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

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 script for today's B1 story:

The Sandwich Hero

In our town there used to be this chap, Tom. Every day, he sat near the market asking for coins or for a sandwich to eat. His clothes were dirty, and his hair was messy, I noticed he smelled a bit too. People didn’t pay him much attention. I couldn’t say I was fond of him, but I did feel sorry for him. He looked a bit depressed. I wondered if he’d had a difficult life. I used to give him money now and again.

I remember one cold winter morning, smoke began to rise from the baker’s in the High street. Soon, the fire filled the building. People just stood there watching. Quite honestly, I didn’t know what to do either. Where the baker was – I don’t know. Somebody called the fire brigade, but that was it. We all heard this crying sound from inside – a child crying. Then Tom appeared, and without delay, he ran into the burning building.

A few minutes later, Tom came out, coughing, with a small girl in his arms. The crowd clapped. The baker’s daughter was safe, thanks to him.

Then the fire brigade arrived. Fortunately, they didn’t need to save anybody. I think people felt ashamed of how they had felt about Tom. Now he was a hero.

The baker, who had left the baker’s for change when the fire started, gave him a new coat and a place to stay.

From that day on, people greeted Tom with smiles instead of cold looks. He no longer asked for money in the street as the baker gave him a job in the shop selling sandwiches.

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

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 B2 story for today:

A chance of a lifetime (B2)

Sophie had always led a busy life. Between her job at the hospital and her evening art classes, she hardly had a moment to relax. One Friday, after a long shift, she received a last-minute call from her boyfriend, Tom. He insisted she came to the old café by the river.

When Sophie arrived, the place was quiet, and Tom was waiting with a big smile. ‘You’ll never guess what’s happening,’ he said.

Sophie laughed sharply. ‘You’re such a liar, Tom. You said you’d gone to Italy on business for a few days!’

Tom nodded his head. ‘I did go. That was part of the surprise. I was planning something for you.’

He handed her an envelope. Inside was a plane ticket to Italy and a letter inviting her to an international art exhibition — her paintings had been chosen to be displayed.

For a moment, Sophie couldn’t speak. She had always lived for her art, but never believed it would lead anywhere. ‘I can’t accept this,’ she whispered.

‘Just enjoy it,’ Tom replied gently. ‘Don’t worry about work. You can’t live on stress forever.’

That evening, Sophie realised this was the chance of a lifetime — and she wasn’t going to miss this opportunity. Last but not least, she now knew that Tom was a guy worth holding on to.

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

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 B1 story I'm going to read to you today and the vocabulary I'll look at:

A helpful ghost (B1)

Detective Sam Green liked to hang around any place where strange things happened. One autumn morning, he arrived in a small town surrounded by a beautiful landscape of snowy mountain peaks.

The people there seemed friendly, but whenever Sam asked about the old castle on a nearby hill, they were silent. At night, lights could be seen in the windows, yet nobody had lived there for hundreds of years.

Sam had some knowledge of what people were like in this area, and knew the villagers were hiding something.

‘It’s better to keep this secret,’ one old woman admitted to him. ‘We don’t want the tourists to get frightened and leave. We need them.’

However, Sam kept on thinking about this mystery, watching from a distance and taking notes.

One foggy evening, he saw a soft light in the window. Quietly, he climbed the hill and broke in through the locked door. In an upstairs room, a simple lightbulb was attached to a battery and a clock.

Sam smiled. ‘Well, would you believe it?’ he said. ‘There’s nothing like a ghost to attract the tourists. If you don’t have one, you’ve got to invent one. Mystery solved!’

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

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)

Norman Newbury has never won anything in his life, and then when a swimming competition comes up, Norman thinks he could, at last, win the trophy.

B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?

1) talk things over with

2) kept in good shape

3) push himself

4) (feel) over the moon

5) took a deep breath

6) taken it for granted

The vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word begins with a vowel). Read the definition and guess the word in bold.

B1-level

1) achvmnt n. (something difficult you managed to de)

2) dscssn n. (talking among people)

3) rd v. (opposite of polite)

4) rcgnsd (saw somebody and knew who they were)

5) cmpttr n. (somebody in a competition)

B2-level

6) otstnding adj. (exceptional, very good)

7) trgc adj. (very sad)

8) prftbl adj. (a way that earns you money)

9) gggls n. (worn over the eyes when swimming)

10) astnshd adj. (very surprised)

To see the answers: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-205.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

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)

The B1 story today:

The Girl in the Painting

Sophie had been meaning to visit the old house on the hill for years, and she was surprised to see the door open, as though inviting her to visit.

Inside, the air was heavy and quiet. She glanced around the dusty room and saw an old mirror. In the glass, she saw a handsome young man smiling at her. She turned suddenly, however, there was no one there behind her. She turned back to the mirror. There was the same young man dressed in a smart dinner jacket and matching trousers, his dark, curly hair falling down onto his broad shoulders.

“Help yourself to some tea,” he said calmly, and pointed to a table with a silver teapot, plates and dishes with cakes.

Sophie wanted to escape, but the man’s deep, brown eyes somehow pulled her towards them, and then she disappeared into the mirror altogether.

When her friends came looking for her a few days later, the mirror was gone, and in its place was an enormous painting of a young couple in fine clothes taking tea and cakes. The gorgeous woman looking out of the painting, they recognised as Sophie. Her sad eyes filled with tears.

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

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 level podcast:

The Magic of True Friendship

Have you ever stopped to think what really makes a good friend? We all have people we hang out with, but genuine friendship goes beyond just having fun together.

A good friend is someone you can count on, no matter what. They listen when you need to talk, cheer you up when you’re feeling down, and tell you the truth — even when it’s hard to hear. Trust and honesty are key. After all, what’s friendship without trust?

With good friends, you don’t have to pretend to be someone else. You can be completely yourself — messy hair, bad jokes and all! They accept you for who you are and stand by you, whatever happens.

But can we really be good friends with lots of people? Honestly, I don’t think so. You can have many acquaintances, sure, but real friendship takes time, effort and care. You can’t give that to dozens of people!

In the end, it’s not about having loads of friends — it’s about having a few who truly matter. Because when you find those special people, you know you’ve found something priceless. So, who’s that person you can always count on?

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

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)