Shows
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 38. Feedback or Feedforward?Send us a Text Message.Giving employee feedback is becoming tricky with Gen Z's joining the workforce. Find out why, discover new ideas about performance reviews, and learn many expressions related to evaluating work and collocations with "feedback".Link to The Times article on the topicFor more, visit: PoLoop Angielski BlogDrop me a line: jacek@poloopangielski.plAnd join us on social media: Instagram and FacebookWould you like me to help you master y...
2023-09-2412 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 37. A Tense IssueSend us a Text Message.Could there be a better way of teaching English tenses? Here is Jacek's ongoing journey and experimentation to answer this question, drawing on research on brain hemispheres, the lexical approach, the relationship between speech and movement, and insights from first language acquisition. If you are interested in taking part in Jacek's summer course "All Tenses in Four Weeks," you can find more details here.For more, visit: PoLoop Angielski BlogDrop me a line: jacek@poloopangielski.plAnd join u...
2023-07-0210 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 36. How to disagree politelySend us a Text Message.This episode highlights the cultural differences between non-native speakers and native speakers, particularly the British, when it comes to disagreeing. While non-native speakers tend to be more direct, native speakers prefer a more tentative and polite approach to disagreements. Listen and learn phrases and techniques that can be used to express disagreement in a respectful and nuanced manner. From softening statements with expressions like "I'm afraid" to indicating partial disagreement and understanding the other person's perspective, the episode provides listeners with practical examples of how to soften the impact...
2023-06-1112 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisodes 35. Who Owns English?Send us a Text Message.Drawing inspiration from an article published by The Economist, titled "As it spreads across the world, who owns English," this episode challenges the notion that languages exclusively belong to their country of origin. Link to The Economist article: As it spreads across the world, who owns English?Link to episode transcript. For more, visit: PoLoop Angielski BlogDrop me a line: jacek@poloopangielski.plAnd join us on social media: Instagram and Facebook
2023-05-2807 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 34. Why We Feel Burnt OutSend us a Text Message.Do you often feel exhausted? Are you trying to fit as many things into your busy schedule, desperately hoping to be left with some time for yourself? Are you worried that your life slips through your fingers?This episode discusses the recent report entitled "Burnt Out Britain" by British think-tank Onward, which challenges common myths about the reasons for our busyness and exhaustion and highlights how our time is consumed by family life and technology, leaving less time for self-care and leisure. Link to transcriptLink to the...
2023-05-1413 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 33. Third Conditional Fluency PracticeSend us a Text Message.Speaking a language is more of a skill than a knowledge-based activity. In this respect, it is similar to dancing or doing sport. In this episode, we'll be developing fluency and confidence in using third-conditional sentences. You'll be guided through a series of exercises that break down the structure into smaller components and gradually put it all together.Link to the transcript.For more, visit: PoLoop Angielski BlogDrop me a line: jacek@poloopangielski.plAnd join us on social...
2023-04-0222 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 32. Learning from Chess MastersSend us a Text Message.In this episode, we are looking at two studies on the psychology of playing chess. Can we use their findings about the thinking processes of chess masters to help us acquire a foreign language?Link to episode transcript.For more, visit: PoLoop Angielski BlogDrop me a line: jacek@poloopangielski.plAnd join us on social media: Instagram and FacebookWould you like me to help you master your English? You...
2023-03-2611 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 31: The Stigma of Eating AloneSend us a Text Message.In this episode, Jacek explores the topic of dining alone and its associated stigma. He begins by sharing statistics that reveal how dining alone has become more popular in the UK. Then he retells an anecdote about British comedian Jack Whitehall, who experienced an embarrassing situation while eating on his own in America. Then you will hear the explanation of how the phrase "as such" could indicate a consequence or logical conclusion of something that has been mentioned earlier. Also, the episode provides listeners with examples of sentences in which other...
2023-03-1910 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 30. ToadiesSend us a Text Message.In today's episode, you will learn about toadies a.k.a. suck-ups, brown-nosers, and apple polishers. Toadies are not the slimy creatures that hang out in ponds or feature on a fancy French menu. Toadies are the people who are always kissing up to their bosses. We'll be digging into some fun and colourful terms to describe those suckers and even share a study that claims having a toady in your team can actually be beneficial! So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn some new vocab to add to your...
2023-03-1209 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 29. Learn What's RelevantSend us a Text Message.This time Jacek talks about his "relevant today" posts on Instagram, in which he presents expressions related to current news stories. He explains what makes these posts useful and shares some examples of his recent posts.Link to PoLoop Angielski Instagram ProfileLink to episode transcriptFor more, visit: PoLoop Angielski BlogDrop me a line: jacek@poloopangielski.plAnd join us on social media: Instagram and FacebookWould...
2023-03-0509 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 28. Banned WordsSend us a Text Message.This episode of the Poloop Angielski Podcast is about banning some words and phrases because they are seen as discriminatory, offensive, or inappropriate. Jacek presents a list of expressions, such as "ballsy," "crazy," "freshman," or "manpower", which to some could be exclusionary or derogative. Does banning words make us more inclusive and respectful or less effective in communication?Link to episode transcriptFor more, visit: PoLoop Angielski BlogDrop me a line: jacek@poloopangielski.plAnd join us on social...
2023-02-2611 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 27. Fashion for PassionSend us a Text Message.In this episode of PoLoop Angielski Podcast, Jacek discusses an article from The Economist titled "The Pitfalls of Loving Your Job a Little Too Much". The podcast explores the positive and negative effects of having a passion for work and shares findings from a study by Harvard Business School which reveals that the importance of passion in the workplace has increased in recent years. However, having an all-consuming passion for what you do can have adverse effects too. One problem is that companies may reward commitment over ability, and employees obsessed with t...
2023-02-1908 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 26. Blame GameSend us a Text Message.This episode of the Poloop Angielski Podcast focuses on the topic of blaming people for their mistakes. Jacek discusses a recent article from the Economist titled "Faulty Reasoning" about the adverse effects of blaming people in a work environment. The discussion provides a good source of business vocabulary and expressions related to blaming people, including phrasal verbs such as "follow up on sth" and "own up to sth". Link to episode transcript.For more, visit: PoLoop Angielski BlogDrop me a line: ...
2023-02-1208 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 25. Anti-advice AdviceSend us a Text Message.What trap do polyglots and teachers of foreign languages fall into when advising learners? Should you listen to the advice of those who've mastered a foreign language? What is the right approach when choosing suitable methods of learning?In this episode, I tackle these questions using some insights from Rory Sutherland's book "Alchemy".You can download the complete transcript of this episode here.For more, visit: PoLoop Angielski BlogDrop me a line: jacek@poloopangielski.plAnd join...
2023-02-0509 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 24. Stress in Three-part Phrasal VerbsSend us a Text Message.This episode is the continuation of the topic of stress in Phrasal Verbs, so it might be a good idea to listen to Episode 23 first.You can download the complete transcript of this episode here.Phrasal Verbs used in this recording: put sth on: start wearing somethingburn down: get destroyed by firetake after sb: look or behave like an older member of the familycome down with sth: become ill with a disease, usually not seriousc...
2023-01-2909 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 23. Stress in Two-part Phrasal VerbsSend us a Text Message.In this episode you will learn about three kinds of two-part Phrasal Verbs (transitive, separable PVs, transitive, inseparable PVs, and intransitive PVs), and how the type influences the position of stress in the phrase. You will also hear examples of many Phrasal Verbs connected with business meetings.You can download the complete transcript of this episode here.Transitive, separable Phrasal Verbs used in the examples: set sth up: organise and plan somethingbring sth forward: change the date or time of a...
2023-01-2211 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 22. Chatting Pays Off!Send us a Text Message.In this episode you'll find out how chatting with the big guys in the tech industry will soon make me a proud owner of a brand new Tesla! You might also discover a great way to practise English.You can download the complete transcript of this episode here.Some words and phrases used in the recording (in alphabetical order): awkward: making you feel embarrassedbot: a computer programto catch up on sth: to spend time doing things you haven't done e...
2023-01-1507 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 21. Are you a Lumper or a Splitter?Send us a Text Message.When it comes to learning a language, are you a lumper or a splitter? Which approach is better for learners of a foreign language?You can download the complete transcript of this episode here.Key terms used in the recording: to lump: to put things together in the same group and consider them as the same even though there are differences between themto split: to put similar things in different categories; to focus on differences between things rather than similaritiesOther w...
2023-01-0710 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 20. New Year's ResolutionsSend us a Text Message.Let's kick off the new year with a few pieces of advice about the New Year's resolutions.You can download the complete transcript of this episode here.Words and phrases connected to the topic of New Year's resolutions: A FIRM RESOLUTION : a resolution that is not likely to changeTO MAKE A RESOLUTION : to decide to try very hard to do somethingTO KEEP A RESOLUTION / TO STICK TO A RESOLUTION : to continue trying very hard to d...
2023-01-0110 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 19. Gerunds with Phrasal VerbsSend us a Text Message.Verbs sometimes want to act like adjectives or nouns. In order to take on their new role they need the -ing ending. In this episode I expose their clever trick :-)You can download the transcript of this episode here.Phrasal Verbs used in the recording: FEEL UP TO sth/doing sth : When you don't feel up to something, you don't have enough strength or energy to do it or deal with it.GIVE something UP : If you give up so...
2022-12-1810 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 18. The LieSend us a Text Message.Is learning a foreign language as easy as some want us to believe? What are the consequences of thinking that you can learn a language without effort? Listen to find out, and while doing so, learn a few useful words and expressions.You can download the transcript of this episode here.EASY or DIFFICULT - expressions introduced in the recording: EFFORTLESS: Something that is effortless is done easily and well.A PIECE OF CAKE: If you think something is very e...
2022-12-1108 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 17. Three-part Phrasal VerbsSend us a Text Message.Three-part Phrasal Verbs are made of a verb, a particle and a preposition. In this episode you'll learn a few of them.You can download the transcript of this episode here.The list of three-part phrasal verbs introduced in the recording: get round to sth, get sth over with, feel up to sth, go in for sth,look forward to, put up with sth, talk down to sb.GET ROUND TO: When you g...
2022-12-0411 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 16. Choking - what we can learn from Lewandowski's blunderSend us a Text Message.Robert Lewandowski's failed penalty kick can teach us a few things about learning a foreign language. You can find out what in this episode.This episode has been prepared with new features: a transcript and timestamps. This is why, you won’t find here the usual list of words and expressions used in the recording, but you can still find all the words and expressions in the transcript. You can read and download the transcript here.Please let me know if you fin...
2022-11-2713 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 15. Inflation CollocationsSend us a Text Message.Inflation is one of the words that we can often hear these days. In this episode I'm looking at many collections with the word inflation, and share some insights how these collocations are influenced by the way we see inflation as a violent criminal, an illness, something that is out of control, and something that moves.Inflation is a PERSON: Our biggest ENEMY right now is inflation.Inflation could ROB many people OF their savings.The Turkish currency is being DESTROYED by inflation.Inflation has PI...
2022-11-2007 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 14. How to Learn Phrasal VerbsSend us a Text Message.Phrasal Verbs are a challenge to learners of English. They are difficult to master, but learning them is definitely worth the effort. In this episode, which is the first one in the series about Phrasal Verbs, I recommend looking at them not as a random combinations of verbs and particles, but trying to discover what lies behind such combinations. To illustrate this, we will discover and practise how UP is used in Phrasal Verbs to stress the idea of completing or finishing something.Sentences used as examples:COME I...
2022-11-1307 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 13. Working From Home While SickSend us a Text Message.We've got autumn. A colder weather has settled in, so it is time to revise some expressions about illnesses and their symptoms, but doing it out of context would be dead boring, so listen to what a recent study says about the link between working from home and taking time off work because of sickness.Expressions about illness and its symptoms: to feel under the weather / to feel off colour (When you feel under the weather or off colour, you feel slightly ill.) PL: czuć się kiepskoa...
2022-11-0605 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 12. The Crown - History or Fiction?Send us a Text Message.Is the Netflix hit drama series a historical account or a fictitious story? With the fifth season of the The Crown scheduled for release on the 9th of November, the question returns. What's more, there are important voices criticising the new season for being particularly unkind towards the royal family and the late queen. While listening to me talking about this controversy, you will learn three adjectives ending with the -ous suffix and hopefully become more confident talking about the topic.Three adjectives with -ous suffix introduced in the recording:
2022-10-3006 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 11. Time is Money - on how to learn collocations using extended metaphorsSend us a Text Message.Learning collocations is a great way to expand your vocabulary. We can do it more effectively understanding how metaphors work in everyday language.Words and expressions used in the recording:pay off (If something pays off, it is brings good results)' PL: opłacać sięto learn collocations one by one (to learn collocations separately, not together); PL: jeden po drugim / jedna po drugiejIt could be argued that ... (There is evidence to believe that something is true); PL: można twierdzić / utrzym...
2022-10-2307 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 10. Find out why the Japanese love wearing face masks so much that many of them can't kick the habit.Send us a Text Message.W czasie pandemii Japończyków nie trzeba było specjalnie nakłaniać do noszenia maseczek ochronnych. Zwyczaj osłaniania ust był w Japonii dobrze zakorzeniony na długo przed wybuchem Covid-19. Okazuje się, że po pandemii, wielu mieszkańców kraju kwitnącej wiśni nie tylko boryka się z powikłaniami po przebytej grypie, ale również uzależnieniem od noszenia maseczek ochronnych. W tym odcinku mówię o tym, czego dowiedziałem się na ten temat z artykułu opublikowanego w The Economist. Przy okazji przedstawiam w nim wyrażenia związane z nawykami, pr...
2022-10-1608 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 9. "With gas or without?" This is the question .... you should NOT ask - czyli o wodzie mineralnej z perspektywy paneuropejskiej.Send us a Text Message.W tym odcinku podzielę się informacjami jakie uzyskałem od moich słuchaczek o zamawianiu i konsumpcji wody mineralnej w różnych krajach Europy. Opowiem również jak brak doświadczenia w zamawianiu wody mineralnej po angielsku w polskich restauracjach i hotelach sprawił, że przegrałem w zakładzie butelkę wódki. Dowiesz się również, że "z gazem czy bez", przetłumaczone bezpośrednio na angielski nie jest, wbrew pozorom, najlepszym pytaniem jakie kelner lub kelnerka może zadać klientowi.Słowa i wyrażenia, które usłyszysz w nagraniu:a d...
2022-10-0905 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 8. That's the very word we need - czyli o "very" jako przymiotnikuSend us a Text Message.Tym razem przekonamy się, że tak jak przysłówek very jest nadużywany, to z przymiotnikiem very sytuacja wygląda zupełnie odwrotnie. Ponadto, całkiem przypadkiem, wyda się moje upodobanie do pewnego koktajlu.Wyrażenia, które mogą się przydać:a balmy summer eveningremainby its very natureZdania użyte jako przykłady:Those were the very lies that mendacious politician said.That's the very thing I needed.I fell asleep...
2022-10-0507 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 7. O bardzo, aż za bardzo, popularnym angielskim słowie i jego zamiennikachSend us a Text Message.Słowo very to jedno ze słów najbardziej nadużywanych przez uczących się języka angielskiego. Niektórzy poprzedzają tym przysłówkiem niemal każdy przymiotnik. W tym odcinku proponuję więc trzy sposoby, żeby uniknąć tak jaskrawego nadużycia, skądinąd, fajnego słowa.Oto te sposoby:Możemy zostawić sam przymiotnik, a słowo very wyrzucić ze zdania.Możemy użyć mocniejszego przymiotnika, który z powodzeniem zastąpi very + słaby przymiotnik, np. zamiast very angry możemy powiedzieć furi...
2022-10-0211 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 6. Idiom: to take something with a pinch of salt - czyli o tym jak nie być łatwowiernym po angielskuSend us a Text Message.W tym odcinku poznasz znaczenie idiomu: to take something with a pinch of salt. Dowiesz się również co to wyrażenie ma wspólnego ze średniowiecznym rycerstwem.Inne słowa wyrażenia, na które warto zwrócić uwagę słuchając podcastu:thumb - kciukthe Middle Ages - średniowieczemedieval knights - średniowieczni rycerzeto slay dragons - zabijać smokihard to swallow - trudne do przełkni...
2022-09-2806 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 5. Business English - czyli jak rozmawiać o mobilizacji w Rosji po angielskuSend us a Text Message.W tym odcinku przedstawiam rozwiązanie zadania, które umieściłem na moim blogu, a więc zapoznasz się wyrażeniami przydatnymi w rozmowie na temat ogłoszonej w Rosji mobilizacji. Usłyszysz również moją opinię o tym, co wchodzi w zakres Business English.Poniżej kilka nowych wyrażeń użytych w nagraniu:management-speakbusiness jargoncringeplunge into the unknownthe ground starts shifting from under one's feetthe safe boundaries of sthOdpowiedzi do zadania umieszczon...
2022-09-2508 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 4: Jak po angielsku rozmawiać o naszych stacjach telewizyjnych, czyli kilka słów o słowie: mendacious.Send us a Text Message.W tym odcinku odpowiadam na pytanie słuchacza jak przetłumaczyć wyrażenie zakłamana stacja telewizyjna. Przykłady użycia przedstawione w odcinku:mendacious propagandaa mendacious narrativea mendacious election campaignWyrażenia do przetłumaczenia:zakłamany politykzakłamany raportzakłamany kanał telewizyjnyOdpowiedzi:a mendacious politiciana mendacious reporta mendacious TV channelFor more, visit: PoLoop Angielski BlogDrop me a line: jacek@poloopan...
2022-09-2106 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 3: Jak powiedzieć, że coś było silniejsze od Ciebie?Send us a Text Message.Tym razem dowiesz się jak powiedzieć po angielsku, że coś było silniejsze od Ciebie, że nie mogłeś sobie z czymś poradzić, że jakaś emocja wzięła nad Tobą górę, tak jak moja ciekawość.Ponadto usłyszysz i poćwiczysz użycie innych wyrażeń, takich jak:to weaken one's resolveto drain one's strong willto give into have a peek at somethingto help oneself to somethingto own up to somethingJakby tego było za mało, będziesz miał również okazję zastosować perfect gerund !Dowiesz...
2022-09-1812 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 2: O mojej miłości do phrasal verbs. Na dobry początek dwa z nich: level off / level out.Send us a Text Message.W tym odcinku poznasz dwa czasowniki frazowe, a.k.a. frejzale, które mogą okazać się przydatne, gdybyśmy zapomnieli czasownika plateau (out).Przykłady zdań użyte w nagraniu:The plane levelled off/out at 30,000 feet.After climbing steeply, the path levelled off/out.Oil prices should level off/out when the war is over.Workers levelled off/out the wet concrete with a piece of wood.Zdania do tłumaczenia:Ceny jeszcze się nie ustabilizowały.Spodziewamy się, że bez...
2022-09-1406 min
PoLoop AngielskiEpisode 1: Wyrażenie plateau (out) i jak pokonać zastój w nauce angielskiegoSend us a Text Message.W pierwszym odcinku dowiesz się co znaczy wyrażenie plateau (out) i usłyszysz rady jak wyjść z zastoju w nauce języka. For more, visit: PoLoop Angielski BlogDrop me a line: jacek@poloopangielski.plAnd join us on social media: Instagram and FacebookWould you like me to help you master your English? You can find out more about my courses here.
2022-09-1109 min