Practising English

This is a B2 story with B2 vocabulary. Here is what we'll study: 1) Have something sorted 2) Try something out 3) Let somebody down 4) Get on with something 5) Pop out 6) Talk somebody out of something 7) Dash in/out/off/over to Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm My NEW book: "...

This is the first of my weekly B1 grammar practice podcasts. Today, you can practise present perfect simple and the use of " for " and " since " and the structure "the most beautiful cathedral they've ever visited ". See help at my website on this: https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/present-perfect.htm#for_since Contact Mike Bilbrough with a questi...

This is the first in my series of weekly B2 grammar practice sessions. Ten minutes of listening and repeating B2-level grammar structures so that you perfect your B2 grammar in spoken British English. Today it's about the use of the passive voice and changing from active to passive . Help on the passive at my website on the passive: https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/passive-vo...

Today, for my B1 recording of chapter 19 of Treasure Island, there are three comprehension questions. Read these before you start listening:     1. Why did Doctor Livesey give Long John Silver the map?     2. What had happened to the treasure?     3. Why did Dr Livesey and the others decide not to report Long John Silver to the police?  Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about adver...

These are the B2 words and phrases I'll be explaining today: You can see the transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-330.htm 1) From time to time Definition: Sometimes, but not regularly or very often. Example 1: When revising for my history exam, I take a short break from time to time to rest my eyes. Example 2: From time to time, the professor gives us a small quiz to check...

These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today: You can find the transcript here: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-329.htm 1. Refuse Definition: To say that you will not do or accept something. Examples: Some people refuse to recycle because they think it takes too much time. If we refuse to change our bad habits, there will be more plastic in the sea.    2. Throw away Definition:...

Here are the B2 phrases we'll be talking about today: See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-328.htm 1. stand up for Definition: To defend or support someone or an idea when other people are against them. She always stands up for her younger brother when other kids are mean to him. You should stand up for your rights at work. 2. in favour of Definition: To support or agr...

Here are the phrases we will study in this B1 story: To see the full transcript with the B1 words: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-327.htm hand something over definition: To give something to someone, usually by putting it in their hand.     1. The police officer asked me for my passport, so I handed it over.     2. She handed over the keys to the new owner.     3. Please hand the docume...

The B2 phrases we'll be studying are: Transcript available at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-326.htm 1. Bizarre situation Definition: A very strange or unusual situation that is difficult to understand or explain.   When I arrived at work, everyone was wearing costumes, and I had no idea what was happening. It was a bizarre situation.   We were having dinner when a man suddenly wa...

I'm back from my holiday. It's a new season! My sixth year with Practising English Podcasts. There'll be new things this season, which I'll let you know about soon. Firstly, here is the continuation of Treasure Island with interesting B1 language for you. To sea the transcript with B1 words highlighted, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-325.htm  1) remain calm De...

Drawing Conclusions is a mystery story about a woman who witnesses some strange things happening at the house next door. The B2 phrases analysed before the story can be found at the show notes of your podcast app and at Practising English dot com, podcast 184. See phrases at my website: Practising English... B2 phrases: - drawing conclusions - Mrs Robinson had neither seen nor heard Lorna since -...

This story is the complete version of the B1, B2-level, Coming Home, first published here in 2024. Now you can enjoy the full story with vocabulary exercises below and at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-323.htm Words to explain: to strengthen = to make stronger a property = a house (usually for sale) keep clear = stay away, do not come near B2 phrases to listen for. What is t...

This is the complete version of the B2-level story, The Harmonica Players. I include here for you a B2 vocabulary list of words and expressions to listen for in the story: Practising English podcast 322... B2 Words and expressions in the story 1. couldn't face Story sentence to listen for: Somehow, he couldn’t face starting his day without a hot shower.  Definition: To feel unable or unwillin...

Comprension questions and vocabulary tasks At my website, you can also find B1 and B2 vocabulary tasks to do for this story: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-321.htm Comprehension questions 1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why? 2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there? 3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew...

Hello, and welcome to Practising English! Mike Bilbrough is on his summer holiday, so we'd like to offer a B1 story recorded way back in 2022. It's called Bully, and it's taken from Mike Bilbrough's book for preparing for the Cambridge Preliminary exam: " B1 English Vocabulary Builder ". This week we're going to offer you the complete transcript of the story with...

Mike Bilbrough is taking his summer holiday at the moment. Meanwhile, we'd like to offer you a story recorded last year in two parts as one complete story for you to listen to, learn from and enjoy. You can follow the story transcript and see the B2 language in bold type at Mike's website at www.practisingenglish.com podcast-319.htm. Enjoy!  Here is the transcript with B2 vocabulary show...

These are the B1 phrases we'll study today: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-318.htm 1. Attempt Definition: To try to do something, especially something difficult. (Can be used as a verb or a noun). Example 1: She will attempt to pass her driving test for the second time tomorrow. 2. Welcome Definition (Noun): The way you greet someone when they arrive. Definition (Verb): To greet so...

The B2 phrases we'll be studying are: Full story transcipt: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-317.htm on behalf of Definition: Instead of someone else, or representing another person or group. Example 1: I am writing this email on behalf of my manager who is on vacation. Example 2: On behalf of the whole team, I want to say thank you for your help. come to this conclusion Definition:...

Here are the words and expressions we''l study today: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-316.htm 1) to handle Definition: To deal with a situation, a person, or a problem successfully.  Examples: Don't worry about the cooking tonight, I can handle it.  Our manager is very calm and knows exactly how to handle angry customers. 2) sound like Definition: To seem true or interesti...

Here are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today: 1) far too many/much/few etc. There are far too many games in this new 48-team tournament, and our players look absolutely exhausted. The manager chose far too few midfielders in the starting line-up, which is why we completely lost control of the ball. 2) in any case I don't think the referee should have given that penalty, but in any cas...

These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today! See full story audioscript here with B1 words highlighted: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-314.htm 1. Take care of. Definition: To look after someone or something and make sure they have what they need.  I need to take care of my little brother while my parents are at work. Please take care of your new books and do not lose them. 2....

These are the B2 phrases I'll be studying today: (See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-313.htm as far as sth is concerned Definition: When talking about a particular subject or issue.  Example:  As far as money is concerned, we need to be careful.  a misunderstanding Definition: A situation in which people do not understand each other correctly.  Example: The argument...

These are the B1 phrases we're going to study today: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-312.htm  1. after a while Definition: after some time has passed  Example: We talked for a while , and after a while we went home.   2. on purpose Definition: intentionally; not by accident  Example: John broke his mobile phone on purpose so his parents would buy him a new one.   3. put out (a fire)...

These are the B2 phrasal verbs we're studying today: For full stiry transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-311.htm 1. Turn up (Meaning: To arrive or appear) "We wrapped up the meeting early because the client didn't turn up on time." 2. Get away (Meaning: To escape or evade capture) "The thieves managed to get away before the security guards could lock the b...

These are the B1 expressions we'll study today: For full story audio script: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-310.htm 1) just in case Definition: to be prepared if something happens. Take an umbrella just in case it rains. 2) get ready Definition: to prepare for something. We need to get ready for school. 3) come to an agreement Definition: to decide something together after talking....