The Harmonica Players. The story of two people who are very different from each other, yet there is something that unites them.

Words and expressions discussed in the podcast:

bedsit - accommodation, which is very basic, and is usually just one room.
meter - a machine you put money into which controls the amount of electricity is consumed.

- Somehow, he couldn’t face starting his day without a hot shower

- All of a sudden, the ceiling light, television, fridge and electric heater all came on* at once.

- work as a musician had been difficult to get hold of

- From time to time, he gave harmonica lessons online…

- Martin always kept his eye out for a job that he could do.

- Every once in a while, he’d found work doing what he really loved

- a chance of a lifetime

- he dropped out of college

- struggling to make ends meet

- Jeffrey had a strong dislike of mobile phones

- They should be behind bars.

- [She] gazed out of the window at the daffodils in the snow

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-188.htm

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/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

This is a B1 and B2 level podcast with a new story about the ages of Man. (See link to audioscript of story below.)

B1 words discussed:
sunrise
landscape
valleys
scenery
waterfall
cave
the cool shade
setting sun (sunset)
B2 words discussed
youth
bounced along
life was a gift, which he would grab for himself
make the most of
the lines around his eyes
a bald area
mature
his body was curved and bent
slow, clumsy and tired
leaned awkwardly
his old legs struggling to make the final steps

To see full transcript, visit my website:
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-187.htm

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/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

I'm listing below the phrases I explain in the audio.

This is a B1-level story. Below, are the phrases I explain from the story.

Vocabulary expressions for the story

Today's story is B1 level. I'm listing below the phrases I explain in the audio.

The point of this podcast is to explain that the language you use in your speaking exam must sound authentic.

These are the B1 expressions I suggest you use in the speaking:

some kind of - when you are describing something, or identifying something

That must be... I suppose - this means you are quite sure what something is

very fond of - like

I've changed my mind - I don't agree with what I said before

I think that's a... isn't it? - easy to use question tag

Good point! - You have said something which I agree with

keen on - like

It's difficult to please everybody - to please means to make somebody happy

I mean, - say this to explain something you have said in a better way, or add more information

See the picture and transcript for the speaking test at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-186.htm

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/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)