Episodi

  • Treasure Island (chapter 16) B1 Story

    Treasure Island (chapter 16) B1 Story
    Sep 1 2026

    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

    Definition:
    To stay relaxed and not become worried, angry, or frightened in a difficult situation.

    Example sentences:

    The teacher told everyone to remain calm during the fire drill.

    You should remain calm if you have a problem in the exam.

    She remained calm even when she missed her bus.

    2) to be honest

    Definition:
    A phrase used when you want to say what you really think or feel.

    Example sentences:

    To be honest, I didn't enjoy the film very much.

    To be honest, I forgot about our meeting.

    To be honest, I think this is the best choice.

    3) achieve

    Definition:
    To succeed in doing something that needs effort or hard work.

    Example sentences:

    She worked hard to achieve her goal.

    We hope to achieve better results this year.

    He achieved his dream of becoming a doctor.

    4) decision

    Definition:
    A choice that you make after thinking about something.

    Example sentences:

    It was a difficult decision to leave my job.

    She made the right decision in the end.

    We need to make a decision before Friday.

    5) possibly

    Definition:
    Maybe; it is possible that something is true or will happen.

    Example sentences:

    We will possibly go to the beach tomorrow.

    This answer could possibly be correct.

    He is possibly the fastest runner in the class.

    6) expect

    Definition:
    To think that something will probably happen or that someone will do something.

    Example sentences:

    I expect the train to arrive on time.

    They expect good weather this weekend.

    My parents expect me to finish my homework before dinner.

    7) admit

    Definition:
    To say that something is true, especially when it is difficult or embarrassing to say.

    Example sentences:

    He admitted that he had made a mistake.

    She didn't want to admit she was wrong.

    I must admit that the food was very good.

    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 learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
    To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
    https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

    Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

    For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

    Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

    At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
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    27 min
  • 324. Drawing Conclusions (B2 story) summer repeat

    324. Drawing Conclusions (B2 story) summer repeat
    Aug 25 2026

    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

    - take great pride in sth

    - to go into more detail

    - he couldn’t look her in the eye

    - was very absorbed in everything

    - as far as she knew,

    - ideas had crossed Mrs Robinson’s mind

    - gossip

    - the trouble with

    - was on the point of

    - it’s common knowledge

    - sooner or later

    Important words:

    - greenhouse (a glass house in a garden, where you keep flowers)

    - boot (the back of a car, where you put suitcases etc.)

    - to split up (to separate from your partner, husband or wife)

    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 learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
    To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
    https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

    Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

    For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

    Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

    At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
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    26 min
  • 323. Coming Home (complete version) B1 - B2 Story

    323. Coming Home (complete version) B1 - B2 Story
    Aug 18 2026
    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.htmWords to explain:to strengthen = to make strongera property = a house (usually for sale)keep clear = stay away, do not come nearB2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?1, more or less (finished etc.) = nearly2, obliged to = you have to3, not have the slightest intention = (used in the neagative) not want or will not do something4, neither (inversion = e.g. neither do I like...) / neither... nor... e.g. I don't want to do neither one thing or the other5, drop in = an informal visit6) turn up = arrive without an appointmentThe 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-level1) ow - when you must pay somebody money because it is theirs2) unbl - you cannot do it3) brng up - the care and protection that parents give their children until they are adults4) sgntr - your written name5) lttry - tickets you buy to try to win a money prizeB2-level1) dbt - the money you owe to somebody2) dstrb - by making noise etc. other people get annoyed3) incm - the money you earn in your job4) py off - pay the money that you have borrowed5) shbby - untidy clothesAnswers to listening to the context of the B2 phrases:1, more or less (finished etc.)What amazed Jonathon was that his house was more or less standing. For most, it would have proved to be a painful experience. His charming two-storey country house was in ruins. 2, obliged toJonathon had been unable to pay the debts he owed on it in the taxes that he was obliged to pay after the house had been left to him on his mother’s death.3, the slightest intentionFor some unexplained reason, nobody in his family had had the slightest intention of strengthening the bottom floor, and neither did Jonathon do anything about it after his mother passed away. 4, a) neither... nor... / b) neither (inversion)a) However, the fact that it had been abandoned, and had neither been rebuilt nor pulled down completely, gave Jonathon a certain sense of satisfaction.b) For some unexplained reason, nobody in his family had had the slightest intention of strengthening the bottom floor, and neither did Jonathon do anything about it after his mother passed away. 5, drop inTo claim your prize, please drop in at any local branch of your bank.6) turn upJonathon felt he could not turn up at the bank looking like a vagabond. Answers to vocabulary test.B1-level1) owe2) unable3) bring up4) signature5) lotteryB2-level1) debt2) disturb3) income4) pay off5) shabbyContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy 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 learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):https://amzn.to/46AVFe9Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0iFor very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvvOxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHgAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
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    22 min
  • 322. The Harmonica Players (full version) B2 story

    322. The Harmonica Players (full version) B2 story
    Aug 11 2026
    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 story1. couldn't faceStory sentence to listen for: Somehow, he couldn’t face starting his day without a hot shower. Definition: To feel unable or unwilling to do something because you do not want to deal with it. 2. All of a suddenStory sentence to listen for: All of a sudden , the ceiling light, television, fridge and electric heater all came on at once. Definition: Very quickly and unexpectedly. 3. get hold ofStory sentence to listen for: Work as a musician had been difficult to get hold of . Definition: To find or obtain something that you need or want. 4. From time to timeStory sentence to listen for: From time to time , he gave harmonica lessons online… Definition: Sometimes, but not regularly. 5. kept his eye out forStory sentence to listen for: Martin always kept his eye out for a job that he could do. Definition: To watch carefully for something because you hope to find or see it. 6. Every once in a whileStory sentence to listen for: Every once in a while , he’d found work doing what he really loved. Definition: Sometimes, but not often. 7. a chance of a lifetimeStory sentence to listen for: It was a chance of a lifetime . Definition: A very special opportunity that is unlikely to happen again. 8. dropped out ofStory sentence to listen for: He dropped out of college. Definition: To leave a school, college or course before you have finished it. 9. make ends meetStory sentence to listen for: He was struggling to make ends meet . Definition: To have just enough money to pay for the things you need. 10. had a strong dislike ofStory sentence to listen for: Jeffrey had a strong dislike of mobile phones. Definition: To strongly dislike someone or something. 11. behind barsStory sentence to listen for: They should be behind bars . Definition: In prison. 12. gazed out ofStory sentence to listen for: She gazed out of the window at the daffodils in the snow. Definition: Looked at something for a long time, often without moving your eyes. 13. foreignersStory sentence to listen for: 'I don’t know what this country is coming to. More foreigners than native English .' Definition: People who come from a different country. 14. native EnglishStory sentence to listen for: 'I don’t know what this country is coming to. More foreigners than native English .' Definition: Describes people who have English as their first language. 15. In contrast toStory sentence to listen for: In contrast to the London area, Oxted was primarily a small town of white people. Definition: Used to show how one thing is different from another. 16. primarilyStory sentence to listen for: In contrast to the London area, Oxted was primarily a small town of white people. Definition: Mainly or mostly. 17. respectableStory sentence to listen for: 'All respectable , traditional people. Proper English people, Jeffrey would say.' Definition: Considered to be good, honest and acceptable by most people. 18. upbringingStory sentence to listen for: 'His upbringing had always been in country areas, away from cosmopolitan cities.' Definition: The way a person is treated and taught by their parents while they are growing up. 19. distrustedStory sentence to listen for: 'He distrusted foreigners in his country, in general.' Definition: Did not trust someone because you believed they might not be honest or reliable. 20. take it for grantedStory sentence to listen for: 'In England, you could take it for granted that you would find decency and fair play .' Definition: To believe that something will always be there or happen, without thinking about it. 21. decency and fair playStory sentence to listen for: 'In England, you could take it for granted that you would find decency and fair play .' Definition: Decency means behaving in a good and honest way. Fair play means treating people fairly and following accepted rules. 22. deceit and dishonestyStory sentence to listen for: 'Unfortunately, the deceit and dishonesty , which so many immigrants brought with them from elsewhere was giving this country a bad name.' Definition: Deceit means trying to make someone believe something that is not true. Dishonesty means not being honest or truthful. 23. discourageStory sentence to listen for: 'The current government’s policy of sending them all to Rwanda was obviously a practical solution which would discourage others, tempted by England’s superior standard of living, from attempting the crossing of the English Channel.' Definition: To make someone less willing to do something. 24. giving the country a bad nameStory sentence to listen for: 'Immigrants giving the country a bad name .' Definition: Making other people have a bad opinion of a country because of someone's actions. ...
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    34 min
  • 321. The Visitors (full version) B2 story

    321. The Visitors (full version) B2 story
    Aug 4 2026

    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 first detected it?

    4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story?

    Answers:

    1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why?

    ‘Rescue mission!’ the admiral suddenly shouted and he looked irritated. ‘Who are they gonna rescue? I don’t need rescuing, thank you very much! I have a nice home and beautiful family right here on Honolulu Island.

    2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there?

    They hurried along the deck and in through a door that led to the bridge* - the highest part of the ship and the best place to get an all-round view of the surrounding darkening sea and sky.

    3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it?

    ‘Sonar?’ interrupted Pierre. ‘Do you mean it’s under the water?’ The captain ignored him.

    ‘Estimated time of arrival?’

    ‘Four minutes, Captain! It’s incredible! There’s nothing that can travel that speed under water! I… I don’t get it!’

    4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story?

    ‘Merde!’ said Pierre ('merde' is a swaer word in French) to anyone who might be listening to him. ‘They want nothing to do with us!’

    (The alien spaceship had come to rescue the dolphins and whales of the ocean, and was not interested in making contact with the humans!)

    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 learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
    To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
    https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

    Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

    For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

    Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

    At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
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    29 min
  • 320. Bully! (B1 short story)

    320. Bully! (B1 short story)
    Jul 28 2026

    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 B1 words highlighted. Enjoy!

    https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-320.htm

    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 learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
    To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
    https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

    Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

    For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

    Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

    At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    25 min
  • 319. The Hole (complete story) B2 level

    319. The Hole (complete story) B2 level
    Jul 21 2026

    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 shown in biold type: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-319.htm

    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 learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
    To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
    https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

    Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

    For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

    Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

    At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
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    16 min
  • 318. Treasure Island (chapter 15) B1 story

    318. Treasure Island (chapter 15) B1 story
    Jul 15 2026

    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 someone in a polite and friendly way when they arrive.

    Example 1 (Noun): The hotel staff gave us a very warm welcome when we checked in.
    Example 2 (Verb): Our neighbours always welcome us into their home with a cup of tea.

    3. In charge
    Definition: Having the responsibility or control over something or a group of people.

    Example 1: Who is in charge of organising the office party this year?
    Example 2: While the manager is on vacation, Sarah is in charge of the store.

    4. Annoyed / Annoy
    Definition (Annoyed - Adjective): Feeling a little bit angry or impatient.

    Definition (Annoy - Transitive Verb): To make someone feel slightly angry or impatient.

    Example 1 (Annoyed): I was very annoyed because the train was thirty minutes late.

    Example 2 (Annoy): Loud music late at night really annoys the people living next door.

    5. Clever / Bright / Brilliant / Smart
    Definition: Words used to describe someone who is intelligent, learns quickly, or handles situations well. (Note: "Brilliant" can also mean exceptionally smart or wonderful).

    Example 1: He is a very bright student who always gets the best grades in science.

    Example 2: She came up with a clever solution to fix the broken computer.

    6. Narrow / Wide / Broad
    Definition (Narrow): Measuring a short distance from one side to the other; not wide.

    Definition (Wide & Broad): Measuring a large distance from one side to the other. (We often use "wide" for physical spaces like roads, and "broad" for larger concepts like shoulders, smiles, or ideas).

    Example 1 (Narrow): The old town has very narrow streets, so cars cannot drive through them easily.

    Example 2 (Wide / Broad): The river is so wide that you cannot see the people on the other side. / He had a broad smile on his face when he won the prize.

    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 learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
    To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
    https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

    Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

    For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

    Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

    At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning ...
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    31 min