Practising English

The Harmonica Players. The story of two people who are very different from each other, yet there is something that unites them. Words and expressions discussed in the podcast: bedsit - accommodation, which is very basic, and is usually just one room. meter - a machine you put money into which controls the amount of electricity is consumed. - Somehow, he couldn’t face starting his day without a hot shower - All of a sudden, the ceiling light, television, fridge and electric heater all came on* at once. - work as a musician had been difficult to get hold of - From time to time, he gave harmonica lessons online… - Martin always kept his eye out for a job that he could do. - Every once in a while, he’d found work doing what he really loved - a chance of a lifetime - he dropped out of college - struggling to make ends meet - Jeffrey had a strong dislike of mobile phones - They should be behind bars. - [She] gazed out of the window at the daffodils in the snow https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-188.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

This is a B1 and B2 level podcast with a new story about the ages of Man. (See link to audioscript of story below.) B1 words discussed: sunrise landscape valleys scenery waterfall cave the cool shade setting sun (sunset) B2 words discussed youth bounced along life was a gift, which he would grab for himself make the most of the lines around his eyes a bald area mature his body was curved and bent slow, clumsy and tired leaned awkwardly his old legs struggling to make the final steps To see full transcript, visit my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-187.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

I'm listing below the phrases I explain in the audio. This is a B1-level story. Below, are the phrases I explain from the story. Vocabulary expressions for the story Today's story is B1 level. I'm listing below the phrases I explain in the audio. The point of this podcast is to explain that the language you use in your speaking exam must sound authentic. These are the B1 expressions I suggest you use in the speaking: some kind of - when you are describing something, or identifying something That must be... I suppose - this means you are quite sure what something is very fond of - like I've changed my mind - I don't agree with what I said before I think that's a... isn't it? - easy to use question tag Good point! - You have said something which I agree with keen on - like It's difficult to please everybody - to please means to make somebody happy I mean, - say this to explain something you have said in a better way, or add more information See the picture and transcript for the speaking test at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-186.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

In Telmah's life, very little happens. His garden is really the only thing he seems to care about. But one day, a neighbour loses her dog, and Telmah's life suddenly becomes much more complicated than he would like. These are the B1 expressions I explain from the story: be just about to do sth believe it or not feel sorry for a sense of humour straight away be fond of sb/sth keen on sth shortly afterwards just in case What do you think about Telmah. Is there a little of him in all of us? At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

This is a B2 story in the genre of mystery or thriller. It's called Drawing Conclusions, which is one of the expressions I explain before I start the story. B2 phrases: - drawing conclusions - Mrs Robinson had neither seen nor heard Lorna since - take great pride in sth - to go into more detail - he couldn’t look her in the eye - was very absorbed in everything - as far as she knew, - ideas had crossed Mrs Robinson’s mind - gossip - the trouble with - was on the point of - it’s common knowledge - sooner or later Important words: - greenhouse (a glass house in a garden, where you keep flowers) - boot (the back of a car, where you put suitcases etc.) - to split up (to separate from your partner, husband or wife) At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

These are the dog expressions I mention today: Dog Eat Dog Raining cats and dogs Teach an old dog new tricks And these are the B1 and B2 expressions I explain, and that you will hear in the story: B1 It didn’t look like they were expecting me. They were definitely up to something. He walked in and I went after him. I glanced around. Rocky close on my heels. Somehow, I had to get rid of him. Winning that dog food would be a dream come true. B2 ‘Weather seems to be getting worse and worse, this winter.' The sight of those tins brought back fond memories ‘It was raining cats and dogs yesterday. Not to mention the cold. A dog can’t get warm at night.’ I wasn’t about to make a fool of myself. I was under the impression something was going on. ‘Nice-looking collar,’ said Bozo. ‘Fair enough. You’re in.’ See the picture that inspired the story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-183.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Today's story is B1 level with lots of B2 phrases added. This let's you improve little by little without getting lost because the text is too difficult to understand. I'm listing below the phrases I explain in the audio. I also talk about ellipsis, which is where you omit words from a sentence in an "economy of words". We still understand the meaning - only the grammar is affected. Ellipsis is common in informal prose and speech. The examples are: - Not a nice place, the street. - No nice mat by the fire to sleep on either. - Got to keep away from the police. The expressions I talk about are: B1 level. take it easy make a face in case (of) keep somebody waiting be willing to do something keep something a secret B2 level. taking everything into consideration make your way in actual fact / as a matter of fact the look of somebody be out of practice be a disgrace none of your business Listen for these expressions and examples of ellipsis as you listen to the story. You can see a better version of the painting which inspired my story at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-182.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

This is a special edition podcast. Today I’m publishing The Octopus’s Garden as one complete story. If you have listened to this story in the two parts I published two weeks ago (podcasts 179 and 180), you’ll remember that I have dedicated this story firstly, to the children of Gaza, who are suffering so terribly during this horrific war. Secondly, I’ve also dedicated this story to my brother Nick Bilbrough and the HandsUp Project team, who worked for so many years to give the Gazan children a voice in the world. Please see the introduction of podcast 179 for more details of the HandsUp Project. For this special edition, which is a B1 and B2-level story, I include eight comprehension questions for you to read before you listen. You can find the answers below the questions. I hope you enjoy this story in its complete form. Questions 1) What was Dunya drinking while she was sitting in the courtyard? 2) In what season of the year did the action take place? 3) According to Yousef Hussan Omar, Dunya's father, what are the two reasons why the reception room should belong to him? 4) What happened immediately after Dunya's mother spoke? 5) In which part of Dunya's house did the drone land? 6) What do you think is the symbolic meaning of the box where the mouse was kept? 7) How many bombs fell on the street where Mohammad and his family lived? 8) What was waiting for Dunya when she walked into the sea? Answers 1) Dunya sat on a rug in the corner almost hidden by the rubber plants, drinking a glass of honey lemonade... 2) The warm autumn sun shone through the opening above the courtyard... 3) ‘I’m just saying that the reception room, which is at the entrance on my side of the house (and always has been), should belong to me in the testament - officially. Furthermore, I am the older brother. 4) There was a scream above. Dunya lifted her gaze to the sky above the courtyard. A bright flash. Everything went white. Then, an enormous bang split the world. 5) The doctors also said the drone had landed in the reception room of the house and exploded killing every member of her immediate family... 6) [The box represents Gaza.] She wondered how people could live in a place, from where no friendly countries could be seen. It was like being shut in a room where the only window was too high up to see out of. 7) The block of flats in front has been hit, and so has the block at the end of the street. [two bombs] 8) The water came up to her waist, and it was then that she saw the octopus. He was sitting on the seabed looking up at her with his seven legs stretched out At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Hello, dear listeners! This is part 2 of my story, The Octopus's Garden, which I'm dedicating to the children of Gaza and my brother's HandsUp Project team that has been working with Palestinian children to help them have a voice in the world by producing plays in English online. You can find out more about the HandsUp Project here... (https://www.handsupproject.org/) Most of the language of this story is B1 with some B2 words added. You can find the audioscript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-180.htm The B2 words mentioned in the introduction are shown below. It smashed(b2), silently, into pieces on the floor. A dreadful(b2) feeling of guilt(b2) rushed(b2) into her head. Dunya bent down(b2) and picked up two of the larger pieces of broken glass. They assumed(b2) Dunya could not hear their conversation, but now she could hear perfectly(b2) clearly. ‘He’s not a rat,’ Ali assured(b2) her. ‘He’s a real mouse. She just collapsed(b2) from tiredness(b2) and hunger(b2). At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Dunya Yousef Hussan AL-BARGHOUTI sat on the white sand and looked out across the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Somehow, at last, she had found comfort here... This is a B1 to B2-level English podcast about my story dedicated to the children of Gaza. I will introduce a lot of new B2 words for you to listen for during the story. I also include a full AUDIOSCRIPT of the story at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-179.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

A painting by Renoir inspired today's story. The painting is famous, and is called "The Luncheon of the Boat Party" (I have used the simpler word "Lunch"). These are the adjectives to talk about people's personality that I mention at the beginning: miserable lively keen lonely exhausted embarrassed easygoing reliable charming sensible cheerful talented And I discuss these two B1 expressions: a sense of humour in tears The question I ask is that you identify Angèle in the story, in the painting. You can see the full painting by Renoir at my website. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-178.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Part 2 of my short story for B1 learners of English - Never Go Back. I'll look at the vocabulary I used, related to suspense. Here are the words I explain for you to listen for: Benjamin looked up, shocked at this unexpected and rude behaviour. Why all this unfriendly behaviour, when this morning the hotel staff he had met had been so kind. Her face looked sour and unfriendly. ‘Your card, sir,’ she said. But her look was cold. He felt anxious and confused. Benjamin left the room angrily and walked to the lift. …the whole world had gone mad. The idea was crazy… Benjamin became annoyed. A face with fear written across it. (I forgot to mention this one in the podcast. 'Fear' the noun of 'afraid'. Notice the collocation ‘fear written across her face’ = she felt very afraid.) The doorman gave a shout and fell two or three steps, his sunglasses sent flying. He fell badly and screamed in pain… There are two words I will explain so you can better understand the scene on the stairs. In most European hotels with several floors, there are stairs used usually only in emergencies, for example, fire. They are built in a spiral going from one floor to the other from the top to the bottom floors. In the middle of this spiral, there is a big drop or space going all the way down – this is called a stairwell. Stairs have a construction you can hold on to so you don’t fall off them, this is called a handrail. At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

In this podcast I thank my listeners for all the times you have downloaded Practising English Podcasts in 2023. I'll talk a little about an English Christmas and read my B1 version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. You can read the entire transcript at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-176.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Today is part 1 of my new story Never Go Back. It's in the thiller, suspense or even horror genre. I mention some useful B1 adjectives and other B2-level words and one swear word in English. I will release Part 2 of this story at the beginning of January. Here we go... At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Jenny is looking for a relationship. Will she ever find somebody suitable? Today's B1 story comes with a test. The story contains around 60 B1 words, which are useful for B1-level English study, and some of them are not easy to learn as they are not very intuitive (false friends). I include below a list of thes B1 words in the order they appear in the story: disappointed allow attempted advertising keen to suitable refused advised abroad encouraged advice explored regions searching suitable introduced handsome unable fall in love refused relationship unless made contact support disappointment complained average annoying silly none of vegetarian no longer involved persuaded once more successful partners although completely convinced arranged the following day partner vegetarian keen on magnificent match amazed in fact handed (to) anxious Listen to these words in the story and look for the meaning of those you don't know. There is then a test on some of them. You can find the answers to the test at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-174.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

The second part of Tsunami (See Podcast 172 for Part 1). Story for B1 and B2 learners of English. The words and expressions I describe today are: frightening strike fear into human hearts the heart beats faster mysterious giant horse screaming with/in fear, happiness be in shock a totally hopeless situation The three questions for the story area: 1, What else screamed besides the children? 2, Which animals are named in the story? 3, Which two Greek gods are named? At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

B1-level story with questions and a grammar point. For the audioscript, please go to my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-172.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

I discuss some important language for part 1 of the reading paper of the Cambridge Preliminary B1-level exam and include those words in a story called The Picnic. The formal phrases for you to change to a more informal version are the following: 1) ‘I’ll make the arrangements,’ Marvin had then said. 2) I’m sure I have a few eggs available. 3) Actually, I’m not sure I have suitable ingredients for tiramisu. 4) Would you be available at six o’clock? 5) I suppose you have an announcement to make. 6) I imagine you won’t be able to attend. I'll give my versions at the end of the podcast. At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Advice for story-writing at B1 and B2 levels for Cambridge exams, and my short story Bigfoot for you to enjoy. You can follow the story this week on the transcript I include here and on at my website. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-170.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

The second part of my adaptation to B1-level English of the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald "Three Hours between Flights". You can find the transcript of the story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-169.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages. https://www.practisingenglish.com/ My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)