Practising English

M. A. Bilbrough
  • 5.0 (4)
  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. 2D AGO

    308. Treasure Island - chapter 10 (B1 story)

    These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today: See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-308.htm 1) on one's own Definition: alone, without help from others Example: ·     She lives on her own in a small flat.  2) of one's own Definition: something that belongs only to a person Example: ·     He wants a room of his own.  3) in the end Definition: finally, after everything Example: ·     In the end, we chose the blue dress.  4) backwards and forwards Definition: moving or repeating in both directions; very well learned Example: ·     The child walked backwards and forwards in the room.  5) keep somebody busy Definition: give someone enough work or activity Example: ·     This project will keep her busy all week.  6) get together Definition: meet with other people Examples: ·     We get together every Friday night.  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 ...

    28 min

  2. APR 29

    307. Cowboy (B2 story) Part 2

    These are the B2 expressions we're going to study today. For full transcript of the story, you can go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-307.htm 1) take the blame Definition: to accept that you are responsible for something bad that happened.  I took the blame for the mistake at work.2) make for Definition: to move in a particular direction or go toward a place.  After dinner, we made for the exit.3) catch up Definition: to reach the same level as someone else or to get up to date.  I need to catch up on my homework.4) think something through Definition: to consider something carefully before making a decision.  You should think it through before you answer.5) figure something out Definition: to understand or find the answer to something.  I can’t figure out this question.6) push oneself Definition: to make yourself work harder or go beyond your limits.  He pushed himself to finish the race.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 ...

    29 min

  3. APR 22

    306. Treasure Island - chapter 9 (B1 story)

    These are the B1 phrases we are going to study today. To read the full transcript of the story, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-306.htm Non-B1 words from this chapter of Treasure Island: cannibals - humans who eat the meat of other humans shipwreck - a ship which has been destroyed at sea cannon - a large gun used in ships to shoot at other ships Union Jack - the flag of the United Kingdom B1 words and expressions: unknown – something that is not known or not familiar  face to face – meeting someone in person, not online or by phone  to my great surprise – I was very surprised  with great interest – with a lot of attention and curiosity  tell me the truth – say what is real and honest  ever since – from a time in the past until now 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 ...

    28 min

  4. APR 15

    305. Cowboy (B2 story) Part 1

    Here is the B2 vocabulary I'll be studying today. The link takes you to see the audioscript. https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-305.htm 1) Reckon Definition: To think or believe that something is true or will happen. Example Sentence: I reckon it is going to rain this afternoon, so we should probably bring our umbrellas. 2) Head (verb) Definition: To go or move in a particular direction. Example Sentence: After the movie ends, we are going to head back towards the city center for some dinner. 3) Take for granted Definition: To expect that someone or something will always be available and therefore fail to show that you are grateful for them. Example Sentence: It is easy to take it for granted that there will always be clean water in the house. 4) What the hell Definition: A phrase used to describe an extremely bad experience or to express surprise or anger. Example Sentence: What the hell happened to my car? I only left it parked here for ten minutes! 5) In the meantime Definition: During the period of time while something else is happening. Example Sentence: The doctor will see you in twenty minutes; in the meantime, please wait in the reception area. 6) Understanding (empathetic) Definition: Showing sympathy for someone else's problems or situation. Example Sentence: My teacher was very understanding when I explained why I couldn't finish my homework on time. 7) Under the circumstances Definition: Considering the particular facts or events of a situation. Example Sentence: We didn't win the match, but under the circumstances of having two injured players, we played quite well. 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 ...

    28 min

  5. APR 8

    304. Treasure Island - chapter 8 (B1 story)

    These are the B1 words and expressions we'll be looking at today:  https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-304.htm 1) Binomial pairs Neat and tidy (meaning: clean, organized) Example: She keeps her bedroom incredibly neat and tidy. Sick and tired (meaning: very annoyed/bored of something) Example: I am sick and tired of this cold weather. Short and sweet (meaning: quick but pleasant) Example: The meeting was short and sweet, which everyone appreciated. Story: The ship, the Hispaniola, was moving up and down on the sea. up and down 2) Paired synonyms The island looked dull and miserable 3) I was certain I couldn't stand Treasure Island. 4) The place was surrounded by trees 5) a chance = opportunity Let’s give the men a chance to go ashore. 6) at once = immediately The men cheered loudly and forgot about being angry at once. 7) I would rather lose my hand than not do my duty! 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 ...

    27 min

  6. APR 1

    303. The Count of Monte Cristo (extract) B2 Story

    These are the B2 phrases we are going to study in today's podcast: thinking twice Definition: Considering a decision carefully or hesitating before doing something. Example: I saw the cat in the tree and, without thinking twice , I climbed up to save it. lose his nerve Definition: To suddenly become afraid or lose the courage to do something intended. Example: He wanted to go skydiving, but he lost his nerve as soon as he looked out of the plane door. it crossed his mind Definition: To have a sudden or brief thought about something. Example: It never crossed my mind that I might actually win the competition. switch Definition: An act of changing or swapping one thing for another. Example: We made a switch at the last minute and went to the cinema instead of the park. rip open Definition: To tear something open quickly and forcefully. Example: He was so excited that he ripped open the present in seconds. shiver Definition: To shake slightly because of cold, fear, or excitement. Example: The cold wind made me shiver as I waited for the bus. 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 ...

    26 min

  7. MAR 25

    302. Treasure Island - chapter 7 (B1 story)

    Read the audioscript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-302.htm These are the words studied today: 1) take a good look at Definition: to look at something carefully 2) for sure Definition: definitely; without doubt 3) what’s on your mind Definition: what you are thinking or worrying about 4) sooner or later Definition: at some time in the future (not now, but eventually) 5) pay attention to Definition: to focus on something and listen or watch carefully Contact Mike Bilbrough with a 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 ...

    27 min

  8. MAR 18

    301. Anne of Green Gables (B2 story)

    These are the B2 words and phrases we will be studying today: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-301.htm 1) scared stiff Meaning: extremely frightened; so scared you cannot move Example: I was scared stiff when I heard a loud noise in the dark. 2) awkward Meaning: feeling uneasy, embarrassed, or not relaxed Example: I felt awkward when I didn’t know anyone at the party. 3) drop somebody off Meaning: to take someone to a place by car and leave them there Example: I will drop you off at the station on my way to work. 4) seize the opportunity Meaning: to take advantage of a good chance quickly Example: He seized the opportunity to study abroad. 5) might as well Meaning: used to suggest doing something because there is no better option Example: It’s raining, so we might as well stay at home. 6) talkative Meaning: someone who talks a lot Example: My little sister is very talkative with her friends. 7) eagerly Meaning: with excitement and strong interest Example: She eagerly opened her birthday present. 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 ...

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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! 

Information

  • Creator
    M. A. Bilbrough
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    308
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 M. A. Bilbrough
  • Show Website
    Practising English

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