Practising English 4ri6z

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. For health reasons, I'm afraid I cannot share a new podcast with you today. I include instead, one of my favourite stories that I wrote for students studying for B1 English level: The Breath of the Mosquito as a complete version. This extract will help you understand what the story is about... 'If… if something went back in time and existed in the past, something or somebody who was not there before, he/she/it would change time in the present. Things would not be the same when he or she returned. It would take just a moment, the tiniest movement in the past would have the effect like a stone thrown into a pond. The circles of effect would move out, growing and growing  for ever and changing the world as they go.' 'But, Emil,' interrupted his friend. 'I was only there for a minute or so.' 'Mathew, a minute is a long, long time. Listen to me, even the breath of a mosquito 33 million years ago would change the world and events in history as we know them today. Just one breath of a mosquito. Imagine how incredibly small that would be.' Has time changed in the present? If so, in what ways? Enjoy the story! 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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. Here are the B1 words we're studying today: acceptable accurate amusing annoyed convenient embarrassed forbidden grateful hopeless miserable To see the transcript of the story:  https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-243.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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. In today's B2 FCE story, you'll be listening to this B2 vocabulary: heading for Paris  his hands were trembling  both thrilled and terrified him doubting every shot gazing out of the window an old woman wiped her eyes.  the crowd clapped enthusiastically as he nervously walked up  his anxiety forgotten To read an annotated version of the full story audioscript go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-242.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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. How to write the FCE story (B2 level) for the Cambridge exam. If you're not taking this exam, this episode will be useful for learning how to express yourself at B2 level in written prose. You can see the transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-241.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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. I apologise for not bringing you a new podcast this week. I leave you with chapter 1 of the Tudor Conspiracy (from an audio book and reader I published a few years ago). Hope to be with you next week with a new podcast episode! 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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. These are the words I discuss today. They are linking words, essential for your B1 and B2 writing papers in the Cambridge exam. Moreover In addition, Besides What is more, Furthermore, Yet To begin with, In the same way, Similarly, Consequently, Audioscript to be ed on Monday. 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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. How to use 'if so' and 'if not' in dialogue. A conditional clause to refer a previous direct or indirect 'yes-no' question where the answer might be ‘yes’.  Do you think we could study more grammar? If so, could you give us more help with tenses? Is it possible to pay by credit card? If so, which card do you accept? Does Mrs Smith like wine? If so, does she prefer white or red? Could you tell me if she said anything about me? If so, what did she say? I was wondering if we could meet one morning. If so, which day would you prefer? Is this shirt your size? If not, we have plenty of other sizes. Do you open at the weekend? If not, how can I pick up the vacuum cleaner I bought online? I hope next Saturday is ok for you. If not, we can find another date for the excursion. I'd like to know if we'll be going to the beach when I arrive. If not, what plans do you have? See the transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-238.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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. These are the four comprehension questions to read before you listen to the story. 1) What was the first thing Nigel did when he went into the shower? 2) What did Nigel decide not to have for breakfast that day? 3) Why did Nigel lose his job? 4) What reason did the doctor give for Nigel's death? Answers are given at the end of the podcast For complete transcript of the story, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-237.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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. Structure Summary Object Clause (noun clause): you to come to a party on Saturday Subject + verb + [object = (object pronoun + verb + more information)] I would like / you to come to a party on Saturday.  I would like you to come to a meeting on Monday to discuss the of the contract.  My parents want me to go on holiday with them this summer.  You asked me (I.O.) to tell you about the football match (D.O.). 1. Main Clause: "She makes / me smile" Subject: She. Verb: makes Object: me – the direct object of makes Complement (Bare Infinitive Verb): smile – this is the bare infinitive (infinitive without "to") following the causative verb make. "Please would you help me find something better?" Verb Complement (of "help"): "me find something better" Indirect Object: me – the person receiving the help. Bare Infinitive Verb: find – after help, we use the bare infinitive (you can say "help me to find" too.). Direct Object of "find": something – indefinite pronoun. Make and let (verbs that follow are without ‘to’ in the infinitive) Let me know if Monday is suitable for you. She makes me laugh when I'm feeling sad. She always makes me angry! You are eighteen now, your parents should let you do what you like! I think you should talk with your parents and try to make them understand how you feel. My parents are afraid of letting me go away by yourself, they still think I'm a baby. Help (verbs that follow are with or without ‘to’. I wanted to help him (to) make some friends. I hope that it will help you (to) keep fit. I hope my advice will help you (to) decide where to go on holiday. This hotel is terrible and I hope you can help me (to) find a better one. 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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. LOOKING BACK FROM A POINT IN THE FUTURE - FUTURE PERFECT I have studied / I have been studying English for/since... (from the past to the present) Next September, I will have studied / been studying English for ten years (from the past to a moment in the future I will have had this car for fifteen years next month. I will have lived / been living in Seville for twenty-five years This summer I will have been working for three years at the car factory. The structure is the same for other verbs that use modal auxiliary verbs I should study now I should have studied in the past (but I didn't) We call this the perfect infinitive. I could work in the car factory I could have worked in the car factory (but I didn't) I might buy that sweater I saw in the shop window. I might have bought that sweater I saw in the shop window. (but I didn't) (Georgia on my Mind cover by M.A. Bilbrough) 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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. These are the B2 time adverbs you should learn for the speaking and writing of the Cambridge FCE exam. Listen for them in the podcast, and decide which I am referring to in the dialogue section at the end of the podcast. (B1 students also invited!) firstly, etc. lastly, (often at the beginning of a sentence) instantly (often at the end of a sentence) temporarily (often at the end of a sentence) currently (often before a verb) sharp (at the end of a time phrase) precisely / exactly (often before a time phrase) increasingly (often before a verb) roughly (often before a time phrase) continuously (often before a verb) constantly (often before a verb) permanently (often at the end of a sentence) gradually (often before a verb) simultaneously (often at the end of a sentence) eventually (often before a verb) seldom (often before a verb) shortly (often at the end of a sentence) To see the transcript of the dialogues, go to my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-234.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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. 'Rather' and its uses FORM/USE: 'RATHER THAN' + PHRASE B1 Use a specialist book rather than the Internet. A book is more reliable. Take the stairs rather than the lift. It’ll keep you fitter. FORM: 'RATHER THAN' + NON-FINITE CLAUSE B2 I’d prefer to go camping rather than stay in a hotel. It’s nice to be out in the fresh air. Rather than sitting around doing nothing, why don’t you go and do some sport. (instead of) I’d rather take the bus than get the car out.  FORM: WITH 'RATHER A' ADJECTIVES B2 Actually, I’m rather bad/good at playing football. I’ve got two left feet. She lives rather a long way from school, so she’s often late. FORM: WOULD + RATHER + PAST I’d rather + indirect object + past (but it’s not a past) I’d rather you didn’t go to that concert next Saturday. I don’t think it’s suitable. I’d rather you stayed at home and helped with the baby. I’ve got to catch up with some work. See the transcript of the dialogue: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-233.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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. Stative verbs Thoughts and opinions believe know understand suppose think (I would sit and think about her every day.) (People used to think that smoking was good for you.)   Emotions love I used to love watching children's TV when I was a kid. TV programmes for kids used to be better then than they are now. hate dislike detest appreciate Senses see (I used to see Jane every day as she walked past my house with the dog) (I would go and see my grandmother every day at a café by the river) hear (would listen to) smell (The bakery used to smell of delicious freshly baked bread) (I would smell each flower as I walked through the field) taste (It used to taste like something out of this world) (I would taste each wine and give my opinion) feel (I used to feel upset every time my neighbour shouted at his dog) notice In the end, I never used to notice the planes flying over our heads. Being be seem appear belong have (When I was a teenager, we used to have Dr Marten boots - it used to be the fashion) (Every day my grandmother would have a bath, spending at least an hour in there.) stand (The castle used to stand by the river) (He would stand by the door waiting for her to come home) lie (The cat would lie on the veranda enjoying the afternoon sun.) (the village used to stand in the valley until it was flooded.) Short story. Three hours between flights by F. Scott Fitzgerald (adapted to B1 level) You can read the transcript here: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-232.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)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion. Emphasis is used with lots of auxiliary verbs: - I MUST get to the shop before it closes. - You SHOULD try and finish the painting today. I'm fed up with smelling paint all over the house. - I do like your new tie. It's so colourful! - I do want to go and see that new film Anora. You know, the film that won all those oscars. - Well, I saw it. I don't think it's suitable for you, if your favourite film is the Sound of Music. - I do wish it would stop raining. I can't get out at the weekend. Third person: - Mary does like new job. She has chances of promotion now that she never had before. 2nd person - You know, you do annoy me with all the regaton music you play at full volume in your bedroom. Past tense - I did want to go away last weekend, but we gave up the idea because of the rain. In negatives: - You helped yourself to my biscuits again, didn't you? - I didn't, actually. I'm on a diet. It must have been Yvonne. Questions: - Where have you been all this time, Peter? - I borrowed your car, Mum. Just went out for a short drive. - You did, did you? And without my permission. Well, you're grounded for the rest of the week. To read the dialogue, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-231.htm Podcasts on intonation https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-43.htm https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-97.htm https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-103.htm https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-197.htm https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-126.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)

The Visitors This is the full version of my story The Visitors recorded in October of last year. The level is B2, but my B1 students are also invited, of course! ;-) These are the comprehension questions: (the answers are further down - but don't look at those yet!! 1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why? 2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there? 3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it? 4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story? Answers: 1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why? ‘Rescue mission!’ the iral suddenly shouted and he looked irritated. ‘Who are they gonna rescue? I don’t need rescuing, thank you very much! I have a nice home and beautiful family right here on Honolulu Island. 2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there? They hurried along the deck and in through a door that led to the bridge* - the highest part of the ship and the best place to get an all-round view of the surrounding darkening sea and sky. 3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it? ‘Sonar?’ interrupted Pierre. ‘Do you mean it’s under the water?’ The captain ignored him. ‘Estimated time of arrival?’ ‘Four minutes, Captain! It’s incredible! There’s nothing that can travel that speed under water! I… I don’t get it!’ 4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story? ‘Merde!’ said Pierre ('merde' is a swaer word in French) to anyone who might be listening to him. ‘They want nothing to do with us!’ (The alien spaceship had come to rescue the dolphins and whales of the ocean, and was not interested in making with the humans!) Hope you enjoyed the story and learned some new language from it! Mike.

Adjectives with hyphen at B1 level good-looking (only with hyphen) - attractive (for people, often men) well-known - a lot of people have heard of it and know it/him/her old-fashioned (only with hyphen) - (often criticising something) not new, not in fashion well-dressed - dressed in attractive clothes, smart, elegant up-to-date - (usually technology) the newest in software, hardware, computers etc. middle-aged - around 50 years old face-to-face (only with hyphen) (also adv. came face-to-face with the burglar) - talk to somebody while looking at them in the same room. out-of-date - (fashion, technology) not new, there are more up-to-date versions, or a more recent fashion, or more modern. hand-held  (only with hyphen) - held in the hand e.g. like a mobile phone. next-door (adv. next door) - referring to your neighbours. They live next to you. A house with is next to another. full-time - (work) a complete schedule. 40 hours a week, for example. Compare with 'part-time'. self-service  (only with hyphen) - (usually a restaurant) where you get your own food from the counter, no waiters or waitresses. first-floor - on the first floor of a building. second-hand  (only with hyphen) - not new, has been used before. We can also invent words by putting the adjective and noun together to make another adjective: dark-haired, short-haired, short-sleeved shirt, long-sleeved shirt. Young people's slang in Great Britain Ace - really good Bog off - go away and leave me alone. Bonkers - crazy Chippy - fish-and-chip shop Chuffed - really pleased Fancy - want to do something Snog - kiss dead wealthy / dead boring go for a spin To see the dialogue, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-229.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/english-grammar/ My novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)  

Words and expressions for emphasis- The reason is I like working with people, I have experience of looking after elderly people and I enjoy volunteering work. - The problem is I’m a little lazy, I am often late for work because I sleep in. - The fact (of the matter is) is that the planet is warming and many species are dying. - The fact is we need computers to function better in business. - It is true that a lot of accidents are caused by motorbikes. But the point is that the car if far more dangerous. - The thing is, he is in a wheelchair and cannot access his own house because of the high steps. To read the full dialogue, go to my website at: Practising English, podcast 228... 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/english-grammar/   My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N   Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Future Forms in EnglishI'm not going to talk about future tense and predictions, but other uses of future tense. Going to and present continuous for futureGoing to – plans and intentions that we have; I'm going to pay Mum a visit later today. She's not feeling well. Strong intentions. I'm going to learn German next year. It's something I've always wanted to do. Present continuous – something that had been planned earlier – some sort of planning has taken place. You have a plan now. That's why we often call this present –future. You've made an appointment, you've phoned somebody about it, etc. You might write these things in your diary – if you have one. The Jones's are coming round to dinner this evening. (I've called them) I'm having my haircut this afternoon. (I have an appointment) But I could say those above with ‘going to' as well. Be careful – present continuous doesn't work well if you want to express strong intention about something you've been thinking about doing, like your intention to learn German: I'm learning German next year – does not express that intention. Better: I'm going to learn German next year, if it's the last thing I do. I'm going to keep asking her until she says yes. In British English, you'll hear present continuous used more with verbs of movement. I'm just popping out to buy a newspaper. Are you coming down the pub, Dave? Where are you going for your holidays this summer. WillWill does not talk about any planning at all. It describes actions in the future when you decided to do that thing at that moment. I can't open this tin of tomatoes. I'll do it for you! Mum told me she was feeling lonely. Really? I'll give her a call this afternoon. So then we need to that when we talk about these future actions later. We just used the past tense of these forms. Past tense of going toI was going to study German this year but I haven't started yet. You said you were coming down the pub, Dave. Where are you? The Jones's were going to come to dinner this evening, but they can't make it. So the past tense of ‘will' is ‘would' You said you would open this tin of tomatoes. Well you haven't done it. See the dialogue at... https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-227.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/english-grammar/   My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here:https://amzn.to/33Axu2N   Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Now it's interesting that we use get as a verb of motion. Often, when it's difficult to actually move. Have you noticed that we say, Would you like to get into my car. Now, you go into your house, you open the door and you walk in. You don't usually get into your house, but you get into a car. Why? Because you have to bend down usually to get in. So you get into a car. Perhaps you're up a ladder, you know, a ladder, which takes you upwards. If you're painting a wall, for example. And you don't like heights. So you find it difficult to get down the ladder. To get down. It means just to step down, to walk down the ladder. Now, we might say, to get into a house, especially if there's some difficulty. For a burglar, for example, somebody who breaks a window and gets into your house that way. So last year, a burglar got into my house, he broke the window and opened it from the inside and got in and stole a television. So there, it's difficult because he has to break the window. So there we do say to get into the house. I can't get in. The door's locked. The old lady can't get across the road, there's too much traffic. The cat's climbed up the tree, and now it can't get down. Nobody can get to their homes because of the floods. We've put the biscuit tin on the top shelf so that little Jonny can't get at/to it. (reach) https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-226.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/english-grammar/   My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N   Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Why my students say 'enter the classroom' Where there is movement, there's a preposition, and a preposition is used in the same way we use preposition of place (where things are)   He ran across the street. The dog ran after the cat. Go / run / walk / swim etc. along this street until you get to the crossroads and then turn right. I walked among the all the people. They travelled all around / round the country. The little girl walked between her mother and father. He ran down the stairs. She got into her car and drove away. The cat fell off the chair. She got onto the motorbike and drove away. The eagle flew over the mountains. The train went through the tunnel. She ran under the bridge. My cat climbed up the tree.   To see the audioscript and more help, visit my website https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-225.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/english-grammar/   My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N   Be back soon with another podcast! Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)