Practising English

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

These are the words we'll be studying in this B1 podcast today. To see the full audioscript of the story, you can go to my website at: 

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-300.htm

 ·  Set off – We set off early in the morning to start our trip to the mountains. 

 ·  Join in – Everyone was dancing, so I decided to join in and have fun. 

 ·  Reliable and efficient – Our new computer system is reliable and efficient, so we finish work faster. 

 ·  Charming – The waiter was very charming ; he chatted with us during the meal and made us laugh. 

 ·  Recover from – It took her two weeks to recover from the flu, but she’s a lot better 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 ...

These are the B2 words we'll study today. You can also find the story transcript with B2 words highligted at:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-299.htm

 ·  in amusement 
She laughed in amusement when she saw the puppy trying to catch its own tail. 

 ·  boast 
He likes to boast about his achievements, even when no one asks him about them. 

 ·  deliberately 
She deliberately ignored his message because she was still upset with him. 

 ·  cross somebody's mind 
It never crossed my mind that I might fail the exam. 

 ·  costly 
Buying a new car can be a costly decision if you don’t plan your budget carefully. 

 ·  take a deep breath 
Before speaking in front of the audience, she took a deep breath to calm her nerves. 

 ·  spin 
The child watched the coin spin on the table until it slowly fell on its side. 

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 ...

Here is the B1 vocabulary for today's Treasure Island chapter:

1)     close up

2)     show somebody in

3)     have one’s doubts

4)     keen on / fond of

5)     dislike

6)     not be convinced

7)     give somebody a hand

 The Hispaniola was waiting out at sea, not near the land but a little way out. We rowed out in a small boat among many big ships. Their ropes hung down in the water, and sometimes they touched our boat. I had never seen a ship so close up before and was amazed at their size and beauty . At last, we came next to our ship and climbed on board...

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 ...

The vocabulary and story transcript to today's B2 story:

https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-297.htm

 1.     define 
It is sometimes difficult to define success, because it means different things to different people. 

 2.     an act of will 
Finishing the marathon after injuring his ankle was purely an act of will. 

 3.     upside down 
When I turned the map upside down, I finally realized I had been reading it the wrong way. 

 4.     What on earth happened? 
The kitchen was covered in flour and broken plates—what on earth happened while I was out? 

 5.     something daring 
She decided to do something daring and quit her stable job to start her own business. 

 6.     stare in disbelief 
He could only stare in disbelief when he saw his small village on the international news. 

 7.     Don’t talk nonsense! 
Don’t talk nonsense! Of course you can pass the exam if you prepare properly. 

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 ...