Best M. A. Bilbrough Podcasts (2025)

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267. Article on Friendship (B2 level) 17:24

Play Pause

4h ago17:24

17:24

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…

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266. An article about games for PET exam (B1 level) 19:44

1d ago19:44

19:44

Today, I'm going to read an article, which is similar to the articles you have to write if you're doing the B1 Cambridge PET exam. Many people enjoy playing games in their free time. Some prefer board games like chess or Monopoly, while others like video games such as Minecraft or FIFA. But which type of game is more interesting to play? Board game…

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265. A True Champion (B2 Story) 20:35

7d ago20:35

20:35

A B2-level short story for you today... A True Champion Sofia had always dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player. She trained every morning, even when she was tired, because she knew success would depend on her hard work. Some people tried to discourage her from doing so much training, saying she was wasting her time, but Sofia refused to …

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264. The Mystery of the Lake (B1 Story) 21:59

8d ago21:59

21:59

The Mystery of the Lake Day after day, Lily walked past the old lake near her village. The elderly people of the village said it was dangerously deep, and that in its depths lived an enormous monster. In all her life, Lily had never seen anything, although she often wondered why there were never ducks or swans on the lake. One summer morning, she d…

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263. If Only We Could Go Back (B2 story) 18:56

14d ago18:56

18:56

The audioscript for today's B2 story: If only we could go back On Tuesday morning, Alice decided to call in sick, not because she was ill, but because the clouds outside looked like elephants marching across the sky. Today she felt like the little girl that she used to be many years before. She simply couldn’t be bothered to sit at her office desk …

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262. The Missing Actor (B1 Story) 21:06

15d ago21:06

21:06

The story audioscript for the story. The B1 words are shown in black. The missing actor Detective Anna Jones had a long career solving strange crimes. One rainy night, the police had called her to a dark hotel outside the village to help them. A film actor and celebrity, John Kelly, had disappeared from his locked room. The manager had knocked on t…

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

21d ago19:43

19:43

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-tempered. “This is a disgrace!” he sho…

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

22d ago20:47

20:47

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 Here is a link to a Pdf extract from my new book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" so you can see how it works and how it can help you reach …

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

28d ago18:32

18:32

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 Here is a link to a Pdf extract from my new book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" so you can see how it works and how it can help you reach a B1 English level. https://www.practising…

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

29d ago23:06

23:06

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 Exam. Hear more on the podcast! Se…

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

1M ago26:32

26:32

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! Here is a link to a Pdf extract from my new book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" so you can see how it works and how it can help you reach a B1 English level. https://www.practisingenglish.com/pdf/Bully-sample-w…

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

1M ago16:57

16:57

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 together. *Ultraviolet (light) - a blue …

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

2M ago19:28

19:28

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 is better any place but where you …

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

2M ago22:53

22:53

Here is Part two of my popular story, Tsunami for learners of B1 English Here is a link to a Pdf extract from my new book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" so you can see how it works and how it can help you reach a B1 English level. https://www.practisingenglish.com/pdf/Bully-sample-with-explain.pdf My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 …

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

2M ago20:41

20:41

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 Here is a link to a Pdf extract from my new book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" so you can see how it works and how it can help you reach a B1 English level. …

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

2M ago21:46

21:46

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, grammar help and exercises and oth…

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

3M ago19:34

19:34

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 trip in Spain. Vocabulary about the …

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

3M ago27:06

27:06

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 pink clouds at dawn, he knew bad wea…

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

3M ago20:21

20:21

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, what happened exactly, and who the mur…

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

3M ago19:29

19:29

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 - on one leg) poke your head out - l…

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

4M ago20:06

20:06

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 soon, then. Yes. Holidays finish nex…

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

4M ago13:51

13:51

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 word translation in many other langu…

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245. B1 Linking Words with a story 17:27

4M ago17:27

17:27

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 moment his friend Anna called. Wit…

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

4M ago37:18

37:18

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 …

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243. B1 adjectives (short story) 20:50

5M ago20:50

20:50

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 Here is a link to a Pdf extract from my new book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" so you can see how it works and how it ca…

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242. FCE Story 2 (B2) 19:50

5M ago19:50

19:50

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 aud…

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241. FCE Story (B2 ) 23:59

5M ago23:59

23:59

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 Here is a link to a Pdf extract from my new book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder"…

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240. Tudor Conspiracy revisited B1, B2 16:53

5M ago16:53

16:53

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! Here is a link to a Pdf extract from my new book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" so you can see how it works and how it c…

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

6M ago18:51

18:51

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/podcast-239.htm Here is a link to a Pdf e…

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

6M ago14:18

14:18

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, …

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

6M ago28:49

28:49

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 compl…

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

6M ago15:47

15:47

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 come to a meeting on Monday to discu…

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

6M ago18:31

18:31

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 i…

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234. B2 Time Adverbs 19:05

7M ago19:05

19:05

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 sentenc…

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

7M ago18:29

18:29

'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 aro…

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

7M ago26:28

26:28

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 …

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

7M ago15:41

15:41

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…

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

8M ago28:29

28:29

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, …

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

8M ago21:27

21:27

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 technolo…

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

8M ago11:27

11:27

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…

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

8M ago12:40

12:40

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 next year. It's something I've always…

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

9M ago17:52

17:52

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. S…

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

9M ago18:25

18:25

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 …

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

9M ago19:06

19:06

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 something - continue an activity you were d…

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223. Game Over (B1 story) 18:48

9M ago18:48

18:48

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 that the tiger had recently come thi…

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

10M ago31:57

31:57

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 story? 2) What physical changes happen…

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

10M ago27:06

27:06

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 Alberto saw the pink clouds at daw…

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

10M ago22:43

22:43

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 after you listen in the audioscrip…

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

10M ago20:46

20:46

"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) seasonal - refers to a time of yea…

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

10M ago21:38

21:38

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 - collapse, disappear so it exists no…