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!
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
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 started because of a misunderstanding. what on earth...! / why on earth...! Definition: Used to show strong s...
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) Definition: to stop a fire from burning Example: There was a fire in our kitchen. Fortunately, the fire brigade...
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 building down." 3. Deal with (Meaning: To handle or take action on a problem) "Don't worry about the scheduling conflict; our ...
This episode focuses on B1 English expressions, including 'just in case,' 'get ready,' and 'come to an agreement,' explaining their meanings and providing example sentences. It then presents chapter 11 of Treasure Island, where Long John Silver attempts to negotiate with Captain Smollett over the treasure map. The captain, however, defiantly rejects Silver's offer, leading to a tense confrontation, followed by a review and practice test of the B1 phrases.
These are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today: For audioscript see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-309.htm peculiar Definition: strange or unusual in a way that is interesting or surprising. Examples: There was a peculiar smell coming from the kitchen. worrying Definition: making you feel anxious or concerned. Examples: The doctor said the test results were worrying. playing a joke on Definition: tricking someone in a funny way for amusement. Examples: My brother was playing a joke...
These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today: See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-308.htm 1) on one's own Definition: alone, without help from others Example: · She lives on her own in a small flat. 2) of one's own Definition: something that belongs only to a person Example: · He wants a room of his own. 3) in the end Definition: finally, after everything Example: · In the end, we chose the blue dress. 4) backwards and forwards Definition: moving or repeating in both...
These are the B2 expressions we're going to study today. For full transcript of the story, you can go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-307.htm 1) take the blame Definition: to accept that you are responsible for something bad that happened. I took the blame for the mistake at work. 2) make for Definition: to move in a particular direction or go toward a place. After dinner, we made for the exit. 3) catch up Definition: to reach the same level as someone else or to get up to date. I ...
These are the B1 phrases we are going to study today. To read the full transcript of the story, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-306.htm Non-B1 words from this chapter of Treasure Island: cannibals - humans who eat the meat of other humans shipwreck - a ship which has been destroyed at sea cannon - a large gun used in ships to shoot at other ships Union Jack - the flag of the United Kingdom B1 words and expressions: unknown – something that is not known or not familiar fac...
Here is the B2 vocabulary I'll be studying today. The link takes you to see the audioscript. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-305.htm 1) Reckon Definition: To think or believe that something is true or will happen. Example Sentence: I reckon it is going to rain this afternoon, so we should probably bring our umbrellas. 2) Head (verb) Definition: To go or move in a particular direction. Example Sentence: After the movie ends, we are going to head back towards the city center for some din...
These are the B1 words and expressions we'll be looking at today: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-304.htm 1) Binomial pairs Neat and tidy (meaning: clean, organized) Example: She keeps her bedroom incredibly neat and tidy. Sick and tired (meaning: very annoyed/bored of something) Example: I am sick and tired of this cold weather. Short and sweet (meaning: quick but pleasant) Example: The meeting was short and sweet, which everyone appreciated. Story: The ship, the Hispaniola, was movin...
These are the B2 phrases we are going to study in today's podcast: thinking twice Definition: Considering a decision carefully or hesitating before doing something. Example: I saw the cat in the tree and, without thinking twice , I climbed up to save it. lose his nerve Definition: To suddenly become afraid or lose the courage to do something intended. Example: He wanted to go skydiving, but he lost his nerve as soon as he looked out of the plane door. it crossed his mind Definition: To have a su...
Read the audioscript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-302.htm These are the words studied today: 1) take a good look at Definition: to look at something carefully 2) for sure Definition: definitely; without doubt 3) what’s on your mind Definition: what you are thinking or worrying about 4) sooner or later Definition: at some time in the future (not now, but eventually) 5) pay attention to Definition: to focus on something and listen or watch carefully Contact Mike Bilbrough with a ques...
These are the B2 words and phrases we will be studying today: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-301.htm 1) scared stiff Meaning: extremely frightened; so scared you cannot move Example: I was scared stiff when I heard a loud noise in the dark. 2) awkward Meaning: feeling uneasy, embarrassed, or not relaxed Example: I felt awkward when I didn’t know anyone at the party. 3) drop somebody off Meaning: to take someone to a place by car and leave them there Example: I will drop you off at the...
These are the words we'll be studying in this B1 podcast today. To see the full audioscript of the story, you can go to my website at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-300.htm · Set off – We set off early in the morning to start our trip to the mountains. · Join in – Everyone was dancing, so I decided to join in and have fun. · Reliable and efficient – Our new computer system is reliable and efficient , so we finish work faster. · Charming – The waiter was very charming ; he chatted wit...
These are the B2 words we'll study today. You can also find the story transcript with B2 words highligted at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-299.htm · in amusement She laughed in amusement when she saw the puppy trying to catch its own tail. · boast He likes to boast about his achievements, even when no one asks him about them. · deliberately She deliberately ignored his message because she was still upset with him. · cross somebody's mind It never crossed my mind that I might fail th...
Here is the B1 vocabulary for today's Treasure Island chapter: 1) close up 2) show somebody in 3) have one’s doubts 4) keen on / fond of 5) dislike 6) not be convinced 7) give somebody a hand The Hispaniola was waiting out at sea, not near the land but a little way out. We rowed out in a small boat among many big ships. Their ropes hung down in the water, and sometimes they touched our boat. I had never seen a ship so close up before and was amazed at their size and beauty . At last, we came nex...
The vocabulary and story transcript to today's B2 story: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-297.htm 1. define It is sometimes difficult to define success, because it means different things to different people. 2. an act of will Finishing the marathon after injuring his ankle was purely an act of will. 3. upside down When I turned the map upside down, I finally realized I had been reading it the wrong way. 4. What on earth happened? The kitchen was covered in flour and broken plates—what o...
These are the words I'll be studying today: Transcript at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-296.htm treasure to sail crew sailor the docks ship telescope crutch pirate the squire All hands on board! aye, aye, sir! a schooner Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm My NEW book: " B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students N...
You can read the transcript here at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-295.htm The B2 words I study today are these: · without hesitation She accepted the job offer without hesitation because it matched her skills perfectly. · take pride in something He takes pride in his work and always tries to do his best, even under pressure. · talk this over Let’s talk this over tomorrow when we’re both calmer and have more time. · I shivered (with fear) I shivered with fear when I heard ...
These are the questions for the story today. You can see the complete audioscript for the story at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-294.htm 1) Why wouldn't the people from the village help Jim and his mother? 2) How much money did Jim's mother take from the chest (box)? 3) How did the blind man and his men get into the inn? 4) What was inside the packet that Jim found inside the chest? Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English ...
These are the 7 B2 words I discuss during the podcast: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-293.htm 1) rolled 2) feared 3) shade 4) dragged 5) unwilling 6) endless 7) uneasy Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm My NEW book: " B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam " is now available! This book gives the le...
For the full transcript of the story go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-292.htm These are the phrases I study from the B1 story today: get rid of – I want to get rid of these old clothes because I never wear them. run (a business) – She runs a small business with her sister. unpleasant – The weather was cold and unpleasant all day. set the table – Can you help me set the table before dinner? unfriendly – The waiter was unfriendly and didn’t smile at all. annoyed – He felt annoyed w...
The second and final part of my B2-level adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat: The B2 phrases studied are: The Black Cat (B2-Level- Part 2) · fall into hopeless despair After losing his job and the apartment in the same week, he fell into hopeless despair. · draw their attention to The teacher pointed at the board to draw the students’ attention to the maths problem solution. · fill somebody with shock and terror The sudden crash in the middle of the night filled her with shock and terr...
Mike Bilbrough introduces a B1-level adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," beginning with chapter one. He first provides a brief biography of Stevenson and then meticulously explains several B1 phrasal verbs. The core of the episode is the reading of the story's opening, detailing the mysterious Captain's arrival and the initial impact on the innkeeper's family, followed by a test on the previously explained phrasal verbs.
First part of my B2 version of The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe: For the most strange , yet also ordinary , story that I am about to write, I do not expect belief , nor do I ask for it. To tell the truth , I would be foolish to expect anyone to believe me... Read story transcript with B2 words in bold: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-289.htm Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htm ...
You can find the audioscript to the B2 story today just here: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-288.htm The Lost Ring Mary Grams, a woman from Alberta, Canada, lost her diamond engagement ring in 2004 while she was working in her garden. The ring slipped off her finger, but although she made a long search for it, in the end, she believed it had gone missing forever. Mary was very disappointed about the disappearance of her ring, but she did not want to worry her husband. Instead of telli...
This is the audioscript for today's B1-level dialogue: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-287.htm That's Life! Mary: 'Morning, Anna. You don't look very well today. Are you sick ? Anna: 'Morning, Mary. Oh, yes. I feel terrible. I'm suffering from this backache and my head hurts. I think it's an illness caused by this awful, cold weather. Mary: Oh dear. I've got problems too. I can't breathe properly, and I have to blow my nose all the time. I know I'm always complaining of my poor health,...
This is the audioscript for this B2 story (part 2) of The Hole: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-286.htm The Hole (Part 2) I hurriedly set up the equipment from out of my bags. 'Can I help, señor?' Pedro stepped forwards. 'Please. Undo these two ropes . One has a harness and the other is fixed to this small sack , while I set up the laptop and monitor .' I then had to think fast. After I had the computer equipment ready, I knelt down at the side of the borehole and felt the walls. Cemen...
This is the audioscript for today's B2 story: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-285.htm The Hole 'We're arriving, señor,' said the helicopter pilot. 'It's down there, by that hill. I'll land as close as I can get. Time is going to be crucial .' The helicopter dropped down vertically and bounced once before finally settling on the grassy slope . There were a number of people gathered about fifty metres further up the hill, and several vehicles: cars, police vehicles, two ambulances and a ...
This is a B1 and B2 story with phrasal verbs. Here is the audioscripy for the story: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-284.htm A Christmas Surprise Christmas didn't turn out very well for Flora. She lived in the north of Scotland, where the weather can be a problem in the winter months. She lived in Keiss, a fishing village at the northern end of Sinclair's Bay on the east coast of Caithness in Scotland's Highland area. She wanted to spend Christmas with her ageing mother who lived in La...
