Practising English

M. A. Bilbrough
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Listening practice for learners of B1 intermediate and B2 upper-intermediate levels of British English. Learn British English by listening to stories. Original and exciting stories written for learners and students of British English. Practise and prepare for Cambridge: B1 PET Preliminary and FCE First Certificate exams. IELTS: level 4, level 5 and level 6. Includes English grammar explanations and practice exercises, examples of vocabulary use, phrasal verbs and collocations help, British English pronunciation practice, advice and help for passing B1 and B2 English examinations: Cambridge, IELTS and Trinity. Start practising and improving your British English listening, vocabulary and speaking levels today! 

  1. hace 2 d

    322. The Harmonica Players (full version) B2 story

    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 story 1. couldn't face Story 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 sudden Story 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 of Story 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 time Story sentence to listen for: From time to time , he gave harmonica lessons online…  Definition: Sometimes, but not regularly.  5. kept his eye out for Story 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 while Story 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 lifetime Story 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 of Story 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 meet Story 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 of Story sentence to listen for: Jeffrey had a strong dislike of mobile phones.  Definition: To strongly dislike someone or something.  11. behind bars Story sentence to listen for: They should be behind bars .  Definition: In prison.  12. gazed out of Story 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. foreigners Story 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 English Story 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 to Story 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. primarily Story sentence to listen for: In contrast to the London area, Oxted was primarily a small town of white people.  Definition: Mainly or mostly.  17. respectable Story 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. upbringing Story 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. distrusted Story 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 granted Story 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 play Story 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 dishonesty Story 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. discourage Story 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 name Story 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.  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 ...

  2. 4 ago

    321. The Visitors (full version) B2 story

    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 ...

  3. 28 jul

    320. Bully! (B1 short story)

    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 ...

  4. 21 jul

    319. The Hole (complete story) B2 level

    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 ...

  5. 15 jul

    318. Treasure Island (chapter 15) B1 story

    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 ...

  6. 8 jul

    317. Dracula (extract 1) B2 story

    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 reviewing all the documents, I have come to this conclusion. Example 2: How did the police come to this conclusion without any real proof? conscious of Definition: Noticing something, or being aware that something exists or is happening. Example 1: She was conscious of the fact that everyone in the room was looking at her. Example 2: You need to be more conscious of how much money you spend each week. out of nowhere Definition: Very suddenly and unexpectedly, without any warning. Example 1: A dog ran out of nowhere and nearly hit my bicycle. Example 2: It started raining out of nowhere while we were having a picnic in the park. grab hold of Definition: To take or hold something or someone firmly with your hand. Example 1: Make sure you grab hold of the railing while walking down the stairs. Example 2: The little child grabbed hold of his mother's coat so he would not get lost. every single one Definition: All of them, used to emphasize each individual item or person in a group. Example 1: I have watched every single one of the movies in this series. Example 2: Every single one of my classmates passed the final exam. as far as I know Definition: Used to say what you think is true, based on the information you have. Example 1: As far as I know, the local library is closed on Sundays. Example 2: The meeting is still happening at two o'clock, as far as I know. 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 ...

  7. 30 jun

    316. Treasure Island (chapter 14) B1 story

    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: Going to the beach this weekend sounds like a fantastic idea!  I heard a strange noise outside last night that sounded like a cat.  3) about to Definition: Ready to do something very soon, or very close to happening.  Examples: Hurry up and get in the car! The train is about to leave.  I was just about to call you when your text message arrived. 4) for hours Definition: For a very long period of time.  Examples: We had to wait at the airport for hours because our flight was late.  My brother can play video games for hours without taking a single break.  5) get worse Definition: To become more bad, difficult, or painful than before.  Examples: If your cold gets worse tomorrow, you should definitely see a doctor.  The traffic in the city center always gets worse around 5:00 PM.  6) dozens of Definition: A very large number of things or people (usually groups of twelve, but used generally to mean "a lot of").  Examples: There were dozens of people standing in line to buy the new phone.  She has dozens of beautiful plants all over her apartment. 7) take a deep breath Definition: To fill your lungs with a lot of air, usually to help yourself relax, calm down, or feel better.  Examples: Before the important job interview started, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves.  Just take a deep breath and explain to me what happened. 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 ...

  8. 23 jun

    315. The Importance of Being Earnest 2 (B2 level)

    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 match, but in any case, the team must adapt if they want to reach the semi-finals. 3) demand (verb) After that terrible performance against Canada, millions of fans back home demand that the manager changes his tactics for the next round. Spanish supporters demand beautiful, attacking football, so we cannot just defend a 1-0 lead. 4) no guarantee Even though we have a fantastic squad this year, there is no guarantee that we will defeat a strong team like Argentina. Winning our group easily gives us confidence, but it offers no guarantee that we will survive a penalty shootout in the knockout stage. 5) relevant Past defeats against Germany are not relevant to this young squad; they are only focused on making history in 2026. Having experience in big Champions League finals is highly relevant for our players during a high-pressure World Cup tournament. 6) As for... The defense looked solid today, but as for our strikers, they missed too many clear chances in front of the goal. I’ve already bought my match tickets for the group stage, but as for the final in New York, the flights are just too expensive. 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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Información

Listening practice for learners of B1 intermediate and B2 upper-intermediate levels of British English. Learn British English by listening to stories. Original and exciting stories written for learners and students of British English. Practise and prepare for Cambridge: B1 PET Preliminary and FCE First Certificate exams. IELTS: level 4, level 5 and level 6. Includes English grammar explanations and practice exercises, examples of vocabulary use, phrasal verbs and collocations help, British English pronunciation practice, advice and help for passing B1 and B2 English examinations: Cambridge, IELTS and Trinity. Start practising and improving your British English listening, vocabulary and speaking levels today! 

Ficha técnica

  • Creado por
    M. A. Bilbrough
  • Años en activo
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodios
    322
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Derechos de autor
    © 2026 M. A. Bilbrough
  • Sitio web del podcast
    Practising English

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