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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 E ...
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Welcome to my channel! I'm a 30 something freedom hunter with HUGE GOALS! I left employment during December 2017 to pursue my network marketing career! I also help people improve their mindset! Check out Practising Positivity on Facebook! I'm an anxiety warrior not sufferer! I love my partner, our bunny princess Hazel & copious amounts of tea; especially Earl Grey! If you'd like to know more you'll have to listen!!! :-)
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Chirag Doshi and Akshay Dhavle talk about practical implementation of eXtreme Programming from 30 years of agile software development experience. They tackle different different scenarios from a values and principles perspective rather than a practices approach.
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Join Shannyn Merlo and Julie Parker on their conversations about business, leadership and the self-awareness journey to greater success. This podcast is for you if you are a small business owner or entrepreneur who wants to improve your life and business through increased self-awareness and successful business strategies.
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This is a podcast all about mindfulness and meditation. In each episode, professional mindfulness teacher and personal development trainer, Paul Dalton, explores and unpacks different principles, insights and techniques to help us live calmer, wiser, happier lives. Whether you are completely new to meditation or already have well established practice, you are sure to discover gems and lightbulb moments that will help you deepen your knowledge, understanding and experience of living mindfully ...
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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 problem2) get on with something - continue an activity you were doin…
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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 th…
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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 happen…
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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 daw…
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Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.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?…
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Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion."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…
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Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Jonathon goes to the bank to claim his prize, but he comes away with something he didn't expect. B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?1, get rid of - try to make disappear2, be taken in - makes you believe something bad3, live for - be a very important thing in you…
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Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.English podcast story for B1, B2 levels (intermediate - upper intermediate) - Jonathon Baxter has spent ten years walking around Britain, playing his harmonica to survive. Then he decides to return to his home, but what will he find?B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each ph…
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Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.B1 words and expressions studied:In this B1-level podcast today, I'll also discuss 6 interesting intermediate B1-level words, which you can listen for while you listen to the short story.Intermediate-level words and expressions:lack of something - not enough of somethingget rid of somebod…
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Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.In this B1-level podcast today I'll use lots of important vocabulary and expressions to talk about daily actions. I'll also discuss 10 interesting B1-level words, which you can listen for while you listen to the short story.I'll analyse these intermediate-level words and expressions:no go…
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Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The upper-intermediate phrsal verbs studied in today's episode are:look up to - admire somebody because of their qualitiesfall apart - to break into pieces, probably because it's olddate from - saying how old something is, from what year something isthink sth over - consider something car…
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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 t…
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In this episode, Shannyn and Julie explore the transformative shift from mere productivity to genuine effectiveness. They discuss the 80-20 principle, revealing how focusing on the vital few tasks can yield greater results. By sharing personal journeys and insights, they highlight the impact of language on our mindset and productivity. Tune in to l…
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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 …
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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 tha…
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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 in…
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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 phr…
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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. wha…
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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 phr…
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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…
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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 …
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In this episode, Shannyn Merlo and Julie Parker dive into whether small business owners should focus on their strengths or also work on improving weaknesses. They explore how understanding one's "genius zone" can lead to greater efficiency and satisfaction, while discussing the benefits of delegation and growth through discomfort. With insights on …
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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…
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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 stai…
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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…
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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…
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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 acci…
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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 sh…
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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…
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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…
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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. …
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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…
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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…
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In this episode of "Practising The Art Of Small Business," Shannyn and Julie dive into the essential process of goal setting and creating a strategic plan to achieve those goals. This discussion is packed with practical insights and actionable advice for small business owners looking to enhance their goal-setting strategies and drive their business…
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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…
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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 s…
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In this episode, Shannyn and Julie explore the topic of knowing when it's time to say goodbye. Small business owners frequently need to hire contractors for various projects, such as recruitment, marketing, or financial planning. Outsourcing to experts in these areas is often necessary to support our business. But what happens when things don't go …
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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 prehisto…
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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 …
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In this episode, Shannyn and Julie delve into the delicate balance of niceness in small business management and leadership. We explore the repercussions of being overly nice, just nice or not nice enough as a manager or owner. Tune in for valuable insights into effective leadership in the world of small business. Julie and Shannyn are independent b…
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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 th…
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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 whic…
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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…
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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 t…
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In this episode, Shannyn and Julie explore the mixed effects of remote work on businesses, team dynamics, and customer interactions. They delve into how working from home impacts personal well-being, touching on the challenges of isolation and the need for social interaction. Furthermore, they discuss the particular hurdles younger workers face in …
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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 …
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In this episode, we delve into the metaphor of "drawing a line in the sand" as a catalyst for transforming business organisations. By defining success, involving everyone, emphasising accountability and fostering unity, we explore how this concept can empower teams to move forward together towards a shared vision of excellence. Join us as we uncove…
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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 detai…
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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 an…
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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 sent…
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