Practising English

Afleveringen

• 
  321. The Visitors (full version) B2 story (summer repeat) 04.08.2026 28min

  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...
• 
  320. Bully! (B1 short story) 28.07.2026 25min

  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 abou...
• 
  319. The Hole (complete story) B2 level 21.07.2026 15min

  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 quest...
• 
  318. Treasure Island (chapter 15) B1 story 15.07.2026 30min

  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 ve...
• 
  317. Dracula (extract 1) B2 story 08.07.2026 34min

  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: To decide that something is true after thinking carefully about all the facts. Example 1: After revie...
• 
  316. Treasure Island (chapter 14) B1 story 30.06.2026 31min

  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 interesting after hearing or reading about it, or to make a noise similar to something else. Examples: Go...
• 
  315. The Importance of Being Earnest 2 (B2 level) 23.06.2026 31min

  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 case, we played poorly and didn't deserve to win. It is going to be incredibly hot in Miami for the next matc...
• 
  314. Treasure Island (chapter 13) B1 story 16.06.2026 25min

  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. Alive. Definition: Living and not dead. We found a small bird in the garden, and it was still...
• 
  313. The Importance of Being Earnest (B2 story) 09.06.2026 33min

  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...! Definiti...
• 
  312. Treasure Island (chapter 12) B1 Story 02.06.2026 29min

  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...
• 
  311. The Adventure of the Western Star (part 2) B2 story 27.05.2026 26min

  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;...
• 
  310. Treasure Island (chapter 11) B1 story 19.05.2026 24min

  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. After two hours, they came to an agreement. 4) I must admit Definition: I say something honestly, ...
• 
  309. Adventure of the Western Star (B2 story) Part 1 13.05.2026 27min

  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 j...
• 
  308. Treasure Island - chapter 10 (B1 story) 04.05.2026 28min

  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 bl...
• 
  307. Cowboy (B2 story) Part 2 29.04.2026 29min

  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...
• 
  306. Treasure Island - chapter 9 (B1 story) 22.04.2026 27min

  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...
• 
  305. Cowboy (B2 story) Part 1 15.04.2026 28min

  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 ...
• 
  304. Treasure Island - chapter 8 (B1 story) 08.04.2026 26min

  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,...
• 
  303. The Count of Monte Cristo (extract) B2 Story 01.04.2026 26min

  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 D...
• 
  302. Treasure Island - chapter 7 (B1 story) 25.03.2026 27min

  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 q...