stand (The castle used to stand by the river) (He would stand by the door waiting for her to come home) lie (The cat would lie on the veranda enjoying the afternoon sun.) (the village used to stand in the valley until it was flooded.) Short story. Three hours between flights by F. Scott Fitzgerald (adapted to B1 level) You can read the transcript here: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-232.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	231. B1 Do for emphasis (with dialogue)	09 mars 2025	00:15:41
Ask me a question for the podcast? Emphasis is used with lots of auxiliary verbs: - I MUST get to the shop before it closes. - You SHOULD try and finish the painting today. I'm fed up with smelling paint all over the house. - I do like your new tie. It's so colourful! - I do want to go and see that new film Anora. You know, the film that won all those oscars. - Well, I saw it. I don't think it's suitable for you, if your favourite film is the Sound of Music. - I do wish it would stop raining. I can't get out at the weekend. Third person: - Mary does like new job. She has chances of promotion now that she never had before. 2nd person - You know, you do annoy me with all the regaton music you play at full volume in your bedroom. Past tense - I did want to go away last weekend, but we gave up the idea because of the rain. In negatives: - You helped yourself to my biscuits again, didn't you? - I didn't, actually. I'm on a diet. It must have been Yvonne. Questions: - Where have you been all this time, Peter? - I borrowed your car, Mum. Just went out for a short drive. - You did, did you? And without my permission. Well, you're grounded for the rest of the week. To read the dialogue, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-231.htm Podcasts on intonation https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-43.htm https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-97.htm https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-103.htm https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-197.htm https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-126.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	230. B2 story The Visitors (complete version)	02 mars 2025	00:28:29
Ask me a question for the podcast? The Visitors This is the full version of my story The Visitors recorded in October of last year. The level is B2, but my B1 students are also invited, of course! ;-) These are the comprehension questions: (the answers are further down - but don't look at those yet!! 1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why? 2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there? 3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it? 4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story? Answers: 1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why? ‘Rescue mission!’ the admiral suddenly shouted and he looked irritated. ‘Who are they gonna rescue? I don’t need rescuing, thank you very much! I have a nice home and beautiful family right here on Honolulu Island. 2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there? They hurried along the deck and in through a door that led to the bridge* - the highest part of the ship and the best place to get an all-round view of the surrounding darkening sea and sky. 3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it? ‘Sonar?’ interrupted Pierre. ‘Do you mean it’s under the water?’ The captain ignored him. ‘Estimated time of arrival?’ ‘Four minutes, Captain! It’s incredible! There’s nothing that can travel that speed under water! I… I don’t get it!’ 4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story? ‘Merde!’ said Pierre ('merde' is a swaer word in French) to anyone who might be listening to him. ‘They want nothing to do with us!’ (The alien spaceship had come to rescue the dolphins and whales of the ocean, and was not interested in making contact with the humans!) Hope you enjoyed the story and learned some new language from it! Mike. My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	229. B1 adjectives with hyphens (with dialogue)	23 févr. 2025	00:21:27
Ask me a question for the podcast? Adjectives with hyphen at B1 level good-looking (only with hyphen) - attractive (for people, often men) well-known - a lot of people have heard of it and know it/him/her old-fashioned (only with hyphen) - (often criticising something) not new, not in fashion well-dressed - dressed in attractive clothes, smart, elegant up-to-date - (usually technology) the newest in software, hardware, computers etc. middle-aged - around 50 years old face-to-face (only with hyphen) (also adv. came face-to-face with the burglar) - talk to somebody while looking at them in the same room. out-of-date - (fashion, technology) not new, there are more up-to-date versions, or a more recent fashion, or more modern. hand-held (only with hyphen) - held in the hand e.g. like a mobile phone. next-door (adv. next door) - referring to your neighbours. They live next to you. A house with is next to another. full-time - (work) a complete schedule. 40 hours a week, for example. Compare with 'part-time'. self-service (only with hyphen) - (usually a restaurant) where you get your own food from the counter, no waiters or waitresses. first-floor - on the first floor of a building. second-hand (only with hyphen) - not new, has been used before. We can also invent words by putting the adjective and noun together to make another adjective: dark-haired, short-haired, short-sleeved shirt, long-sleeved shirt. Young people's slang in Great Britain Ace - really good Bog off - go away and leave me alone. Bonkers - crazy Chippy - fish-and-chip shop Chuffed - really pleased Fancy - want to do something Snog - kiss dead wealthy / dead boring go for a spin To see the dialogue, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-229.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/ My novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	228. The Medical check-up (expressions for emphasis)	16 févr. 2025	00:11:27
Ask me a question for the podcast? Words and expressions for emphasis - The reason is I like working with people, I have experience of looking after elderly people and I enjoy volunteering work. - The problem is I’m a little lazy, I am often late for work because I sleep in. - The fact (of the matter is) is that the planet is warming and many species are dying. - The fact is we need computers to function better in business. - It is true that a lot of accidents are caused by motorbikes. But the point is that the car if far more dangerous. - The thing is, he is in a wheelchair and cannot access his own house because of the high steps. To read the full dialogue, go to my website at: Practising English, podcast 228... At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology) My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	227. Talking about the Future (with dialogue)	09 févr. 2025	00:12:40
Ask me a question for the podcast? Future Forms in English I'm not going to talk about future tense and predictions, but other uses of future tense.Going to and present continuous for future Going to – plans and intentions that we have; I'm going to pay Mum a visit later today. She's not feeling well. Strong intentions. I'm going to learn German next year. It's something I've always wanted to do. Present continuous – something that had been planned earlier – some sort of planning has taken place. You have a plan now. That's why we often call this present –future. You've made an appointment, you've phoned somebody about it, etc. You might write these things in your diary – if you have one. The Jones's are coming round to dinner this evening. (I've called them) I'm having my haircut this afternoon. (I have an appointment) But I could say those above with ‘going to' as well. Be careful – present continuous doesn't work well if you want to express strong intention about something you've been thinking about doing, like your intention to learn German: I'm learning German next year – does not express that intention. Better: I'm going to learn German next year, if it's the last thing I do. I'm going to keep asking her until she says yes. In British English, you'll hear present continuous used more with verbs of movement. I'm just popping out to buy a newspaper. Are you coming down the pub, Dave? Where are you going for your holidays this summer.Will Will does not talk about any planning at all. It describes actions in the future when you decided to do that thing at that moment. I can't open this tin of tomatoes. I'll do it for you! Mum told me she was feeling lonely. Really? I'll give her a call this afternoon. So then we need to remember that when we talk about these future actions later. We just used the past tense of these forms.Past tense of going to I was going to study German this year but I haven't started yet. You said you were coming down the pub, Dave. Where are you? The Jones's were going to come to dinner this evening, but they can't make it. So the past tense of ‘will' is ‘would' You said you would open this tin of tomatoes. Well you haven't done it. See the dialogue at... https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-227.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pag My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	226. Get and verbs of movement B1, B2 and story	02 févr. 2025	00:17:52
Ask me a question for the podcast? Now it's interesting that we use get as a verb of motion. Often, when it's difficult to actually move. Have you noticed that we say, Would you like to get into my car. Now, you go into your house, you open the door and you walk in. You don't usually get into your house, but you get into a car. Why? Because you have to bend down usually to get in. So you get into a car. Perhaps you're up a ladder, you know, a ladder, which takes you upwards. If you're painting a wall, for example. And you don't like heights. So you find it difficult to get down the ladder. To get down. It means just to step down, to walk down the ladder. Now, we might say, to get into a house, especially if there's some difficulty. For a burglar, for example, somebody who breaks a window and gets into your house that way. So last year, a burglar got into my house, he broke the window and opened it from the inside and got in and stole a television. So there, it's difficult because he has to break the window. So there we do say to get into the house. I can't get in. The door's locked. The old lady can't get across the road, there's too much traffic. The cat's climbed up the tree, and now it can't get down. Nobody can get to their homes because of the floods. We've put the biscuit tin on the top shelf so that little Jonny can't get at/to it. (reach) https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-226.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology) My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	225. Verbs of Movement with story (B1, B2)	26 janv. 2025	00:18:25
Ask me a question for the podcast? Why my students say 'enter the classroom' Where there is movement, there's a preposition, and a preposition is used in the same way we use preposition of place (where things are) He ran across the street. The dog ran after the cat. Go / run / walk / swim etc. along this street until you get to the crossroads and then turn right. I walked among the all the people. They travelled all around / round the country. The little girl walked between her mother and father. He ran down the stairs. She got into her car and drove away. The cat fell off the chair. She got onto the motorbike and drove away. The eagle flew over the mountains. The train went through the tunnel. She ran under the bridge. My cat climbed up the tree. To see the audioscript and more help, visit my website https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-225.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology) My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	224. The Londoner (B1 B2 level story)	19 janv. 2025	00:19:06
Ask me a question for the podcast? In today's story, I'll be looking at some B2-level phrasal verbs. I explain 5 of the phrasal verbs below in the podcast: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10. You can listen to all ten of these phrasal verbs. They are in the order you'll hear them. 1) figure something out - try to find the answer to a problem 2) get on with something - continue an activity you were doing earlier 3) get round to something - do one of the jobs that needs doing but you don't find time for it 4) go down with something - to get ill 5) get over a bad cold etc. - recuperate from an illness 6) live up to your expectations - when something is as good as you expected it to be e.g. a product you bought 7) put somebody up - give temporary accommodation to somebody 8) stick out - something can be seen because it is showing from inside something e.g. a handkerchief sticking out somebody's pocket 9) miss out on an opportunity - lose an opportunity you did not take advantage of 10) Get round to something (repeat of nº3) To see the answers, please visit my website at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-224.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology) My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	223. Game Over (B1 story)	12 janv. 2025	00:18:48
Ask me a question for the podcast? To write a successful story for the Cambridge PET exam (Preliminary English Test) Here is some of the help and advice I talk about in the podcast. I will also read you a model story.You are always given a first sentence, which you must use. 'When Jasmin looked down at the soft ground, she could see quite clearly that the tiger had recently come this way.' Use of 'when' here. 'When ' is a good word to use in your story as it means you create a complex, 2-part sentence.Setting the scene - where the story is happening etc. It was foggy in the early morning light, but she clearly noticed that something was moving in the long grass. Here we can show where the action is happening, and things that can be seen from where we are. Note the use of past continuous.Putting the story into context by saying what happened before. It had all started when she began hanging out with gamers*. They said she was a ‘natural’. So she had started training. All that time spent in the gym working out to get fit for the most realistic computer game ever. Notice the use of the past perfect here to talk about what happened before the present moment in the story.Use of linking words. Despite, however, although, so, because...Back to the present action... She turned and set off again. We now use past simple to describe the action in the story.Use of adverbs like, luckily, fortunately, unfortunately, slowly etc. She fell about ten metres. Luckily, her fall was broken by a branch Fortunately, she had not reached the bottom, Although this world was not real, the tears on her cheeks were wet, and the cold morning fog and her fear made her body shake. (linker 'however' - making the story exciting - what happened next?) However, what happened next made Jasmin scream. The branch began to break - slowly, at first. You could also finish with a more classical ending than mine Finally, her friends came to rescue Jasmine and took her out of the virtual world. My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	222. A Window on Time (complete version) B2 level	05 janv. 2025	00:31:57
Ask me a question for the podcast? Strong B1 to B2-level story. Today, as I'm still on holiday, I'm offering you the complete version of the very popular story I published in September - A Window on Time. Read and listen to the comprehension questions before you start listening. 1) What was the bad news Geoffrey received at the beginning of the story? 2) What physical changes happened to Geoffrey when he entered the classroom for the first time? 3) Why did Geoffrey stay in the classroom and not make an attempt to get back to his own time? 4) What was the plan that Geoffrey, or Geoffer, Ken and Timmy made for 6.30 that evening? 5) Why did Geoffrey decide not to stay in the past as a teenager, and live his life again? Below, are the answers. Please, don't look until you have listened to the story! 1) What was the bad news Geoffrey received at the beginning of the story? He learned from the hospital that he possibly had cancer. 2) what physical changes happened to Geoffrey when he entered the classroom for the first time? a) his skin was younger and fairer b) he had lost his stomach - he now had a firm, flat tummy c) his voice was higher pitched. d) He was 14 again. 3) Why did Geoffrey stay in the classroom and not make an attempt to get back to his own time? Because he was excited to at the thought of seeing his parents again. 4) What was the plan that Geoffrey or Geoffer, Ken and Timmy made for 6.30 that evening? Ken was going to bring some cigarettes and they were going to smoke them. 5) Why did Geoffrey decide not to stay in the past as a teenager, and live his life again? He realised he would make the same foolish mistakes, and he missed his wife and two children. My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	221. Victims of Nature (complete version) B1, B2	29 déc. 2024	00:27:06
Ask me a question for the podcast? Victims of Nature Complete Version (B1, B2) This is the full version of the two story parts published last September. Comprehension questions 1) What reasons did Alberto's mother give Alberto for leaving the Alpujarra? 2) What did Gustavo mean by the comment "we're just victims of nature"? 3) The story says, "When Alberto saw the pink clouds at dawn, he knew bad weather was on the way". What was the saying mentioned in the story which told Alberto there was going to be a storm? 4) Why was Alberto worried when he saw the effects of the storm on the mountain? 5) Why did the picnickers run away from the pool? 6) Was this a true story? There are some more exercises at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-206.htm https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-207.htm Answers to the questions above - please listen to the podcast first before you read the answers. 1) What reasons did Alberto's mother give Alberto for leaving the Alpujarra? She said Alberto would be bored: "You’ll be bored stiff. Only sheep, poverty and danger around here. Do you want to be a shepherd for the rest of your life?" She said Alberto should be like his brother, Gustavo: "Your brother took a risk and left. Look at him now. He’s taken charge of his life: he’s set up his own business in Granada - paying a mortgage on his flat. He has an expensive car and a lovely wife and baby." She said Alberto would probably die in the Alpujarra: Where’s that going to lead you?’ Off a cliff probably, off another cliff - just like your father, and tears fell down her cheeks. 2) What did Gustavo mean by the comment "we're just victims of nature"? That the mountainous Alpujarra was too dangerous to live in: This place defeats a human being. Those mountains are too big, too dangerous. You can’t beat them. Life here is beyond our control. This land will kill you in the end. Here, we’re just victims of nature itself.’ 3) The story says, "When Alberto saw the pink clouds at dawn, he knew bad weather was on the way". What was the saying mentioned in the story which told Alberto there was going to be a storm? “Red sky at night, shepherds' delight, but red sky in the morning, shepherds’ warning”, which mean My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	220. A Christmas Carol - The end of it (Part 2) B2 story	22 déc. 2024	00:22:43
Ask me a question for the podcast? B1 B2-level story with exra Christmas idioms included. I have re-written this story for my English students. Ebenezer Scrooge visits his nephew for Christmas dinner and surprises Bob Cratchit with some astonishing news. Phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase in the story? You can see the answers after you listen in the audioscript below. 1) Give somebody the cold shoulder To be rude to somebody by ignoring them. e.g. I think my colleagues were jealous I got a promotion at work, as they gave me the cold shoulder. 2) Christmas comes but once a year We should take advantage of a special event and enjoy it - because they don't happen very often. e.g. Let's stop arguing and enjoy ourselves at this party - Christmas comes but once a year. 3) Be in the holiday spirit Mostly refers to Christmas holidays. To enjoy onself at Christmas, and forget work or studies. e.g. I've put all my study books away. I want to be in the holiday spirit. 4) The proof of the pudding is in the eating Only by actually doing something can we know something is really true. e.g. I think I've fixed this computer, but let's switch it on and see. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. 5) Skating on thin ice Taking a big risk. e.g. When John argued with the boss yesterday, he was skating on thin ice. He could lose his job. 6) A piece of cake Something is very easy to do. e.g. I can solve the puzzle of the Rubik's cube easily now. It's a piece of cake. 7) The more the merrier The more people who join a group the better the event will be. e.g. 'Can I join you and Mary for coffee?' 'Of course! The more the merrier!' 8) Feel at home (make yourself at home) Feel comfortable in somebody else's home. e.g. 'Please, take a seat. Make yourself at home!' 'Thank you, I feel very much at home.' 9) Be my guest Said when somebody offers you food in their home. e.g. 'May I have another biscuit? They're delicious!' 'Please! Be my guest!' 10) Make merry to enjoy yourself at a party e.g. I feel really tired today. Yesterday I ws making merry at Steve's birthday party.' You can see the answers, and read the full transcript to the story at my website here: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-220.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	219. A Christmas Carol - The end of it (Part 1) B2 story	16 déc. 2024	00:20:46
Ask me a question for the podcast? "Scrooge jumped out of bed and rushed over to the window, opened it, and put his head out. There was no fog, no mist; it was a clear, bright, cheerful day...." This is the last chapter of Charles' Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol adapted to B2 level. B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each word? 1) seasonal - refers to a time of year e.g. seasonal decorations (during the Christmas season) 2) remarkable - a wonderful qualities, for a person, perhaps intelligent, clever. 3) astonished - very surprised 4) absurd - ridiculous, very strange 5) cautious - being very careful because you are suspicious about something 6) arrogant - showing yourself to be superior to others 7) uncertain - not sure about something 8) delightful - wonderful, lovely 9) worthwhile - you do it because you know the results will be positive 10) unbearable - you can't stand something, usually a situation you want to get away from it 11) exceptional - of superior quality than other examples of something 12) priceless - so valuable it has no price at all To read the answers to the task, go to my webpage: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-219.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	218. Coming Home (part 2) B1 B2-level story	08 déc. 2024	00:21:38
Ask me a question for the podcast? Jonathon goes to the bank to claim his prize, but he comes away with something he didn't expect. B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase? 1, get rid of - try to make disappear 2, be taken in - makes you believe something bad 3, live for - be a very important thing in your life 4, fall apart - collapse, disappear so it exists no longer 5, see to something - make something happen 6, let somebody down - not help somebody so they are at a disadvantage The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold. B1-level 1, tk cr of something - do something very carefully 2, shv - cut hair from face or legs 3, accnt - where you keep money in a bank 4, lk up - check sth in a book, computer, etc. 5, b in tch with - keep contact with B2-level 1, attmpt - trying to do something 2, qlfd - somebody with the training and experience 3, mnnrs - behaving politely 4, stnnngly - very, very much, amazingly 5, blngngs - things that are yours To see the answers: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-218.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	217. Coming Home (part 1) B1, B2-level story	01 déc. 2024	00:21:02
Ask me a question for the podcast? English podcast story for B1, B2 levels (intermediate - upper intermediate) - Jonathon Baxter has spent ten years walking around Britain, playing his harmonica to survive. Then he decides to return to his home, but what will he find? B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase? 1, more or less (finished etc.) = nearly 2, obliged to = you have to 3, not have the slightest intention = (used in the neagative) not want or will not do something 4, neither (inversion = e.g. neither do I like...) / neither... nor... e.g. I don't want to do neither one thing or the other 5, drop in = an informal visit 6) turn up = arrive without an appointment Vocabulary test The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold. B1-level 1) ow - when you must pay somebody money because it is theirs 2) unbl - you cannot do it 3) brng up - the care and protection that parents give their children until they are adults 4) sgntr - your written name 5) lttry - tickets you buy to try to win a money prize B2-level 1) dbt - the money you owe to somebody 2) dstrb - by making noise etc. other people get annoyed 3) incm - the money you earn in your job 4) py off - pay the money that you have borrowed 5) shbby - untidy clothes You can find the answers at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-217.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	216. Candle Burning (part 2) B1-level story	24 nov. 2024	00:23:28
Ask me a question for the podcast? B1 words and expressions studied: In this B1-level podcast today, I'll also discuss 6 interesting intermediate B1-level words, which you can listen for while you listen to the short story. Intermediate-level words and expressions: lack of something - not enough of something get rid of somebody - tell somebody to leave out of work - to have lost your job try your best - do a task the best way you can stay behind - to wait after others have left consist of something - talks about the parts of something To see answers and read the full transcript, go to my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-216.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	215. Candle Burning (part 1) B1-level story	17 nov. 2024	00:21:24
Ask me a question for the podcast? In this B1-level podcast today I'll use lots of important vocabulary and expressions to talk about daily actions. I'll also discuss 10 interesting B1-level words, which you can listen for while you listen to the short story. I'll analyse these intermediate-level words and expressions: no going back - you cannot go to where you were earlier, or if you start something, you cannot leave it but must carry on. warning - a notice or something spoken to tell us to be careful of a danger damage your health - to harm (B2) or do something that can make you ill step into / step out of - go in or out of something you get to by using your feet fresh - can mean cool, such as a cool breeze (but not cold); it can also mean not bad when referring to fruit; or it can mean 'new' such as 'fresh ideas' admire - to look at a picture etc. and realise you like it; or to look up to somebody (B2) when we think somebody is wonderful because of their qualities. backwards - moving in the opposite way from forwards; or something like a word seen the other way around e.g. ENGLISH = HSILGNE funny - amusing, it makes you laugh; also strange or peculiar topic of discussion - a subject to talk about can't help + verb + ing - something we do but perhaps should not do like eating too much chocolate. For answers and transcript of story, see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-215.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
	214. The Second-hand Shop (B2 Story)	10 nov. 2024	00:22:27
Ask me a question for the podcast? The upper-intermediate phrsal verbs studied in today's episode are: look up to - admire somebody because of their qualities fall apart - to break into pieces, probably because it's old date from - saying how old something is, from what year something is think sth over - consider something carefully take on - offer a contract of work to somebody miss out - not to take advantage of an opportunity which would bring benefits come across - find something unexpectedly, find something you were not looking for or didn't expect to find do without - not need something, even though it may or may not help you Listen for the phrsal verbs in the story and not down the context. Youbcan find the answers at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-214.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams). To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform): https://amzn.to/46AVFe9 Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

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