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Thinking in English
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Thinking in English episodes
- 409. The World Map Is Changing (English Vocabulary Lesson)
The United Nations has recently voted to adopt a new world map. The UN now supports the Equal Earth map which tries to represent the relative size of continents and countries more accurately.
If you compare the Equal Earth projection with the traditional Mercator projection (I’ll explain these later in the episode, don’t worry), you will notice that Africa is much larger, Greenland and Antarctica are much smaller, and some countries have shifted slightly in their position.
So, why did the UN vote to change the map? And was the old map actually wrong?
Today, we're going to look at why our maps of the world look the way they do, why the famous Mercator projection has some major problems, what Equal Earth does differently, and whether it is possible to create a completely accurate map of the world.
And we will practice you English listening comprehension and learn some new vocabulary along the way!
Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/10/12/409-the-world-map-is-changing-english-vocabulary-lesson/
AD Free Episode - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast
INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
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Borough by Blue Dot Sessions
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25 min - 408. The Bayeux Tapestry (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Today, we’re going to talk about one of the most famous historical objects in the world: the Bayeux Tapestry.
The Bayeux Tapestry is a huge piece of embroidered cloth, about 70 metres long, covered with pictures showing kings, soldiers, ships, horses and battles. It was created almost 1,000 years ago and tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England in the year 1066.
The Bayeux Tapestry is in the news right now because it has travelled to Britain. The tapestry normally lives in the French town of Bayeux, but it is currently being displayed at the British Museum in London. This is the first time in nearly 1000 years that the tapestry returned to Britain.
What exactly happened in 1066? Who were the people fighting for the English throne? Why did the Normans invade England? And how reliable is the Bayeux Tapestry as a source of historical information?
Let’s talk about some British history while improving our English listening comprehension and learning some new vocabulary!
Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/10/05/408-the-bayeux-tapestry-english-vocabulary-lesson/
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Borough by Blue Dot Sessions
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26 min - 407. Is British Food Really Bad? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
British food has a bit of a reputation.
I’m sure that for a lot of you, the words “British food” brings to mind boiled vegetables, overcooked meat, greasy breakfasts, and meals that are, above all, rather bland. British cuisine is often compared unfavourably with the food of countries such as France, Italy, Spain, or Japan. There is a common idea that while other countries have sophisticated culinary traditions, Britain somehow missed out.
This stereotype is not completely new. British people themselves have made jokes about their country's food for years. British comedy is full of references to terrible meals.
But why exactly did this reputation develop? And is it actually true?
So, let's talk about British food while improving our English listening comprehension and learning some new vocabulary!
Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/09/28/407-is-british-food-really-bad-english-vocabulary-lesson/
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Borough by Blue Dot Sessions
Contact [email protected] to advertise on Thinking in English. Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 min - 406. Where Is the BEST Place to Study English? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Where is the best place to study English? Is it better to move to Britain, the US, or another English-speaking country, or can you learn just as effectively at home? Does studying in person produce better results than studying online?
Is a private one-to-one class better than a small group or a large class? What about structured lessons that teach grammar and vocabulary compared with conversation-focused classes?
In this episode, we’re going to look at the research behind these questions and try to work out what makes an English-learning environment effective. The goal of the episode is to explore what combination of place, teaching, interaction, and practice gives you the best chance of improving your English!
Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/09/21/406-where-is-the-best-place-to-study-english-english-vocabulary-lesson/
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Borough by Blue Dot Sessions
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30 min - 405. History of Singapore! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Singapore is one of the wealthiest and most modern countries in the world, but that wasn’t always the case.
Today, I want to discuss the history of Singapore. We'll look at its early role in Asian trade, British colonial rule, the Japanese occupation, independence, and its transformation into one of the world's richest and most developed countries.
We'll also explore the political and social model behind Singapore's success and ask whether its unique approach can continue into the future.
At the same time, we will learn some new vocabulary and practice our English listening comprehension at the same time.
Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/09/14/405-history-of-singapore-english-vocabulary-lesson/
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Borough by Blue Dot Sessions
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28 min - 404. What is Corruption? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
What is corruption?
Corruption or corrupt are words that I use quite often in my episodes… but what is corruption? What forms does it take? Why does corruption happen, what damage does it cause, and why can it be so difficult to stop?
In this episode, we are going to look at different types of corruption, the political and economic conditions that allow it to develop, and some of the consequences for ordinary people and society. We'll also look at three famous corruption scandals: the 1MDB scandal in Malaysia, the Siemens bribery scandal, and the huge corruption scandal that shook FIFA in 2015.
So, let's understand corruption while improving our English listening comprehension and learning some new vocabulary!
Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/09/07/404-what-is-corruption-english-vocabulary-lesson/
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Borough by Blue Dot Sessions
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31 min - 403. What is a Growth Mindset? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Some people see failure as proof that they aren’t good at something. Others see it as an opportunity to improve. Why?
Today I want to try and answer this question by thinking about “growth mindsets”. The growth mindset concept suggests that our abilities aren’t completely fixed, and that we can improve through practice and effort.
We are going to look at what a growth mindset means, how it affects learning, and why it can be particularly important when learning a language. And at the same time, we will practice our English listening comprehension and learn some new vocabulary!
Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/08/31/403-what-is-a-growth-mindset-english-vocabulary-lesson/
AD Free Episode - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
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INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
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Borough by Blue Dot Sessions
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25 min - 402. France is Bigger Than You Think! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Which country shares the longest border with France?
I think most people would say Spain. Spain is right next to France in Europe. Or perhaps you might have said Belgium, Switzerland, or Italy.
But the answer is actually Brazil. Yes, Brazil. France and Brazil share a border of more than 700 kilometres. The reason is French Guiana, a territory on the northeastern coast of South America which is officially part of France.
French Guiana isn't the only surprising part of France. France has territories and departments in the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific, and South America. People living in many of these places are French citizens. They can vote in French elections, use the euro, and in some cases are part of the European Union.
How did France end up with territory on several different continents? Why are these places still part of France, while many former British colonies became independent countries? And do the people living in these territories want to be French?
In this episode, we're going to explore Overseas France and learn some new English vocabulary along the way!
Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/08/24/402-france-is-bigger-than-you-think-english-vocabulary-lesson/
AD Free Episode - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
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Borough by Blue Dot Sessions
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34 min - 401. English Tests: Do They Improve Education? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
English tests are everywhere.
Many of you listening to this episode will have spent (or currently are spending) months preparing for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, and the Cambridge English qualifications. Passing a proficiency test is often required if you want to study abroad, qualify for a new job, or move to another country.
But do proficiency tests actually help you in your goal to become fluent in English? For some people, English exams provide a clear goal to motivate your study and offer a fair way to measure language ability. Others believe tests encourage memorisation, reward good test-taking rather than good communication, and turn English into just another school subject.
In today's episode, I want to explore the history of testing, why English has become one of the world's most tested subjects, and whether English proficiency exams actually improve education!
Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/08/17/401-english-tests-do-they-improve-education-english-vocabulary-lesson/
AD Free Episode - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
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Borough by Blue Dot Sessions
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27 min - 400. History of Rio de Janeiro! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Today I want to discuss the history of one of the most famous cities in South America: Rio de Janeiro.
Rio is a city that had become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is known for its colourful carnival celebrations, the Christ the Redeemer statue and white beaches, and of course its association with football and samba music.
Its history is also fascinating!
Today I want to discuss how the city got its names, became the centre of battles between European powers, grew into one of the largest slave ports in the world, and at one time was the only city in the America’s to be the capital of a European Empire. We’ll explore how the city built its fortunes based on gold and coffee, and the how the city has developed in the modern period.
And we’ll also practice your English listening comprehension and learn some new vocabulary at the same time!
Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/08/10/400-history-of-rio-de-janeiro-english-vocabulary-lesson/
AD Free Episode - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
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Borough by Blue Dot Sessions
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26 min
About Thinking in English
From the publisher's feed
Thinking in English is a podcast for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to do more than just study grammar and vocabulary.
I believe that thinking is one of the most important steps on the road to fluency. That’s why each episode explores fascinating topics, from politics, economics, and history to philosophy, science, and culture.
Instead of simply learning English, this podcast helps you learn in English. You’ll expand your knowledge, discover new ideas, and improve your language skills, all at the same time.
Bonus episodes and ad-free episodes, exclusive for Patreon subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/collection/869866
Join our Conversation Clubs and support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
Visit the website: https://thinkinginenglish.blog/
Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Contact [email protected] to advertise on Thinking in English.
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