Episodes
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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 and answers: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-212.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: 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) -
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 away
UFO - 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 sea
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1, failed to comprehend
2, under the impression
3, get straight to the point
4, It goes without saying
5, taken somebody's word for it
6, I don’t get it
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, swtchd off - turned off
2, accrt - precise
3, brz - a light wind
4, srrndd - were on all sides
5, dcrsng - less and less
B2-level
6, cmpsd of - made up of
7, drknng - losing light
8, ignrd - did not look at or speak to
9, incrdbl - hard to believe
10, Srly - of course, obviously
Find all answers at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-211.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: 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) -
Missing episodes?
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Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.
Words to explain:
extraterrestrial - from another planet
alien - life from another planet
life forms - beings which are living
electro-magnetic field - this surrounds the Earth and protects us from harmful rays from space
orbit - going around the sun etc.
meteorite - an object that may crash into the Earth
evolve / evolution - life that grows and changes over long periods of time
cosmic - from the universe
comet - a huge ball of us that flies through space
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1) Nevertheless
2) no expense spared
3) you've got another thing coming!
4) evidently
5) up to one's eyes
6) in the middle of nowhere
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) knwldg - what is known
2) ancnt - very old
3) dstntn - the end of your journey
4) plnt - Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars etc.
5) elmntry - easy
B2-level
6) wsdm
7) uncnvncd
8) figr ot - find a solution
9) ovrxctd - too nervous
10) hbtbl - a place where life can exist
See the answers at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-210.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: 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) -
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 homework
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1) to feel faint
2) Naturally,
3) tremble with excitement
4) hit it off
5) stick together
6) stand by somebody
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) uncmfrtbl adj. a chair, for example, that is not nice to sit in because it is too hard etc.
2) blvd v. thought something was true
3) cmplnd v. said he didn't like something
4) aplgy n. saying sorry
5) mngd t v. was able to
B2-level
6) astnshd adj. very surprised
7) rvrsng v. going backwards
8) trvl adj. not serious at all
9) pndng v. beating hard e.g. your heart
10) bd-tmprd adj. angry, in an angry mood
For the answers to the questions above, see https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-209.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: 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) -
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 thought
2) Strangely enough,
3) strictly forbidden
4) an exception to the rule
5) the situation had become unbearable
6) the truth of the matter was
B1 words from the story: what are they?
1) prvs adj. what happend before
2) shckd n. very surprised in a bad way
3) prvntng v. stopping
4) apprchd v. got closer
5) aplgs v. say sorry
B2 words from the story: what are they?
6) rclld v. remember
7) prsmbly adv. supposedly
8) grdlly adv. little by little
9) strd v. looked at somebody in a long hard way
10) frd v. be frightened of
Answers to word test at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-208.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: 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) -
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 countryside
raft = a small flat boat
flock of sheep = a group of sheep
waterfall = where water falls vertically down from a high rock
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1) All of a sudden
2) scared him stiff
3) To make matters worse
4) it went without saying
5) Out of breath
6) shout at the top of his voice
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) prdctd v. said what would happen in the future
2) crshd v. hit sth hard
3) clff n. a long vertical drop down in the countryside
4) stt n. a stone model of a person
5) fld n. when the water from a river, etc. covers the land
B2-level
6) trmnds adj. to a large extent, very much
7) ignrd v. did not take notice of because it seemed unimportant
8) shllw adj. not deep (water)
9) rg n. anger
10) exhstd adj. very tired
For answers to the above, go to https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-207.htm You can also see a video clip on this page of the flood mentioned in the story!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) -
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 countryside
raft = a small flat boat
flock of sheep = a group of sheep
waterfall = where water falls vertically down from a high rock
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?
1) The reality of the situation...
2) take charge of...
3) he held on for dear life...
4) What’s the point of...
5) be bored stiff...
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) dsty adj. covered in a fine layer of dirt, sand, etc.
2) shd n. the dark are under a tree, for example, where the sun does not shine.
3) strm n. a small river
4) dprtr n. opposite of arrival, where you leave from, going away
5) end p v. finish, where an event has its end.
B2-level
6) unblvbl adj. something you find difficult to think is true
7) pctrsq adj. very pretty scenery e.g. mountains, woods etc.
8) wtty adj. clever with words
9) undrstndbl adj. when you respect somebody's feelings and feel what they say is true
10) thrtnng adj. something that could hurt or harm us, it could be dangerous
Read the answers at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-206.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: 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) -
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 things over with
2) kept in good shape
3) push himself
4) (feel) over the moon
5) took a deep breath
6) taken it for granted
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) achvmnt n. (something difficult you managed to de)
2) dscssn n. (talking among people)
3) rd v. (opposite of polite)
4) rcgnsd (saw somebody and knew who they were)
5) cmpttr n. (somebody in a competition)
B2-level
6) otstnding adj. (exceptional, very good)
7) trgc adj. (very sad)
8) prftbl adj. (a way that earns you money)
9) gggls n. (worn over the eyes when swimming)
10) astnshd adj. (very surprised)
For answers, listen to the podcast, and go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-205.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: 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) -
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 of Bolonia (B1 level) is about a young girl in a wheelchair. Her story is a success story, not because she learns how to be better than her disability but because she has a disability.
Comprehension questions and vocabulary test for the complete story (read before you listen)
1) Why was the wind a problem on the island of Bolonia?
2) What was Ainimos' favourite hobby?
3) Why was Animos in a wheelchair?
4) Did Animos pass the university entry exam?
5) Why did Animos feel positive at the end of the story?
The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out of each word (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold.
1) pnfl adj. (hurts very much)
2) lkd frwrd t v. past (waited for an event and wanted it to happen soon)
3) prvntd v. past. (stopped her from doing something)
4) sns of hmr (be funny, know how to make people laugh; laugh at good jokes)
5) old-fshnd adj. (not modern, not in fashion)
6) hpfl adj. (feeling good about what is going to happen)
7) at lng lst (in the end, finally)
8) rmnd qt (continued not saying anything)
9) cldn’t blv hr eys (she saw something but she didn’t think it could be true)
10) injrd v. past (hurt yourself e.g. in an accident)
See all answers at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-204.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: 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) -
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 these questions at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-177.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: 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) -
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 did Simon think Sidney Peabody was?
5) Did the detective believe Sidney Peabody wanted to help others by making it rain?
You can find the answers at my website: 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 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) -
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 story
1) 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 send your written answer at the link at the top of this page "send me a text" (mobile phones only)
If you as a much older man or woman came to visit you now from the future, what would he or she (you) tell you that you should stop doing before it's too late?
Transcript.
The transcript below is for the first part of the story (until you hear the music). Listen carefully to the rest of the story and try to answer the questions 2 to 5 above. (Answers at the end of the podcast.)
Max Headroom felt very annoyed. As he looked out of the side window of his tiny spaceship*, he could clearly see the red paint falling off the back wings. Max remembered the words of the advertisement at his local spaceship* garage.
Special offer - this week only!
Small-sized spaceships painted at half-price!
Why hadn’t he taken his spaceship* to the garage last week? Now it was too late for the special offer.
Max turned away from the side window and looked forward through the front windscreen. Bright stars filled the black space ahead of him. It was another wonderful weekend away in space for Max. He really looked forward to his weekends.
Max opened the computer screen and turned on the display. He could now see the space social network groups and who was online. Max found a few of his friends. Dekker was in his own spaceship*. He had just left the planet Gonda. Baxter and Bleeper had been in space since Thursday and were close by. Max touched Dekker’s avatar on the screen. Dekker replied immediately.
‘Hi, there, Max! How are you?’ said Dekker.
‘Fine,’ answered Max. ‘Good to hear from you, Dekker! Let’s do some space travel!’
‘Sure!’ said Dekker. ‘I’ll contact Baxter and Bleeper. The space cowboys are gonna have fun! Wahoo!’
They enjoyed going to the typical holiday planets around Vega with their hot and sunny weather, luxury hotels, enormous swimming pools and noisy night clubs.
However, Max and his friends chose to go to a completely different planet this time – a holiday planet called Bluewater. Not many people travelled there and Max had to choose a different flight route.
First of all, he had to fly past the planet Darkhole, which was where strange non-humans* lived in dirty, smelly houses. They hated visitors from other planets and if they had the chance they would attack and rob them. Even the space police wouldn’t go to planet Darkhole.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) -
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 Tsunami
2) 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 the sand, which made it jump to the side and turn over completely - everybody with it.
3) What happened to the Tsunami? Why weren't Melville and the French family killed?
The huge wave divided in two – like a pair of curtains at a window. Each half dropped in height to just a few metres and moved down to the sides of the island and disappeared.
4) What did Melville look like?
Melville stood there in front of them, dark-skinned, handsome, long black curly hair and beard, looking larger than life - like a Greek god.
To read the trandscript go to https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-200.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: 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) -
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 of the ground. Suddenly she saw the ring. A carrot had grown inside it.
'Well, well, well. After all these years!' she said.
(Yolanda, La Coruña, Spain)
Story 2
Yvette was a very responsible girl, although she was only 12 years old. One evening, her parents decided to go out for a meal and leave Yvette at home to look after her brother, who was 10.
Yvette sat in front of the fire and read her book. It was a big old house and some people said it had a ghost.
Suddenly, Yvette's mobile phone rang.
'I am the ghost of this house, and I'm coming to get you!' said a voice.
'See you in a bit, then,' she said, and hung up.
Then her little brother came in.
'Why weren't you frightened,' he said.
'Stop playing silly games and go to bed,' said Yvette.
(Aleksy, near Warsaw, Poland)
Thank you for your contributions!
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) -
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 family? Who is it?
You can send me your answer by clicking on the link above: Send me a Text. You can only do this from your mobile phone.
I'll read out answers on next week's podcast - July 29th 2024. Please include a name and the country you are from.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) -
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 day for sending the story is 28th July 2024.
- I'll read two or three of the best stories on my podcast.
1) The voice sounded rather weak, sleepy even.2) I’ve got a few hours. I thought we could meet up.
3) Thoughts began to go through Stephen’s mind
4) 'Why don’t you come over?' Jane suggested.
5) ‘See you in a bit* then,’ she said and hung up.
6) On such a small island, everybody knew everybody else
7) 'Well, well, well. After all these years!' she said.
8) She had to move piles of papers off the sofa, so Stephen could sit down.
See the full transcript of the story extract at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-197.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) -
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.htm
The Quiet Man
First part of story. If you can't see the words in red on your app (the stressed words), you can visit my website at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-196.htm:‘Come on, you’ll like them! They really are super people!’
Simon Willoughby wasn’t convinced. He had never been keen on theatres and actors.
On the only occasion Simon had actually been to the theatre, he had felt terrified. On this visit, he was sitting just two rows back from the front, when, during the play, one of the performers had come down from the stage. She asked if someone would like to come up and take part in the play. As nobody raised their hand, the actress came among the audience to look for someone.
For one terrible moment, Simon thought it was going to be him. He closed his eyes, and his heartbeat raced while sweat poured off his face and hands. Fortunately, for Simon, the actress chose another person, who had been sitting right next to him. Simon could breathe normally again. In fact, feeling worried that the same thing might happen later on in the performance, Simon got up and quietly walked out of the theatre. He’d never been back.
How he had become friends with his department’s manageress, Simon couldn’t even guess. She seemed to like him. Her name was Phillipa, and she had asked Simon to come into her office to talk about his work in the company. He couldn’t really understand why he deserved the attention. His work as a computer programmer was hardly important, as what he did was simple and even rather dull.
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) -
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 gentleman's name is?" And I said, "No, I don't." And Gran said, "His name's Mr Whale!" And Gran laughed, and the big fat fish man looked at me with his big red face and laughed, and everybody in the shop laughed, but I didn't laugh because I didn't understand what was SO funny.
Then Gran said it again, "His name is Mr Whale!" So I said "Oh! I see! His name is Mr Whale, and he's REALLY big and fat like a whale!" And then everybody stopped laughing, and Mr Whale went redder in the face, and then looked the other way, and Gran was REALLY annoyed, but I didn't understand why.'
'Stupid!' said Vanessa angrily. 'It was funny because his name is Mr Whale and he's a fishmonger. Don't you see?'
For extracts 2, 3 and 4, visit my website at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-195.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) -
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 words do I use?)
These are the usual topics that come up for the article, Try to learn a few B1 words and expressions related to each topic.work (adults only),
shopping,
Travel and transport.
Entertainment.
Leisure activities.
Sport, health and fitness.
Education.
News and media. (adults only)
Technology.
My topic today for the article today: Sport, health and fitness.
You see this notice in your school magazine. Write an article about young people and how to be healthy. Do you think it is important for young people to do sport and keep fit? Why?
Which are the best ways to stay healthy?
The best articles to answer these questions will be published next month.
Write your article.
Vocabulary for this topic: (which words do I use?)fitness
illness
unfit
unhealthy
disease
aches and pains
injure
keep fit
recover
join a club
competition
compete
court
pitch
Swimming, the best way to exercise.In this world where mobiles and video games are available to everybody, keeping fit isn't always easy. Do you find time to exercise?
I'm really keen on swimming, so I joined a club, where I go nearly every day, and I feel great! However, my brother’s idea of leisure is playing video games! Now he has a weight problem, he’s unfit, and complains of aches and pains. He's unable to swim one length of our local pool!
Although TV and video games are fine sometimes, I encourage teenagers to swim because it keeps you fit and healthy. Be free of pain and start swimming!
So I used the following general B1 words: available, keen on, unable to, encourage.
And the following specific words related to the topic: keep fit, joined a club, unfit, aches and pains.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) -
Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.
Expressions to memorize
1) 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 increasing at an alarming rate. (usually negative)5) Preventing climate change is becoming more and more difficult.
Preventing climate change is becoming increasingly difficult.
Language learning has become increasingly important.6) We were very confused trying to understand the menu in Chinese.
We were very puzzled trying to understand the menu in Chinese.7) Everybody in our group was unhappy with the service at the restaurant.
Everybody in our group was dissatisfied with the service at the restaurant.8) The tourists were all very happy after the party.
The tourists were all very content after the party.9) We thought the Swiss mountain scenery was incredibly beautiful.
We thought the Swiss mountain scenery was breathtaking.
Some of their football was breathtaking, a delight to watch.10) He didn’t get up in time, so he missed the bus.
He failed to get up in time, so he missed the bus.
FCE Writing Paper (Part 1)
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your points of view.
People need to do more to protect the environment. Do you agree?
Notes:
1, Recycling
2. Using bicycles and public transport
3. .......... (your own idea)
People need to do more to protect the environment. Do you agree?The topic of the environment is an increasingly worrying issue. How much consumers should be involved in caring for our planet is a subject that needs to be discussed.
We should all feel dissatisfied with the current situation of waste. Recycling is available to all of us. Providing local governments place bins near our home, surely, the consumer alone must be responsible for their own recycling.
Secondly, taking the bicycle or public transport instead of the car is an option we should all choose. On the other hand, if local government fails to provide proper bicycle lanes or transport services, our choice may be limited.
Thirdly, as forests disappear at an alarming rate, and animal and plant habitats decline, consumers need to make better choices when shopping to protect our threatened ecosystems. Therefore, it is crucial we buy more goods that come only from renewable forests, and clothing and food produced ecologically.
In conclusion, I find it puzzling that so many people believe irresponsible governments alone will take care of our planet. We should not feel content that everything will be done for us. Instead, both governments and consumers must b
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) - Show more
