Practising English
Listening practice for learners of B1 intermediate and B2 upper-intermediate levels of British English. Learn British English by listening to stories. Original and exciting stories written for learners and students of British English. Practise and prepare for Cambridge: B1 PET Preliminary and FCE First Certificate exams. IELTS: level 4, level 5 and level 6. Includes English grammar explanations and practice exercises, examples of vocabulary use, phrasal verbs and collocations help, British English pronunciation practice, advice and help for passing B1 and B2 English examinations: Cambridge, IELTS and Trinity. Start practising and improving your British English listening, vocabulary and speaking levels today!
258. The Climbing Accident (B1 Story)
I'm back from my holidays!
Today I'm publishing the first B1 podcast of season 5 - five years helping intermediate students pass Cambridge exams.
I also have news of my new book just published on Amazon "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases
Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam.
Hear more on the podcast!
The story audioscript is here:
A Climbing Accident
My name is Mary, and I love mountain climbing. My friend John and I travel abroad...
257. The Fool on the Hill (B1 story) (last of the summer repeats)
This favourite story for learners of B1 will be the last of the summer episodes before my return for season 5 next week. Enjoy the story!
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...
256. The Cucumber (B1) (summer repeat)
Here are some words that are not B1 and you'll need to understand the story.
Words which are outside the A1 to B1 levels
*Greenhouse - a building with glass sides and roof for growing plants in.
*Skin - the outside of some types of vegetable and fruit.
*String - a long piece of material used for tying things together.
*Ultraviolet (light) - a blue light with wavelengths shorter than violet light.
*Allotment - an area of...
255. The Green Door (summer repeat) B2 level
This lovely story from the the American writer O'Henry, I completely re-wrote for B2 level.
Here is the vocabulary discussed:
Just around the corner. The means a place further on where we cannot see but is very close.
English proverb: The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. This means that life is better any place but where you are now.
hesitation - worried about doing something because you are not sure that it is the right thing to do.
254. Tsunami (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 2)
Here is Part two of my popular story, Tsunami for learners of B1 English
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)
253. Tsunami (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 1)
I am still on holiday during August, so today I bring you a favourite of many listeners - the B1 story of Tsunami! (Part 1). Part 2 next week.
Enjoy it and enjoy your summer!
Mike Bilbrough
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
...
252. Dad (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 2)
While I'm on my summer holiday, here is a repeat of a lovely B1 story - Part 2 of "Dad". I published Part 1 last Wednesday.
The verbs we are studying today are:
realize
drop
call out
weigh
admire
encourage
dive
appear
breathe
hug
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and...
251. Dad (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 1)
I'm on holiday so I'm leaving you with a favourite story of mine "Dad" in 2 parts. This is a repeat of a podcast from September 2023. Next Wednesday, I'll publish part 2.
This is part 1 of a B1-level story for learners of English, especially Cambridge English. The story is called Dad. It's about a family fishing trip in Spain. Vocabulary about the sea, boats and fishing equipment...
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/
At https...
250. Victims of Nature B2 (repeat)
Comprehension questions for this B2-level story.
(I'm on holiday at the momento so leave you with a repeat episode.) Enjoy!
1) What reasons did Alberto's mother give Alberto for leaving the Alpujarra?
2) What did Gustavo mean by the comment "we're just victims of nature"?
3) The story says, "When Alberto saw the pink clouds at dawn, he knew bad weather was on the way". What was the saying mentioned in the story which told Alberto there was going to be a storm?
4) Why was Alberto worried when he...
249. The Mushroom Murders (B2 English)
This is about the trial in Australia that finished just last week and is popularly known as "The Mushroom Murders". Today, I'll ask the famous detective, Hércules Poirot (from Agatha Christie's novels) to explain to his exclusive audience of people involved in the crime and to us, the listeners of the podcast, what happened exactly, and who the murderer is.
This is a B2-level podcast with focus on the third conditional. e.g.
If I had studied more, I would have passed my Cambridge exams.
Listen for examples of t...
248. The Unexpected Visit (animal vocabulary) B2 Story
This is a B2-level recording and story with vocabulary about animal sounds and movement:
Animal words:
warren - where rabbits live together in the ground
roar - sound like a lion makes
thunder - sound like large animals running past
scream - high pitched sound that sounds angry or scared
hop - to jump (in humans - on one leg)
poke your head out - look out briefly from somewhere<...
247. Future Continuous for B1 (and B2) with story
Hello, dear students!
Future continuous for fixed events, which are expected to happen. (This is B1 grammar with interest for B2 students too!)
will + be + verb+ing
I'll be giving a talk at that time, but I could see you afterwards for a coffee.
This time next week I'll be flying into paradise
I'll be seeing you soon, then. Yes. Holidays finish next week.
Not about making decisions but sth decided anyway
Shall I take you into town?
Don't bother
No bother. I'll be going to...
246. There is / are and extended family
Today, I’m going to talk about the family of ‘there is’! At first, that might seem very basic English grammar. Indeed, the phrase ‘there is’ is A1 level. However, at B1 and even B2 level, I must admit there are few students who talk about this family. Why? Because it’s not a structure that has a literal word for word translation in many other languages.
Anyway, let’s meet some of the family first of all. I can’t name all of them because it’s a very extended family tree. But here are some you might often mee...
245. B1 Linking Words with a story
B1 Linking Words
Linking words join two sentences together. Here are the ones I mention during the podcast:
A Rainy Adventure
Tom wanted to go hiking. The sky looked grey but he didn’t mind – no problem
With linker: Tom wanted to go hiking, although the sky looked grey.
He packed his bag. He wanted to be ready the moment his friend Anna called.
With linker: He packed his bag in order to be ready as...
244. The Breath of the Mosquito (complete version) B1 Story
For health reasons, I'm afraid I cannot share a new podcast with you today. I include instead, one of my favourite stories that I wrote for students studying for B1 English level: The Breath of the Mosquito as a complete version.
This extract will help you understand what the story is about...
'If… if something went back in time and existed in the past, something or somebody who was not there before, he/she/it would change time in the present. Things would not be the same when he or she ret...
243. B1 adjectives (short story)
Here are the B1 words we're studying today:
acceptable
accurate
amusing
annoyed
convenient
embarrassed
forbidden
grateful
hopeless
miserable
To see the transcript of the story:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-243.htm
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. Y...
242. FCE Story 2 (B2)
In today's B2 FCE story, you'll be listening to this B2 vocabulary:
heading for Paris
his hands were trembling
both thrilled and terrified him
doubting every shot
gazing out of the window
an old woman wiped her eyes.
the crowd clapped enthusiastically
as he nervously walked up
his anxiety forgotten
To read an annotated version of the full story audioscript go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-242.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other Engl...
241. FCE Story (B2 )
How to write the FCE story (B2 level) for the Cambridge exam. If you're not taking this exam, this episode will be useful for learning how to express yourself at B2 level in written prose.
You can see the transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-241.htm
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...
240. Tudor Conspiracy revisited B1, B2
I apologise for not bringing you a new podcast this week. I leave you with chapter 1 of the Tudor Conspiracy (from an audio book and reader I published a few years ago). Hope to be with you next week with a new podcast episode!
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/33Axu2...
239. The Letter (B1, B2)
These are the words I discuss today. They are linking words, essential for your B1 and B2 writing papers in the Cambridge exam.
Moreover
In addition,
Besides
What is more,
Furthermore,
Yet
To begin with,
In the same way,
Similarly,
Consequently,
See audioscript of story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-239.htm
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...
238. If so, if not, B1 level with dialogue
How to use 'if so' and 'if not' in dialogue.
A conditional clause to refer a previous direct or indirect 'yes-no' question where the answer might be ‘yes’.
Do you think we could study more grammar? If so, could you give us more help with tenses?
Is it possible to pay by credit card? If so, which card do you accept?
Does Mrs Smith like wine? If so, does she prefer white or red?
Could you tell me if she said anything about me? If so, w...
237. Candle Burning - B1 short story (complete version)
These are the four comprehension questions to read before you listen to the story.
1) What was the first thing Nigel did when he went into the shower?
2) What did Nigel decide not to have for breakfast that day?
3) Why did Nigel lose his job?
4) What reason did the doctor give for Nigel's death?
Answers are given at the end of the podcast
For complete transcript of the story, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-237.htm
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar...
236. Complex sentences B1, B2 (4 funny jokes)
Structure Summary
Would like / want / ask
I would like you to come to a party on Saturday
Object Clause (noun clause): you to come to a party on Saturday
Subject + verb + [object = (object pronoun + verb + more information)]
I / would like / you to come to a party on Saturday.
Other examples:
I would like you to come to a meeting on Monday to discuss the terms of the contract.
My parents want me to go on holiday with them this summer.
You asked me to tel...
235. Future Perfect B2 (short story)
LOOKING BACK FROM A POINT IN THE FUTURE - FUTURE PERFECT
I have studied / I have been studying English for/since...
(from the past to the present)
Next September, I will have studied / been studying English for ten years
(from the past to a moment in the future
I will have had this car for fifteen years next month.
I will have lived / been living in Seville for twenty-five years
This summer I will have been working for three years at the car factory.
<...
234. B2 Time Adverbs
These are the B2 time adverbs you should learn for the speaking and writing of the Cambridge FCE exam. Listen for them in the podcast, and decide which I am referring to in the dialogue section at the end of the podcast. (B1 students also invited!)
firstly, etc. lastly, (often at the beginning of a sentence)
instantly (often at the end of a sentence)
temporarily (often at the end of a sentence)
currently (often before a verb)
sharp (at the end of a time phrase)
precisely / exactly (often before a time phrase)<...
233. Uses of 'rather' (with dialogue)
'Rather' and its uses
FORM/USE: 'RATHER THAN' + PHRASE
B1
Use a specialist book rather than the Internet. A book is more reliable.
Take the stairs rather than the lift. It’ll keep you fitter.
FORM: 'RATHER THAN' + NON-FINITE CLAUSE
B2
I’d prefer to go camping rather than stay in a hotel. It’s nice to be out in the fresh air.
Rather than sitting around doing nothing, why don’t you go and do some sport. (instead of)
I’d rather take the bus than g...
232. Would and used to with short story
Stative verbs
Thoughts and opinions
believe
know
understand
suppose
think
(I would sit and think about her every day.)
(People used to think that smoking was good for you.)
Emotions
love
I used to love watching children's TV when I was a kid. TV programmes for kids used to be better then than they are now.
hate
dislike
detest
appreciate
Senses
see
(I
231. B1 Do for emphasis (with dialogue)
Emphasis is used with lots of auxiliary verbs:
- I MUST get to the shop before it closes.
- You SHOULD try and finish the painting today. I'm fed up with smelling paint all over the house.
- I do like your new tie. It's so colourful!
- I do want to go and see that new film Anora. You know, the film that won all those oscars.
- Well, I saw it. I don't think it's suitable for you, if your favourite film is the Sound of Music.
- I <...
230. B2 story The Visitors (complete version)
The Visitors
This is the full version of my story The Visitors recorded in October of last year. The level is B2, but my B1 students are also invited, of course! ;-)
These are the comprehension questions: (the answers are further down - but don't look at those yet!!
1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why?
2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there?
3) Where was the alien ship when the s...
229. B1 adjectives with hyphens (with dialogue)
Adjectives with hyphen at B1 level
good-looking (only with hyphen) - attractive (for people, often men)
well-known - a lot of people have heard of it and know it/him/her
old-fashioned (only with hyphen) - (often criticising something) not new, not in fashion
well-dressed - dressed in attractive clothes, smart, elegant
up-to-date - (usually technology) the newest in software, hardware, computers etc.
middle-aged - around 50 years old
face-to-face...
228. The Medical check-up (expressions for emphasis)
Words and expressions for emphasis
- The reason is I like working with people, I have experience of looking after elderly people and I enjoy volunteering work.
- The problem is I’m a little lazy, I am often late for work because I sleep in.
- The fact (of the matter is) is that the planet is warming and many species are dying.
- The fact is we need computers to function better in business.
- It is true that<...
227. Talking about the Future (with dialogue)
Future Forms in English
I'm not going to talk about future tense and predictions, but other uses of future tense.Going to and present continuous for future
Going to – plans and intentions that we have;
I'm going to pay Mum a visit later today. She's not feeling well.
Strong intentions.
I'm going to learn German next year. It's something I've always wanted to do.
Present continuous – something that had been planned earlier – some sort of planning has taken place. You have a plan now. That's why we often...
226. Get and verbs of movement B1, B2 and story
Now it's interesting that we use get as a verb of motion. Often, when it's difficult to actually move. Have you noticed that we say,
Would you like to get into my car.
Now, you go into your house, you open the door and you walk in. You don't usually get into your house, but you get into a car. Why? Because you have to bend down usually to get in. So you get into a car. Perhaps you're up a ladder, you know, a ladder, which takes you upwards. If you're painting a wall...
225. Verbs of Movement with story (B1, B2)
Why my students say 'enter the classroom'
Where there is movement, there's a preposition, and a preposition is used in the same way we use preposition of place (where things are)
He ran across the street.
The dog ran after the cat.
Go / run / walk / swim etc. along this street until you get to the crossroads and then turn right.
I walked among the all the people.
They travelled all around / round the country.
The little girl walked between her mother and father.
224. The Londoner (B1 B2 level story)
In today's story, I'll be looking at some B2-level phrasal verbs.
I explain 5 of the phrasal verbs below in the podcast: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10. You can listen to all ten of these phrasal verbs. They are in the order you'll hear them.
1) figure something out - try to find the answer to a problem
2) get on with something - continue an activity you were doing earlier
3) get round to something - do one of the jobs that needs doing but you don't find time for it
4) go down with something...
223. Game Over (B1 story)
To write a successful story for the Cambridge PET exam (Preliminary English Test)
Here is some of the help and advice I talk about in the podcast. I will also read you a model story.You are always given a first sentence, which you must use.
'When Jasmin looked down at the soft ground, she could see quite clearly that the tiger had recently come this way.'
Use of 'when' here. 'When ' is a good word to use in your story as it means you create a complex, 2-part sentence.Setting...
222. A Window on Time (complete version) B2 level
Strong B1 to B2-level story. Today, as I'm still on holiday, I'm offering you the complete version of the very popular story I published in September - A Window on Time. Read and listen to the comprehension questions before you start listening.
1) What was the bad news Geoffrey received at the beginning of the story?
2) What physical changes happened to Geoffrey when he entered the classroom for the first time?
3) Why did Geoffrey stay in the classroom and not make an attempt to...
221. Victims of Nature (complete version) B1, B2
Victims of Nature Complete Version (B1, B2)
This is the full version of the two story parts published last September.
Comprehension questions
1) What reasons did Alberto's mother give Alberto for leaving the Alpujarra?
2) What did Gustavo mean by the comment "we're just victims of nature"?
3) The story says, "When Alberto saw the pink clouds at dawn, he knew bad weather was on the way". What was the saying mentioned in the story which told Alberto there w...
220. A Christmas Carol - The end of it (Part 2) B2 story
B1 B2-level story with exra Christmas idioms included. I have re-written this story for my English students.
Ebenezer Scrooge visits his nephew for Christmas dinner and surprises Bob Cratchit with some astonishing news.
Phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase in the story? You can see the answers after you listen in the audioscript below.
1) Give somebody the cold shoulder
To be rude to somebody by ignoring them.
e.g. I think my colleagues were jealous I got a promotion at work, as they g...
219. A Christmas Carol - The end of it (Part 1) B2 story
"Scrooge jumped out of bed and rushed over to the window, opened it, and put his head out. There was no fog, no mist; it was a clear, bright, cheerful day...."
This is the last chapter of Charles' Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol adapted to B2 level.
B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each word?
1) seasonal - refers to a time of year e.g. seasonal decorations (during the Christmas season)
2) remarkable - a wonderful qualities, for a person, perhaps intelligent...
