Shows
Practising English235. Future Perfect B2 (short story)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.LOOKING BACK FROM A POINT IN THE FUTURE - FUTURE PERFECTI have studied / I have been studying English for/since...(from the past to the present)Next September, I will have studied / been studying English for ten years(from the past to a moment in the futureI will have had this car for fifteen years next month.I will have lived / been living in Seville for twenty-five yearsThis...2025-04-0618 min
Practising English229. B1 adjectives with hyphens (with dialogue)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Adjectives with hyphen at B1 levelgood-looking (only with hyphen) - attractive (for people, often men)well-known - a lot of people have heard of it and know it/him/herold-fashioned (only with hyphen) - (often criticising something) not new, not in fashionwell-dressed - dressed in attractive clothes, smart, elegantup-to-date - (usually technology) the newest in software, hardware, computers etc.2025-02-2321 min
Practising English228. The Medical check-up (expressions for emphasis)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Words and expressions for emphasis- The reason is I like working with people, I have experience of looking after elderly people and I enjoy volunteering work. - The problem is I’m a little lazy, I am often late for work because I sleep in. - The fact (of the matter is) is that the planet is warming and many species are dying. - The fact is we need...2025-02-1611 min
Practising English227. Talking about the Future (with dialogue)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Future Forms in EnglishI'm not going to talk about future tense and predictions, but other uses of future tense.Going to and present continuous for futureGoing to – plans and intentions that we have;I'm going to pay Mum a visit later today. She's not feeling well.Strong intentions.I'm going to learn German next year. It's something I've always wanted to do.Present continuous – something that had been planned earlier – some sort o...2025-02-0912 min
Practising English226. Get and verbs of movement B1, B2 and storyWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Now it's interesting that we use get as a verb of motion. Often, when it's difficult to actually move. Have you noticed that we say,Would you like to get into my car.Now, you go into your house, you open the door and you walk in. You don't usually get into your house, but you get into a car. Why? Because you have to bend down usually to get in. So you get into a car. Perhaps you're up a...2025-02-0217 minPractising English225. Verbs of Movement with story (B1, B2)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Why my students say 'enter the classroom'Where there is movement, there's a preposition, and a preposition is used in the same way we use preposition of place (where things are) He ran across the street.The dog ran after the cat.Go / run / walk / swim etc. along this street until you get to the crossroads and then turn right.I walked among the all the people.They travelled all around / r...2025-01-2618 minPractising English224. The Londoner (B1 B2 level story)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.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 doing earlier3) get round to something - do one of the jobs that needs doing...2025-01-1919 minPractising EnglishPodcast 181 The Octopus's Garden B1 B2 (Complete Story)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a special edition podcast. Today I’m publishing The Octopus’s Garden as one complete story. If you have listened to this story in the two parts I published two weeks ago (podcasts 179 and 180), you’ll remember that I have dedicated this story firstly, to the children of Gaza, who are suffering so terribly during this horrific war. Secondly, I’ve also dedicated this story to my brother Nick Bilbrough and the HandsUp Project team, who worked...2024-02-1630 minPractising EnglishPodcast 167 "Dad" part 2 (B1 short story)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is the second part of the story "Dad" by M.A. Bilbrough. A story written for B1-level students of English. The verbs we are studying today are:realizedropcall outweighadmireencouragediveappearbreathehugAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners o...2023-09-1221 minPractising EnglishPodcast 149 Carlos and his English (a story for children)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Today, to celebrate Epiphany, I'm going to release the audio version of my book for children learning English - Carlos and his English, The level is at A1 to A2. I invite you to buy this brightly illustrated book (written and illustrated by myself, M. A. Bilbrough) for your children or a younger member of your family as much of the story will be better understood when the pictures are seen. I enclose a link here to a full synopsis of the book https://mabilbrough...2023-01-0345 minPractising EnglishB2 FCE Speaking test part 3Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.When I was examining some students the other day for First Certificate (FCE) speaking exam, I noticed one thing especially which most students could not do correctly. I'm referring to intonation! If your intonation is poor, you will lose marks. In this podcast, I'm going to offer you a model version of Part 3 of the FCE speaking exam (the collaborative task) which will emphasize the correct intonation. Read and see the test at Practising English Part 3 podcast 124... Also, have a look at my B1, B2...2022-06-1013 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The uses of the adverb 'long'Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.How long is a piece of string? How long have you been waiting? My goodness! You weren't very long! How long does it take? Not long. The use of 'long' can be a bit confusing but it's a word which expresses quite simple things and everyday language. So, listen on to learn how to use this word correctly! It won't take long! This is for B1 and B2 level students of English. You can read this podcast at PractisingEnglish.com podcast 123... Also, have a look...2022-06-0808 minPractising EnglishB2 - Money words and expressionsWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This session teaches students studying for B2 level English most of the words and expressions you'll need to talk about money matters. From saving money, getting an allowance from our parents (when we're at school) and words about having a bank account, loans, ATM's and buying things in the sales. For the audio script, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-88.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages....2022-02-0414 minPractising EnglishB1 Words of obligation: must, mustn't and have to.Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The words that we use to express obligation are: must, have to and then similar words, not necessarily obligation, but strong advice: should and ought to. I'll talk about how we use those words and what they really mean and also when not to use them and how we can make our orders sound softer and less direct. See audio script at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-87.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of...2022-02-0216 minPractising EnglishB1 The infinitivesWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Today I'm doing a B1 level podcast about infinitives. Now, the problem with infinitives in English is that there are three of them. So, I will just briefly talk about the three types of infinitive. And the practice I'm going to do today is just on two types, and there's a shorter story afterwards to illustrate the infinitives I'm using. For the audio script, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-86.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners...2022-01-2813 minPractising EnglishB2 - Essential B2 holiday languageWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a follow-up of Podcast 23 about holidays. It has lots of vocabulary and expressions B2 students of English must learn for passing exams at this level. This time I'm including a Hangman game for you to practise the holiday expressions. You can find the link at the end of the audio script page at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-85.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https...2022-01-2608 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 18 and final chapter)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.B2 level reader novel The Tudor Conspiracy listening with book version to read. In the last chapter of the book, Isabel and Philip are now in the police station, where a few surpises are waiting for them. To see the questions and activities for this chapter go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-83.htm To buy the book to read with this podcast: The Tudor Conspiracy...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other...2022-01-2121 minPractising EnglishB2 - Prepositions with adjectives and verbsWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This listening text talks about common prepositions following adjectives and verbs used at B2 English level. I will discuss why sometimes choosing the wrong preposition could change the meaning of what you want to say. There is also a short story which illustrates the use of these prepositions.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/2022-01-1911 minPractising EnglishB1 Phrasal verbs for B1Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Listening to phrasal verbs. B1 level English for students of English. Here are seven important phrasal verbs you must know for B1 level English exams. Listen to an explanation of the phrasal verbs and then a short funny story where they are used in context. See audio script to this podcast at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-82.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/2022-01-1708 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 17)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Graded reader for students studying for B2 level exams. The Tudor Condpiracy. In this chaper Isabel and Philip are taken to the police station for questioning and Isabel reveals some interesting news. For answers to the vocabulary and question, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-81.htm To purchase the book to read and listen at the same time, go to: The Tudor Conspiracy on Amazon...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other E...2022-01-1416 minPractising EnglishB2 Using colloquial language for descriptionsWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.In this episode I will tell you some essential colloquial B2 phrases to use to describe things. I will be describing my favourite town in Spain. This podcast for intermediate students of English can be used with podcast episode 50, which used more formal modifiers to describe and compare things. The sort of language I'll be using is somewhere around, an awful lot, masses of, great big, a handful of and other similar colloquial expressions. Find the audio script to...2022-01-1211 minPractising EnglishB2 Babouscka - a Christmas storyWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Stories for students at a B2 level of English. This is a late, Christmas story called Babouscka. I was told this story when I was a very small child but I still remember it today as it seems somehow sad but relevant as a story about searching but not finding. It contains useful vocabulary to talk about keeping warm inside when it's cold outside.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning...2022-01-1010 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 16)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Graded reader for B1-level students who are working towards B2 level (and above) in English. My novel called the Tudor Conspiracy that you can also read while you are listening by buying the book at https://mabilbrough.com In the last chapter, Isabel was about to be shot by the fanatic Jane from the Anglia Nostra sect but something happens to change the situation...You can find comprehension questions at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-78.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com...2022-01-0719 minPractising EnglishB1 Cambridge Preliminary exam listening Part 4Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a help podcast for the B1 Cambridge Preliminary exam listening Part 4 with advice on how to do the test and you can also listen to a full test for practice. To read the questions and answers go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-77.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called 2022-01-0520 minPractising EnglishB2 expressions with the word 'mind'Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The word mind refers to the part of us that thinks - in other words, our brains. But there are a lot of expressions using mind that have a wide range of different meanings. Learn about those meanings with my podcast today. For transcripts of this podcast, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-76.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/...2022-01-0307 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 15)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.B2 reader for learners of English called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can buy the book and listen to each chapter in my weekly podast episodes. In this chapter, Isabel and Philip arrive at Shakespeare's birthplace, where they find Jane and the Master. However, things do not go to plan. You can find the answers to the comprehension questions in the podcast at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-75.htm You can buy the book at https://mabilbrough.comAt https...2021-12-3117 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 By the riverWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Vocabulary and expressions for intermeditae level students of English. Today for the interest of B1 or B2 level students - talking about being by te river and the vocabulary we use to describe the activities we can do there.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can...2021-12-2907 minPractising EnglishB1 intensifiersWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Podcasts for intermediate level students of English. Today I'm going to look at intensifiers or modifiers: not exactly, fairly, quite, pretty, really, extremely. These help us to give opinions about things more precisely. In other words, "it's a good school" and "it's an extremely good school". For audio script on this podcast, please visit: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-73.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning...2021-12-2707 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 14)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Graded reader novel for students of English at B1 and B2 levels. The Tudor Conspiracy. In today's chapter Philip continues to explain the plans the Anglia Nostra sect had to rule England and Spain. They then take the bus back to Stratford-upon-Avon and prepare to meet the terrifying Anglia Nostra Master. If you are interested in reading The Tudor Conspiracy while you listen, you can find it at my website https://mabilbrough.com/ Answers to the comprehension questions will be posted at https://www.practisingenglish...2021-12-2420 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 Christmas time in EnglandWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Hello, and welcome back to Practicing English. And today it's the 22nd of December. And we're getting close to Christmas Day. So I thought it would be nice to talk about Christmas and give you some relevant vocabulary for talking about the different things that we do at Christmas and the traditions.This is definitely an English Christmas that I'm talking about. English or British and not American, which is probably somewhat different from the way that the English or British...2021-12-2218 minPractising EnglishB2 C1 The Fat One (story at Christmas)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Podcasts for learners of intermediate level English. I've always been amazed as a Brit, living here in Spain, about the fascination for the Christmas lottery. I've always been fascinated by the way the Spanish talk about the lottery ticket number - if it's a pretty number, a beautiful number or an ugly number. As though having one number or another can make a difference to the result of the lottery. If you have a pretty number, well, then you have more chances of winning...2021-12-2014 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 13)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Reader for intermediate students progressing from B1 to B2. The Tudor Conspiracy, chapter 13. In this chapter, Philip explains what he knows about the secret society Anglia Nostra. To do so he must explain about the events surrounding the times of the Tudor kings and queens. For questions and answers about this chapter, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-69.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www...2021-12-1722 minPractising EnglishB1 adjectives for describing personalityWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Hello! Today I'm going to do a session on the B1 exam English, for the B1 Cambridge exam especially, or any, B1 [level] exam that you may be going to do. This will be very useful and it's based on analysing vocabulary which is essential for the B1 level. And it will be vocabulary in different categories. And the category today is English for making friends.And they are sensitive, annoying, easy-going, jealous, sociable, reliable, sensible, and there are a few...2021-12-1509 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 ImperativesWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Today I'm talking about the imperatives and lots of examples I translate from Spanish from my experience at my MOT test. I also talk about the parts of the car and related verbs we use when driving a car. To see the transcript of this podcast, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-67.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My...2021-12-1316 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 12)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.After the shock of finding Jane in the same guest house where they are staying, Isabel makes a plan to trap her at Shakespeare's Birthplace... This is chapter 12 from the book The Tudor Conspiracy by M.A. Bilbrough. A book for B1 students studying towards B2 English level. This book can be purchased to listen along with these podcasts at https://mabilbrough.com To view the comprehension questions about this chapter, go to https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-66.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish...2021-12-1019 minPractising EnglishB1 Some and anyWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Hello, and today, I'm going to talk about quantifiers! Now, when we talk about quantifiers, we refer to those little words that we use, such as some, and any, little, a few, much and many. In this episode, I'm just going to talk about some and any.Now, I think it's more useful if we think of some and any when...2021-12-0811 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 Meanings of the verb 'get' 3Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.English for intermediate level students studying for B1 and B2 exams. Today I'm continuing with my description of the verb 'to get' with the meanings: get your car fixed, get talking to someone, get to do something, get into, get the top off, get the phone and it gets my goat! You can see the transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-64.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other...2021-12-0610 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 11)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The Tudor Conspiracy is a reader for B1 learners of English studying towards B2 level English. In chapter 11, Isabel and Philip are hiding out in a guest house close to Stratford-upon-Avon. Then Isabel discovers there is something very sinister about the room next to hers... Questions and answers on the text at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-63.htmIf you are interested in following the story by reading too, the buy the book on any Amazon platform. https://mabilbrough.comAt https...2021-12-0320 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 Meanings of the verb to get 2Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Podcasts for learners of English at intermediate levels. Today I'm continuing with my description of the verb 'to get' with the meanings: find, fetch, arrive, reach, illnesses and taking a boat down the river. See the transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-62.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English...2021-12-0107 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 Meanings of the verb to get 1Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.In this episode of podcasts for intermediate level students learning English, I'll talk about one of the most common verbs in the English language - the verb to get. As a learner, you may find you prefer to use other verbs instead of get - it's easier to do so! But if you wanr to sound more like a native speaker, the verb to get should probably substitute most of those more formal verbs you're using: achieve, obtain, etc. This is the first...2021-11-2907 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 10)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Podcast version of the graded reader The Tudor Conspiracy by M.A. Bilbrough to help B1 students progress to B2 level English. In this week's episode we learn how Isabel and Philip escape being killed by the strange woman with a gun, Jane. They find shelter in a guest house but for how long can they stay out of danger...? https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-60.htm The book can be purchased at https://mabilbrough.com/At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners o...2021-11-2617 minPractising EnglishB1 Interview with a schoolgirlWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Hello, and today, I'm going to interview my daughter. My daughter is 11 years old. And we're going to talk about her school. This is good B1 language about school subjects, school terminology and the school routine.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on...2021-11-2413 minPractising EnglishB2 - The language of playing cardsWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Podcasts for learning and practising English for intermediate level students. Today I'm talking about the language we use when we're playing cards. I'll talk a little about the history, where cards came from and the language we need to talk about playing cards with friends or family.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2...2021-11-2213 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 9)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The Tudor Conspiracy is a reader for B1 students studying for B2 level English. In this chapter Isabel and Philip, who now believe the quarto to be a fake, visit the Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was christened. They don't know, however, they are being followed and the person who is following them is determined to get the quarto back. You can buy the book from any Amazon platform... https://www.mabilbrough.com/At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level...2021-11-1922 minPractising EnglishB1 Introduction to past perfectWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Help with understanding the different tenses and aspects in English. Here, I explain in simple language and with examples the past perfect (she had already left). I explain its structure and why we use past perfect and compare it to past simple. For the transcript, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-56.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel...2021-11-1707 minPractising EnglishB2 - Mixed conditionalsWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Following on from the podcasts on zero and first conditionals, second and third conditional, we now look at the circumstances when we mix conditionals. This happens when we make references to both past and present in the same sentence. This podcast explores mixed conditional clauses and offers simple to understand examples for the various cases when we use them. See transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-55.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com...2021-11-1509 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 8)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is chapter 8 from my book, The Tudor Conspiracy, which is a reader for B1 students studying for B2 English level exams. In this chapter, Isabel and Philip visit David Buddle's laboratory where they find out some surprising and worrying news about the newly discovered play by Shakespeare. You can find out more about this book at my website: https://mabilbrough.com and for more podcasts for intermediate learners of English, visit my podcast site https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-54.htm .At https://w...2021-11-1224 minPractising EnglishB1 Third Conditional (introduction)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Part of a series of B1 level talks on the grammar, structure and use of the conditionals in English. This is the third conditional. Learn what the phrases 'spilt milk' and 'water under the bridge' mean. Offers lots of example sentences and the full transcript can be read at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-53.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My...2021-11-1007 minPractising EnglishB1 Introduction to the second conditionalWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Grammar study for B1 level English. Today I'm continuing with the series of conditional studies. The last one was episode 22 on the zero and first conditionals and today we're looking briefly at the main points of the second conditional - If I were a rich man... You can find the audioscript to this podcast at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-52.htm.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and...2021-11-0808 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 7)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The continuing story of The Tudor Conspiracy for B1 students studying for B2 level English. Available in book form and now these weekly audio podcasts. Isabel and Philip drive on to Stratford-upon-Avon. When they arrive, they decide to have lunch before going to see David Buddle but an unexpected visitor turns up at the restaurant, and Isabel and Philip have to react quickly. At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.2021-11-0515 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 Comparatives and their modifiersWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This podcast is about words which go with comparatives so that we can add more precision to what we mean. So the words that we're using are words like not quite, slightly, almost, easily, a good deal, far... I don't think they make much sense on their own. So I'm going to put them together. And it will be clearer then what I'm trying to explain to you, in fact, it w...2021-11-0315 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 Language about booksWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.In this episode, I talk about the different genres of books and give some examples I have on my bookshelves. I explore the language associated with books: the different types of book, the parts of a book, what we do with a book and the language of commercialization of books. Useful language to complete your knowledge on the correct way of expressing ideas when talking about literatures or your reading hobby. For the audio script, please visit: https://www...2021-11-0115 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 6)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is the continuing story of The Tudor Conspiracy - a reader for B1 students studying for B2. In this chapter, Isabel and Philip decide to head for Stratford-upon-Avon to meet the antique book authenticator while some people in the dark shadows of the Bodleian Library are making sinister plans. See audioscript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-48.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https...2021-10-2915 minPractising EnglishB2 The Magician (story) ability in the pastWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.B2 level podcast story listening - talking about ability in the past and useful vocabulary explained before the story begins. Verbs like: manage to, be able to, which we use for certain single events in the past instead of the auxiliary could. See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-47.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners o...2021-10-2709 minPractising EnglishB2 C1 Speaking exam phrases - exercise and sportWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Help with IELTS, Cambridge B2, C1 speaking exams, phrases and expressions talking about the question of how sport influences our lives. I bring in lots of useful language for students to copy and learn in preparation for their speaking exams. For transcript, go to - https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-46.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel...2021-10-2511 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 5)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is the continuing story of the Tudor Conspiracy - a reader for B1 students studying for B2. In this chapter, Isabel and Philip set out for Oxford and the Bodleian library. They meet the librarians there but one, in particular, reacts in a strange way when she hears what Isabel and Philip are looking for. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-45.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages....2021-10-2223 minPractising EnglishB1 Cambridge Preliminary writing exam practice part 2Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.A look at how to write the story for Cambridge Preliminary writing exam practice part 2 and in this case the story-writing option. I look at the use relative pronouns and how to use them in the story so as to make your text more interesting and impress the examiners, who will give you more marks. I'll finish the episode with another story of Nasreddin and I'll use relative clauses for you to identify. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-44.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish...2021-10-2014 minPractising EnglishB2 The rhythm of EnglishWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.English is a language we call a stress-timed language. Perhaps it's unusual, because many other European languages are syllable-timed, especially Latin-based languages, like Spanish and Italian, for example. I'm going to explain and give examples of what a stress-timed language is. I'm also going to read you a poem. It's by a poet called Robert Southey, who was a poet in the 18th century. And he wrote a series of adventure poems, and one of...2021-10-1817 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 4)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Graded reader for B1 and B2 students. You can buy the book and follow the reading every week of each chapter. In this chapter, Isabel and Philip go for a coffee and talk about the mysterious missing play. Philip explains to Isabel the history of the first copies of Shakespeare's plays. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-42.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/2021-10-1524 minPractising EnglishB2 IELTS 7 Speaking exam part 1 preparationWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is a podcast on tips for approaching the part 1 sections of both the IELTS and the Cambridge FCE speaking exams. It's about the brief questions you will be asked and how to answers them: the vocabulary, grammar and linking words to make your answers coherent.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called 2021-10-1317 minPractising EnglishB1 introduction to the passiveWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Hello, and today I'm going to talk to you about the passive voice. I'll talk about its structure, about how to change from the active voice to the passive voice and why we use the passive.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see...2021-10-1110 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 3)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Chapter 3 of the reader for learners of English progressing from B1 to B2. In this chapter, Isabel takes the bus to the Globe Theatre and meets Philip. Philip gives Isabel a tour of Shakespeare's theatre but Isable then reminds him they must talk about the mysterious lost play. Book written for intermediate level learners of English and now with audio.The Tudor Conspiracy...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning...2021-10-0813 minPractising EnglishB1 'Going to' for predictions and short storyWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.And today I'm going to talk to you about... that. Exactly that... going to. I'm going to talk about going to. Now I think the going to structure is something that most learners of English acquire quite quickly. Why? Well, because it's quite intuitive to talk about the future. And we usually feel that if we use going to, we will always get it right. But I'm going to talk about another aspect or another use of 2021-10-0614 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 Have something doneWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Now, in English, there is a structure that we use when we talk about other people doing things for us. And that is have something done. If you go to the hairdresser's, well, you don't cut your own hair, do you? You ask somebody else to do it for you. And that person is the hairdresser. So afterwards, we say, I went to the hairdressers today, and I had my hair cut. I'll also discuss another structure, which is to get...2021-10-0406 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 2)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Chapter 2 of the reader for learners of English progressing from B1 to B2. In this chapter we learn about Isabel's job in Arthur's Antique Bookshop. Mr Fanshawe asks Isabel to set out on a mysterious mission to search for a very special book. The TudoerConspiracy is available as a paperback book and in Kindle on Amazon. Find out more here at my book website: https://mabilbrough.com/At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and...2021-10-0120 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 subject and object questionsWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Hello, and today I'm going to talk to you about subject and object questions. Questions with and without inversion and auxiliaries: do, does or did. And I'm going to explain just a little, because I think this is revision really rather than a full explanation. I will also tell you a very old Nasreddin story called The Dinner Party with some examples of these questions types.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises...2021-09-2911 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 On my balconyWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.In the series of vocabulary about the house, this week you can listen to vocabulary about my balcony, and views from it - interesting collocations about the things you find there and use. Audio script at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-34.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy2021-09-2708 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 The Tudor Conspiracy (chapter 1)Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The Tudor Conspiracy (first chapter) a book for students progressing from B1 to B2 English, which can be listened to with the book available on all Amazon platforms. This week we learn about Isabel, the university student from Seville and how she found her job in the strange little antique bookshop in London.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel f...2021-09-2420 minPractising EnglishB1 B2 News - The La Palma VolcanoWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is about the recent events in La Palma island where a volcano has erupted and destroyed much property and land. This podcast for practising English will use example of the passive voice. If you go to https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-32.htm, you can read the audio script and see the examples of the passive. At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/M...2021-09-2210 minPractising EnglishB2 Formal and informal English 3Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Formal and informal English is the third in this series and follows episode 13 and episode 26. In this episode I talk about the formal language of complaints and how we need formal language to express strong opinions so that the reader takes notice. I'll also mention how literary language also sounds more formal. At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for l...2021-09-2013 minPractising EnglishB2/C1 short story - The man who could work Miracles 4Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.This is the final episode of H.G. Wells short story. Today Mr Fotheringay's miracles go catastrophically wrong. Find out the terrible things that happen in this last part of the story - find out how all of Mankind is destroyed...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy...2021-09-1718 minPractising EnglishB2+ C1 Household tools and their idiomsWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Discussing the names of common tools we have at home, hammer, screws, nails, saw and drill etc. and looking at the idiomatic and metaphorical use of these words in English.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2...2021-09-1520 minPractising EnglishB1/B2 Bathroom vocabularyWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Not just words from the bathroom like, soap, towel and toothbrush but also useful idioms and collocations about what we do in the bathroom. Listen to me giving you a tour around my bathroom and learn expressions like "have a nice soak in the bath" and "scrub your back".At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2...2021-09-1308 minPractising EnglishB2/C1 short story - The man who could work Miracles 3Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The third episode of H.G. Wells' The Man who could Work Miracles (part 3). The language of this short story has been adapted a little for learners of English at B2 and C1 levels. This week Mr Fotheringay demonstrates the miracles he is able to do but Mr Maydig is already thinking that he could do a lot more than turn a vase of flowers into a bowl of fish...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help...2021-09-1015 minPractising EnglishB1/B2 Formal and informal English 2Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.And this is the second episode about formal and informal English - how to identify the formal and informal words and how to use them. And when we use them. This is a follow-up of podcast 13 on formal and informal English. I'll talk about word and sentence length and why these structures may sound more formal.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/2021-09-0813 minPractising EnglishB2 Future perfect and future continuousWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Today I'm going to talk to you about future continuous and future perfect. And what I would like to do is to try to put them into context for you with tenses and aspects of tenses that you already know such as present perfect and present continuous etc. You'll see that they all function in the same way - the only difference being that each is placed in a different time zone...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer...2021-09-0610 minPractising EnglishB2/C1 short story - The man who could work Miracles 2Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The second episode of H.G. Wells' The Man who could Work Miracles (part 2). The language of this short story has been adapted a little for learners of English at B2 and C1 levels. This week Mr Fotheringay gets into trouble with working miracles so he goes to ask for advice from the local priest.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My...2021-09-0317 minPractising EnglishB2 - Speaking exam practice - holidaysWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.I'm going to talk about walking holidays and make a comparison with the popular beach holiday. This is useful practice for the long-turn monologue of IELTS speaking test or the discussion part with your partner in the Cambridge exam.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is...2021-09-0115 minPractising EnglishB1 Zero and first conditionalsWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.B1 / EELTS 4.5. Zero and first conditionals, the structure, how to use them and real-life examples of the conditional usage for listening practice and with audio script.See my new graded reader novel for B1 and B2 level students: The Tudor Conspiracy...See the audioscript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-22.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel...2021-08-3009 minPractising EnglishB2/C1 short story - The man who could work Miracles 1Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Short story in English by H.G. Wells in four parts with updated language so to be useful for learners of English but still in the H.G. Wells style. Part 1 - Mr Fotheringay finds out he has a special gift - he can work miracles.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called 2021-08-2717 minPractising EnglishB1/B2 IELTS 5 Kitchen vocabularyWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.A visit to my kitchen and a description of the utensils you'll find there, the expressions used and also some related food vocabulary too.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2Nhttps://amzn.to/33Axu2...2021-08-2513 minPractising EnglishB1/B2 Direct and indirect questionsWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.I'm going to talk to you about indirect questions. In fact, I'm going to talk to you about direct questions as well. So what is a direct question? Well, an example is, What is the time, please? Now, an indirect question has a little phrase before the direct question. Something like, Could you tell me what the time is, please? At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, g...2021-08-2310 minPractising EnglishB1/B2 IELTS 6 A nice cup of teaWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.The history of Britain's favourite drink and some useful vocabulary about how to make a nice cup of tea.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2Nhttps://amzn.to/33Axu2NBe back...2021-08-2013 minPractising EnglishB1 / IELTS 5 Funny story Mr Bates and his hammerWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.A funny story using vocabulary connected with a doctor's surgery and also some basic tools we use at home and the grammar point about present perfect continuous for actions that begin in the past and are still continuing.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see...2021-08-1811 minPractising EnglishB2 English - extreme adjectivesWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.And today I'm going to talk to you about extreme adjectives. And also about the adverbs that qualify them or that go with them. So what do I mean by extreme adjectives? Well, we could divide the adjectives into two groups. Those adjectives which are gradable, we say, by gradable, we mean that those adjectives can be less or more. At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning p...2021-08-1610 minPractising EnglishB1 practice - come and goWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Hello. And today I'm going to talk about two verbs go and come. Now, they're very common and very simple verbs, aren't they? Well, they do have complications in their use for learners of English. Let's talk about them.At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor...2021-08-1308 minPractising EnglishB2 - Cycling and bicycle vocabularyWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Today, I'm going to talk about language around the bicycle. When you get on your bicycle, you say you push off, you push off and you start pedalling. Isn't it lovely to go out on your bicycle on a sunny day, when it's not too hot, not too cold? At the moment, I'm cycling along the river - along by the side of the river. Now, I think the first thing we could talk about is the all the d...2021-08-1110 minPractising EnglishB1/B2 Formal and informal EnglishWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Hello, and today I'm going to talk about the difference between formal and informal English. Now, it's very important to be able to distinguish between formal and informal English. Why? Well, if we are being too informal in circumstances which require more formality, well, we could get ourselves into trouble. And the other way around as well. If we are too formal with people who are expecting us to be much more informal, well, then we may sound a little bit pompous. At h...2021-08-0911 minPractising EnglishB1 - Without a Tie - funny story in EnglishWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Montague Pilkinson was flying over the desert one day when the engine of his little plane suddenly broke down. It made that sort of noise as engines do when they start to go wrong. The plane then suddenly started to drop out of the sky - nose first, down, down down it went...At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/2021-08-0613 minPractising EnglishB2 Hypothesizing in EnglishWrite to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.Hello, and today, I'm going to talk to you about hypothesizing in English, or making hypotheses. So what do we mean by hypothesize? Well, it means that we talk about things that we would like to be true, but they seem impossible. So they're similar in a way to conditional sentences, like the second conditional. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-11.htmAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning...2021-08-0408 minPractising EnglishB2 talking about big numbers - millions etc.Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.And today we're going to talk about very large numbers, how to use them. And also an interesting article about outer space. Now, when we talk about numbers, I mean, large numbers, hundreds, thousands, millions, [billions] and trillions. Well, we usually use them in the singular. So we say a million, or 1 million, 2 million, two million five hundred thousand, several million. So we don't put the s on the end of these large...2021-08-0210 min