This is the text for the B1 story today:

A brief meeting at Christmas

It was two days before Christmas, and Lucas, a sixteen-year-old boy, was feeling rather lonely. His parents were busy at work, and his older sister was studying in London. To pass the time, Lucas decided to take a walk through the snowy park. Everything was quiet and peaceful, and the trees were covered in white.

As he walked, he noticed a small brown glove lying on a bench. It looked new, so Lucas picked it up. ‘Maybe someone lost it,’ he thought. It was made of leather with a small silver chain on the back, and looked valuable. He looked around and saw a girl about his age standing under some pine trees. She was well-dressed, her clothes seemed a little old-fashioned. She seemed worried, so Lucas went up to her.

‘Hi, is this your glove?’ he asked. The girl’s face suddenly shone. ‘Yes! Thank you. I thought it was gone forever.’ When he looked at her face, he noticed she had a beauty that was unforgettable. They started talking, and soon they were laughing. They made a snowman together, which was the handsomest one Lucas had ever made.

Before leaving, the girl said, ‘Come to the Christmas market tomorrow. I’ll be at the hot chocolate stall. I run it with my mother.’ Lucas agreed and went home – a smile on his face.

The next day, he arrived early at the market. He looked for the girl, but she wasn’t there. There wasn’t a chocolate stall either. When he asked an elderly woman about her who sold woolly cardigans, the woman looked surprised.

‘There hasn’t been a hot chocolate stall here for years,’ she said. ‘There used to be one, I remember. But I was a child then. It was set up by a lady and her daughter every Christmas. Pretty girl, the daughter. She died of typhus, poor thing, at just about Christmas time if I remember correctly.’

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 pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

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

This is a B2 recording today with a story for you to enjoy...

Christmas cheer

I’m standing in a peaceful, wealthy suburb a few miles from Bristol city centre. Without doubt, It’s going to be a white Christmas, or rather it is already a white Christmas thanks to a generous amount of snow that has fallen on this Christmas Eve. The quiet, snowy road has a number of luxury cars parked on either side, and on my right and left stand those sort of houses, or should I call them mansions, the whole world would love to own: large, spacious, attractive stone, sloping grey roofs, leafy gardens - front, back and sides, and a broad driveway to park an expensive SUV. If I take a glance through the windows, I can just make out flashing lights from Christmas trees and decorations.

A car pulls up outside a house. A couple get out. They open the boot and in the soft illumination of the street lamps I can see they take out some colourful boxes - Christmas presents. The front door of the house is pushed open. Three children dash out into the snow in their slippers laughing excitedly. They’re hugged by the two adults. The parents appear at the door shouting warm greetings. Everybody is laughing and chatting. They all disappear inside the house. A silence falls over the houses again as the front door shuts.

I hear voices to my right over the soft snow. To the best of my knowledge, they’re a group of carol singers making their way to a house on the other side of the road. Some are still singing. They’re wrapped up warm in thick coats, furry boots and woollen scarves. Some are holding sticks with candles burning still. I hear a girl make a comment: something about how hungry she is - the others agree enthusiastically. Another door is opened by a man in an apron, and they all make their way up the steps singing and shouting “Merry Christmas”. Again, the door shuts and all that happiness and laughter is shut in – as though something exclusive to a privileged few,

Who am I? And what am I doing out in the snow on such a special night? I should be with family, friends, and loved ones. It would be a sad Christmas Eve indeed if I were alone here, outside in the cold, no food, unloved, forgotten, probably even rejected by most who saw me. How many like me are out in the cold when it seems the whole world around is w

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 pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

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

This is the story text I'll be using with the B1 words in bold:

White Christmas

Steve Matlock worked in a car factory in Bristol. Every day at lunch, he sat in the canteen with his colleagues. They had discussions about their families, their aims, and their dreams. It was Christmas Eve, and the canteen felt warm and cheerful.

“What are you doing for Christmas, Steve?” one colleague asked.

Steve smiled politely. “I intend to spend Christmas with my brothers and sisters in Bath,” he said. “It will be lively and fun. The kids play games all day long.”

His colleagues smiled, happy for him. But when the day ended and everyone went home, Steve walked slowly back to his small flat. Nobody was expecting him. He had no brothers, no sisters—no family at all. He would spend Christmas on his own, as usual.

When Steve got up on Christmas morning, he felt the silence in the flat. He looked out of the window and stopped. There was thick snow covering the whole city, shining white as the morning sun came out. For a moment, he forgot about being lonely.

He put on his thick coat and gloves and stepped outside. The snow sounded under his boots. Children were laughing - throwing snowballs and making snowmen, people were greeting neighbours, and the city was shiny and bright.

“As long as I can enjoy moments like this,” he thought to himself, “maybe things aren’t so bad after all.”

The greatest gift is friendship and the company of those we love, yet a close second is knowing how to be happy when we are alone.

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 pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

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

This is the formal conversation studied today:

“Beginning morning food consuming cycle,” said the father as he entered the kitchen. “Please gather at the table for an efficient distribution of resources.”

Mother replied, “Indeed, I have organised a balancedcombination of carbohydrates and proteins, which should provide ideal operating for the day.”

The ten-year-old entered next. “Parents, I request information regarding today’s academic schedule. My timetable indicates elementary programming, and logical calculation.”

The fifteen-year-old followed. “You have not interpreted the data inaccurately. I, however, will participate in advanced algorithmic reasoning, and the completion of two complex projects.”

Father asked, “Do you require additional data input before departure?”

“Negative,” said the younger child. “The information previously provided is sufficient for maximum efficiency.”

Mother directed her attention towards the older child. “Have you reviewed the regulations for your institution’s examinations?”

“Affirmative. I have memorised all content. There is no prediction of error.”

Father sat at the table. “The tasks at my place of occupation will involve machine precision processes.”

Mother added, “And I will contribute to the coordination of instructional software. My schedule is densely arranged but entirely manageable.”

A distant mechanical sound approached the house.

Father spoke again, “The transport vehicle has arrived. Prepare for collection.”

The kitchen door opened, and a lorry stopped outside. A human driver stepped inside the house.

“Right, time to load you all up. Headquarters wants you there early.”

His colleague entered behind him. “Kids too. Their programming school starts in an hour.”

The father, mother, and children stood simultaneously.

“Affirmative,” they said together.

They walked outside one behind the other, and the humans guided the android family onto the waiting lorry.

See on https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-277.htm

Support the show

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 pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

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

Here is the text we are studying today.

The Best Way to Learn a New Language

If you want to build confidence in English language speaking, rather than silent study, choose conversation activities instead. And try writing short messages instead of only memorising vocabulary lists.

Practice speaking whenever you find someone willing to talk, and use new words wherever you go. It does not matter whether the conversations are long or short; every moment helps.

Keep studying, unless you are feeling extremely tired, because rest is also important for learning. You will improve since your brain becomes more familiar with patterns over time. Continue your daily habits until you can hold a simple conversation. You will notice real progress as soon as you use the language in real-life situations. Your pronunciation should also improve as long as the speakers you listen to speak correctly.

Support the show

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 pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

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

B2 conjunctions

City Life Compared to Country Life

Many people wonder whether they would be happier living in the city or in the countryside. City life offers a fast rhythm and many opportunities, and it can be exciting, though it often feels crowded and noisy. Some people imagine that they would enjoy the peace of rural areas, when, in fact, they admit they enjoy the crowds and the lively lifestyle a city provides.

Life in the countryside is usually quieter, whereas cities are full of cultural events, restaurants and shops. You can find something to do at almost any hour in a big city, while the countryside may seem limited in activities for some people. Still, country life gives you space to breathe, or at least more contact with nature than you would normally have in a city.

Moving from one place to the other can completely change your routine. Now that many people can work remotely, living outside the city has become easier. You may enjoy a healthier lifestyle provided that you don’t mind longer distances to services and entertainment.

Some people say they would choose the countryside if they had grown up in a big city. Others prefer the city once they have tried living in a small village, discovering they miss the energy and convenience that urban life provides. The best choice depends on the stage where you are in your life and what you value most.

Support the show

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 pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

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

This is part 1 of my TWO podcasts on B1 linkers: The text for today is:

Many people want to learn a new language, yet they often wonder what method works best. One helpful idea is to treat the language as you would a musical instrument, practising regularly. Learning can also happen as you travel or do other activities, as practice is important because it keeps the language fresh in your mind.

In addition, using a mix of reading, listening, and speaking gives you a balanced approach. In addition to lessons in a classroom or online, try watching films or listening to music in the target language. These activities help you hear natural expressions, although they can sometimes feel difficult, though you may not understand every word at first.

Despite these challenges, progress is possible in spite of busy schedules or limited resources. Try speaking with native speakers. You can do this in person or online.

Support the show

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 pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

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

Here is the text for the B2 story today:

Priorities

Steve was a talented guitarist who had spent years trying to make it big. When his band finally got an album deal, he felt his dreams were coming true. But his wife, Laura, was tired of being alone with their two children. One night, she told him enough was enough: 'Spend time with us, or you'd better leave. We can't go on like this.'

Steve didn’t know what to say. He loved Laura. He had fallen for her at once years ago. He'd come across a little night club where they played jazz, and she was sitting at the bar, and it was love at first sight.

But music was Steve's life. He promised he’d cut down on late-night rehearsals and tours, yet every time he tried, the band had a new music project to follow up.

Laura tried to clear up their communication problems, but Steve kept thinking he could get away with spending just a little more time away. Eventually, she stopped believing his excuses.

One night, sitting alone in his studio, Jake realised he couldn’t do without his family. He packed his guitar and went home, ready to get down to what really mattered—being a husband and a father. The world might forget his music, but at least he wouldn’t lose the people who had inspired it in the first place.

Support the show

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 pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

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