Practising English

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is another podcast on B1 intermediate phrasal verbs - those a little difficult to learn. The ones I will talk about are:put on - to switch on or activate some device (electrical?)sign up - to join or becme part of a club etc.show up - to arrive somewhere unexpectedly.deal with - to try to resolve a problemtake up - to begin a new sport, hobby or other activitycarry on - to continue, often when things seem difficult.Listen to th...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The six B1 phrasal verbs studied are:give up - stop doing some activity e.g. smoking, or a game because you are losing.end up - to finish in a place probably you didn't expect to find yourself in.put off - to do some activity at a later time.set off - to start a journey.run out - to find you have no more of something e.g. petrol in your car, milk in the fridge.look forward - wait excitedly for an event to happen.For story transcript...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Intermediate (B1) and upper-intermediate (B2) English expressions and vocabulary. Words to explain:binoculars - a device used to see objects far awayUFO - unidentified flying object (alien spaceship)What the hell is going on? - What is happening?fin - wing-like structure of a creature that lives in the seaB2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?1, failed to comprehend2, under the impression 3, get straight ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Words to explain:extraterrestrial - from another planetalien - life from another planetlife forms - beings which are livingelectro-magnetic field - this surrounds the Earth and protects us from harmful rays from spaceorbit - going around the sun etc.meteorite - an object that may crash into the Earthevolve / evolution - life that grows and changes over long periods of timecosmic - from the universecomet - a huge ball of us that flie...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The second part of my story A Window on Time. Strong B1 and B2-level story.Words to explain: detention - in schools this was (is?) a punishment for children. We had to stay in a classroom during the lunch-break and do extra homeworkB2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?1) to feel faint2) Naturally,3) tremble with excitement4) hit it off5) stick together6) stand by somebodyThe vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have b...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context they are used in during the story.1) deep in thought2) Strangely enough,3) strictly forbidden4) an exception to the rule5) the situation had become unbearable6) the truth of the matter wasB1 words from the story: what are they?1) prvs adj. what happend before2) shckd n. very surprised in a bad way3) prvntng v. stopping4) apprchd v. got closer5) aplgs v. say sorryB2 words from the story: ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Part 2 of my exciting story Victims of Nature for students studying B1 and B2 English.Words to explain: shepherd = somebody who looks after sheep in the countrysideraft = a small flat boatflock of sheep = a group of sheepwaterfall = where water falls vertically down from a high rockB2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?1) All of a sudden2) scared him stiff3) To make matters worse4) it went without saying5...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.A Strong B1 and B2-level story based on a real event this summer in the Alpujarra mountain region of Southern Spain (Granada).Words to explain:shepherd = spmebody who looks after sheep in the countrysideraft = a small flat boatflock of sheep = a group of sheepwaterfall = where water falls vertically down from a high rockB2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?1) The reality of the situation...2) take charge of.....

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.One way or another, Norman imagined that other people regarded him as an underachiever. He became obsessed by what his colleagues at the supermarket might call him when he was not listening. What about Norman Nobody or Norman Nothing in Particular. Norman was a man who was of the opinion that life had not treated him fairly...This is a strong B1 to B2-level story.B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?1) talk t...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The Winds of Bolonia (B1 Story with new comprehension questions)I wanted to publish this story together with the Para-olympics in Paris. I was watching it on television. It shows how positive attitudes, strength, determination are not qualities limited to those athletes in the Olympics we saw earlier this summer, but that persons with disabilities are no different and share the same qualities.The heroine in my story today, The Winds...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Comprehension questions and answers for the complete story.1) Why did Benjamin decide to go back to the hotel?2) How did Jessica know Benjamin was staying in the Borromeo Hotel?3) Where did Benjamin move to when fe left school?4) What did Benjamin think the old woman was doing on the stairs?5) What did Benjamin plan to do with Jessica?6) Why did Benjamin's son, Logan, leave the car at the end of the story?You can see the answers to ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Comprehension questions to read before listening to the complete B1-level story: Who was Sidney Peabody?1) What was unusual about the way Sidney Peabody looked?2) According to Simon Fotheringay, the journalist and reporter, why did Sidney Peabody perform the miracle in Benalmadena?3) What did people do in Madrid just before Sidney Peabody said the words: "I wish it would rain!"?4) After talking to his friend, Stephen Smithers, who d...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is the complete B1-level story of The Spaceman (first published in 2022)Comprehension questions for story1) Why was Max Headroom angry at the beginning of the story?2) What were the space-time doors?3) Who was the old man in Max's bedroom?4) Why did Max and his wife, Sheena, separate?5) Do you think Max and Sheena got back together again?I'll give you the answers at the end of the story.Think about this question below. You can ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Today I'm giving you the full version of my B1-level story (with some B2 English) Tsunami!Here are 4 comprehension questions for part TWO of the story, which starts after the written transcript has finished.1) What did Yannick think Melville's name was?Mr Tsunami2) Which was the last accident that stopped Melville and the French family from escaping from the beach?But that jeep was going nowhere that day. It hit a rock hidden under ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.These are the two stories I chose for the story task I gave you at podcast 197.Story 1Mrs Jones was 82. Her husband had died many years ago, so she lived alone with her cat. She had a large vegetable garden, and she kept fit by working there every day.But she was often unhappy, because she remembered she had lost her wedding ring many, many years ago. It was like a treasure for her.One day, she was in the garden pulling carrots out ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.There are 4 questions for you to answer while you listen to the story:The questions are:1) What did uncle Tom make so he didn't have to get up early?2) When they were on the boat, where did Stephen Liddel put the box of beer?3) What did William's Dad do wrong that made him lose the fish?4) Why did Uncle Tom fall into the sea?At the end of the story, I'll tell you the answers.You can also answer the question:Is there a hero in your f...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Here are the rules for the story-writing activity.- The story must include at least one of the phrases 1 to 8 shown below.- The subject of the story can be anything you like.- The story should not be longer than 80 words.- The story can only be sent from the link on mobile phones "send me a text" at the top of this page in your podcast app.- Please include your name and the country you are from at the bottom of the text.- The last d...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Today I have joined the two halves of The Quiet Man together so you can enjoy this story in one complete story. I briefly discuss intonation and give you a task to listen to while enjoying the story.For more podcasts on intonation at Practising English, go to podcasts: 126, 109, 43, 103. See the podcast numbers at my website...https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-content.htmThe Quiet ManFirst part of story. If you can't se...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Extracts from my stories with examples of SO and REALLY Here are the 4 extracts from my stories I use in this podcast to give examples of the use of SO and REALLY as intensifiers. Extract 1:'The fishmonger,' corrected Vanessa again. 'The person who sells fish is called a fishmonger.' 'The fishmonger was REALLY big and fat,' added Jason. 'Then Gran pointed to the fish man and said to me, "Do you know what this gentlem...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Writing the B1 article.(If you are interested in my podcast about writing the B1 story...https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-128.htm )These are some general, very important words I recommend you learn for writing in any part of the PET exam. You won't be able to use all of them, but try to use some at least:unless, available, suitable, encourage, increase, intend to, involve, keen to/on, supposed to, unable to. (Which wor...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Expressions to memorize1) There is a decline in the numbers of lynxes. (usually negative)The decline in the number of tourists.2) It is extremely important that we finish this project on time.It is crucial that we finish this project on time. 3) Tigers are an endangered species.Tigers are a threatened species.Bees are becoming threatened by the use of pesticides.4) Forests are disappearing very quickly.Unemployment is increasin...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Introduction to part 2 of The Breath of the MosquitoEmil Zimmermann, professor of astrophysics at Corpus Christi College, Oxford University sat back in his leather chair and studied the colourful feather, he was holding in his hand, through his thick glasses. ‘Incredible!’ he said. ‘You say it comes from an extinct* type of bird, don’t you?’Mathew was sitting the other side of Emil’s huge wooden desk, covered in piles of papers...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a B1-level short story in two parts.Professor Mathew Pearson, a paleontologist and professor at Oxford University, made an incredible discovery when he found a skull. Tests are done and the results are extremely surprising...Technical vocabulary in the storyPrehistory / A prehistoric scenepaleontologyfossilsThe Jurassic period (finished 145 million years ago)The Eocene period (finished 33m years ago)skullThe prehistoric anim...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is the third and final part of the story 'The Harmonica Players'. Here are the B2 phrases I discuss in the podcast.1) This was not the familiar peaceful atmosphere of Oxted.2) He found London rather threatening. 3) An awful lot of unfamiliar people who packed the streets.4) You were swept along by dense, hostile crowds of total strangers.5) A black man in a hat, moving quickly towards Jeffrey in the opposite direction, bumped s...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.In Part 2 of my story, The Harmonica Players, I’ll be talking about racial prejudice. That means the irrational distrust and dislike of people from other countries. My motive for bringing up this topic and creating Jeffrey, a man who is very prejudiced against foreigners, has been from the unfortunate policy by the current Conservative party in the UK, who have proposed and are about to carry out flying immigrants, who have arrived ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The Harmonica Players. The story of two people who are very different from each other, yet there is something that unites them.Words and expressions discussed in the podcast:bedsit - accommodation, which is very basic, and is usually just one room.meter - a machine you put money into which controls the amount of electricity is consumed.- Somehow, he couldn’t face starting his day without a hot shower-&nbsp...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a B1 and B2 level podcast with a new story about the ages of Man. (See link to audioscript of story below.)B1 words discussed:sunriselandscapevalleys scenerywaterfallcave the cool shadesetting sun (sunset)B2 words discussedyouthbounced alonglife was a gift, which he would grab for himselfmake the most ofthe lines around his eyesa bald areamaturehis body was curved and bentslow, clumsy and tiredleaned awkwardlyhis old l...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.I'm listing below the phrases I explain in the audio.This is a B1-level story. Below, are the phrases I explain from the story.Vocabulary expressions for the storyToday'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 y...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.In Telmah's life, very little happens. His garden is really the only thing he seems to care about. But one day, a neighbour loses her dog, and Telmah's life suddenly becomes much more complicated than he would like.These are the B1 expressions I explain from the story:be just about to do sthbelieve it or notfeel sorry fora sense of humourstraight awaybe fond of sb/sthkeen on sthshortly afterwardsjust in caseWhat do you think about T...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a B2 story in the genre of mystery or thriller. It's called Drawing Conclusions, which is one of the expressions I explain before I start the story.B2 phrases:- drawing conclusions- Mrs Robinson had neither seen nor heard Lorna since- take great pride in sth- to go into more detail- he couldn’t look her in the eye- was very absorbed in everything- as far as she knew, - ideas had crossed Mrs Robinson’s mind - gossip- the trou...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.These are the dog expressions I mention today:Dog Eat DogRaining cats and dogsTeach an old dog new tricksAnd these are the B1 and B2 expressions I explain, and that you will hear in the story:B1It 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‘...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Today's story is B1 level with lots of B2 phrases added. This let's you improve little by little without getting lost because the text is too difficult to understand. I'm listing below the phrases I explain in the audio.I also talk about ellipsis, which is where you omit words from a sentence in an "economy of words". We still understand the meaning - only the grammar is affected. Ellipsis is common in informal prose and speech. The...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a special edition podcast. Today I’m publishing The Octopus’s Garden as one complete story. If you have listened to this story in the two parts I published two weeks ago (podcasts 179 and 180), you’ll remember that I have dedicated this story firstly, to the children of Gaza, who are suffering so terribly during this horrific war. Secondly, I’ve also dedicated this story to my brother Nick Bilbrough and the HandsUp...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Hello, dear listeners!This is part 2 of my story, The Octopus's Garden, which I'm dedicating to the children of Gaza and my brother's HandsUp Project team that has been working with Palestinian children to help them have a voice in the world by producing plays in English online. You can find out more about the HandsUp Project here... (https://www.handsupproject.org/)Most of the language of this story is B1 with some B2 words a...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Dunya Yousef Hussan AL-BARGHOUTI sat on the white sand and looked out across the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Somehow, at last, she had found comfort here...This is a B1 to B2-level English podcast about my story dedicated to the children of Gaza.I will introduce a lot of new B2 words for you to listen for during the story. I also include a full AUDIOSCRIPT of the story at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.A painting by Renoir inspired today's story. The painting is famous, and is called "The Luncheon of the Boat Party" (I have used the simpler word "Lunch").These are the adjectives to talk about people's personality that I mention at the beginning:miserablelivelykeenlonelyexhaustedembarrassedeasygoingreliablecharmingsensiblecheerfultalentedAnd I discuss these two B1 expressions:a sense of humourin tearsThe question I ask is that you ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Part 2 of my short story for B1 learners of English - Never Go Back. I'll look at the vocabulary I used, related to suspense.Here are the words I explain for you to listen for:Benjamin looked up, shocked at this unexpected and rude behaviour. Why all this unfriendly behaviour, when this morning the hotel staff he had met had been so kind.Her face looked sour and unfriendly.‘Your card, sir,’ she said. But her look was cold.He fe...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.In this podcast I thank my listeners for all the times you have downloaded Practising English Podcasts in 2023. I'll talk a little about an English Christmas and read my B1 version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.You can read the entire transcript at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-176.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Today is part 1 of my new story Never Go Back. It's in the thiller, suspense or even horror genre. I mention some useful B1 adjectives and other B2-level words and one swear word in English. I will release Part 2 of this story at the beginning of January. Here we go...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisin...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Jenny is looking for a relationship. Will she ever find somebody suitable? Today's B1 story comes with a test. The story contains around 60 B1 words, which are useful for B1-level English study, and some of them are not easy to learn as they are not very intuitive (false friends).I include below a list of thes B1 words in the order they appear in the story:disappointedallowattempted advertisingkeen tosuitablerefusedadvisedabro...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The second part of Tsunami (See Podcast 172 for Part 1). Story for B1 and B2 learners of English.The words and expressions I describe today are:frighteningstrike fear into human heartsthe heart beats fastermysterious giant horsescreaming with/in fear, happinessbe in shocka totally hopeless situationThe three questions for the story area:1, What else screamed besides the children?2, Which animals are named in the story?3, Which two G...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.B1-level story with questions and a grammar point. For the audioscript, please go to my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-172.htmAt 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: http...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.I discuss some important language for part 1 of the reading paper of the Cambridge Preliminary B1-level exam and include those words in a story called The Picnic.The formal phrases for you to change to a more informal version are the following:1) ‘I’ll make the arrangements,’ Marvin had then said.2) I’m sure I have a few eggs available. 3) Actually, I’m not sure I have suitable ingredients for tiramisu. 4) Would you be available at ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Advice for story-writing at B1 and B2 levels for Cambridge exams, and my short story Bigfoot for you to enjoy. You can follow the story this week on the transcript I include here and on at my website. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-170.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The second part of my adaptation to B1-level English of the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald "Three Hours between Flights". You can find the transcript of the story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-169.htmAt 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 E...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.A B1-level version of a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I talk about aeroplane and airport language before starting this romantic story of two people, who haven't seen each other since they were at school, meet again when adults.You can find the transcript of the story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-168.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exerci...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is the second part of the story "Dad" by M.A. Bilbrough. A story written for B1-level students of English. The verbs we are studying today are:realizedropcall outweighadmireencouragediveappearbreathehugAt 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 i...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is part 1 of a B1-level story for learners of English, especially Cambridge English. The story is called Dad. It's about a family fishing trip in Spain. Vocabulary about the sea, boats and fishing equipment...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.I'm still on holiday so I'm away from my recording studio and just making a quick podcast using my mobile phone while people watching. This week, I'm going to talk about the verb 'to turn' and use it in the context of the people I can see in a shopping centre by the sea.Here are examples of the uses of this verb:Turned on the radio Turn around and walk awayTurn something into something elseTurn away and look somewhere elseTurn to so...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.An atypical podcast! I'm just sitting outside a cafeteria in Seville watching the world go by. I comment on them and talk a little about Spain, its customs, and what people do in summer here. I apologize for all the background noise and this recording was just spoken directly into the mobile phone.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learni...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The word 'actually' is not an easy word to use in English for learners. In this podcast, I explain its meanings and uses and give lots of examples from my podcast stories. There's a full transcript with this episode, which you can read at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-163.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.ht...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.In today's podcast, I'm going to show you how to use present perfect, and that if you avoid present perfect, you may lose points in your Cambridge exam, especially at B1 level and above. I'm going to play some extracts from my stories here on Practising English as examples of present perfect use. I include the transcript so you can listen and read. See transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-162.htmAt https://w...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.In this final part of the story (see part 1 at Podcast 160), Simon prepares for his part in the play, and life seems to be getting better for him - but will everything happen the way Simon imagined? Lots of B1 adjectives to listen for about personality: alike,uninterested,embarrassed,ashamed,uncomfortable,charmimg,shy,stressed,nervous,serious,confident.Enjoy the story!At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of in...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Part 1 of this B1-level short story with vocabulary about the theatre. In this first part, Simon Willoughby is a very shy man but is attracted towards Phillipa, but Phillipa is also a member of the local amateur dramatics group...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learne...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Short story called The Fool on the Hill for B1 learners of English. Useful personality adjectives and other vocabulary at B1 level.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33A...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The second and final part of the short story "Who was Sidney Peabody?". Listen for the adverbs I use in this story. The language is for B1-level students studying for Cambridge PET exam or similar. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-158.htmAt 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...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Part 1 of this story about someone who performed a miracle - or did he? B1 English study. Words for calculating: plus, minus, divide by, multiply by. Part 2 of this story on Sunday May 7th. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-157.htmAt 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 f...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Vocabulary about climate change for B1-level students. The Great Dying refers to a time millions of years ago when the Earth warmed so much that most animal and plant life could no longer exist. I include a short story about the next Great Dying. Let's work together so this will never happen. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-156.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Use of adjectives and adverbs in your B1 stories. A short story about a an English boy and a French girl and what happened when they met.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn....

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.A B1 short story about a walk on the white cliffs of Dover. Vocabulary to describe the countryside and the weather. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-154.htmAt 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 o...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Today, I'm talking about useful cognates at B1 level. Useful, because they can be used in the Cambridge Preliminary or First exams instead of repeating words like 'fantastic' or 'great'. There's a story for the B1 writing at the end - even though it's longer than the usual 100 words!At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https:...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This episode is for B1 students with lots of useful language to talk about describing a house. It's an extract from a short story by O. Henry set in New York at the beginning of the 20th century. I also give you some tips on how you can quickly increase your B1 word power by using vocabulary in the writing and speaking parts of the Preliminary Cambridge exam which is easily learnt.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer l...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.After Twenty Years was, originally, a short story by the US writer O. Henry. I've completely re-written the story for B1-level English students with lots of useful language at the B1 level. I also talk about the different words we use to talk about crime...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.A B1 story about an island in the sea and a young girl's hopes and dreams for the future. B1 English with useful expressions about the sea and about learning. For more help with studying towards a B2 level, get my book The Tudor Conspiracy at https://amzn.to/33Axu2N For more help with your B1 and B2 level English study, visit my website at https://www.practisingenglish.com/At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of in...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Today, to celebrate Epiphany, I'm going to release the audio version of my book for children learning English - Carlos and his English, The level is at A1 to A2. I invite you to buy this brightly illustrated book (written and illustrated by myself, M. A. Bilbrough) for your children or a younger member of your family as much of the story will be better understood when the pictures are seen. I enclose a link here to a full synopsis o...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.As we approach Christmas, we think more about being generous and being kind to others. This is a short story about generosity. This is a B1-level podcast for learners of English. For more help with your English, visit https://www.practisingenglish.com/Also, check out my book for B1 students working towards B2 - The Tudor Conspiracy at https://mabilbrough.com/At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-leve...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Continuation of the study of six more idioms at B2 level. Some are hidden in a story that you must listen to and find. The six idioms in the podcast are:have an eye for somethingcan't keep/take your eyes off somebody/somethinglook somebody in the eyebe a piece of cake take your breath awaycross your mindCheck your answers at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-147.htmAlso, check out my book for B1 students working towards B2 -...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.A study of six idioms at B2 level. Each one is hidden in a story that you must listen to and find out which it is. The six idioms are: break the icebreak sb's heartbe a painto lose trackbe over the moonfrom out of nowhereCheck your answers at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-146.htmAlso, check out my book for B1 students working towards B2 - The Tudor Conspiracy at https://mabilbrough.com/At https://www.practisingenglish.co...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a B1-level story with a few surprises. There are lots of useful B1 level words in it, and, as usual, I'll explain some key words before we start. If you would like to read one of my full-length stories, and you're a B1-level student studying for B2, you could buy buy my book The Tudor Conspiracy... https://amzn.to/33Axu2N For more exercises to improve your English, visit my website, www.practisingenglish.comAt https://www.p...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a story about a family. There's quite a lot going on in this family but that's not very obvious unless you listen very carefully. The story is told from the point of view of a six-year-old boy and his ten-year-old sister. I've written this story for B1 students with lots of B1 language all the way through. As usual, I'll explain some key words before I start. Come to www.practisingenglish.com to find exercises for B1 and B2 ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.There is a place off the west coast of Scotland called the Inchcape Rock and on that rock many, many years ago there used to be a bell to tell the ships of the danger. This is a story about that rock and about pirates. It's a B1 level story with lots of useful B1 vocabulary. Come to www.practisingenglish.com to listen to more stories like this. You can also buy my book for B1 students: The Tudor Conspiracy,,,At https://www.practisin...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a B1-level story that I wrote based on a poem by Robert Southey. It's a story about terrible things and revenge. It has lots of verbs especially that are at B1 level and essential to study. Come over to www.practisingenglish.com to see more exercises to learn English or see my book The Tudor Conspiracy for B1 to B2 level students.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar he...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a B1 session on clothes. I did a session on buying clothes at podcast 96 but this one looks at important B1 vocabulary describing clothes and talking about different parts of articles of clothing. Come over to www.practisingenglish.com for more English help... Here we go...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, I wanted to write a few lines about what she meant to me and to so many other people from the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. This is a B1 and B2 level podcast and there's a short poem at the end. Visit my site www.practisingenglish.com for more help for B1 and b2 level students.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exer...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.And welcome to www.PractisingEnglish.com, where I'm going to tell you another story. Now, the story today, I suppose you could say it's about identity, our self-identity. It's very important to know who we are, the part we play, our role in society. Usually, perhaps that is defined by the job we do, or what we do with other people, how we behave. It's important to know who we are. And this is a little story about that, I suppose. Bu...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Welcome back to Part Two of the story, which I started last week, called The Spaceman. I think the story has a message. And the message is about addiction. It's not about addiction to drugs or addiction to alcohol, or smoking. Listen to the story and think what is the addiction which is referred to here. So I'm going to continue then, with the exciting part two of the Spaceman. Here we go... Visit www.PractisingEnglish.c...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.So today I'm going to tell you a story about space. The area above, around the Earth, planet Earth, where the stars and the planets are found. The story is called The Spaceman. I'm going to tell this story in two parts. Today, part one, and this is a B1-level podcast with lots of useful B1 language in it. And I will start off with telling you a few words related, connected to the subject of space. Visit www.practisingenglish.com for...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a B1 level podcast for learners of English. Are bullies stupid, unintelligent? If that were always true, then when somebody is bullied at school, he or she just needs to get their big brother and the bully will run home crying to his mother! Just like so many stories in comics. If it were that simple, then bullying in schools today wouldn't be the huge problem it is. I've written a story about a school bully, who probably do...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.If I say the word 'vampire', I think you'll know what it means. The monster from the dead with two large sharp teeth is known throughout many cultures and countries even though it's meant to be a fictional character. The definition of 'vampire' in my Oxford English dictionary reads: 'A dead person who leaves his or her grave at night to suck the blood of living people'. My story today is for B1 level students of English and it is ca...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a story I wrote specially for B1-level learners of English. It contains a lot of B1 language that is useful to learn. The story also contains useful language about English gardens. The story is called The Cucumber... Come over to www.practisingenglish.com podcast 134 to read the audio script and see the answers to the questions...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar he...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.A short story for B1 learners of English. The original title of the story was called The Sleuths. It was a short story by the American writer, O. Henry. I've completely re-written this story to a B1 level so learners of English can enjoy it. To see the podcast audioscript come over to www.practisingenglish.com at podcast 133.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exerci...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.I have a short story for you today. A story by the American writer, O. Henry. He was born in 1862 and died in New York in 1910. He is best known for his short stories. The one I'm going to read to you today I have completely re-written for B2 level English students. Well, there are a few words in there from higher levels but I'm sure if you have B2 English, you'll be able to understand everything quite easily. If you want to check o...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.There is definitely language that you will find as a visitor to the UK that you won't find in the English language learning textbooks. You need to go to special places to hear terms of endearment. Well, I say special places but you can hear this language anywhere, I suppose: when you're asking the way, when you're getting onto a bus, buying a loaf of bread in a baker's etc. etc. You might be lucky in any of those places or circumsta...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.A visit to the beach in the south of Spain (Cadiz). Typical collocations (words that go together), words and expressions we use to talk about the beach, picnics and a swim in the sea. Come to www.practisingenglish.com (podcast 130) to tead the audio script and a glossary and explanations of the more difficult words.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and ot...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.I've just come back from a short holiday in Scotland. In this podcast I'm going to talk about my stay in the south-west of this country and make some comparisons with where I live in Spain. So some useful comparative and superlative language here and if you come over to www.practisingenglish.com (podcast 129), you can see some of the photos I took.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.In this podcast I'm going to talk about part two of the Cambridge English PET or Preliminary writing paper, where you have the option of writing a story. I'm going to read three model stories to you . I'll explain the verb forms, structure and essential vocabulary you'll need to make your story a winner for the exam. Read the stories at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-128.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer le...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.As the season of exams comes to a close at the end of the school year, I'm going to start with another type of podcast - looking at vocabulary of the world around us. In this podcast, I took a walk around my local park - María Luisa Park in Seville, Spain. I talk about all the things you can find there. This will be useful for B1 and B2 students who want to build their vocabulary about various subjects - and this one on the park... ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.I'm still on the theme of intonation and how important it is to place more emphasis or stress on the meaning words. That is: the nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and negative words especially, while the words which carry less meaning will receive less stress. Words like: prepositions, articles, the verb 'to be' and auxiliary verbs. But today I'm going to demonstrate this rhythm peculiar to English by reading a poem to you. Come to ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.I was giving some students a practice speaking test the other day and I noticed something that worried me. All students learn those set phrases for Part 3 and Part 4 of the First Certificate speaking test. You know, those phrases for interacting with your partner. Examples:Yes, I agree with you.I don't agree with you.Etc. The problem was that as I was testing lots of students, I noticed the same sentences again and again and no real...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.When I was examining some students the other day for First Certificate (FCE) speaking exam, I noticed one thing especially which most students could not do correctly. I'm referring to intonation! If your intonation is poor, you will lose marks. In this podcast, I'm going to offer you a model version of Part 3 of the FCE speaking exam (the collaborative task) which will emphasize the correct intonation. Read and see the test at Pract...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.How long is a piece of string? How long have you been waiting? My goodness! You weren't very long! How long does it take? Not long. The use of 'long' can be a bit confusing but it's a word which expresses quite simple things and everyday language. So, listen on to learn how to use this word correctly! It won't take long! This is for B1 and B2 level students of English. You can read this podcast at PractisingEnglish.com podcast 123.....

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Help and secrets for passing Cambridge First Certificate speaking exam part 2. While you are speaking, both examiners in the room are listening and assessing your spoken language according to some strict criteria. One of the most important criteria is this: are you using simple sentences or are you using complex sentences? Get the written blog on this podcast at practisingenglish.com podcast 122...At https://www.practisingenglish.co...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.For a student who is still in the pre-intermediate level of English, it's very easy to think that 'will' is what we use to talk about future. To get to a B1 level, it's important to know that there are several ways to talk about future - not just one. Today, I'll look at the three main ways we talk about future in English: the use of 'will', 'going to + infinitive' and present continuous for future. This is a B1 level podcast! Read ...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a follow-up from podcast 11, which was about 'wish' and 'if only' to talk about unreal or unlikely situations. I'm continuing on that theme today because I want to make it clearer about how to use these structures. Some textbooks can be bit confusing, can't they? They're confusing because they often try to put a rule on how to use these words. Do we say 'I wish the rain stopped' or 'I wish the rain would stop'. Listen to fin...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a continuation of podcast 117, which showed you how to do Part 3 of the Cambridge English exam. In this podcast, I'll show you how to pass Part 4 of the exam and you can hear a model answer by two candidates. If you go to PractisingEnglish.com you can read and copy the audio script for your English notes. At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.B2 language level podcast for key vocabulary and expressions to talk about travelling by plane. Essentail language for going through check-in, customs and passport control, boarding your plane and flying off to your destination. To see the audio script, please come over to www.practisingenglish.com podcast 118...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is for B1 level students who are studying for the Cambridge Preliminary English (PET) exam. This is a podcast on advice, strategies and expressions you'll need to pass Part 3 of the speaking test. It also includes a model answer for you to follow and borrow expressions for your own PET speaking test. Come to practisingenglish.com at podcast 117 so you can read and copy the phrases...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Another practice session on the Cambridge PET Preliminary English speaking exam part 2 for students studying for B1 level. This time I'll tell you about how to upgrade your language to B1 level and how to use words and expressions in the test that you learnt in your studies even though they are not very relevant. Come to www.PractisingEnglish.com, podcast 116 to see the picture and the audio script...At https://www.practisingenglish...

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.'Please' and 'thank you' are words you learnt very early in your English studies. But do you know how to use them properly in English? There are also a lot of interesting expressions with these words. This is a B2 level podcast. Listen on and thank your lucky stars you found this podcast! Come over to Practising English to see the written notes on this podcast 115...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermedi...