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. 10H AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    311
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 M. A. Bilbrough
  • Show Website
    Practising English

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