Best Fce Podcasts (2025)

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261. The Crown Thief (B2 Story) 19:43

Play Pause

1d ago19:43

19:43

Ask me a question for the podcast? B2 story and vocabulary today. Here is the audioscript of the story and the B2 words in bold. The Crown Thief Detective Harris was on the point of leaving the police station when the phone rang. A robbery had taken place at the old museum. He grabbed his coat and hurried out. At the scene, the guard looked bad-tem…

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260. A Frightening Experience at the Airport (B1 Story) 20:47

3d ago20:47

20:47

Ask me a question for the podcast? A B1-level podcast today with a story and a test on the B1 words and expressions: A frightening experience at the airport Read the audioscript of the story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-260.htm My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Student…

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259. The Fresh-food Market (B2 story) 18:32

9d ago18:32

18:32

Ask me a question for the podcast? This is the B2 podcast for this week. Aidioscript: The Fresh-food Market See audioscript with B1 words highlighted at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-259.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 availab…

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258. The Climbing Accident (B1 Story) 23:06

10d ago23:06

23:06

Ask me a question for the podcast? I'm back from my holidays! Today I'm publishing the first B1 podcast of season 5 - five years helping intermediate students pass Cambridge exams. I also have news of my new book just published on Amazon "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1…

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257. The Fool on the Hill (B1 story) (last of the summer repeats) 26:32

17d ago26:32

26:32

Ask me a question for the podcast? This favourite story for learners of B1 will be the last of the summer episodes before my return for season 5 next week. Enjoy the story! 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 learne…

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256. The Cucumber (B1) (summer repeat) 16:57

24d ago16:57

16:57

Ask me a question for the podcast? Here are some words that are not B1 and you'll need to understand the story. Words which are outside the A1 to B1 levels *Greenhouse - a building with glass sides and roof for growing plants in. *Skin - the outside of some types of vegetable and fruit. *String - a long piece of material used for tying things toget…

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255. The Green Door (summer repeat) B2 level 19:28

1M ago19:28

19:28

Ask me a question for the podcast? This lovely story from the the American writer O'Henry, I completely re-wrote for B2 level. Here is the vocabulary discussed: Just around the corner. The means a place further on where we cannot see but is very close. English proverb: The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. This means that life…

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254. Tsunami (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 2) 22:53

1M ago22:53

22:53

Ask me a question for the podcast? Here is Part two of my popular story, Tsunami for learners of B1 English 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 Cambrid…

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253. Tsunami (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 1) 20:41

2M ago20:41

20:41

Ask me a question for the podcast? I am still on holiday during August, so today I bring you a favourite of many listeners - the B1 story of Tsunami! (Part 1). Part 2 next week. Enjoy it and enjoy your summer! Mike Bilbrough My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B…

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252. Dad (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 2) 21:46

2M ago21:46

21:46

Ask me a question for the podcast? While I'm on my summer holiday, here is a repeat of a lovely B1 story - Part 2 of "Dad". I published Part 1 last Wednesday. The verbs we are studying today are: realize drop call out weigh admire encourage dive appear breathe hug At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English,…

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251. Dad (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 1) 19:34

2M ago19:34

19:34

Ask me a question for the podcast? I'm on holiday so I'm leaving you with a favourite story of mine "Dad" in 2 parts. This is a repeat of a podcast from September 2023. Next Wednesday, I'll publish part 2. This is part 1 of a B1-level story for learners of English, especially Cambridge English. The story is called Dad. It's about a family fishing t…

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250. Victims of Nature B2 (repeat) 27:06

2M ago27:06

27:06

Ask me a question for the podcast? Comprehension questions for this B2-level story. (I'm on holiday at the momento so leave you with a repeat episode.) Enjoy! 1) What reasons did Alberto's mother give Alberto for leaving the Alpujarra? 2) What did Gustavo mean by the comment "we're just victims of nature"? 3) The story says, "When Alberto saw the p…

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249. The Mushroom Murders (B2 English) 20:21

2M ago20:21

20:21

Ask me a question for the podcast? This is about the trial in Australia that finished just last week and is popularly known as "The Mushroom Murders". Today, I'll ask the famous detective, Hércules Poirot (from Agatha Christie's novels) to explain to his exclusive audience of people involved in the crime and to us, the listeners of the podcast, wha…

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248. The Unexpected Visit (animal vocabulary) B2 Story 19:29

3M ago19:29

19:29

Ask me a question for the podcast? This is a B2-level recording and story with vocabulary about animal sounds and movement: Animal words: warren - where rabbits live together in the ground roar - sound like a lion makes thunder - sound like large animals running past scream - high pitched sound that sounds angry or scared hop - to jump (in humans -…

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247. Future Continuous for B1 (and B2) with story 20:06

3M ago20:06

20:06

Ask me a question for the podcast? Hello, dear students! Future continuous for fixed events, which are expected to happen. (This is B1 grammar with interest for B2 students too!) will + be + verb+ing I'll be giving a talk at that time, but I could see you afterwards for a coffee. This time next week I'll be flying into paradise I'll be seeing you s…

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246. There is / are and extended family 13:51

3M ago13:51

13:51

Ask me a question for the podcast? Today, I’m going to talk about the family of ‘there is’! At first, that might seem very basic English grammar. Indeed, the phrase ‘there is’ is A1 level. However, at B1 and even B2 level, I must admit there are few students who talk about this family. Why? Because it’s not a structure that has a literal word for w…

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245. B1 Linking Words with a story 17:27

3M ago17:27

17:27

Ask me a question for the podcast? B1 Linking Words Linking words join two sentences together. Here are the ones I mention during the podcast: A Rainy Adventure Tom wanted to go hiking. The sky looked grey but he didn’t mind – no problem With linker: Tom wanted to go hiking, although the sky looked grey. He packed his bag. He wanted to be ready the…

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244. The Breath of the Mosquito (complete version) B1 Story 37:18

4M ago37:18

37:18

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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 we…

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243. B1 adjectives (short story) 20:50

4M ago20:50

20:50

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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 My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words an…

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242. FCE Story 2 (B2) 19:50

4M ago19:50

19:50

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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 anno…

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241. FCE Story (B2 ) 23:59

4M ago23:59

23:59

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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 My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - …

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240. Tudor Conspiracy revisited B1, B2 16:53

5M ago16:53

16:53

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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! My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words a…

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239. The Letter (B1, B2) 18:51

5M ago18:51

18:51

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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, See audioscript of story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcas…

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238. If so, if not, B1 level with dialogue 14:18

5M ago14:18

14:18

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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…

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237. Candle Burning - B1 short story (complete version) 28:49

5M ago28:49

28:49

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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 …

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236. Complex sentences B1, B2 (4 funny jokes) 15:47

6M ago15:47

15:47

Ask me a question for the podcast? Structure Summary Would like / want / ask I would like you to come to a party on Saturday 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. Other examples: I would like you to c…

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235. Future Perfect B2 (short story) 18:31

6M ago18:31

18:31

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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…

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234. B2 Time Adverbs 19:05

6M ago19:05

19:05

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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) insta…

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233. Uses of 'rather' (with dialogue) 18:29

6M ago18:29

18:29

Ask me a question for the podcast? '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…

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232. Would and used to with short story 26:28

7M ago26:28

26:28

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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 di…

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231. B1 Do for emphasis (with dialogue) 15:41

7M ago15:41

15:41

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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 th…

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230. B2 story The Visitors (complete version) 28:29

7M ago28:29

28:29

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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…

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229. B1 adjectives with hyphens (with dialogue) 21:27

7M ago21:27

21:27

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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, ele…

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228. The Medical check-up (expressions for emphasis) 11:27

7M ago11:27

11:27

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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 speci…

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227. Talking about the Future (with dialogue) 12:40

8M ago12:40

12:40

Ask me a question for the podcast? Future Forms in English I'm not going to talk about future tense and predictions, but other uses of future tense.Going to and present continuous for future Going 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 ne…

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226. Get and verbs of movement B1, B2 and story 17:52

8M ago17:52

17:52

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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 hav…

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225. Verbs of Movement with story (B1, B2) 18:25

8M ago18:25

18:25

Ask me a question for the podcast? 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 t…

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224. The Londoner (B1 B2 level story) 19:06

8M ago19:06

19:06

Ask me a question for the podcast? In today's story, I'll be looking at some B2-level phrasal verbs. I explain 5 of the phrasal verbs below in the podcast: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10. You can listen to all ten of these phrasal verbs. They are in the order you'll hear them. 1) figure something out - try to find the answer to a problem 2) get on with somethin…

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223. Game Over (B1 story) 18:48

9M ago18:48

18:48

Ask me a question for the podcast? To write a successful story for the Cambridge PET exam (Preliminary English Test) Here is some of the help and advice I talk about in the podcast. I will also read you a model story.You are always given a first sentence, which you must use. 'When Jasmin looked down at the soft ground, she could see quite clearly t…

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222. A Window on Time (complete version) B2 level 31:57

9M ago31:57

31:57

Ask me a question for the podcast? Strong B1 to B2-level story. Today, as I'm still on holiday, I'm offering you the complete version of the very popular story I published in September - A Window on Time. Read and listen to the comprehension questions before you start listening. 1) What was the bad news Geoffrey received at the beginning of the sto…

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221. Victims of Nature (complete version) B1, B2 27:06

9M ago27:06

27:06

Ask me a question for the podcast? Victims of Nature Complete Version (B1, B2) This is the full version of the two story parts published last September. Comprehension questions 1) What reasons did Alberto's mother give Alberto for leaving the Alpujarra? 2) What did Gustavo mean by the comment "we're just victims of nature"? 3) The story says, "When…

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220. A Christmas Carol - The end of it (Part 2) B2 story 22:43

9M ago22:43

22:43

Ask me a question for the podcast? B1 B2-level story with exra Christmas idioms included. I have re-written this story for my English students. Ebenezer Scrooge visits his nephew for Christmas dinner and surprises Bob Cratchit with some astonishing news. Phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase in the story? You can see the answers…

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219. A Christmas Carol - The end of it (Part 1) B2 story 20:46

10M ago20:46

20:46

Ask me a question for the podcast? "Scrooge jumped out of bed and rushed over to the window, opened it, and put his head out. There was no fog, no mist; it was a clear, bright, cheerful day...." This is the last chapter of Charles' Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol adapted to B2 level. B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each word? 1)…

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218. Coming Home (part 2) B1 B2-level story 21:38

10M ago21:38

21:38

Ask me a question for the podcast? Jonathon goes to the bank to claim his prize, but he comes away with something he didn't expect. B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase? 1, get rid of - try to make disappear 2, be taken in - makes you believe something bad 3, live for - be a very important thing in your life 4, fall apart - …

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217. Coming Home (part 1) B1, B2-level story 21:02

10M ago21:02

21:02

Ask me a question for the podcast? English podcast story for B1, B2 levels (intermediate - upper intermediate) - Jonathon Baxter has spent ten years walking around Britain, playing his harmonica to survive. Then he decides to return to his home, but what will he find? B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase? 1, more or less (fi…

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216. Candle Burning (part 2) B1-level story 23:28

10M ago23:28

23:28

Ask me a question for the podcast? B1 words and expressions studied: In this B1-level podcast today, I'll also discuss 6 interesting intermediate B1-level words, which you can listen for while you listen to the short story. Intermediate-level words and expressions: lack of something - not enough of something get rid of somebody - tell somebody to l…

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215. Candle Burning (part 1) B1-level story 21:24

10M ago21:24

21:24

Ask me a question for the podcast? In this B1-level podcast today I'll use lots of important vocabulary and expressions to talk about daily actions. I'll also discuss 10 interesting B1-level words, which you can listen for while you listen to the short story. I'll analyse these intermediate-level words and expressions: no going back - you cannot go…

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214. The Second-hand Shop (B2 Story) 22:27

11M ago22:27

22:27

Ask me a question for the podcast? The upper-intermediate phrsal verbs studied in today's episode are: look up to - admire somebody because of their qualities fall apart - to break into pieces, probably because it's old date from - saying how old something is, from what year something is think sth over - consider something carefully take on - offer…

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213. Ten minutes and Counting (short B1 story) 23:03

11M ago23:03

23:03

Ask me a question for the podcast? This is another podcast on B1 intermediate phrasal verbs - those a little difficult to learn. The ones I will talk about are: put on - to switch on or activate some device (electrical?) sign up - to join or becme part of a club etc. show up - to arrive somewhere unexpectedly. deal with - to try to resolve a proble…

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212. B1 phrasal verbs (short stories) 24:09

11M ago24:09

24:09

Ask me a question for the podcast? The six B1 phrasal verbs studied are: give up - stop doing some activity e.g. smoking, or a game because you are losing. end up - to finish in a place probably you didn't expect to find yourself in. put off - to do some activity at a later time. set off - to start a journey. run out - to find you have no more of s…