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. 15h ago

    Treasure Island (chapter 13) B1 story

    These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today! See full story audioscript here with B1 words highlighted: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-314.htm 1. Take care of. Definition: To look after someone or something and make sure they have what they need.  I need to take care of my little brother while my parents are at work.Please take care of your new books and do not lose them.2. Alive. Definition: Living and not dead.  We found a small bird in the garden, and it was still alive.My grandfather is 90 years old, but he is very active and very much alive.3. Recover. Definition: To get better after an illness or an injury.  It took her three weeks to recover from the bad cold.The athlete needs to rest and recover before the next big game.4. Explanation. Definition: The reasons you give to make something clear or easy to understand.  The teacher gave a clear explanation of the math problem.He did not have a good explanation for being late to class.5. Make up one's mind. Definition: To make a decision or choose what to do.  I cannot make up my mind about which movie to watch tonight.She finally made up her mind and bought the blue jacket.6. By hand. Definition: Made or done by a person using their hands, not using a machine.  My grandmother makes all of her beautiful sweaters by hand.In the past, people had to wash all their clothes by hand.7. Instead of. Definition: In the place of someone or something else.  I will have water instead of juice with my lunch.We decided to walk to the park instead of taking 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 ...

    25 min

  2. Jun 9

    313. The Importance of Being Earnest (B2 story)

    These are the B2 phrases I'll be studying today: (See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-313.htm as far as sth is concerned Definition: When talking about a particular subject or issue.  Example:  As far as money is concerned, we need to be careful. a misunderstanding Definition: A situation in which people do not understand each other correctly.  Example: The argument started because of a misunderstanding.what on earth...! / why on earth...! Definition: Used to show strong surprise, confusion, or annoyance.  Example: What on earth are you doing here at midnight? I thought you were in bed!flirt Definition: To behave in a way that shows romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a playful way.  Example: He was flirting with a woman at the party.be devoted to Definition: To be very loyal to, committed to, or focused on someone or something.  Example: She is devoted to her family. She visits them every week.clear up the question of Definition: To explain or solve something that is unclear or uncertain.  Example: The meeting helped clear up the question of who was responsible. (See: misunderstanding)make out (find the answer to)  Definition: To understand, discover, or find the answer to something that is difficult.  Example: I couldn't make out what the reason was Dave getting upset at the party.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 ...

    33 min

  3. Jun 2

    312. Treasure Island (chapter 12) B1 Story

    These are the B1 phrases we're going to study today: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-312.htm  1. after a while Definition: after some time has passed  Example: We talked for a while , and after a while we went home.   2. on purpose Definition: intentionally; not by accident  Example: John broke his mobile phone on purpose so his parents would buy him a new one.   3. put out (a fire)  Definition: to stop a fire from burning  Example: There was a fire in our kitchen. Fortunately, the fire brigade arrived soon put out the fire quickly.   4. hurry up Definition: to do something more quickly  Example: Hurry up , or we will miss the bus.   5. help yourself Definition: take something for yourself if you want it  Example: There are some biscuits on the table. Help yourself to some.   6. lend a hand Definition: to help someone with something Example: Can you lend me a hand with these boxes?  7. knock something/somebody down Definition: (a building) to destroy a building; (a person) to hit someone so they fall, often with a vehicle  Example: They knocked down the old factory and built a park there.  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

  4. May 27

    311. The Adventure of the Western Star (part 2) B2 story

    These are the B2 phrasal verbs we're studying today: For full stiry transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-311.htm 1. Turn up (Meaning: To arrive or appear) "We wrapped up the meeting early because the client didn't turn up on time." 2. Get away (Meaning: To escape or evade capture) "The thieves managed to get away before the security guards could lock the building down." 3. Deal with (Meaning: To handle or take action on a problem) "Don't worry about the scheduling conflict; our manager will deal with it first thing tomorrow." 4. Turn to (Meaning: To face someone or look to them for answers/help) "When the map failed us, I turned to a local resident to ask for directions." 5. Fall for (Meaning: To fall deeply in love with someone) "He was incredibly charming, so it didn't take long for her to fall for him completely." 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

  5. May 19

    310. Treasure Island (chapter 11) B1 story

    These are the B1 expressions we'll study today: For full story audio script: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-310.htm 1) just in case Definition: to be prepared if something happens. Take an umbrella just in case it rains. 2) get ready Definition: to prepare for something. We need to get ready for school. 3) come to an agreement Definition: to decide something together after talking. After two hours, they came to an agreement. 4) I must admit Definition: I say something honestly, even if it is difficult or surprising. I must admit, the movie was very good. 5) raised his voice Definition: spoke louder, often because of anger. The teacher raised his voice to stop the noise. 6) regret that decision Definition: feel sorry about a choice you made. She regrets that decision 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 ...

    24 min

  6. May 13

    309. Adventure of the Western Star (B2 story) Part 1

    These are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today: For audioscript see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-309.htm peculiar Definition: strange or unusual in a way that is interesting or surprising. Examples: There was a peculiar smell coming from the kitchen. worrying Definition: making you feel anxious or concerned. Examples: The doctor said the test results were worrying. playing a joke on Definition: tricking someone in a funny way for amusement. Examples: My brother was playing a joke on me by hiding my phone. strangely enough Definition: surprisingly or in an unusual way. Examples: Strangely enough, I met my old teacher in another country. unclear about Definition: not understanding something well or not being certain about it. Examples: She is still unclear about the homework instructions. at all costs Definition: no matter what difficulties or dangers there are. Examples: He wanted to win the game at all costs. I was standing by the window in Poirot’s apartment, watching the busy London street below. 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

  7. May 4

    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

  8. 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
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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
    314
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 M. A. Bilbrough
  • Show Website
    Practising English

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