Author: mctaggartjoseph7
Pressure on the UK Prime Minister: Starmer Faces Growing Political Scrutiny
In this clip, I examine growing political scrutiny on the PM surrounding Peter Mandelson, following reports and speculation that have placed renewed pressure on the UK government. As questions circulate about property searches, political accountability, and internal pressure on the Prime Minister, this video explores what is being discussed, what remains unconfirmed, and why historical comparisons are being made — particularly with the infamous Profumo scandal.
Rather than jumping to conclusions, this clip looks at:
How political investigations are unfolding
Why rumours and media narratives matter
The pressure placed on a Prime Minister during moments of uncertainty
Whether modern British politics still echoes past scandals
How Journalling Turns Suffering Into Insight | Noteshelf & Poetry
In this video, I talk about journalling as a quiet, practical way of moving through difficulty, using the app Noteshelf as part of my daily writing practice. I also read one of my own poems, O Looming Angel, which explores the moment when suffering or trial becomes a turning point — the point where something difficult begins to lift us to a new level of awareness.
The poem uses the angel as a metaphor, not as something distant or abstract, but as a presence that appears at the edge of change.
This video is for anyone who: Uses journalling to think, process, or reflect Writes during times of uncertainty or transition Is interested in poetry as a tool for inner clarity Feels that difficulty often carries meaning, even if it doesn’t feel that way at first There’s no instruction here — just reflection, writing, and presence.
From Spectator to Participant: Why Learning Feels Hard Today
We live in a world full of information, courses, videos, and teachers — yet many of us feel stuck when it comes to real learning. In this video, I explore how modern life quietly trains us to be spectators rather than participants, and how this affects the way we learn.
With endless content available, we often curate learning based on comfort, entertainment, likes, and dislikes — mistaking watching for progress. I also share personal reflections from my own experience learning Dutch, where consuming content felt productive but avoided the discomfort of participation. Journalling became a way to slow down, reflect honestly, and move from passive consumption to active learning. This video is about: Why watching feels like learning (but isn’t) How entertainment can mask lack of participation Information overload and learning paralysis Journalling as a tool for awareness and engagement The shift from consuming knowledge to using it If you’ve ever felt surrounded by learning but unsure how to actually begin, this reflection may resonate.
music by suno.ai
Why Your Mind Resists Learning (It’s Trying to Protect You)
Why does learning sometimes feel strangely difficult, even when we want to grow? In this video, I explore how resistance to learning is often not laziness or lack of motivation, but a protective response from the mind.
When learning brings uncertainty, challenges identity, or recalls past emotional experiences, the mind may slow us down to keep us safe.
This calm reflection looks at: why the brain resists new learning how identity and past experiences affect motivation why procrastination and distraction can be protective how understanding resistance can reduce frustration This video is for anyone learning a language, studying something new, or feeling blocked despite genuine interest. Take a moment. Slow down. And see resistance in a new way. #LearningResistance #MindsetForLearning #PsychologyOfLearning #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #LearningBlocks #MentalHealthAwareness #LanguageLearningJourney #InnerResistance #GrowthWithoutPressure #LearningMindset #CalmReflection
1163 Government Abandons Plans for Compulsory Digital ID To Work in the UK
1162 King Charles’ Secret Talent: Harry Potter Voices That Even Queen Camilla Can’t Do
Queen Camilla revealed on The Queen’s Reading Room podcast that King Charles brilliantly does all the Harry Potter character voices — leaving his grandkids spellbound — while she claims she’s hopeless at mimicry. Join me as I read, roast, and react to this hilarious royal revelation with sarcasm.
#KingCharles,#QueenCamilla,#HarryPotter,#RoyalFamily,#RoyalNews,#BritishHumour,#FunnyNews,#RoyalPodcast,#RoyalVodcast,#VoiceImpressions,#BritishRoyalFamily,#LightheartedNews,#ComedyPodcast,#UKNews,#CelebrityNews,#ReadingAloud,#HarryPotterFans,#BritishComedy,#RoyalStories,#PodcastYouTube
1161 Calm UK Press Review – 6th January 2026
A calm, spoken press review covering today’s major UK news stories, read slowly and clearly for listeners who prefer measured, thoughtful audio. In this episode: The UK enters a new demographic era as deaths now outnumber births A man appears in court after impersonating a naval admiral at a Remembrance Day event New data shows adults consuming salt equal to 22 bags of crisps a day Discussion around potential routes to another Scottish independence referendum Ongoing legal efforts by Shamima Begum to regain British citizenship Rising armed police deployment across Scotland Homelessness pressures during cold winter weather Sport: Scotland’s World Cup qualification brings a national bank holiday Severe weather warnings affecting travel and daily life This is a quiet press review, focused on clarity of speech, neutral delivery, and careful pacing — suitable for English learners, reflective listeners, and anyone seeking news without noise. 🎙️ Spoken calmly 📰 Based on national reporting 🕊️ No shouting, no commentary panels — just the news, read with care🏷️
Clear English News Reading: UK Headlines Today | Politics, Weather, Travel & Sport
Today’s UK newspaper headlines are read slowly and clearly for learners of English.
This calm audio podcast covers the main stories in the news today, including political developments around Keir Starmer and discussions about closer alignment with the EU customs union, alongside reports of growing leadership pressure.The episode also reflects on troubling reports of violence directed towards immigrants in Ballymena, offering clear, careful language for understanding sensitive news stories.Alongside the headlines, you’ll hear updates on UK weather and travel, followed by a sports story focusing on Celtic Football Club, with reports suggesting the club is facing one of its most difficult periods in recent history.This podcast is designed for English learners who want to improve listening skills through real news, spoken slowly, calmly, and without sensationalism.Perfect for:• English listening practice• Learning real-world vocabulary• Understanding UK current affairs•
Continue reading “Clear English News Reading: UK Headlines Today | Politics, Weather, Travel & Sport”1156 British ID Cards: Whistleblowers Warn of Data Risk + Ireland’s Papers Reveal Early Concerns
The Voice of Marie Collett
1132 Stop Anxiety with the RAIN Technique – Step-by-Step Guide
Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (9): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1125)
Episode 9: The Town
The frost had lifted a little by the time Robert said,
“You’d best come with me to town today, lad.”
Neil was glad to go. The farm had begun to feel heavy with silence.
They loaded the cart with eggs, a sack of oats, and a few jars of honey that Robert traded each month. The horse stamped in the cold, eager to move.
The road wound along the river, then climbed through a line of dark spruce. The air smelled of woodsmoke and frozen earth. Neil’s breath came out in small clouds. For a long time, neither of them spoke, the only sounds the creak of the wheels and the soft jangle of the harness.
“You’ll see a fair bit of the world in town,” Robert said at last. “Don’t stare too much. Folk don’t like that.”
“I won’t,” Neil said. But his eyes were already full of curiosity.
They reached the edge of town just before noon. The place seemed to grow out of the snow itself , rows of wooden buildings with wide porches, a few tall chimneys, and a church steeple rising like a finger against the sky.
To Neil, it felt both strange and familiar.
It had the bustle of Kilbirnie, but not its roar. Here the air was clean, though heavy with the smell of horses, leather, and coffee.
Robert pulled the cart to a stop outside the general store. “I’ll see to the grain,” he said. “You take the eggs to Mrs Brant. She runs the café two doors down. She’ll know what to pay.”
Neil lifted the crate carefully and crossed the street. His boots sank into the thawing mud, and he could feel the chill seeping through the soles.
The café was warm inside. Steam fogged the windows, and the smell of soup and bread wrapped around him like a blanket. Behind the counter stood a woman with her hair pulled tight and pinned high, a few silver strands escaping near her temples. She wore a dark dress buttoned to the throat, an apron starched so stiff it almost shone.
There was something of the old country about her , upright, exact, not unkind but certain of herself. Her face had that firm, set look Neil remembered from his grandmother, who had kept the Sabbath as if it were a wall around the week. He could almost hear her voice again: “Keep your back straight, boy, and your words few.”
“You must be Robert’s nephew,” the woman said. Her voice carried no softness, yet it wasn’t harsh either , just clear, like clean glass. “The one from Scotland.”
Neil nodded. “Yes, ma’am. From Kilbirnie.”
“Well, set those eggs down before your fingers freeze.” She came forward and lifted the crate with quick, practiced hands, counting each egg under her breath. When she finished, she handed him a few coins. “Fair trade,” she said. “Tell your uncle I’ll take another dozen next week.”
Neil stood there, awkward, not sure if he should go.
She studied him a moment, then nodded toward a stool near the stove. “Sit a bit. I can see the cold’s bitten you.”
He obeyed. The warmth crept slowly into his hands. She poured coffee into a tin mug and slid it across the counter.
“There,” she said. “That’ll set you right.”
The drink was bitter but strong. Neil swallowed carefully. “Thank you.”
“You miss home?” she asked, turning back to her work.
Neil thought about it. “Aye. But it’s different here. Quieter. Back home, the air was thick , you could hardly breathe it. The mills never stopped. You’d wake to the whistle and go to sleep to it. Everything clattered and shouted. Even the rain sounded tired.”
Mrs Brant gave a small smile. “You’ll get used to the quiet. It’s not emptiness , it’s space. Most folk don’t know what to do with it when they first come.”
Neil looked around. Two loggers were sitting near the stove, their coats steaming. They were laughing over something small, the kind of easy laughter he hadn’t heard since leaving Scotland. A man at the corner table was reading aloud from a newspaper to another who couldn’t, the words rolling like slow waves. He recognised one of them as the person who offered him a sandwich on the train when he first arrived, but no sooner had he seen him and he was gone. Neil remembered that, that act of kindness of sharing food lived on, long after he had ever met the person concerned.
Mrs Brant moved among them without fuss. She spoke little but saw everything, who needed a refill, who was short of coins, who’d had too much to drink the night before. There was discipline in her kindness, a puritan shape to it. Neil admired that; it reminded him of the women who had kept his family alive through winters when the men’s wages ran out.
When Robert came in later, he found Neil still sitting by the stove.
“Done your trade?”
“Aye,” Neil said. “She paid fair.”
Mrs Brant looked up from wiping a table. “He’s a polite one, your nephew. Doesn’t say more than he needs to.”
Robert smiled faintly. “That’ll do him no harm.”
As they left, she nodded once, the same brisk motion as before. “You tell your uncle those eggs are a blessing. Hard to find hens that lay so well this time of year.”
Neil touched the brim of his cap. “Aye, ma’am.”
Outside, the sun was already low. They loaded the supplies into the cart, and Neil climbed up beside Robert. As they left the town behind, he looked back once. The café’s windows glowed faintly, steam still misting the glass.
“Does it ever feel lonely here?” he asked.
Robert flicked the reins. “Sometimes. But not as much as you’d think. The land’s quiet, aye, but it listens. You’ll see.”
They rode on. The snow began to fall again, slow, round flakes that softened everything they touched. Neil pulled his collar up and watched the trees pass. He thought of Kilbirnie’s black roofs, the hiss of steam, and his grandmother’s voice calling him to wash his hands before supper.
Here, the only sound was the creak of the wagon and the steady rhythm of the horse’s hooves.
When they reached home, Thomas was waiting by the stove. “You bring tea?” he asked.
Robert nodded and set down the parcel. “And a bit of talk from town.”
“Anything worth hearing?” Thomas asked.
“Not much,” Robert said. “Just folk working, eating, and getting older.”
Neil smiled faintly. It sounded peaceful, and for now, that was enough.
That night, lying in bed, he thought again of Mrs Brant, the tight hair, the upright posture, the eyes that missed nothing. She had reminded him of strength that didn’t need noise, the kind that held families together when everything else failed.
And for the first time since leaving home, he felt not a stranger, but someone beginning to belong.
1124 Digital IDs in the UK – Will They Be Mandatory? | BBC Article Breakdown
1121 Peel Tower, Lochwinnoch, Scotland (with transcript)
Hi everyone, welcome again to another Teacher Joseph podcast.
Today I’m in a Scottish village called Lochwinnoch and you can see here around me there’s a beautiful lake with some birds and some mountains. It’s very tranquil.
Tranquil is a great word to describe this and the lake extends to behind me. Yes, it’s a lovely area. And right here to my left is Peel Castle and these are the remains of an ancient castle that stood here.
Now, when I was a boy, my parents lived here. I spent the first few years of my life in this village and this castle was rumoured…… It was spoken about…… but no one could get to it because the lake, the loch as it’s called, was much higher and this thing was completely submerged in the water.
These days, they’ve built a nature park around here. And they’ve made access to this castle. Now, you can’t go in it because it’s quite dangerous, of course. You have to stand on the board here but you can see it’s an ancient castle and when I was a little boy growing up, there were a lot of rumours about this castle. You couldn’t get to it unless you had a boat. And even then, You couldn’t get anywhere near it because it was completely submerged and overgrown. Just the top parts used to stick out from the water and the rumours were about the man who lived here. They said that he was a warlock, a male witch.
I’m not sure where that came from, probably because he lived here during the great witch trials of Scotland. His name was Lord Ringan Semple. I think his actual name was David. I’ll need to check on that and his family owned this whole estate, the great Lord Semple. It was one of his descendants that lived here.
The family used this place as a defence during some of the wars they had, and latterly they say it’s was occupied by Ringan Semple. There’s still a lot of references to him around this village of Lochwinnoch. I’ll put it in the notes so you can see it. I know that there’s gates to the estate way up at the top there, referred to as the Warlock Gates. They’re still called that today and there’s other references as well around the village to the family.
In fact, this lake, known locally as a loch in the Scottish dialect, is known as the Castle Semple Loch. And of course, the word Lochwinnoch is the lake of Winnoch. who supposedly was the saint who founded this town. So it’s beautiful to finally see this. When I was a boy, I remember my parents talking a lot about this place, but there was no way you could get to it. It was submerged. So it’s amazing being here today, of course, covered in health and safety notices, telling you not to go anywhere near it.
And let’s have a look and see what we can learn about the Peel Tower. Well, it says here, let’s see, What can you see and what is it? The Peel of Lochwinnoch is a ruin with a bloody history dating back to the 16th century, when the Peel landscape….. while the Peel landscape has changed over the years, the tower has remained a stoic fortress overlooking Castle Semple and Aird Meadow Lochs. Yes, because there’s two of them. There’s another one further down. Today, the tower is a ruin echoing the foundations of an impressive fortress built by a man with a controversial legacy, Lord Robert Semple.
Yeah, so he was the first one. And there’s gun holes….. window ornaments….. The building plan, a carved wall, lots of things here. And it says, as I recall, For years, the Peel Tower of Lochwinnoch was hidden and difficult to interpret in its ruined, overgrown state. Work was undertaken in 2022 to clear and consolidate the tower. Some original features of the tower were highlighted, becoming visible to visitors and revealing its splendor.
There’s a timeline there, lots of additional information if you’re interested and behind me, you’ll probably hear the railway. Well, that wasn’t there, certainly, when the semples were here. And the one that was the warlock, rRngan sample, I’ll need to have a look through my history books to find out more about him again. I think he was known as Ringan. I’m sure his name was David. I’ll have to check on that. And there we are, a beautiful old fortress from the 16th century.
Well, that’s it from me. See you all…. Bye.
Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (8): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1117)
Episode 8: The Deer at the Door
The morning began with a strange sound.
It was not the stove, or the wind, or birds.
It was something heavy, bumping against the front door.
Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (7): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1113 )
Neil McTaggart’s Crossing – Part 7: The Letter Home
News of Joseph Brisco’s departure rippled through the settlement like a thawing stream. By the month’s end, he would sail east across the Atlantic, returning to Scotland on family business. He had agreed to carry letters for anyone who wished to send word home, and the announcement stirred the community.
Continue reading “Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (7): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1113 )”Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (6): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1110 )
Neil McTaggart’s Crossing – Part 6: The Gaelic Church
Sunday broke with a sharper cold than the day before, a frost that glittered over every fence post and pine bough. Neil woke to the sound of voices moving quietly in the kitchen, the muted clatter of crockery, and Agnes’s low tones urging the children into their best clothes. By the time he came down, the house was alive with the preparations of Sabbath.
Continue reading “Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (6): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1110 )”1109 Notting Hill Carnival 1976 | Looking Back at London’s Iconic Celebration
Take a step back in time to the Notting Hill Carnival of 1976, one of the most memorable years in the history of London’s famous street festival. In this video, we explore a story it was nearly 50 years ago. The Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe, celebrating Caribbean culture, music, food, and freedom of expression. The 1976 carnival was a defining moment that shaped the event we know today, remembered for its vibrant energy, its challenges, and its lasting cultural impact. 🌍 If you enjoyed our recent video on the modern Notting Hill Carnival, this look back to 1976 shows how far the carnival has come and why it remains such an important part of London’s cultural identity.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of culture, heritage, and history.
Music by suno.ai
1108 ChatGPT for English Learners | Improve Your English with AI
Unlock the power of AI to learn English faster! 🚀 In this video, I’ll show you how to use ChatGPT to practice reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary in English. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced learner, these tips will help you study smarter and stay motivated. ✨ What you’ll learn: How ChatGPT can correct your grammar Using AI as a teacher Creating quizzes and exercises instantly Boosting your confidence in English 👉
1107 Notting Hill Carnival 2025 | Easy English News Story for Students
Join me as I read a short news story about the Notting Hill Carnival 2025 in London. This is one of the UK’s biggest street festivals, celebrating Caribbean culture, music, dance, and food. This video is designed for English learners and students. You can practice listening, comprehension, and vocabulary while learning more about London’s famous summer event.
Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (5): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1106)
Neil McTaggart’s Crossing – Part 5: A Sound of the Past
Saturday came with a softer light, a pale sun hanging low over the snowy fields. The usual rhythm of boots on floorboards and tools clattering was absent; instead, the household moved with an easy quiet. Agnes set bread to warm on the hearth, and Robert announced, over the steaming mugs of morning tea, that there would be no work today.
Continue reading “Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (5): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1106)”1105 Easy Lebanese Chicken – Simple English Cooking Recipe
Learn how to make Lebanese chicken with yogurt in easy English. This simple, step-by-step recipe is perfect for beginners. We’ll use tender chicken, creamy yogurt, and delicious Middle Eastern spices to make a tasty dish you can enjoy at home. No complicated cooking words – just clear instructions in simple English so everyone can follow. 📌 What you’ll learn:
How to season chicken with Middle Eastern spices
How to make a yogurt marinade
How to cook the chicken until juicy and tender
Cooking tips for beginners: Whether you’re learning English or just want a quick and easy recipe, this video is for you!
Music intro by Suno ai
Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (4): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1104)
Neil McTaggart’s Crossing – Part 4: First Morning
The small back room smelled faintly of pine boards and woodsmoke. Its single window was frosted at the edges, letting in only a sliver of moonlight. A narrow bed, a wooden chair, and a shelf were all it held but after the ship’s hard benches and the cold hall in Halifax, it felt like his own corner of the world.
Continue reading “Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (4): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1104)”1103 At the Supermarket (Transcript)
Hi everyone and welcome again to another Teacher Joseph podcast.
Well, today I’m in the supermarket as you can probably hear from the background music.
I’m here because I want to buy some ingredients to make a delicious recipe for yoghurt chicken.
It’s a Lebanese recipe. I’m sure they call it something else, but basically it’s a chicken with yoghurt, cumin, herbs and spices and you leave the chicken in that mixture for a few hours or even a day before you cook it.
So I’m here to get Greek yoghurt. If you’re very interested in that recipe I’m actually going to record it online and make a clip when I’m cooking it, so you’ll get to see it.
And right now I’m just heading for the….the area of the supermarket which sells the yoghurt.
Oh, delicious. What’s this? Oh yeah, I need some of that…. this is extra virgin olive oil. Yeah, that doesn’t go wrong. Especially not in Arab and Mediterranean recipes. Very nice, very nice. Delicious, absolutely delicious. And I think I have everything else I need.
So olive oil and the yoghurt are the 2 main things which I’m searching for today and I’m just on my…..
..oh, delicious. What’s this? Oh, yeah. I need some of this…. that’s…that’s a particular brand of coffee I like. Yeah. Maybe I’ll come back and get that because I don’t want to carry too much, you know, whenever I come to the supermarket, I’m…….
Oh lovely. What’s this? Oh this is the Mediterranean section. Oh a bit pricey. A little bit pricey, but still very nice. What’s this halloumi slices. Yeah. Yeah. Well. That’s cheaper than buying the actual Halloumi cheese, because the halloumi cheese here is very expensive.
What’s this? Oh, this is obviously Greek, but I don’t know what it is.(name). You see, the thing is, for a British person like me, who really knows nothing about food, I can’t even recognise these different kinds of things when I when I see them, you know? So I’m just trying to see what I want.
But anyway, I’ve stumbled across the yoghurt section. There’s the Greek yoghurt. Delicious. So let me just take that. So… so far I have two things. I have the Greek yoghurt and I have the olive oil. And they’re …they’re selling tofu in here now. Oh, well, that’s nice. I always have to go to the Chinese supermarket for that. So it’s good to know that I can now get it here. Because I don’t have to walk all the way to the….
Oh! breadsticks with sunflower seeds. Oh that sounds nice, doesn’t it? Again, I’m back in the foreign section. I shouldn’t really call it that, should I? It sounds a little bit colonial or nationalistic, but anyway, the food looks delicious. What’s this? They don’t have English names on these things. I’m sure this is sweet, isn’t it? (name). Yeah. I’ll need to Google that, but it looks delicious. I think it’s some kind of black sweets. Let me see if I can find on Google what that is.
Oh Oh delicious puff pastry biscuits with cocoa glaze. Oh, I might come back for those. I’m tempted to buy a packet of biscuits when I’m here. You know I shouldn’t. Yeah, I shouldn’t eat the sweet things, but I always do.
What’s this? Greek extra virgin olive oil. Oh, well that’s really nice that it’s Greek, but does that change anything? How much is it? It looks… it’s in a can. It looks like a can for carrying oil for the car. It’s one of these, like… tall looking cans. It’s not a bottle or a jar. It says here Greek extra virgin olive oil, Kalamata PDO. 500 millilitres. £6.49 well, that’s £1.49 more than what I’m paying for the other oil, but I’m sure it really is good. But yeah, I mean £6 over £6 for a bottle of olive oil. Yeah.
Oh Delicious. What’s this? Chewy twist? Delicious and long lasting. Oh, that looks nice, doesn’t it? It. It looks like meat of some kind. Oh, it’s for the dog. OK, well, I thought it was for humans. No, on the back, it has a big picture of a dog, but I wouldn’t have noticed that if I if I hadn’t looked closely.
Sushi mayonnaise. How would that be different from other mayonnaise, I wonder? Sushi mayonnaise. Water, sugar, soybean oil, vinegar. Thickeners, 1, 2, 3 ….. 3 E numbers, which means it’s probably very dangerous. E numbers are the additives, aren’t they? Well, lovely….
Oh delicious, raisin and nuts milk chocolate. That that sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Oh, rum raisin and nuts. Oh, well, yeah. They love their alcohol here, don’t they?
What else am I looking at? Ohh, that’s the alcohol section. Oh, that’s completely empty, of course, because in this part of the UK you can’t buy alcohol before. I think it’s 11 AM here. It is either 10 or 11? I’m not sure.. and oh the frozen section. Oh well, we all love the frozen section…. Apples strudel… delicious and strawberry gateau.
Oh, that’s lovely, isn’t it? I love the strawberry gateau, but you know, that gateau is the Spanish word for cat. So whenever I see the French word, gateau for cake. I always have a little moment of yeeuuuwwwww.
Lemon meringue pie. I don’t know if if I want that….
Oh delicious wild pink salmon fillet. That’s where they should be right next to the cheesecake, *sarcastic comment – of course they should not be there) and that doesn’t make sense, does it? Yeah. You know, we really don’t care much about food.
What’s this. Two Scottish salmon fillets, or someone put that in the wrong place. I think…. fFsh fingers. Or they look quite cheap? I could be tempted by them. I think just deep fried artificial fish. I think 2 salmon en coute(?). I don’t know what that is, but it looks delicious,
Right… What else do we have here?
Uh. Yeah, lots of things that I probably need but don’t need, you know, this supermarket puts everything all together. Neck support pillow. No, thank you. Highball whiskey glasses. Yeah, well, maybe for people who like whiskey they would buy something like that. Salt and Pepper mill set. Oh, yeah, that’s those large containers. You know that you twist the top and the salt comes from the bottom.
Multifunctional oil spray or that looks just like that Greek olive oil I saw a minute ago. Oh yeah, these are things that I probably wouldn’t….. I probably wouldn’t get…. You know, I’m not very handy with DIY. Speaking of DIY Do-it-Yourself, you know, the the kind of repairs around the house, that’s what we call it… DIY. I need to just work in the garden. I need to lay down some bark or chips to cover an area which has weeds, but I’m not quite sure how to do that yet. But…. before the summer disappears. I’m probably going to eBay and buy something because I’m not sure……
Delicious. What’s this? Oh, lovely. I’m back at the coffee. And it says here Americano instant roast and ground coffee, it’s a shiny tin, which always attracts me, but I’m not sure about the price of this stuff ….it looks a little bit pricey, doesn’t it? Barista instant coffee, it says. What’s this Americano Intense. Oh, intense. Sounds like I should be having a good time intense instant roast and ground coffee. Barista premium. I don’t know if that’s really what I want or not… I’ll have a little look. That one’s double the size. Oh, it’s got the name Nescafe. So it’s more expensive. I think this one is probably fine.
Right. So I’ll take a bit of that. Oh my goodness me. There was one there very large lady there taking everything off all of the shelves. She’s just like, pulling everything in, as I always say, it’s like watching Godzilla attacking the village. Honestly, she’s huge. Well, just keep out different way I think.
Ohh here’s stuff for the. Kids. Peppa Pig, Portable mini cooler. Inflatable fruits. Why would you want an inflatable watermelon?
Do you know I heard something the other day, Speaking of melons. I was talking to a student on Italki and we were talking about fruit and veg and she said that when she goes to the supermarket, she knows if the melons are fresh by sniffing them. Apparently this is a Sicilian way of knowing. If your melons are OK, you can sniff them to see if they’re usable and I thought, oh, that doesn’t sound very British, and apparently in Sicily they all do this. This is the older person’s way of…..
Oh What’s this? Oh, delicious. Iberico chorizo. No, wait. Spanish Iberian pork. Ohh, no, not delicious. Well, it would be for the family. They love that, but not for me. Catalan dried sausage. Why would that be covered in flour, I wonder? I don’t know. Well, I have what I want here. I have my Greek yoghurt, my olive oil and also my American coffee. So. I think that probably….
Tuna oh delicious….
You see, this is the thing when you go shopping, you end up buying all the stuff that you don’t want.
Carrot and coriander soup, but yeah, but I could make that you know, the same with bread. I mean, what’s the point of buying it when you can make it but making it takes time? I think that’s the …that’s the thing, and if I buy the biscuits, I’ll. eat them so it’s better not to take them home. Otherwise, in the evening time I’ll go searching for them. That’s that’s how it is, you know.
But anyway, OK, that’s it for me. So I hope you’ve enjoyed this. And remember to look out for the video clip which has the Arab chicken preparation.
See you. Bye.
1102 Improve Your English with News | Edinburgh Festivals 2025 (Fringe & International Festival)
Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (3): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1101)
Part 3: The Road to Halton Hills
The wagon creaked as it left the little platform behind. Neil sat beside his uncle, suitcase at his feet, fingers wrapped around the smooth stone in his pocket. The road stretched ahead in a long, frozen ribbon. Pine trees lined the edges, bare branches brushing the sky.
Continue reading “Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (3): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1101)”The Real Neil McTaggart (Bio.) | The Man behind the Story Podcast 1099
Right, Today we’re going to talk about Neil McTaggart.
Now, some of you know that I’ve been writing a story, and you’ve been reading it on my blog and hearing it on YouTube.
Continue reading “The Real Neil McTaggart (Bio.) | The Man behind the Story Podcast 1099”Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (2): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1097)
Neil McTaggart’s Crossing – Part 2: Arrival
by Joseph McTaggart
The ship groaned as it pushed into Halifax Harbour, cutting through a pale morning mist. Neil stood near the rail, coat buttoned high against the cold, his fingers wrapped around a small stone in his pocket. The stone was smooth and grey, polished by sea air and worry — a gift from his mother.
Continue reading “Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (2): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1097)”Learn English With Me
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Much Love to you!
Joseph
Reach – Gloria Estefan
1096 Looking Back: Bute Pride 2019 & Glasgow Pride 2018 | Scottish Pride Photo Memories
1095 Glasgow Pride March 2025 | Full Parade | Complete LGBTQ+ Celebration
Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (1): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1093)
A story of departure – Scotland, 1927
By Joseph McTaggart
Neil McTaggart stood at the harbour, hands deep in his coat pockets, watching the steamship as it groaned and shifted in the water. He was eighteen years old, broad-shouldered and sharp-eyed, with fingers that looked older than the rest of him.
His boots were worn. His suitcase was heavy. But it wasn’t just the weight of his belongings that slowed his steps. It was something harder to carry — the knowledge that he was leaving everything behind.
Continue reading “Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (1): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1093)”1092 Stop Just Learning — Start Giving: Why You’re Stuck in Study Mode (transcript)
Hi, everyone.
Welcome again to another podcast from Teacher Joseph. And today we’re going to look at something very important in your journey of learning.
Continue reading “1092 Stop Just Learning — Start Giving: Why You’re Stuck in Study Mode (transcript)”Videoclips from the Netherlands
1084 British Food Explained: Why Is It So Bad?
Let’s be honest: British food doesn’t have the best reputation. Around the world, people make jokes about it—and often, those jokes are true. In the UK, we eat a lot of boring, brown food. We also have strange habits when it comes to meals. And worst of all? Most of us don’t even realise there’s a problem. We think we’re doing fine.
Continue reading “1084 British Food Explained: Why Is It So Bad?”1082 Learning in Silence: A New Way to Understand (Transcript)
Hi Everyone, welcome again to another Teacher Joseph Podcast. You can find the transcript for this podcast on my blog at TeacherJoseph.com and today its all about learning in a different way. Its very important because these days when the world is going a little bit crazy we need to keep our peace, our sense of peace, our way, our composure of being peaceful and we want to radiate that peace into the world. That is what today…… what today’s reading is all about.
So lets begin, lets do some reading, here we go:
Lets begin then……
Learning in Silence: A New Way to Understand
When we think of learning, we often picture books, classrooms, and teachers writing on a whiteboard. We think of effort,repeating, memorizing, pushing ourselves. But what if real learning could be easier? What if the best way to learn English is not only by studying hard, but also by becoming quiet inside?
Continue reading “1082 Learning in Silence: A New Way to Understand (Transcript)”1081 How Your Thoughts Shape Your Ability to Learn Transcript
It’s funny how we often think of learning as something that happens “out there”—in books, in classrooms, on YouTube videos or podcasts. We imagine the knowledge floating around, waiting for us to catch it like butterflies in a net. But what if the real work of learning doesn’t happen “out there” at all?
Continue reading “1081 How Your Thoughts Shape Your Ability to Learn Transcript”1080 Rainbows in June: A Celebration of UK Pride – A Story of Love, Struggle & Joy (transcript from youtube post)
Every June, the streets of the United Kingdom burst into colour, music, and unapologetic joy. Flags flutter from windows, drag queens sashay through city centres, and grandparents beam as their grandkids dance beside them at Pride. From Brighton to Belfast, Glasgow to Cardiff, the month of June is no ordinary chapter in the calendar — it’s a living, breathing tapestry of love, identity, resistance, and celebration.
Continue reading “1080 Rainbows in June: A Celebration of UK Pride – A Story of Love, Struggle & Joy (transcript from youtube post)”Happy Eid! A celebration full of Food.
Today I was officially adopted by a family I’ve never met.
Digitally, through Microsoft Teams and with more naan bread than I could ever emotionally process.
1075 The Sea at Blackpool Transcript
Hello everyone and welcome again to another Teacher Joseph podcast.
For the last few days I’ve been on holiday in the North of England and the sea is battering against the barrier behind me. I’m in a hotel room and I have a sea view: a view of the sea, but it’s very, very rough and I can see it hitting against the barrier, wanting to jump onto the road. Well, you may hear it behind me or at least you might hear the wind.
Continue reading “1075 The Sea at Blackpool Transcript”1073 In the Supermarket – Transcript
Hi, everyone.
Welcome again to another teacher Joseph podcast.
Well, I’ve just entered the supermarket and there the first thing that greets me is the news stand…. very depressing news, isn’t it? And no one seems happy that Britain is making deals with Europe.
Continue reading “1073 In the Supermarket – Transcript”1073 Sabrina: The Star Who Stood Still and Became a Legend
In the world of entertainment, most stars become famous by singing, acting, or dancing. Sabrina did none of those things.
She became famous by simply standing still and smiling.
In the 1950s, Britain was still recovering from war. People needed laughter, colour, and something glamorous to look at. Then along came a young woman from Stockport, England, with blonde hair, a tiny waist, and …. very large… eh, a very large personality.
Her real name was Norma Ann Sykes, but nobody remembered that. Everyone knew her as Sabrina—no last name, no explanation. Like Madonna, but curvier.
Sabrina didn’t talk much on television. In fact, she often didn’t talk at all. She became famous just by appearing on a popular show called Before Your Very Eyes with Arthur Askey. He did the jokes. Sabrina stood beside him, smiled, and looked beautiful.
And that was it.
Yet somehow, she became a national obsession.
The Blonde Who Broke the Mould
In the 1950s, people didn’t have Instagram or reality TV. They had black-and-white newspapers and magazines. Sabrina appeared in all of them. She became one of Britain’s first “pin-up girls”—women whose pictures people hung on the wall, usually in garages, bedrooms, and army bases.
She had a body like an hourglass, with measurements that seemed almost unreal. Some people joked that she was more of a sculpture than a person.
Her image was everywhere. Her name was used to sell cars, chocolates, and even vacuum cleaners. There were “Sabrina”-style bras. Men named their motorbikes after her. The Royal Air Force painted her face on the front of their planes.
She didn’t say much—but she didn’t need to. Just being Sabrina was enough.
Her silence became part of the legend. One journalist wrote, “She speaks as much on TV as a bottle of milk—but Britain can’t get enough of her.”
Attempts at Acting
Of course, being beautiful and silent has its limits.
In the late 1950s, Sabrina tried to act in films. She appeared in Blue Murder at St Trinian’s, a comedy about a crazy girls’ school. She also had roles in a few other light-hearted films.
Unfortunately, critics didn’t take her seriously. “Too glamorous,” they said. “Not enough range.” Sabrina often played herself, or a version of herself: the glamorous blonde who distracted every man in the room.
But Sabrina didn’t seem to mind. As she once said, “If people want to look at me, that’s fine. I look at myself too.”
Some fans believed she was smarter than she let on. One reporter asked her what her hobbies were. She smiled and replied, “Shopping, sleeping, and being adored.”
It wasn’t just a joke. There was a sense of self-awareness beneath the makeup and the poses. Sabrina understood fame—and how strange it could be.
Glamour, Gloss, and Quiet Confidence
Sabrina didn’t come from wealth. She had polio as a child, which affected her health for years. But she refused to be seen as weak. She trained her body, posed for glamorous photos, and taught herself how to smile like a goddess while standing still for hours.
She knew how to play the part of the blonde bombshell. But underneath the glamour, she was clever and knew exactly how to stay famous.
She also never apologised for being feminine, fashionable, or popular. At a time when women were often told to “stay quiet” or “be modest,” Sabrina stood tall—literally—and said nothing. But her silence was powerful.
People talked about her as if she were a mystery. She didn’t explain herself. And that made her even more interesting.
America, Fame, and Disappearing
In the 1960s, Sabrina moved to the United States. She wanted a fresh start and hoped Hollywood would finally take her seriously.
For a while, she lived in Beverly Hills, surrounded by swimming pools, small dogs, and mirrors. She appeared in one or two films and a few television spots. But the American film industry already had its own blonde stars, and Sabrina struggled to find her place.
Over time, she stepped away from the spotlight.
Some people said she had married a rich man. Others said she became a recluse. Her life became quiet, even mysterious. She stopped making public appearances and rarely gave interviews.
Then, in the 2000s, someone spotted her in London again—older, slower, but still recognisably Sabrina.
She passed away in 2016, at the age of 80, having lived much of her later life in privacy. No big headlines. No dramatic farewell. Just a quiet goodbye from a woman who once stopped traffic by doing absolutely nothing.
A Legacy Built on Mystery
So, what was Sabrina’s secret?
She didn’t win awards. She didn’t sing songs. She didn’t write books or play complicated characters. Yet she became a symbol of beauty and confidence in a time when the world was still black and white.
Maybe that was her magic.
Sabrina proved that sometimes, you don’t need to speak loudly to be heard. She showed that glamour could be its own kind of power. And she reminded people that it’s okay to enjoy being looked at—if you’re doing it on your own terms.
Even today, people still search for her photos online. Her image lives on in old magazines, fan clubs, jokes, and memories.
One military officer once said, “There are three things a young soldier remembers from the 1950s: the Queen, National Service, and Sabrina.”
That’s quite the legacy.
Final Thought
Sabrina once joked, “I never understood what all the fuss was about.” But deep down, she probably did.
She gave the people what they wanted—beauty, mystery, and a little bit of glamour in a grey world.
She didn’t need to do much. Just stand still, smile, and let the world come to her.
And it did.
1072 Mother Angelica – The Nun Who Wouldn’t Shut Up (Transcripción en español e inglés)
Mother Angelica was not your typical sweet, smiling nun.
She didn’t play the guitar. She didn’t talk softly. And if you crossed her, she wouldn’t pray for you—she’d probably roast you live on television.
Continue reading “1072 Mother Angelica – The Nun Who Wouldn’t Shut Up (Transcripción en español e inglés)”1071 Inside the Coffee Shop transcript
Hi everyone and welcome again to another Teacher Joseph podcast.
Well, I’m here today inside a coffee shop and it’s very, very hot outside. So I walked here and I’m taking refuge inside this coffee shop. Just to shelter from the hot, scolding sunshine. It’s kind of unusual for us to have such hot weather and to be honest, its making me feel a little bit wabbit. Wabbit is when you feel a. little bit down. A little bit kind of disorientated or dizzy and you’re on autopilot. Not functioning on all cylinders. I’ll double check in the dictionary that wabbit is there.
Alright and indeed it is. I just took a moment there. I paused our recording to check… it’s used mostly in the northern part of the UK. It’s introducing you to a Scottish / English word wabbit. It sounds like rabbit, but with a W. And it’s very common to hear people saying that.
Although the dictionary says it is actually a Scottish word. I believe it’s all over the UK. I mean, I’ve heard it in different places, people feeling a bit wabbit, but do keep in mind if you use it that it’s mainly a term from the north. Well, let me just go over what I’m doing here.
So I’m sitting drinking a cup of coffee. It is delicious and I know I shouldn’t really but I also had some doughnuts. And I know, I know, I’m supposed to avoid sugary things, but they were delicious. I mean, it was (they were…) chocolate covered and glazed…. I had to…… I had to try them. Now the thing about this coffee shop is that it’s one of these heavily automized coffee shops, which means that you do everything on the screen to order , and when you do approach the counter for service, they kind of look at you terrified. It’s like they’ve never spoken to anyone before.
It’s really funny. It’s like “Really ?? You actually wanna talk to somebody”? So the screen is where we order all of our coffees and these things. It’s one of these places which is rather grey looking. Typical UK style shop. Grey…. tiles on the floor, brown seating and the ceiling is open, so you can see all of the pipes. I believe this…. this chain is actually Canadian. They’ve got pictures of ice hockey players all around the walls, which, well, doesn’t make me want to rush out and do ice hockey.
Flashing screens are near me and to be honest with you, they are almost blinding me with bright colours and that that’s of course because they’re trying to sell more things.
I’m sitting by the window looking out to a very depressing car park. There’s only four cars in it. So it’s very grey looking and what else can I tell you about it? Yeah, it looks kind of industrial. Clearly it’s near the railway line. Looks like the setting for a music video. You know when there’s rapper walking along, pulling his trousers up every two minutes, it looks something like that. It’s a very deprived kind of area. Yeah, but it’s it’s lovely. I mean, the colours are beautiful, very green today, because the sun’s out and I cut the grass this morning. That was that was an adventure.
But I have to go back to the doughnuts. I mean, they were delicious. Really. And I ate them all myself because I’m out alone.
Yeah. So that’s really all I wanted to say for today, except just to point out that the weather here really is beautiful. Very green. I can see the trees swaying in the wind. It’s almost like they’re dancing because the wind is picking up but even with that, it’s very, very beautiful.
It’s very unusual for us here to have wind, which is warm, usually the wind comes and it blows you away and you’re freezing but actually it’s it’s lovely. And for me I I just I cut the grass this morning, weeded the garden felt exhausted, fell asleep for a couple of hours and then staggered out to come to this coffee shop.
Just looking around and thinking about my forthcoming holidays. I’ll be in the Netherlands this year at some point over June and July, so it’s all booked. I’m very happy. I won’t tell you the exact dates in case you come to try to steal my television when I’m away but there really is…it really is beautiful at this time of year to see the tulips and lovely places. So I’ll be looking forward to that…. yes, yes.
And that’s all for me right now. So I hope you’ve enjoyed this and yeah, some beautiful, beautiful scenes today. I’ll just give you those words again. Wabbit. That’s how I was feeling earlier, a bit exhausted and a little bit unwell. Swaying…. What the trees are doing in the wind. And colourful, beautiful, maybe even dramatic, we could say about things. And that’s it from me. So I’ll see you all again soon.
And I wish you all a beautiful day.
Bye.
1070 – Differences between American and British English. Transcript.
One of the great things about being an English Teacher is you get to meet people from all over the world and you get to try some delicious food from different places but you also get to talk to people in other parts of the English world, other teachers sometimes, neighbours and friends of course, people who live around you. This is a very diverse place, you know the UK has people from all over the world.
Continue reading “1070 – Differences between American and British English. Transcript.”1069 Experiences of Learning Dutch Transcript
So, I started learning Dutch while I was actually living in the Netherlands which, in theory, should make everything easier. Total immersion, real-life exposure, supermarkets full of words, right?
Wrong.
Let’s be clear: living in a country and understanding what anyone is saying are not the same thing. My first few weeks there, I smiled a lot. Nodded. Laughed when others laughed, even though I had no clue what was going on. Someone could have told me their hamster had exploded and I would’ve smiled and said “lovely.”
It didn’t take long to realise I had to learn the language or spend the rest of my time ordering the same sandwich from the same café, praying they’d never change the menu.
So, I started. Tentatively. First with the street signs, they felt safe. No one expects you to respond to a street sign. Then the public transport announcements. I picked up the general vibe: something had either gone terribly wrong or would arrive in three minutes. Maybe both.
I downloaded an app, the one with the friendly owl who is always watching. The owl celebrated my 3-day streak like I’d climbed Everest. I felt proud… until I skipped a day and the owl got weirdly passive-aggressive. “We missed you,” it said. “Your language goals did too.” I swear the app knows guilt better than most Catholic school teachers.
In the Netherlands, I started trying out small phrases. Very small. One-word small. I once tried to say “thank you very much” to a lovely cashier but panicked halfway through and ended up making a sound somewhere between a sneeze and a confession. She looked confused, then concerned. I took my groceries and left with the grace of a damp cardboard box.
But here’s the strange thing: despite the stumbles, I kept going. There’s something oddly addictive about learning a language you hear all around you — even if most of it sounds like someone trying to clear their throat and speak at the same time. Dutch isn’t a shy language. It’s assertive. It sounds like it means business. Even when it’s talking about cheese.
Once I left the Netherlands, I thought the urge to learn would fade. But weirdly, it didn’t. Maybe I was traumatised by how many times I’d misunderstood people. Maybe I missed the weirdly satisfying rhythm of the language. Maybe I was still determined to someday understand those fast, breathless train announcements that made me question whether I was on the right planet, let alone the right train.
So I kept going. Now, though, it’s different. I no longer have daily immersion just me, my apps, a few Dutch children’s books, and the occasional YouTube rabbit hole. I read menus for fun. I test myself with grammar I will never use in real life. I once spent an entire evening trying to understand why a verb had snuck to the end of the sentence like a guilty teenager. Still no idea.
And yes, it gets lonely. No more overheard conversations to decode. No bakery lines to rehearse sentences for. Just me, whispering strange phrases at home and hoping my neighbours don’t think I’m starting a cult.
Sometimes I doubt myself. Sometimes I think I’ve made up all the progress. I’ll listen to a video, get excited that I understood a full sentence, and then realise it was in English. Or I’ll try to speak out loud and suddenly develop a completely new accent that doesn’t exist in any languages.
But there are wins. Like realising I know what a sign says without translating. Like understanding the difference between two similar-sounding words and not accidentally saying “I am pregnant” when I meant “I am full.” Like recognising a joke in a Dutch TV show and actually laughing for the right reason.
Also, I’m no longer scared of the long words. You know the ones the kind that stretch across half the page like some kind of linguistic centipede. Once upon a time, I’d look at those and assume they were medical conditions. Now I know they’re just compound words. Long, yes. But logical. Which, if you ask me, is both comforting and horrifying.
And there’s something else. Something no app or phrasebook mentions: the emotional chaos of learning a language that’s so close to English, yet not quite. It feels like dating someone who reminds you of an old flame, familiar, but ultimately unpredictable. One moment, everything makes sense. The next, the sentence flips around and throws in a word that sounds like a sneeze.
But despite everything the confusion, the grammar acrobatics, the owl-induced guilt, I keep going. Because every now and then, I get this flash of clarity. A sentence that makes sense. A word that clicks. A tiny, fleeting moment where I feel like I’m in the language, not just chasing it. And those moments, odd as they are, feel magical.
Will I ever be fluent? Honestly, I don’t know. It depends what “fluent” means. If it means giving a TED talk about philosophy, probably not. If it means ordering a coffee without causing a scene, then I’m nearly there. If it means understanding people well enough to laugh at the right moment — that’s the goal.
Tomorrow, I’ll probably forget something obvious. I’ll probably mix up the word for “because” again. But I’ll also open my notebook, press play on the next audio, and try once more. Not because I have to, but because this is who I am now: someone who once lived in a country, heard a language, and decided, quietly, to try and understand it.
Even if it takes a lifetime.
1068 The Soundtrack of Carbonated Delusion: Coca-Cola Jingles in the 1980s – Transcript
The 1980s gave us many things: shoulder pads, mullets, cassette tapes, nuclear panic, and an unshakable belief that soft drinks could somehow save the world. Among the noisiest contributions to this surreal decade were the Coca-Cola jingles – bright, sugary musical anthems that promised joy, unity, and refreshment, all for the price of a bottle cap.
If the Cold War was the sound of tension, Coca-Cola was the soundtrack of forced optimism.
Coca-Cola’s jingles in the 1980s weren’t just catchy, they were an all-out assault on the senses. With lyrics that made sunshine sound compulsory and melodies designed to burrow into your skull like a corporate parasite, these jingles were everywhere: on radios, televisions, and the lips of disturbingly enthusiastic teenagers in advertising spots.
Take, for example, the endlessly repeated “Can’t Beat the Feeling!” campaign. This jingle, released in 1989, featured crowds of people smiling far too widely, often mid-laugh, as they sipped their Coke in slow motion. The music swelled, the camera panned over golden beaches or neon-lit cities, and somewhere, a child ran through a sprinkler. The message was clear: Coca-Cola was not a drink. It was a lifestyle.
A lifestyle where no one ever had a headache. Or rent. Or the slightest trace of cynicism.
This was not new, of course. Coca-Cola had been linking itself to happiness since the 1971 classic “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke,” a song so idealistic it made peace in the Middle East look like a reasonable weekend goal. But in the 1980s, the jingles got louder, more polished, and somehow more desperate.
Everything about them said: “Look! Everything’s fine! Don’t think too hard!”
The irony, of course, was that much of the world in the 1980s was not fine. There was recession, unemployment, nuclear threats, and the growing fear that Ronald Reagan might accidentally press the wrong button before his next nap. Meanwhile, Coke’s ad campaigns danced forward, blissfully unaware or perhaps entirely aware of how false their promises sounded.
This made the jingles all the more surreal. In the middle of your family’s second-hand car breaking down, the radio would blast, “Can’t beat the real thing!” as if it were gently mocking your life.
They sang about sharing Coke with friends while half the country wasn’t speaking to each other. They sang about energy and joy while millions felt tired and broke.
And yet, the jingles worked. That’s the dark genius of it all. People bought the drinks. People sang along. For a few seconds, humming the tune in a supermarket aisle, you did feel a little better. Coca-Cola wasn’t selling sugar and water. It was selling escape.
Even now, those old jingles haunt us. Not just as melodies, but as memories of a kind of mass hypnosis. A time when we all agreed, without saying it, that pretending everything was wonderful was better than facing how complicated it really was.
There’s a special kind of horror in watching an old 1980s Coke ad today. The hair is big. The smiles are bigger. Everyone is dancing in a way that suggests they’ve either found salvation or been recently electrocuted. You know it’s fake. They knew it was fake. But we all played along.
And let’s not forget the children. In many of these jingles, kids sang too—voices so clear and hopeful it made you feel guilty for ever doubting anything. Their eyes sparkled with the kind of trust you only see in people who haven’t read the news yet.
What were we teaching them? That joy came in a can? That unity could be achieved through matching T-shirts and high kicks?
Perhaps the darkest joke of all is that the Coca-Cola jingles were right, in their own strange way. They did bring people together. They united us in pretending that the world was simple, that problems could be solved with bubbles and branding.
It wasn’t true, of course. But it was catchy.
And maybe, in the end, that’s all a jingle needs to be.
1067 – The new UK Law on Immigration (with transcript)
Hi, everyone. Welcome again to another teacher Joseph podcast.
Well, yesterday the British Government announced that it is changing our immigration rule. And there’s a few very strong rules coming in which will prevent immigrants entering the UK.
It’s very sad. My feeling is this is in response, of course, to American politics. As I’ve often said here on this podcast, our system, our government tends to mirror whatever’s happening in America, and it’s clear that what’s happening over there was somehow or other going to affect our British way of life.
That as well as the fact that we… we actually have other discussions on immigration happening here separately. I mean the bottom line is that they they want to cut down the number of immigrants. I don’t know anyone who actually agrees with that. I grew up in a time when we happily accepted people from around the world, especially from the EU, because we were in the EU and now of course, it’s looking like getting into other countries is easier than getting into Britain.
One of the main things that I’ve noticed is that we no longer want care workers. That was a big thing yesterday, so if you were using the care system and I’m not talking about nurses. I’m talking about people who work in our care and nursing homes. That was how many people got into the UK that’s now being stopped temporarily. I think they’re saying they’re pausing the entry of care workers and we have loads of those and I think around where I’m living. I can see that they tend to be African, so that will be stopped and the idea is that British people will be doing those jobs. I don’t know who thinks that British people will be doing this because, as far as I can see, younger people than me anyway, they they don’t want to be working…. likewise, I mean this this will also reduce the number of people working in my local supermarkets by about half. So who’s going to do those jobs, I wonder? It’s really very sad to see these changes. Because I’m not sure that the government realise how important immigrants are. Around different parts of the UK, our local garages and supermarkets are operated and in some cases owned by immigrants, so I don’t know what’s what’s going to happen, but it’s very sad. The whole thing is very, very weird. And as the opponents to this new law have said. Well, it’s just a matter of time before the government realise that it doesn’t work because we need people who want to do the jobs that British people don’t want to do. That’s quite simple. Yeah. So let me read this.
Extended path to settlements.
You have to wait 10 years before you can be considered for permanent residency.
Higher English language requirements
The government has raised the proficiency level up to B2, so you can no longer get in on a B1 exam pass. You need B2 now.
Skilled worker visas.
Yeah, this is changing. So they’re basically saying that to come to the UK now you need to have a university degree. OK. So any kind of skilled worker visa, you need a degree.
Restrictions on care worker recruitment.
I mentioned that… they’re pausing that. If you’re here at the moment, you can stay until 2028. Overseas applicants no longer accepted.
Students
International students have two years now to work after they graduate, rather than. UM. Oh, previously it was 2 years now it’s been reduced to 18 months is what I want to say.
Stricter deportation policies.
The new policy allows for the removal of individuals convicted of minor offences. Well, that’s mirroring America, of course.
And and just to conclude on that. It’s yeah that this is quite profound. You know quite a profound change to our immigration law. And it’s going to be a big shake up because it means (there’s) going to be virtually no one to look after our older people in nursing homes. So yeah, something has to change there. And of course it will. It’s only a matter of time before our governments reverse some of these points.
Other governments have tried it and failed. Uh, it’s just not workable. Yes. So the B1 to B2 is interesting, isn’t it? That you have to have a B2 pass level to enter the UK now?
I mean, British people have always been a little bit strange with immigration. My age group was better in that we were in the EU. We welcomed everyone, things weren’t perfect, but it worked. I don’t see anything wrong with that, but now there’s parts of the UK which are completely impoverished. And crime levels are high and if these crime levels are contributed to by people of other nationalities, it raises bad feeling. There’s been a few of those over the last number of years, but yeah, I think British people have always been a little bit strange with immigration. Anyway, it’s not something that’s that we handle very well, but exclusion is never the way to go.
I’m very sad about this. I love immigrants, I love diversity. And yeah, it makes me a little bit worried about living here. Because I… even though I am British, I don’t think of myself as British, my views of Britain and the British people are probably the same as those shared by immigrants. So when they pass laws like this, it makes me really uncomfortable because it’s like they’re attacking my friends. And I’m sure one of these days it’s going to go much deeper.
So I really really hope that they reverse this quite quick. It’s…. we don’t want to end up like other countries where you round up the immigrants and you deport them, which is currently I think what’s happening in in the USA, this is… this is dreadful. So it’s it’s really sad that Britain could even think about going in that kind of direction.
Having said all of that, though, I don’t think these laws will get through Parliament. I mean, they’ve been announced, they still have to be debated. I think in our upper chamber. So probably they they might be reduced a little bit. It’s before they become law and like I say, they they can’t last long because anything which excludes anything which deports, well, I’m sure that’s not going to last long, right…well, that’s it for me.
That’s a little introduction in to the new immigration system here in the UK. Very sad day, I have to say, but like I say, it can’t last long because British people well we really just don’t want to do the kind of work that immigrants do, so who knows what the future is going to look like without them, right.
See you all. Bye.
1066 Walking on the High Street Transcript.
Hi everyone and welcome again to another teacher Joseph podcast.
Well, I’m outside today and I want to describe for you what I’m looking at. So I’m on the High street. Some people might say in the High street of my town here in the UK.
It’s a glorious day, it’s very nice. The sun is shining and behind me, if I turn around, there’s a town hall and the clock is pointing up into the sky. Very nice indeed. And directly ahead of me is a rather empty Street no one’s really on there, possibly because there aren’t so many shops which are open and well, there aren’t so many shops these days, because everyone buys things online. Some of our town centres are just a little bit dead and my town centre, I’m afraid to say is the same. Looking at it now, there’s nobody on there except a few young people who are clearly going to the pub, I think, or maybe one of the cafes, which are still open but generally not a lot to see.
So let me just describe that for you. There’s one cafe that I can see on the right hand side. With a purple sign outside, the pavement is cobblestone. That’s the little squares. You know that horses are accustomed to walking on….there’s a couple of people who are wandering around, but not too many. Lots of very bored looking teenagers as well who are moving around.
Of course there is one shop here which is always very popular and is always open, and that’s the Poundstretcher. Now, as you might know, we have a lot of discount stores here. And certainly the Poundstretcher is one of them. Why is it called stretcher? Because the verb to stretch means to elongate something which lasts longer. So Poundstretcher, that’s giving the idea that you can stretch your money more in a shop like that. And it’s probably true. You really can. I’m now on the High Street walking up and yeah, lots of empty shops here as well. A couple of banks but nothing that’s really noticeable. Nothing that’s really very open. Here is a sign “We’re moving. This store is now closed” and another one. “Please note this store is closed”, so yeah, quite a few of them boarded up. One here, with gates outside, permanently locked. No sign. Don’t know what that is. So, yeah, you’re kind of getting the idea here, and that is that not a lot happening as I walk further up the street, I can see the library on the right hand side. And the government decided to place the library here, right in the middle of the High Street, to try to revitalise it but not a lot happening there either, as at the moment at least, it’s closed.
Another shop lying very empty with a young man sleeping in the doorway, reminding me again that all is not well. Let’s see. Yeah. OK, here’s a shopping centre. It’s open. But looking inside as I walk past. Unfortunately, there’s not too much to see there. Many of the shops inside were closed down. More so, since there’s been rent increases because of the rise in costs for everything. In talking to you, I’m now almost at the top of the High Street. There’s a new gym opened. “Beauty and the Beast”. Hmm. Personal Training, Boot Camp, Boxing club…. ohh dear not for me at all. Just looking in the window there…. very nice. And also there’s a nail bar where you can go to get your nails done. Uh, what’s this? Ohh, Vietnamese restaurant, closed. Don’t know why. Usually that’s open. And there’s also a Burger bar, which is open. Barber closed, hair salon closed, dental clinic closed. Wow. We’re not doing too well are we….? fortunately, these shops haven’t closed down. They just seem to be closed right now. Don’t know why. Very interesting, yes. A mini market selling milk, Coca-Cola, these kind of things. It’s open.
I’m now at the top of the High Street, cars whizzing past buses, also reminding me that there’s still life here which is very nice. Again, the noodle bar closed. Actually, that noodle bar used to be delicious….. YMCA, which is a young man’s club. You might know it. I’m sure the YMCA…well its a very famous song of course, by the Village People. YMCA… But it’s also a a very old place here, where a young man can go to play snooker to meet friends. But yeah, this one’s closed. unfortunately.
So more places closed down. And that’s it. Looking further up the High Street. Lots of traffic, more people, but no shops. So if you were thinking that all High Street shops here in the UK are the same as London, you would be wrong. In fact, the farther North you go, the more impoverished they get, which is quite sad. So just keep that in mind if you’re…if you’re coming here. So I’m just turning around, about to walk back down and it’s not as grim as it seems. It’s a lovely day, and I’m sure either later or tomorrow some of these shops are going to be reopening with their services….
Well, that’s it for me. For the moment. I hope you’ve enjoyed this. Let’s talk soon. See you.
Bye.
1065 Tips and Best Practice for Learning English – In conversation with Meysam.
1064 – Happy New Pope Transcript
Hi, everyone. Welcome again to another teacher Joseph podcast.
Well, we have a new Pope and you’d think after 266 tries (at least) we’d have perfected the art of picking someone. So that it doesn’t feel like a rerun TV show.
…but no, they pushed him out onto the balcony like a contestant in a reality show. The crowd of course, cheered. Somebody fainted, I think, a nun in the front row. And yeah, it was quite a day. Well, I was watching it on the Vatican live screen, the BBC News headlines were on the screen in front of me as well. …and yeah, I was talking to a student at the time.
Um, yeah. They always talk about this white smoke like it’s some kind of grand mystery. But yeah, I mean, it’s just people in the background burning the ballot slips, isn’t it? Well, of course the new Pope gave the usual speech. Humble, hopeful, big on unity, short on specific things that he’s going to do. I preferred the old pope. With his speeches, remember, every time he appeared on the balcony.
Be not afraid. Be not afraid.
That’s all he ever said when they they pushed him out, wasn’t it? On the balcony?
The future is in your hands. Be not afraid.
He repeated that with a lot of passion, didn’t he? Well, yeah, this one gave the usual speech. Peace to everyone and love and everything. Yeah, mercy mission. Something about climate. I’m not sure exactly what he said. I didn’t watch all of it. They’re saying that he’s the man of the people. I don’t know quite what that means. The Guardian newspaper’s calling him transformative, which makes him sound like medication or plastic surgery. Yeah. And of course, Twitter. Well, X. They’ve already started some…. well… half of them think he’s the second coming of Christ, and the other half think he’s some kind of infiltrator from dark forces. I don’t know where these conspiracy theories come from. I mean, he’s a Pope. I I’m not sure I even care enough to form a conspiracy theory. Yeah, I’m just here sipping tea and waiting to see if he makes it past the honeymoon period without re-banning the guitar at mass. Do you remember? You know, when I was growing up going to mass was very much a very Latin affair. My goodness me. You could get thrown out for smiling and then somewhere along the way in the 1970s. Going to mass was like going to a folk music concert. Everything suddenly sounded like a song by Peter Paul and Mary, by the way. If you don’t know who Peter, Paul and Mary are, you need to listen to them. It’s a kind of a… just a nice trio. Singing very nice songs about life with the guitar, yeah.
Yeah, one of my friends rang me to say that they think the new Pope looks like a kind of man who, who’s going to introduce sweeping reforms. Yeah, but he’ll probably then just, you know, delegate these reforms to a committee who meet once every 10 years. I don’t know if they, if they’re able to make big reforms, I think there’s so many differing views now than there used to be. I’m. I mean, I’m not against the papacy. I think it’s probably a good idea. It’s just that…this idea that each new pope is going to fix something, you know, like a plumber fixes the water tank. I mean, it’s been 2000 years. So I don’t know, maybe it’s it’s time for them to look at things differently. But anyway, they started this, this kind of idea of change, isn’t it, to make them fit in with everybody else. So …many people don’t like that, I think. And but of course, there’s always that voice. It says, oh, well, this will be the last Pope. Honestly, everyone keeps telling me this. I’m not sure.,,,obviously somebody has some direct link with God.
Yes, this Pope is the last one.
Well, nice. Yeah, whatever. Yeah. So of course, everyone’s saying, well, maybe things will be different. But I thought the last one did a good job. You know, he seemed to, you know, like, stand on the tarmac at airports, kiss it, and then say things like. Be not afraid, just like the last one did. John Paul the second. So yeah, they seem to enjoy making these statements. There’s always the robes, the Latin, the bells ringing in the backgrounds. I love the drama. You know, wearing these long flowing purple robes.
Yeah, it’ll be interesting to see what happens, though. I mean, the first few months, of course, they’re all……. the first few months, everyone will love him. They will all love him, is what I want to say. And then, of course, the cracks will show. Then the encyclicals will come just like, you know, Donald Trump’s Executive orders. And then everyone’s going to be unhappy, and I suppose I’ll be sitting in the church wondering if they’ll ever fix the heating. Yeah. Who knows? Maybe he’ll surprise us. And he’ll excommunicate a few people.
Nice face. Not big on smiling. I think… you know, he was kind of pulling his mouth apart like the Royals do…. you know they,,, they smile in a way that makes them all look like Dracula. But yeah. Yeah. Well, let’s see what happens. I mean, he can’t do that much damage, can he? He’s only in the first day of the job, so. I don’t know. He he’s not a world power, so to speak, with economies. But he has a lot of moral power. So I don’t know what that means exactly, but we’ll have to wait and see. So…. Yeah, let’s see how long it lasts and what changes he’s able to make. And yeah, be not afraid, that’s still my favourite ….Pope John Paul the second he started that, didn’t he? The future is in your hands, making him sound like some kind of really bad version of Dracula, but nice phrase, though he did make us feel better. Or maybe it’s just because I was younger and less cynical. I don’t know.
But anyway, enjoy the new Pope.
See you all.
Bye.
1063 Diary Entry – Goodbye Skype Transcript
So, it’s official: Skype is shutting down.
I stared at the announcement for a few seconds longer than necessary, then exhaled — that kind of slow, quiet sigh you make when something ends that you didn’t realise you still cared about.
For most people, it’s probably no big deal. They’ve moved on to Zoom or Teams or whatever platform makes sense now. But for me — for those of us who started teaching English online before it was trendy, before the world locked down and “virtual” became normal — Skype wasn’t just software. It was a classroom. It was a lifeline. It was my job, my tiny digital schoolhouse, open to the world.
I taught my first Skype lesson in 2012. A teenager in Turkey, nervous and excited, who called me “teacher” with such reverence I didn’t know where to look. My first webcam lesson. My first shared screen. My first time realising: this works. This really works.
What followed were thousands of hours of teaching — sometimes in pyjamas, often with tea, occasionally with a cat walking across the keyboard. I taught kids in Moscow and doctors in Seoul, Korea. I had early mornings with Brazil and late nights with Japan. Skype turned my living room into a little United Nations of hope and grammar and laughter.
Skype was glitchy. The audio would cut out mid-sentence. Students would freeze with their mouths open and eyes closed. We’d spend ten minutes just trying to hear each other. But somehow, that made it more human. Less polished. More real.
I remember one adult learner from Syria who practised his job interview with me every week. I remember the quiet teenager from Spain who barely spoke for three months, then suddenly recited a poem. I remember a student in Ukraine during a blackout, sitting in near darkness, reading from a worksheet lit only by candlelight. All of it over Skype while she worried about her pet tortoise.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was personal.
In the early days, there were no fancy scheduling apps or built-in whiteboards. I used Word docs, email attachments, the “share screen” button like it was magic. We worked with what we had. And what we had… was enough.
Skype made language learning intimate. One-on-one, face-to-face, across oceans and time zones. Sometimes I’d be the first English speaker someone ever had a full conversation with. Sometimes we didn’t even finish the lesson — we’d just talk, about life, about dreams, about homesickness or hopes or how to pronounce “though.”
And now, it’s ending.
I opened it one last time this morning. The icon still sitting there on my desktop like a relic. Same soft blue. My old status still set to “Available.” My contact list — dozens of names, now silent. I scrolled through old chats. Homework links. Encouraging words. The occasional “Thank you, teacher. I passed.”
It’s strange, mourning a piece of software. But I think what I’m really mourning is the era it represents. The beginning. When this whole online teaching thing was new and exciting and fragile. When Skype was the bridge between strangers who wanted to learn and teachers who wanted to help.
I still teach, of course. On other platforms, with better tools and smoother tech. But nothing else has felt quite like Skype did. It was imperfect, yes. But it let me teach from anywhere, and let my students learn from anywhere, and that — that still feels like magic.
So here’s to Skype.
You brought the world into my home.
You introduced me to hundreds of people I never would have met.
You helped me grow into the teacher I am now.
Thank you.
You did good.
1062 The History of LBC Radio (podcast transcript)
Hi, everyone. Welcome again to another Teacher Joseph podcast….
…and today, we’re going to look at the history of LBC radio, now LBC… I’m always telling you all that you should listen to LBC because it’s a natural flowing radio station.
It’s a call-in 24 hour service where anyone can call them and discuss anything that they want. So Leading Britain’s Conversation is LBC radio. It wasn’t always like that. When I was a boy listening to LBC, it was the London Broadcasting Company and it wasn’t even national. It was just a London radio station. It’s very influential and and it’s kind of evolved into a national platform for people to have their views but of course, you know the kinds of people who call radio stations during the night are always a little bit strange. So some of the opinions that come up aren’t always reflecting how the people feel but its history reflects the changing landscape of British radio, shifting away from the very posh, uptight BBC “Hello” into something much more usable and practical because up until 1990, in any radio station in the UK you had to have the Queen’s English, whereas now anybody can produce a programme on radio if they are employed to do so. It doesn’t matter what they sound like, as long as they sound fairly clear. LBC was launched on October the 8th, 1973. Apparently it was the first legal commercial radio station in the UK. Well, I’m not sure about that because I know Radio Clyde here in Scotland was also launched around that time. I’d have to check to see which one was actually first. Yeah, in those days we had AM and FM.. and to be honest with you, I think I might be buying a radio after the power failure in Spain last week. I want to make sure I have one just in case …
I remember it’s early presenters Douglas Cameron, Bob Holness. Oh, they had very, very Polish accents. Yes. “Hello yes. LBC here”. Yes, very unlike today and it also pioneered the use of rolling news because it set up some kind of news service that other radio stations could use. They… they kind of like all joined LBC on the hour for the news through a service which was called the Independent Radio News network. Very interesting. However, with LBC, its journey with radio wasn’t always smooth. There was a time when it had financial difficulties and it was sold off to different companies and was split up but eventually I think it reformed and regrouped back into one station… very interesting though, if you like radio as I do, it’s fascinating thing.
…and then in 1996, it actually lost its licence, because here you have to bid money to operate a radio station…if you want to be on air in our AM and FM spectrum and they lost their licence and I don’t know exactly how they got it back. I know it was rebranded as News Direct and then (in)2003 I think it came back again, but it had been bought over again by that point by Chrysalis Radio and they decided to make it just 24 hour call-in.
Then it was bought by Global Media, which its owned by today. They have a lovely app. If you download the Media app, Global, you can see and hear all kinds of podcasts from all of their radio stations. They have dozens of the things. It’s really exciting if you like British accents and Global also own Capital Radio, Heart, Radio, Classic FM. Oh, there’s tons of them… tons. Yeah, I think in 2014 they changed from being London only into a national broadcaster yeah, so they they were known as the London Broadcasting Company, then they became London’s Biggest Conversation. Then they became Leading Britain’s Conversation but we were all listening to them online anyway. I mean, it was known that it was one of the best. People like me who enjoy English media, I used to listen to them all the time and many people do.
So it became the UK’s first National talk radio station. But again, I would dispute that because there was one before. Which didn’t last long. I think it was….. It eventually became a sport radio station, but it used to have a 24 hour call-in and I can’t remember the name. Of it but I don’t think LBC was Britain’s fast National Call-in station. I could be wrong.. If you don’t know it…. It has names like Nick Ferrari, James O’Brien very very well known people. And yes, they’re always interviewing prime ministers and these these kind of people. And so yeah, it’s a vital part of the UK’s media ecosystem that has space for robust debate, critical journalism. Participation. Yeah. So if you’re looking for a radio station today to be listening to, I do recommend LBC.
These days there’s probably lots of commentary about war celebrations. I was listening to it this morning and they’re saying, there are street parties and celebrations to remember the end of the war. Not where I am, there isn’t. I don’t know where these parties are, but they’re certainly not in my neighbourhood. There’s none here. So I would say if you are listening, their focus probably is on the London area. If they’re thinking of war celebrations, because our Royals, of course, and governments are pushing this because we were, after all, the winners. Had we lost the war, I don’t think they’d be celebrating quite so much. Anyway. Most of us really don’t care. It’s another day we’ll be working… there’s a 2 minute silence at 11 AM, (tomorrow) which probably will be ignored by most of us. I don’t know. It’s a a strange thing. We need to remember the lessons of democracy, but yeah.
Anyway, that’s it.
See you. Bye.
1060 Film Review: Love at First Bite (1979) Transcript
Love at First Bite is a comedy film from 1979 that mixes romance, horror, and humour. Directed by Stan Dragoti and written by Robert Kaufman, it offers a light-hearted version of the Dracula story. Instead of being scary, this Count Dracula is charming, funny, and completely out of place in modern-day America. Starring George Hamilton in the lead role, the film invites viewers to see the famous vampire in a whole new way.
The story begins in Transylvania, where Dracula is being forced to leave his castle. The Communist government wants to turn it into a training centre for gymnasts. With no other choice, Dracula decides to move to New York City. He hopes to find his true love, who has been reborn as a fashion model named Cindy Sondheim (played by Susan Saint James). However, life in America is not as easy as he expected. He has to deal with fast food, busy streets, and Cindy’s jealous boyfriend—who happens to be a descendant of Dracula’s old enemy, Van Helsing.
George Hamilton’s performance as Dracula is one of the film’s greatest strengths. He plays the character with style and confidence, giving the vampire an elegant, old-fashioned charm. Unlike traditional horror films, this Dracula is not frightening. He’s polite, well-dressed, and always looking for love—not just blood. His thick accent and romantic manners add to the humour, especially when he tries to understand American culture.
The film’s comedy comes mostly from this cultural clash. Dracula is confused by everyday things like taxis, phones, and disco clubs. One of the most memorable scenes shows him dancing at a nightclub with Cindy, surrounded by flashing lights and loud music. The use of the popular disco song “I Love the Nightlife” makes the moment even funnier. These scenes highlight the differences between Dracula’s world and the fast-paced life of New York in the 1970s.
Cindy Sondheim, played by Susan Saint James, is a strong and independent character. She is modern, stylish, and not easily impressed. Her relationship with Dracula is both romantic and comedic, as she tries to decide between him and her current boyfriend, Dr. Jeffrey Rosenberg (played by Richard Benjamin). Rosenberg adds more comedy to the film. He is nervous, jealous, and always trying to prove that Dracula is dangerous—even though no one takes him seriously.
While the film is entertaining, it also shows its age. Some jokes rely on stereotypes that may seem outdated today. The style, music, and references are all from the 1970s, which might feel strange to modern viewers. However, if you enjoy retro fashion, disco music, and classic comedy, you will likely find it amusing.
Visually, the film offers a modest but effective aesthetic. The contrast between Dracula’s gothic attire and the gaudy excess of New York’s disco scene is used to strong comedic effect. The cinematography isn’t especially stylish, but it supports the story well, and the limited special effects are enough for the film’s light-hearted tone.
Love at First Bite was a box office success when it was released and remains popular with fans of classic comedy. It may not be as well-known as other horror parodies like Young Frankenstein, but it has its own charm. The idea of a vampire trying to live in New York City is funny enough, but George Hamilton’s performance makes it even more enjoyable.
Conclusion:
Love at First Bite is a playful and humorous take on the Dracula story. It’s more of a romantic comedy than a horror film, and it uses the contrast between old traditions and modern life to make the audience laugh. While some parts feel dated, the film still has plenty of charm. If you’re looking for a funny and unusual vampire film—and you like disco—this is a great choice.
1059 Cris from Spain, talking about the recent Iberian Power Failure
1057 Song Lyrics -The Carpenters, Rainy Days and Mondays.
Hi, everyone. Welcome again to another Teacher Joseph Podcast, and today we’re going to go through some song lyrics from the Carpenters and their famous song Rainy Days and Mondays.
If you don’t know the Carpenters, you really should. They…. they represented a style of music which doesn’t really exist anymore. A kind of ballad, softly spoken. A Canadian brother and sister, Karen Carpenter and her brother, Richard, and like all creative things and creative people, of course, there was a dark side. You know, whenever something beautiful comes out, there’s usually…well, there’s usually a dark side hiding and Karen Carpenter sadly died of anorexia after giving us this beautiful, beautiful range of musical songs.
So let’s go through the lyrics of rainy days and Mondays.
Karen tells us:
Talking to myself and feeling old
Sometimes I’d like to quit
Nothing ever seems to fit
Hanging around
Nothing to do but frown
Rainy days and Mondays always get me down
So there you can hear Karen saying…. Well, the first part is quite clear. Talking to myself and feeling old, sometimes I’d like to quit. So she just means give up, there. Sometimes she’d like to give up. Nothing ever seems to fit. Yeah. You know, when things go wrong, we often say nothing ever seems to fit. It’s like we’re banging our head off a brick wall sometimes with certain colleagues or family members. Karen then tells us hanging around. That’s what we do when we’re bored. Oh, I’m just hanging around today. Nothing to do but frown. Frown is when you don’t smile, you do the opposite. You look kind of sad.
Then Karen tells us what I’ve got, they used to call the Blues… the Blues, meaning sadness. You know, sometimes you might hear someone saying, hmm, I feel quite blue today. There’s a famous Dutch song called Mr Blue. I don’t recall who sings it, but it’s a good song. Then Karen tells us that nothing is really wrong, just feeling like I don’t belong. You know, we all have days like that. We don’t fit in walking around… some kind of lonely clown. Good metaphor. Sometimes clowns, they tell us, are the loneliest, aren’t they? These beings that are supposed to make us happy, and then Karen tells us again, Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.
And then Karen has her moment of love. She tells us funny, which means strange, but it seems I always wind up here with you. Wind up in this case means end up, she says. It’s nice to know somebody loves me… funny, but it seems that it’s the only thing to do. Run and find the one who loves me. So she’s saying on a day when she doesn’t… feel that she fits in or belongs, she finds the man who loves her. Well, I’m assuming it’s a man. And then of course, uh, she says, you know, funny, but it seems I always wind up here with you. Nice to know somebody loves me. Karen then tells us what I feel has come and gone before. No need to talk it out. Yeah. To talk out something. It’s a phrasal verb its to talk… to talk until you’ve made someone understand what you mean, she says. We know what it’s all about. Hanging around, nothing to do but frown rainy days and Mondays get me down.
Yeah. You know, some of the happiest days before the Internet came, of course, were days at my grandmother’s house. And, you know, before the Internet, we all had times we felt really bored, but in that boredom, there was something content. It wasn’t a longing, it was just a nothing to do-ness. And we don’t have that any more because there’s always something to do now. But it’s, it was some feeling of completion, but being bored at the same time.
And then Karen goes over the same lyrics again. She tells us about her lover, whoever that is. And then at the end she tells us again what I feel has come and gone before. No need to talk it out. We know what it’s all about, hanging around, nothing to do but frown rainy days and Mondays always get me down. Ohh. Lovely. I love Karen Carpenter. It’s the kind of music for a day when you want to just dream and forget about the world, you know, lovely song.
I can imagine. Looking out at the rain, saying… talking to myself and feeling old. Long before I had health problems or had too many websites to look after, or thousands and thousands of English students, there were days when you know, you just had nothing to do. You just….well…… It was just nice, wasn’t it? Well, that’s the song for today. Karen Carpenter, part of the group the Carpenters. Her and her brother Richard reminding us that ah, Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.
Thanks very much, everyone. Good phrasal verbs, Sir. Wind up was one of them. Talk out was another one. So enjoy.
Don’t forget to have a look at the lyrics. They’re all on my website. See you soon. Bye.
1055 – The Story of Maggie McTaggart
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to another podcast from Teacher Joseph.
Today I want to tell you a story about my ancestor Maggie McTaggart, who lived in south-west Scotland in 1920.
Maggie was just sixteen years old when this story takes place. She came from a lively, hardworking family — one of eleven children. Her father worked long hours in the steelworks, and her mother stayed at home, looking after the younger ones, cooking, cleaning, sewing, and somehow keeping everything running.
Life wasn’t easy for Maggie, but it was full of energy. Their small stone house stood at the edge of the town, close enough to the railway tracks that you could hear the trains rattling past at all hours. Inside, it was always noisy — children shouting, babies crying, pots banging, someone always rushing in or out. But there was warmth too, a sense that no matter how little they had, they had each other.
Maggie herself was bright and full of life. She had a quick smile, a love of singing, and a fierce determination to make the best of whatever came her way. Like many girls her age, she had started working young — not in the mills like some of her friends, but in a small bakery on the high street. Every morning before sunrise, she would tie back her hair, pull on her apron, and walk into town with the smell of fresh bread already filling the air.
The bakery was a busy place, especially in the early hours, and Maggie worked hard. She learned to knead dough quickly, to pack up loaves without squashing them, and to deal with all sorts of customers — from grumpy old men to tired mothers with crying children clinging to their skirts.
But Maggie didn’t mind the hard work. She liked being busy, and she liked knowing she was helping her family. Every Saturday, she handed over most of her wages to her mother, keeping just a few pennies for herself — enough to buy a second-hand book now and then, or a bright ribbon for her hair.
At home, Maggie helped raise her younger brothers and sisters. She mended torn clothes, told bedtime stories, and sometimes even led the whole group in games out in the fields after supper. She had a natural gift for finding joy in small things: the way the sun fell on the river, the sound of the church bells on a Sunday morning, the laughter of her brothers tumbling over each other in the long grass.
Sometimes, in the evenings, when the day’s work was done and the younger ones had finally fallen asleep, Maggie would sit by the window with a book on her lap, dreaming of what life might hold for her. Maybe, one day, she would save enough money to travel — not far, perhaps just to Glasgow or Edinburgh — and see the world beyond the grey streets of her hometown.
But Maggie wasn’t unhappy. She loved her family fiercely, and she loved the life she knew. There was music in her world — real music, played on battered fiddles and old pianos at dances in the village hall. There were friendships that had lasted since childhood, solid and dependable. And there was the deep satisfaction of knowing that, even with so many mouths to feed and so many worries to carry, her family never gave up on hope.
In the spring of 1920, Maggie’s life took a small but important turn. The bakery owner, impressed by her hard work and cheerful manner, offered her an apprenticeship to learn more about the business. It was an unexpected opportunity — and one Maggie seized with both hands. She began learning how to balance the books, manage orders, and even create new recipes.
It wasn’t just about the money, although that helped too. It was about the pride she felt every time a customer smiled and complimented her work. It was about standing a little taller, knowing she was building a future for herself, bit by bit.
That summer, there was a celebration in the town — a fair held in the fields just outside the church. Maggie went with her brothers and sisters, laughing as they ran from stall to stall, their pockets full of sticky sweets. She wore a blue dress her mother had helped her sew and danced late into the evening under the open sky.
When the stars came out, she sat with her friends by the riverbank, her bare feet dangling in the cool water. They spoke about dreams — of travelling, of owning shops or farms, of simply living good lives. Maggie listened, smiling quietly, her heart full. She didn’t know exactly what the future would bring, but for the first time, she believed it could be bright.
Maggie McTaggart never became rich, or famous, or travelled very far from the town where she was born. But she built a life of meaning — full of laughter, kindness, and hard work. She became a pillar of her community, a woman others turned to for help or advice, someone who always had a warm loaf ready for a neighbour in need.
And perhaps that’s the best kind of legacy to leave behind — not one written in grand histories, but in small, steady acts of love that ripple outward long after we’re gone.
Today, when I think of Maggie, I don’t picture tragedy or hardship. I see a bright-eyed girl with a ribbon in her hair, singing as she walks down a dusty road at sunrise, ready to face whatever the day will bring.
Podcast 1054: In the Piazza Shopping Centre – Transcript
Hello, everyone.
Welcome again to another podcast from Teacher Joseph. Today I’m inside the shopping centre and I’m going to describe for you what I can see and what’s here.
OK. So first of all, I’m sitting on some kind of bench, which they have in shopping centres. It’s covered in leather and it’s purple. So it’s a little bit odd…. it’s a little bit odd compared to other things you find in a shopping centre.
Yeah, this one is nice, but a bit impoverished. Not the best place. And they’re playing, they’re playing elevator music. That’s basically music, which you would kind of find in an elevator. It’s instrumental. It sounds a bit bland, not really making a statement of any kind, and it’s obviously very long. It’s not just one track, it’s just kind of hotel lobby music, you know.
What else can I tell you? Well… looking around….I’ve been sitting here for a little while, and now I’ve just stood up waiting to move. Looking around, I can tell you that this is very diverse. Lots of shapes and sizes, lots of different colours, as well as different diverse people. I cannot make assumptions about them of course, by their skin colour, but it certainly is a very diverse shopping centre, especially when I can see and hear different types of people and hear different languages.
The main shop which is inside the shopping centre and open is selling greetings cards. As you know here in the UK we sell greetings cards for absolutely everything. I’m just looking in the window of this shop. Let’s see:
For someone special.
Happy birthday.
We have more here:
Happy divorce.
Happy Father’s Day…which is coming up on the 15th of June.,,,Different from other countries…our Father’s Day is not associated with any religious or Saints day as it is in the Mediterranean Countries and:
Happy day that I met you.
Happy divorce.
Sorry. Your pet died.
Oh, my goodness me. We have cards for absolutely everything. Happy 18. Happy 21. Happy 40th. Wow, I didn’t realise we were such specialists with cards, but clearly we are. This would be a rather depressing shopping centre because the card shop is the only one that’s open. Ohh yeah, many of these shops are closed, some of them completely empty.
And …and in those windows there are signs which say “to let” to let means available to rent and you sometimes see that here outside shops, outside vacant apartments “to let” it means available to rent, there’s also a pop-up shop here. A pop-up shop is a shop that’s here, but it will not be here permanently. It’s only on a temporary basis. So that’s another way that shops can operate within shopping centres, they can just pop up.
I’m now passing a supermarket. It has some lovely pictures of food in the window. But the sign says “closed permanently”. Ohh. And looking in the window. Clearly another “to let” sign. “Please contact this company for further details.”….but it’s being used for seminars by charities, while it’s closed and one says here “experimental noise artist seminar coming soon”. So yeah, no longer a supermarket oh…. photo ID.,,,oh there’s a photo booth here if you want to pay £6 to get your passport photos.
All kinds of instructions on that little photo booth. And yeah, everything’s closed but lots of people inside. Let me just walk here on the outside.
Here we are. Yeah. OK. So now I’m outside and I’m able to see what’s around me. I’m in a town square. As you can probably hear…
And it’s around….. Well, as you can probably hear, it’s quite busy is what I wanted to say. You might be able to hear the clock chiming, which lets me know the time, which is around 3:00 and that’s it….. not a lot else to see or do here unfortunately. But I wanted to share this description with you and now I’m going to buy some doughnuts, have a coffee and relax.
And yeah, very sad about the shopping centre. But these shopping centres, you know, they’re always marketed very well. This one’s called the Piazza, which makes it sound Italian. They always give them Italian names to make them sound glamorous. But once you go inside. Oh, no. Awful.
Well It’s windy, the rain is coming, so I’m going to have a coffee. Bye.
Podcast 1053 – The Cranberries song, “Linger” Transcript
Hello, everyone. Welcome again to another Teacher Joseph podcast.
Today we are going to talk about the lyrics of a song by The Cranberries, and it’s called Linger, which means something that doesn’t go away. To linger is something which hangs around. To linger is something which is always there, and maybe you want to get rid of it.
Continue reading “Podcast 1053 – The Cranberries song, “Linger” Transcript”1052: Matlock : A New Drama on Amazon Prime (Podcast with script)
Matlock Returns: A Clever and Modern Legal Drama
These days, it feels like every old TV show is being brought back. Sometimes, the new versions aren’t very good — they try to copy the original without bringing anything new. But Prime Video’s new Matlock is a pleasant surprise. Instead of just repeating the past, this show offers something thoughtful, engaging, and fresh. It respects the original but speaks clearly to today’s world.
Continue reading “1052: Matlock : A New Drama on Amazon Prime (Podcast with script)”Podcast 1051 Script: Pope Francis, the Legacy
Today, we take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Pope Francis — a spiritual leader who broke with tradition, embraced the margins, and called the global Catholic Church to walk with humility, mercy, and compassion.
Continue reading “Podcast 1051 Script: Pope Francis, the Legacy”Weekly Lesson: Funny and Popular British Words Explained
Was it a UFO? News Report in Clear English
Weekly Lesson: The end of Nightclubs?
UK Benefits Cuts Explained – News in Simple English
British People and Family
What is ahead for the BBC World Service?
Weekly Lesson: Best Idioms
UK and Irish Government have a Summit Meeting
Weekly Lesson – Donald Trump’s Mother
Weekly Lesson: The Problem of Asbestos
Tha mi ann an Leargaidh
Sàm anns a’ Bhùth
(Sam in the Shop)
Sàm: Halò! Tha mi ag iarraidh tombaca.
(Hello! I want tobacco.)
Sealbhadair: Chan urrainn dhomh tombaca a reic riut.
(I cannot sell you tobacco.) Chan e duine a th’ annadsa! You are not a human!
Sàm: Tha mi a’ fuireach an seo! Tha mi pòsta! Tha cead agam.
(I live here! I am married! I have permission)
Sealbhadair: ‘s mi nach creid thu…. Falbh!
(I don’t believe you. Go away!)
Sàm: Tha sin mì-chothromach! Bidh mi a’ bruidhinn ri mo neach-lagha!
(That is unfair! I will speak to my lawyer!)
(Sàm a’ falbh, feargach.)
(Sam leaves, angry.)
Weekly Lesson: Unravelling Northern Ireland
Tha Sam a’ coiseachd… – Sam is Walking…
Chapter 1 (Part 1)
“Tha Sam a’ coiseachd bhon taigh-solais – tha e ag iarraidh tombaca.”
(Sam is walking from the lighthouse – he wants tobacco.)
Pronunciation
- Tha = “Ha” (like “ha” in “haha”)
- Sam = “Sam” (same as English)
- a’ coiseachd = “uh KOSH-uchk” (the ch is like the ch in “loch”)
- bhon = “von” (soft v sound)
- taigh-solais = “TIE-sho-lish” (taigh sounds like “tie”, solais like “so-lish”)
- tha e = “Ha eh”
- ag iarraidh = “egg EE-ruh-ee” (the ch is like the ch in “loch”)
- tombaca = “tom-BACH-kuh”
Pronounced like: Ha Sam a kawshuchk von tie solish tha eh ak eerie tom bachkuh
Reclaiming / Ath-bhuannachd
Weekly Lesson: County Lines
What Does Brazen mean?
In Conversation with my friend Nasser
Sam the Selkie
Weekly Lesson: Robert Burns
Haggis – What is that?
Your Questions about Learning English Live Event
News Story about Accents in the UK
Live Question and Answer English Event 17 January 2025.
Song Lyrics Study: The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be
Blood Donation Audio and Video Links
Replay of my Live Question and Answer Event
Weekly Lesson: Ice Hockey
For study until January 19th 2024
Subject: Ice Hockey
Audio: On usual social media platforms
Text is from https://bumpsport.com/2024/08/08/the-thrill-of-the-ice-an-in-depth-look-at-the-sport-of-hockey/?amp=1
Accent Reduction
Song Lyrics: Puppy Love
Tha mi a’ dol don bhùth / I’m Going to the Shop.
Out for a Walk and Describing
Weekly Lesson (Wayne Osmond Dies)
Random Book: William Blake Audio and Video Links
Seo a’ Bhànrigh Bhioctoria (This is Queen Victoria)
Your Plan for Learning English in 2025 (Audio and Video Links)
Celebrating 1000 Podcasts (Audio version)
Celebrating 1000 podcasts (video)
Happy Holidays
Christmas Message 2024
Seachd Craobhan Nollaig
Christmas Week Begins
Cooking Pan de Jamon (Venezuelan Ham Bread
At the Supermarket
Olive Pastries Recipe
London Soho’s Last School
Derscribing Things
Visiting a Coffee Shop
A Walk in the Rain
Christmas Headlines 1987
Reliving Christmas in the 1980s
Panettone Sweetbread in the UK
Whamageddon – What is that?
It’s All the Rage (idiom)
Preparing for Christmas
Paramount Meaning
Guiness Beer Shortage in the UK
Bob’s your Uncle (British Idiom)
Bells and Whistles (idiom)
Motivation for Language Learning
Weekly Lesson Audio – Last one of 2024
The Last Weekly Lesson of 2024
For study until the end of December 2024
Subject: The Last Weekly Lesson of 2024
Audio: On usual social media platforms
You might not know this but the weekly lesson is a rather new entity on my website and it is still evolving and transforming so that it can serve you better. The first one came out in mid 2024 and it was rather different from the lesson you see today. It was dry, factual and more about study, before I changed it to give it an online storytelling function.
Telling a story in the form of a weekly lesson is exciting and fun. You get to teach and tell a story and students get to learn a lot about UK life and culture as well as learning new words, idioms and phrases. I designed it particularly for those who are looking to advance more and change. Some of you ask if I could produce a vocabulary list with meanings or add more bells and whistles. That is a lovely idea but like everyone else I have very severe time constraints which stop me from getting so involved with it. I write it, check it post it and leave it to you to study. If it serves you then great but if you feel it isn’t, then come and talk to me and I will try to help.
The idea behind the weekly lesson is that it can help you read, write, speak and listen better. So even if you feel that you don’t understand anything, it can still be of value. Let me explain:
Speaking: The audio is presented on all of my social media channels so you can recite the audio lesson along with me. This process is called shadowing – you don’t need to understand anything, you just need to try to speak like me, to improve your accent. This is the natural way to improve your accent. This is what kids do.
Listening: I don’t actually speak slowly, I just speak clearly ensuring that you catch my words as I speak.
Writing: If you are feeling brave enough, you can try to write as I speak. Bring what you have written to one of our lessons and we can look at it together and Bob’s your Uncle.
Reading: The lesson is published on the main page of my website, teacherjoseph.com and it is also put on my blog as a post, so it is easy for you to find.
About me, well, when it comes to storytelling, I’m an absolute natural, the problem is they can’t really shut me up once I start talking. I’ve been presenting a podcast every day for the last 3 years like clockwork. I’m up with the lark, reading the news and then posting it for you. I am approaching episode number 1000 and am currently looking at how to make it better. I am currently reviewing my social media strategy so you will be seeing some changes in the new year. I don’t think two separate broadcasts (one videoclip on YouTube and one podcast on most days) are really serving your higher needs. Also, as much as I love making them, there are other ways I can help you, especially in these days of Artificial Intelligence where machine learning is all the rage.
I think probably one clip or podcast once or twice a week might be enough to bring the weekly lesson to you, along with my usual “outside broadcasts” which I make when I am on the street or in the shops. For that to happen I will need to ensure the lesson itself is brimming over with better content. My preference would be to bring about positive thinking and motivation. I can do that with laughter and I know many of you think my content is funny, but there also needs to be some discussion about how to get you motivated and that is something which takes a bit of work, many of you would rather see new words on the page rather than hearing me talk about psychology. So things are changing and I hope you journey with me through this transitional process.
The great thing about this lesson is that I can see its possibilities and that is what we need to focus on without losing the core value of why the lesson is presented, the reason why it exists: to bring you English in a practical way.
Storytelling is a great way of getting points across but that doesn’t always have to be experiences about me. It can be stories about anyone or anything. Also, to take a news story of the day or another person’s story to study would add greater value and is actually paramount in learning to read how people present information in a different way from me. That’s something else to look out for, content from other people or news stories which we can dissect and digest together. So, there’s plenty of new content coming your way but it might look a little bit different from what we are doing right now.
Anyway, whatever comes up for you in 2025 I hope its joyful, peaceful and full of happiness and I am looking forward to working with you throughout the year. Happy Christmas and Happy New Year.
Learning English Fast (Changing your Mindset)
Mastering the Art of Presenting
Enchanting Christmas Decorations
UK Railways to move to Public Ownership
What Does Stoney Silence mean?
Porridge to be Banned in Advertising
To Gp Through a Phase (Meaning)
Stalking Laws to be updated in the UK
Idiom – Final Nail in the Coffin
How to use the Conjunction “In That”
British People begin Christmas Preparations
Weekly Lesson Audio: Christmas Cards
Weekly Lesson: Christmas Cards
For study until 8th of December 2024
Subject: Christmas Cards
Audio: On usual social media platforms
Continue reading “Weekly Lesson: Christmas Cards”Exam Preparation
Speaking and Reading Better
What are British People Watching on TV?
A Far Cry (Idiom)
Two Famous London Markets to Close
Whatever Floats your Boat – Idiom
Couldn’t Give a Monkeys (Idiom)
Wales Prepares a Vistor’s Charge
What is a Kerfuffle
What is a Kerfuffle?
Weekly Lesson Audio: Christmas Songs
Weekly Lesson: Christmas Songs
For study until 1st of December 2024
Subject: Christmas Songs
Audio: On usual social media platforms
Christmas Songs
After the kerfuffle around Band Aid’s “Do They Know Its Christmas” song, I wanted to add my tuppence worth to the debate about Christmas music.
Firstly let me say that Christmas pop songs have been around longer than I have, some songs are cheerful, some songs are annoying and then there’s Mariah Carey. Probably the ones I dread most are by her and Michael Buble and the one I actually don’t mind is by Leona Lewis, that one is called “One More Sleep”. Leona seems blissfully unaware that sleep is not countable but that’s ok. I like the song. I really detest Michael Buble – I honestly don’t know why. If I am asked about my favourite genre for Christmas music I would likely reply the 1960s. I just love to hear the Ronettes singing Frosty the Snowman as well as a whole host of others using the infamous wall of sound which was invented by Phil Spector. I have heard about Whamageddon – this is a game people play to try and avoid Wham’s Christmas song “Last Christmas”. Many people take it quite seriously.
About “Do they know its Christmas” I mean really, who cares whether the song is politically correct these days, it was written for a different generation and I’m sure many people “couldn’t give a monkeys” (plural is correct) whether it is banned or not. I’m not sure if you ‘ve heard the debate but this infamous Bob Geldof effort contains the words:
“And there won’t be snow in Africa this Christmas time
The greatest gift they’ll get this year is life
Where nothing ever grows, no rain nor rivers flow
Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?”
On the surface these lyrics look relatively innocent, who could have known back in the 1980s that they would create such a storm. Some sources are saying that the song was always controversial because of its negative views of Africa and others are saying that it’s simply got caught up in the whirlwind of political correctness. I do agree that the lyrics are probably grossly exaggerated. I mean things do grow in Africa and there are rivers and probably rain too. But is it correct to call the song colonialist? Critics are saying that the song has a”white saviour” feel to it and as a product of its day is very condescending. Do we even care enough to think about it? The song raised millions for charity over the years. So surely that kind of redeems it out of any misuse.
When I was a child, the UK was heavily industrialized. That meant that the local factory needed workers over Christmas so my father and grandfather were not always around on Christmas Day. Boxing Day, the 26th of December was not an official holiday anyway until 1974 so people were not accustomed to relaxing on that day. Money was good.. working over the holiday season so there was an opinion that working on these days was better. Still there was a great holiday feeling, winding down early to get home to see the kids before bedtime.
I do like the variety that you can find around Christmas now, thanks to social media you can find exactly what floats your boat over Christmas, whether its a group of kids singing badly, a torch song, a protest or even a tragedy. One feature of the old days was that TV channels used to air “Christmas Specials” to make us smile. Many singing groups in those days had their own TV shows and a Christmas special was something to look forward to each year. Soap operas on TV also had their own Christmas special, to be shown on TV over the period. It was actually something to rush home for. I never considered that actors were giving up valuable time to make these shows, I just assumed they were there for my entertainment. Isn’t it sad when we grow up and realise the world isn’t just there for our entertainment but the harsh reality is that they need to make money. Even actors need work.
I am often puzzled by people at Christmas time, especially here. I tried to call a friend to meet for coffee to be told:
“As it’s Christmas, I will be far too busy to meet until January”. In her words she said “You know how it is, buying presents and all”.
I don’t believe for a second that with one month to go until Christmas, she doesn’t have a spare hour but I think this highlights the depth of loneliness people feel at this time of year. They either try to forget about this time of year by diving right into it head first to block out the pain or else they give that impression in order to mask a much deeper pain. For others they simply will start with office parties and won’t stop drinking until it’s finished. I think it is time we Brits were honest with ourselves. Despite the mass marketing, songs and Christmas trees we literally climb the walls with anxiety this time of year and do what we can to deal with it. It is a far cry from happiness. Many people don’t have any social structures in their lives, little cash and screaming children. Then there’s people like myself who are looking over their shoulder wondering “what happened”? We went from rooms full of people with guests dropping in daily to empty spaces where those people used to be. Now we are faced with silence and memories. It’s the sharp contrast that hurts, not the emptiness of the day itself. People have gone, the way we live has changed and as the poet said:
“O for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that is still”
I would like to see more British people owning the pain and taking responsibility, we could build a new society free from issues like this if we got our act together and acted responsibly at this time of year. Since I don’t drink I am able to see with great clarity what happens at this time of year, a lot of pain and sadness in the darkest months of the year. And in the middle of it Mariah Carey. I think pride stops us from really owning how we feel.
I’ve already been looking for Doris Day and Dean Martin specials on Youtube, even though life was not perfect for my parents, they didn’t have that sense of an empty celebration that we have now, something is terribly wrong with the way things are presented to us these days and these old TV specials remind us of the sense of joy we can have if we look for it. These days though this type of entertainment is considered vintage, old fashioned and irrelevant.
I really admire those people who choose not to celebrate Christmas. At least they are owning how they feel about it. I think the rest of us have quite a bit to go until we can deal with this time of year in an honest way.
Whatever you are doing for Christmas this year, I hope you do it in a mentally healthy way.
Kink Charles’ Coronation cost £72 Million
The Importance of Intonation when Speaking
To Bite Your Lip (idiom)
Taking a Walk
British Farmers Protest in London
Camaraderie – Meaning
British Tea Company on the Brink of Collapse
Idiom: Some Kind of Catch
Weekly Lesson Audio: Thanksgiving
Weekly Lesson: Thanksgiving
For study until 24th of November 2024
Subject: Thanksgiving
Audio: On usual social media platforms
Thanksgiving
British people don’t celebrate Thanksgiving but there’s always an American around to invite us. When my American neighbours invited me to spend Thanksgiving with them, I was sure there must be some kind of catch. So I desperately tried to think of an excuse:
“Eh, sorry I will be working” I answered quickly.
“Oh that’s fine, just pop in when you can” he responded.
“Eh yes ok but what exactly do you do on that day”? I asked…
“We just try to welcome the neighbours to join us so we can eat together…” He went on to say how the whole family get together and sit round the table saying what they are thankful for.
“Oh, how not British” I murmured, remembering how Americans love positive thinking. The scene kind of resembled an episode of the Simpsons where Homer meets the neighbour Ned Flanders. The thought of sitting around a table and talking about what I’m grateful for sounds more like a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, rather than a good time.
It was one of those moments where I realised just how different British and American culture is. This couple have 13 kids and he is only forty-five years old. The oldest one is “coming home” for Thanksgiving and will be helping to cook. Again how “not British” I thought to myself. That means at least one child a year – Don’t they have Netflix? Then I remembered, they shun TV completely. So one child being born every year isn’t so strange after all.
“What else will you do”? I asked…. “Surely you will spend a lot of time on skype with your relatives back home?” trying to carve out a plan and reason why it would not be perceived rude if I didn’t attend, in line with my British politeness.
“Oh they will be at Church all day” he replied “so we will catch up with them in the night, we have 6 hours difference anyway.”
“Darn – is no excuse good enough“? I thought.
“I will start cooking at 12pm, you can come along and help me if you want, my daughter will have most of it done, I will do the meat”. He chuckled.
I have watched enough American movies to know that when American men cook, it is all about showing masculinity, maleness and some kind of egotistical trip about being male. British men usually do that by either having a barbecue with alcohol or going to the pub and getting drunk. For us Brits the camaraderie in drinking is more important than the food. I scratched my head for a moment remembering that this guy is actually tee-total. I don’t drink either so we are more alike than not. I found myself wondering why I found him so annoying then.
“I’ll need to spend a lot of time out hunting next week, to walk off the weight after this celebration” he snorted.
“Ah Yes” I thought to myself, I remembered why he leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. It’s that habit Americans have of being outdoors and doing things, like driving golf carts, shooting animals and fishing. I didn’t even know we had hunting clubs here but of course I could see his collection of guns behind him which were lined up like trophies.
“Aren’t you afraid the kids might find these?” I asked.
“It’s better they get used to them early” he said – “besides the ammunition is kept far away”.
“Anyway, the wife and kids would love to see you on Thanksgiving” he continued.
When people talk about “loving to see me”, I always get a bit suspicious. It’s a sure sign that the opposite is true however with Americans you never know… I think he might actually mean it. They don’t share our British dark cynicism. They honestly think the world is a nice place.
MaryBeth, the wife appeared, “13 kids, its no surprise she looks tired”. I thought to myself.
“Why don’t you join us for Breakfast on Thanksgiving” she uttered. MaryBeth is a common North American name, a shortened version of Mary Elizabeth.
I could see there really was no escape, but breakfast might be a way out of this because they will be up and ready for Church on this auspicious day. So I gave in, breakfast with the neighbours then I’ll spend the rest of the day recovering. The youngest has been practicing playing the American National Anthem – I only know that because it woke me up a few days ago, but of course I would never mention that to them.
“Samuel has been practicing playing the American National Anthem on the Piano” the mother said proudly. I bit my lip and resisted saying something sarcastic about his practice time.
“You son of a gun” said the father as he ruffled the boy’s hair with his hand.
“We never see Jonathan these days – he is training to become a minister” they went on to say proudly. He is the eldest son apparently. No one ever speaks about the middle one, Thomas, I was going to ask about him but it just didn’t feel right.
I felt kind of sad, we speak the same language, live in the same street but couldn’t be more different.
“Oh, how is……. your…. Cat… dog – pet, toffee?” – MaryBeth asked. Clearly they weren’t in touch with the important things in my life. They smiled…. in a kind of a truculent way which emitted pity.
“My cat…… Ptofi…. He is fine” I answered before making an excuse to leave.
“Oh I made jam today for you and the family” she said, breaking the awkwardness of the moment, handing me a jar of jam. It really felt like an episode of a homespun American drama although no one was getting shot in this rerun.
“Sorry I forgot your wife’s name” she continued.
“Don’t worry, I’ve forgotten all 13 names of your kids as well… by the way, how is Thomas?” I retaliated.
“eh, well, we don’t really……” they both said at the same time “anyway, enjoy the jam”
“Oh thanks” I replied while backing towards the door. Glancing over my shoulder at the rifles and child in the room as I made a hasty retreat.
“See you on Thanksgiving” – came the voices behind me, it was starting to feel more like Amityville, an American horror movie than a drama.
I thought to myself “I really wish that UK people had something like Thanksgiving where we could all sit around the table happily” but then I remembered, we do, it’s called Christmas and although we all sit around the table, it’s rarely happy.
My mind went to Thomas, somehow I knew that he will be the elephant in the room this year, if he is actually invited.
Prison Crisis – Punishment at Home
Tips for Better Learning
Last Man Standing (idiom)
The Head of the Church of England Quits
To Nibble meaning
Scottish Political Leader Refused to Sing National Anthem at Remembrance Sunday Celebrations
To Encroach On (Meaning)
Days Gone By – Meaning
Another Two Minute Silence
Weekly Lesson Audio: Remembrance Sunday
Weekly Lesson: Remembrance Sunday
For study until 17th of November 2024
Subject: Remembrance Sunday
Audio: On usual social media platforms
Remembrance Sunday
In the month of November, on the Sunday closest to the 11th, Remembrance Sunday takes place. The day is supposed to commemorate the War Dead across the Commonwealth and British territories but for younger generations it is often perceived as incredibly dull. Since it is a historic ceremony involving the dead, it has been enshrined in our communities as being very important, reminding us that democracy is not an automatic right, it is something which was fought for at a great price with a loss of life. Our Leaders gather at War Memorials up and down the country and lay flowers, remembering all those who have died. In these days where we celebrate diversity and peace, ceremonies like this can seem a bit icky. In fact for most of us the ickiness of the day sits in direct contrast with modern living.
The ceremony represents the face of Britain as it was in 1919 when the first took place on Armistice Day in 1919. Over time it has been expanded to include the Second World War and other conflicts in the World. Little has changed in the ceremony since 1919, the three faces of the Government all come together. The Monarchy, the Church and the Military all parade through the streets, looking like a reminder of days gone by. Despite the Government telling us that Britain is now multicultural and politically correct, the ceremony itself is embarrassingly “white”.
When I was a little boy, in the 1980s, there were still people around who remembered the First World War known as World War One and Remembrance Sunday seemed much more important than it is today. World War One still encroaches on our lives today as well; If you work for a company here, you may be asked on certain days to observe a two minute silence to remember the War Dead on anniversaries of World War One. If I had a penny for every time I have been asked to respect a two minute silence to remember the war, I would be a very rich man by now.
I stopped commemorating Remembrance Sunday some years ago, I really dislike the two minute silence part at 11am where we are told we have to “shut up” for two minutes to remember those who died in the Wars. That may have worked some years ago but these days trying to get anyone to focus on something for 2 minutes is not likely to happen.
I find the whole thing rather fake, I mean billions are spent on having ceremonies remembering the Glorious Dead from the old British Empire, why not just look at stopping war. Would that not be a better idea or forget about the ceremony and give the money to a charity instead?
Then there’s the Royal commentary about the King and Queen who are of course leading the ceremony in London dressed in black wearing poppies on their jackets. A poppy is a little flower that you can see everyone wearing the week before the ceremony it is a little paper flower which is bright red and sometimes has a bit of green at the back. It is used as a symbol of remembering our War Dead.
Apparently this year our Queen has a chest infection so she cannot attend. It is a very sombre affair, my Grandmother used to say our Royals all look like horses with their rather protruding teeth and many people here refer to them as “horsey” – meaning they have horse features. I can imagine them nibbling on the flowers rather than laying them at the cenotaph.
It’s hard to escape, every news channel in the UK has live coverage from London showing our Royals arriving looking more like they are going to the Oscars rather than the Cenotaph.
“And today the Queen is wearing the pearls gifted to her from the Sultan of Oman… and the king’s coat was last seen worn at his Mother’s funeral…”. It is the epitome of boredom, kitsch and a ceremony which feels wrong in so many ways. It really is just icky.
Last year I forgot about the ceremony and tried to listen to radio on my phone at 11.01am. Getting no sound I immediately uninstalled the app, still heard nothing and blamed my Bluetooth buds. Just before giving up and threatening to reset the whole phone, I heard a trumpet and realised it marked the end of the two minute silence, my equipment was fine and started playing. I rolled my eyes, picked up my cat and went to the other room to watch Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote, solve another murder. It seemed the only way I could escape the boredom of the day.
Earlier this year it got quite exciting, in my local newspaper there was an enquiry from volunteers who look after a War Cemetery in the Netherlands seeking contact with relatives of people buried there. The name was one of my Mother’s cousins and I was able to pass photos and give a short biography of the man. The Dutch guy who wanted the info was really excited and clearly thought we were going to be best friends forever and share a love for researching the lives of young men who died tragically. From my point of view it was interesting to know where Tommy was buried but I never knew him, he died during the war. I only knew that it wasn’t exactly a hero’s death, he was stealing chickens from the enemy camp during World War Two and sadly a bomb dropped while he was there. Maybe I will drop into to the cemetery the next time I am in the Netherlands but there’s more chance of me being in the supermarket buying chicken rather than remembering Tommy this year. As much as I love family history, I never expected to be the last man standing with photos and biographies. I am only in my fifties after all, still very young.
Anyway, after this ceremony, my attention will be turning to Christmas cards another eccentrically British tradition and I’ll be looking at my Christmas card list to see who I got a card from last year and who is worthy of a card this year. If I don’t get a card two years in a row from someone, then the person is removed from my list.
This may be a far cry from Remembrance Sunday but equally important in my opinion.
Simple Tricks for Speaking Better
Criminal Activity on Bonfire Night
To get around a rule (idiom)
Millions sign a Petition to get Fireworks Banned
To Be at your Wits End – Idiom
Bonfire Night and the Animals
Bonfire Night – 5th of November
To Be Stopped in Your Tracks
Weekly Lesson Audio: Guy Fawkes Night
Weekly Lesson: Guy Fawkes Night
For study until 10th of November 2024
Subject: Guy Fawkes Night
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
Continue reading “Weekly Lesson: Guy Fawkes Night”Fire Festivals Replacing Halloween
Rough Sleeping in London – Numbers are up
Presenting your Voice Better
The Train Company using Fax Machines
What does the word Underway mean?
On This Day: News Story that Panicked America
What is Wicca?
Ideas to make Learning Easier
Some News Headlines
Origins of Halloween
To Take Exception to Something
On the Weekend or At the Weekend?
Podcast Delays on YouTube
There is currently a delay with my podcast appearing on YouTube. Remember you can also hear them on Spotify, Apple as well as other platforms.
They should all be appearing on YouTube by the end of the week at the latest.
Weekly Lesson Audio: Halloween
Here is the audio for my weekly lesson.
Weekly Lesson: Halloween
For study until 3rd of November 2024
Subject: Halloween
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
It is Halloween and as usual my town has a parade which takes place on the closest weekend. Usually artists create a monster which looks like its hanging over the town hall, but as everything has gone digital, there isn’t actually anything to see unless you attend the event where monsters are beamed on to the walls of the town hall after it gets dark. It is kind of sad that there aren’t any installed monuments to visit anymore during the day. As movie makers say “It’s all in the can”.
I went to the town centre and was upset that there was really nothing to see. Preparations were well underway, complete with loudspeakers. They were loud enough to wake the dead if you excuse the pun. I don’t mind a bit of Kelly Clarkson but I take exception to Celine Dion. My opinion of her is so bad that I remove myself from conversations about her by saying:
“Oh, Celine Dion? My cat really, really doesn’t like her” – it seems the only way I can avoid being rude about her voice. The third person is really useful sometimes.
By preparations, I mean the roads were sealed off and large projectors were placed around the centre. The parade at night is nice to see but has too many people to make it in any way enjoyable.
When I was a kid, Halloween was one night in the year when we dressed up, carved turnips and painted pictures of witches. It didn’t extend to weeks of celebrations with horror movies about psychotic killers, there wasn’t a Halloween brand and any sense of fun associated with it was Disney style and harmless like the movie Hocus Pocus. There were always objections to it though particularly from Churches which still had a lot of influence in the 70s and 80s but most of us saw it as harmless fun. It didn’t extend beyond putting a sheet over your head and shouting “booo”. I think its popularity was because it was a shared experience and time honoured. My father carving the turnip, my mother making cookies and my grandparents buying sweets. These days the kids just go to the supermarket and stuff their faces full of whatever they can buy.
In more recent years as Religion seems to have dwindled, Halloween has become not only a brand but a much bigger celebration than Christmas. Houses with decorated windows, lights, pumpkins, scarecrows without heads and covered in blood which make them look putrid.
A group of kids turned up at my place last night looking for sweets and shouting “trick or treat”. The phrase “trick or treat” is a new phenomenon which we borrowed from America but it does represent what kids do on that night. They visit neighbours and ask for sweets. We don’t actually respond by choosing an option like “trick” we just give them sweets and then they leave. In my case I use my video doorbell, see the costumes and just ignore them. Maybe I am a hard hearted Skype English Teacher but I prefer to be on Skype talking to people about how frightening learning English can be rather than talking to kids about how frightening they look.
A lot of people don’t like Halloween because of its darker connotations. I do know that 31st October has always been associated with the dead and it is a night when the dead and the living supposedly can meet each other. It is kind of like the Day of the Dead in Mexico but we don’t leave gifts on graves for the dead, in fact we don’t even think of them. British people are not sentimental in that way, at least not on Halloween and we are far too mean to leave alcohol for dead people on their graves.
The original idea back in the 17th century is that if we dress up as ghosts, no one will know who is alive and who is dead, offering some kind of protection on the night. Here in the UK we also have a number of people who are pagan or wiccan. Halloween for them is a religious observance akin to Christmas and they are also becoming fashionable. Halloween has long been associated with magic and as a child I do remember seeing things like dead chickens on graves and more recently farmers keeping their horses locked up on the night for fear that someone will cut off their tails, there has been a few police reports about that and on local media. So it is clear that in the countryside there are people around practicing some kind of magic on that night but nobody knows who they are or why.
I did feel a little bit disturbed when I was in the supermarket and the assistant was dressed as an old hag. As her face was hidden, I couldn’t see who she was or her facial expressions and that made me a bit uncomfortable. But it’s no worse I suppose than dressing up as Santa Claus or people wearing covid masks.
My feelings towards Halloween are rather ambivalent, I don’t like the costumes but I suppose there’s no real harm.
I had a discussion with my neighbour about this:
“Are you all set for Halloween?” He muttered wryly.
“What do you mean all set?” I asked, trying to disarm his vain attempt at humour,
“I mean do you have the sweets ready?” was his next attempt at small talk.
“Um, no…… I don’t.. I don’t really…..” but by that point he had walked off, reminding me again that this was only small talk and I shouldn’t be thinking about answering well.
Strangely he had the same conversation with me at Christmas time, its just their way of making conversation about nothing but when they don’t get the answers they want the conversation simply dies. It does make me wonder though what makes other people excited and how they lead their lives. I had a pang of sadness that I might be missing out on something, spending most of my days online. I mean there could be elephants dressed as witches living next door all the year round and I likely wouldn’t notice.
The clocks change by one hour around the same time as Halloween, I use the American proverb to remind me which way they change:
Spring Forward ( In Spring they go forward).
Fall Back (In Autumn they go back, Autum is the British word for Fall).
Once a big deal, now that’s automated as well. I wonder if people in the future will even realise these things take place?
An Introduction to Shadowing
What is an OAP?
Geoff Capes Dies
More Prisoners Released Under a New Scheme
Be All and End All (Idiom)
What is a Sarcastic Remark?
House Arrests Being Considered in England
To Be Lumbered with… (idiom)
What is a TV Licence?
Weekly Lesson Audio: TV Licence
YouTube Upload Issues
I am currently experiencing upload issues with YouTube. I’m hoping it will be resolved soon so you can get my podcasts.
Weekly Lesson: The TV Licence
For study until 27th of October 2024
Subject: The Television Licence
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
The Television Licence
It was one of those days where I was grateful for technology. After hearing someone knocking at my door, I opened the doorbell video app on my phone and saw two men standing there.
“Oh” I thought…..either they are trying to sell me a broadband deal for better Wifi or, they are religious. I had to make a snap decision whether to actually open the door, so I thought it best just to ask them who they are, using my phone. After all, last time I was lumbered with a heater, toaster and washing machine (see my lesson from two weeks ago) from the Charity givers.
“Can I help?” I asked, while staring at the app and the mic on my phone.
“Yes, it is TV Licence Enforcement, we need to see your licence”.
“Oh, OK”
I walked to the door, trying to gather my thoughts on the way, I opened it to see an ID pushed into my face.
“Its about your TV Licence sir”, one of them blurted out. “We just checked with the Post Office, it has expired”.
I remembered how serious this can be. If you own a TV in the UK then you need to also have a licence. It costs around £200 each year. When you buy a TV, you also need to give your name and address and the shop is legally obliged to tell the Enforcement Officers. You also need one if you have BBC Iplayer on your phone or computer. It’s terribly organised and definitely very British to enforce it in this way.
“I have a licence” – in fact I pay quarterly” I replied, “ you took forty pounds just yesterday from my bank account”. I chuckled. They clearly didn’t see the funny side of my words. Of course they wanted to see the paper, so I invited them in.
“Sooooo, that’s the TV?” they said as they entered my living room. They were obviously still in suspicion mode. I did my best not to give a sarcastic remark. By this point I was trying desperately to find my licence. I remembered it was electronic so I was scrolling through my phone trying to find it. It seemed like a lifetime had passed,
“If this was Ancient Egypt you would have found it by now” – one of them said sarcastically.
As I was standing at the window scrolling on my phone, I saw their truck outside, it kind of looked like a camper van or little caravan with a huge metal bit on the roof but their trucks always look uglier and more grey than any holiday truck.
“Nice cat” one of the men said. My cat hissed and walked away. I really wish I could have done the same.
“Not friendly is he?” he chortled.
“Oh he hates everyone, its not personal, don’t worry” – I quipped.
“Here is the licence” – I showed it to them on my phone and they looked confused.
“Is this not apartment number one? They asked squinting their eyes.
“No, this is apartment two” I responded, realising what had happened.
“Well, sorry we got the wrong apartment” they admitted, as they both headed to the door.
“Well there’s no one living next door” I chirped again, the guy left some weeks ago, I know because I have some stuff here for him.
“Oh there is someone there – we can see what channel they are watching” he said as he looked down at his Ipad walking towards the apartment opposite.
It is indeed typical in a country like ours that they would develop technology to ensure you have a TV licence. Its hardly the be all and end all of everything but we love solid rules and enforcing them.
Just at that moment a Priest entered my apartment block and as I live on the ground level, he saw me first. “Did you call for the Last Rites to be administered?”
“Eh… no……” I uttered
“Um, I know it was someone in this block but I don’t know who….” He replied
“Well it wasn’t me…” I said uncomfortably, hoping that he wouldn’t ask me about Church attendance. Everyone knows the Parish Priest and I was rather hoping that he had forgotten I existed.
He glanced at his notebook..”my my….sorry It’s apartment two on the next level…”
“I don’t suppose you need them anyway…? I could swing by later….?” – he chortled “Remember you don’t have to be dying to get the Last Rites”.
“No, no no…. I’m in great health….” I said, convincing myself that it was true, shook my head and backed away as he walked up the stairs. I got a bit flabbergasted. Do I look like I need the Last Rites? The barber always gives me OAP rates and I never correct him but I am still a long way away from aged 60. My day couldn’t really get any more surreal.
I watched as the TV Enforcement officers knocked on the door opposite, of course there was no reply. So they stood there and I closed the door and opened the video app again. After a few moments they started calling through the letterbox (These people meant business and I had forgotten just how much power they have). They can choose to simply give you a penalty or if you agree to trot down the post office and buy a licence immediately, they will overlook the fact that you had a TV without one. You can buy it online as well.
There was indeed someone inside, I could hear a difficult conversation. It sounded like there was a guy insisting he didn’t have a TV. My app caught a clear picture of him, it looked like a scene from a 1967 hippie movie, my neighbour was wearing a kaftan, love beads and sandals. He kind of looked like Barry White but not as entertaining. The TV licence enforcement officers weren’t getting in and I could hear the conversation was getting uncomfortable. Finally they reached a compromise and the two men left, looking happy. A thought came to my mind that they were earning commission.
My video doorbell hadn’t picked up anything from that apartment in weeks, so it was really strange that the man living there hadn’t left in weeks. By the looks of him it looked like he hadn’t left since 1967!
The moral of the story is, get a TV licence if you own a TV and live in the UK. They will find you if you don’t.
Tips for Speaking Better
King Charles Visits Australia
A Breeding Ground for …. (idiom)
Can the British Prison System Change?
To Get Someone’s Back Up (idiom)
BBC Asian Network News Service Closes
Under 16s and Mobile Phones
Sure Enough (English Expression)
BBC World Service to axe Persian and Arabic Radio
Something Rotten in the State of Denmark (Idiom)
Weekly Lesson Audio: Mindsets for Learning
Peaky Blinders to become a Movie
Weekly Lesson: Mindsets for Language Learning
For study until 20th of October 2024
Subject: Mindsets for Language Learning
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
I had been studying Dutch for three months when a very predictable situation raised its ugly head. It happens over and over in language learning situations and I was in some ways expecting it. It is the nature of the beast when it comes to learning or to put it plainly, the dark side of the human mind.
It all started when the students started to organize their own Zoom and Whatsapp groups to practice, there was nothing wrong with practicing with others but I knew the stage was being set for something. I wasn’t the teacher in this class but I sensed the great machine of negativity and mental assassination was ready to be switched on and already subtle signs had started to appear. I knew that something was rotten in the state of Denmark. To put it another way, trouble was brewing.
Sure enough, during the practice time on zoom, I could see one student who seemed a bit uneasy, chatting more in English than in Dutch, a sure sign that a difficult English conversation was about to take place.
“I really like our teacher” she remarked “but things move a bit quick, she doesn’t really give me a lot of time for questions”. I could see her name was Samantha from the bottom of the Zoom screen.
“She’s under a lot of pressure, I commented, “she’s only been given one hour a week to teach us, she is under as much pressure as we are, besides, we are supposed to learn at home and come prepared” I quipped.
“I suppose, but she could at least let us speak more…” she responded. Heads started to nod, I could see a mindset developing.
“She is good… but…” she continued.
I could see in my mind’s eye a vortex opening before us, ready to devour us one by one but I doubted Tom Cruise was going to appear and save all of us, he was too busy making Mission Impossible movies.
This wasn’t the first time I’ve sat in these kinds of circles and it isn’t something teacher training really prepares you for. Besides, in this class I was a student, I should’ve learnt to shut up.
“Sharon’s Dutch is very good, I mean its ok for her because she knows the stuff already, I don’t even know why she’s in our class” continued Samantha truculently as she mouthed off about another student.
“I just get the feeling she doesn’t like me” came another voice from the room, more heads started to nod as I watched the vortex in my mind’s eye expanding, remembering that these kinds of conversations are deadly in language learning circles.
“My friend had our teacher last year, she says that she is very good but really strict and by the book” someone else chimed in. The argument started to build and I realised that I had to get the class mindset back if we were ever going to learn anything.
“You know the Dutch are very direct, it’s a cultural thing, no one is to blame for that – we just aren’t used to it, besides its only a stereotype based on accent and ways of speaking. It has nothing to do with liking you or disliking you” I reasoned.
“Well I still don’t like her” piped up another student.
In every language learning class there is always one person who has too much fluency for the class they are in and another who knows next to nothing. This immediately gets people’s backs up and creates a culture of blame when people compare themselves to each other and feel they are not learning. If these students had been kids, it would have been brushed off as one student being more intelligent than the other but when everyone is the class is mature, there is always a level of discomfort. In the minds of adults in these kinds of situations someone has to be blamed and I could see that just like a sliding puzzle everything was beginning to slip into place. Someone had to be blamed for what was regarded as a lack of progress, and in this meeting, attention was turning to the teacher. In my career as a teacher, I had seen heads roll for this, I was well aware of the dangers of mesmerism in the classroom, opinions can travel faster than any virus and there is no one really to blame exactly, except some bad ideas which are misplaced and personalised to make us feel better about learning.
“Well lets start by going over what we’ve learnt so far from the class” I replied, trying to get into a position of leading the class away from negativity.
Samantha at that point made an excuse that she had forgotten an appointment, and then vanished. Although I was glad to see the back of her, it was too late, she had already left her mark on all of us. Nobody in the class wanted to practice and it led into a mindset which was not ready to practice or learn. As for Samantha, well the whole point of the practice session was that she and others could participate but she eventually left the group and the course citing that “she wasn’t getting anywhere” although I doubt she realised the legacy she had left on everyone else.
I am always really fascinated by these experiences in language learning, especially how a group of well mannered students can become tribal and end up looking like they are in a scene from the book Lord of the Flies by William Golding, tearing people to shreds given half the chance. Although the actual learning part is very individual, there are often cultures which are created by individual mindsets in places of language learning and they can become very difficult to break if left unchecked.
I stopped attending the practice group because it was a breeding ground for arrogance. At one stage they even agreed amongst themselves to try and talk to the School Head Teacher about their “problem with the teacher” who promised to investigate.
By the end of the course, there were only a handful of us left and we, including the teacher, were all left scratching our heads wondering what had happened. Worse than that, a culture has been created and future students no doubt had their comments “My friend Samantha studied here and she said…” and the culture is enabled again and the whole thing is repeated.
The key in any class is always in finding unity with others in learning, without that there is nothing. It becomes like a kingdom divided against itself. This happens not only with language students but also with teaching staff, teams in offices and wherever people are asked to work together. The way to deal with this is not to attack the person who voices it but to realise it is an opinion which is on the scene and it needs to be disarmed before it causes panic. The person and their opinion must be separated. It is important not to label the person bad and shun them, but to see the only thing at work here is a fake opinion.
My advice to any learner or team member who wants to succeed, guard your thoughts well, not only about learning but about any thoughts or opinions which are developing in the classroom. Avoid discussions about personalities and focus as much as you can on unity. If your learning is slow, have a look at what’s going on around you and make sure your mind is not caught up in any negativity. If you have a problem with the teacher, voice it immediately with the teacher and don’t let it fester.
Tips for Presenting Better
A Pumpkin Shortage in the UK
To Patrol, Meaning
Care Staff in the UK now Mostly Male Immigrants
To Register / Sink in – idiom
What is a Food Bank
To Have an Affinity with Someone
Visiting the Shopping Centre
What is a Henchman?
The Charity Shop
Weekly Lesson Audio: The Charity Givers
Weekly Lesson: The Charity Givers
For study until 13th of October 2024
Subject: The Charity Givers
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
The Charity Givers
Last week, I was sitting at home watching my favourite TV show when someone rang my doorbell. I opened the door to find a woman dressed in black wearing a hat standing there with two henchmen standing behind her. The picture looked like some kind of 1980s glam pop group trio, complete with backing singers. Katrina and the Waves came to my mind and this group looked a bit artificially happy. I doubt they were “Walking on Sunshine” after all it was pouring with rain outside.
“Are you Danny?” – she asked, with direct eye contact and a flashing of teeth. I immediately picked up on the accent and realised she wasn’t English and my radar started to try and work out where she was from. I settled with either Italian or Greek, leaning more towards Greek.
“No….” I replied.
“Ah, it’s the apartment across from you I think, but he’s not at home, can I leave something with you to give to him?” she muttered in bad English. I resisted the urge to correct her.
Images of the 80s, big hair and electrical guitars started to fade. They would be more fluent.
“Sure, why not?” I replied, remembering that my neighbour took my University books when they arrived last week when I was out. He handed them in later.
“We have a washing machine, a toaster and an electric fire”.
At that point her head leaned slightly to the left and she showed teeth. She clearly felt we had some kind of affinity but I’m not sure why. I looked behind myself briefly because her gaze kind of said “what a cute cat” but my cat was nowhere to be seen. He hasn’t been receiving visitors in recent days because of his sickness. The only thing we might have had in common is the word charity. Whoever she was, she clearly was offering charity to Danny. I was doing the same thing by offering to take his stuff for him.
She clapped her hands once and the henchmen swung into action. From nowhere a washing machine, toaster and fire appeared at my feet. She handed me the toaster.
“Um, about the washing machine….” ….. she pre-empted what I was about to say…
“Oh we will leave that at Danny’s door, and we will text him…. He told us he was homeless and we wanted to help” as she handed me the heater and toaster.
I remembered that the apartment across from me was indeed kept for those who are homeless while they search for permanent accommodation. It’s something I discussed on a previous podcast.
She quickly retreated and vanished, leaving no clue where they had come from or what group they represented, vanishing into the distance. This was like some kind of 80s video, the only thing missing was the artificial smoke as they disappeared.
My cat wandered up, took one look at the doorway, made a noise and walked away. He was largely unimpressed.
It took me a few moments to register what had just happened. Who were these people? Either way, it was a nice feeling to know I had done a good deed. It was that feeling you get when you hear a pop song from your youth. Some weird feeling of security and nice memories which allow you to take a deep breath and smile.
That day, I waited for Danny to arrive but nobody came.
“That’s ok” I thought, “He might be on holiday” but then the fifth day came and went, with no sign of Danny beating a path through the jungle to my doorway to collect his goods.
After a week and a half passed, it was clear that Danny wasn’t coming back. I moved the heater and toaster away from behind my front door to a more permanent arrangement, my cupboard. The washing machine is still sitting outside his apartment door.
I asked my neighbours what they thought. Some of them were worried that he was dead inside his apartment, others went along with the holiday theory but they all agreed that they really didn’t care.
“I mean if he was dead in there, there’s nothing could be done anyway, he’s dead” they all concurred.
“Yeah… but no… but…..” was what I heard as we all were defending why we didn’t want to get involved. They were more uncomfortable with my direct communication than they were about Danny.
After another week passed my doorbell camera alerted me that there was a movement in the hallway. I cynically checked it, not expecting Danny to appear. My Landlord’s agent was clearing the apartment. This was my big moment to find out where Danny was. Although it was clear she didn’t want to talk to me:
“Hi, that washing machine was left by a charity or Christian Group for Danny. Has he moved then?” I politely asked.
“Because of Data Protection, I can’t discuss anyone who may or may not be called Danny” she responded without turning around. She came with her own henchman He stared bitterly in my direction but once they heard the word charity, they softened a bit.
“We will get it moved for you” she unwillingly made eye contact. She looked like she was 16 and covered in acne, the fluorescent jacket made her look professional but she wasn’t fooling anyone. The henchman looked younger, acne much worse than her’s and carrying more puppy fat than a labrador dog. These people were young. I was just another old man in their eyes.
“Can you tell him to pick the stuff up” I pleaded.
“I wonder if you mean the last tenant, before this one” – she interrupted
“No, that was Stuart” I said….trying to get her to take some kind of responsibility.
“David has a support worker” – I will talk to them…..
“Are you sure she said the name Danny?” – she continued.
“Yeah” I quipped while trying not to roll my eyes.
“The woman was Central European, she could have said the name wrong” wondering why I had to defend my argument.
They quickly made their excuses and vanished. The washing machine is still there and my cat happily sits on the heater when he is doing his daily patrols around my apartment.
I haven’t decided what to do next. Should I move the washing machine into the cupboard as another place for my cat to rest his weary head while he does his daily rounds?
Should I just call the local charity shop and get them to take everything. Will the woman who looked like an 80s rock star come back and collect the stuff?
What about Danny and his support worker? Should I expect them to appear with a van?
I’m not holding my breath, that’s for sure.
Accent Reduction Tips
Scotland’s Mental Health Crisis
In Hindsight – Idiom
The Who Pop Group remembered on Postage Stamps
The verb to Surface
Fleetwood Mac Founder: Son is Living on the Street
To Gain Custody of Something
Halloween: Now more popular than Christmas
To Have a Beef with Someone (Idiom)
Kris Kristofferson Dies aged 88
Weekly Lesson Audio: The House Guest
Weekly Lesson: The House Guest
For study until 6th of October 2024
Subject: The House Guest
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
When I heard that a friend was coming to visit for a few days, my heart sank. As a typical British man, I know that friends staying over, usually causes a lot of stress. I had no particular beef with the person himself, but I knew that a guest staying would throw a spanner into the works of my daily routine. These days, British people are not so hospitable. All of us want our “personal space” so staying at hotels usually allows us more time to do what we want instead of being tied down to particular moments such as eating with the host family etc.
Continue reading “Weekly Lesson: The House Guest”A Visit to the Supermarket
Mouth Movements for Perfect Vowel Sounds
Warnings Issued about UK Public WiFi
Ice Breaker Meaning
More Pharmacies to close in the UK
Cat Charities in the UK
To Eye Up – Phrasal Verb
My Mind Drifted
Stephen Fry Gets an Austrian Passport
Gleaned or Gleamed? Two words with Different Meanings
Going to the Vet’s (possessive)
Weekly Lesson Audio: A Trip to the Vet’s (Surgery)
Weekly Lesson: A Trip to the Vet’s (Surgery)
For study until 29th of September 2024
Subject: A Trip to the Vet’s (Surgery)
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
I heard an American Politician talking the other day about vets and it crossed my mind that these doctors who are caring for our little fluffy friends are somehow very important in American English. Actually, he was abbreviating the word “veteran” as in “war veteran”. On this side of the pond a vet is a veterinary surgeon, not a veteran. It took me a while to work that one out. Especially when he talked about their valuable contribution to the country.
Anyway, On Saturday morning I once again found myself with the pet carrier discussing British weather with the vet. It always feels familiar:
“Good morning, miserable weather isn’t it?”
“Yes it really is….. was worse yesterday”
“Yes… yesterday was bad”.
Only after the obligatory small talk was I able to move on and bring the conversation round to the topic of my cat.
“Oh look at this little sausage” she gleaned…..
Both my cat, and myself stared bitterly. This was the second vet in two weeks who referred to him as a cute sausage. It seemed a bit of a strange thing to say. I mean it is known that British people don’t celebrate food. Why would they call my cat a “sausage”? My cat rolled his eyes and made a noise and hissed. I assured her it wasn’t personal. Anyway, what kind of sausage was she referring to?
Referring to a beef sausage could upset me because I’m vegetarian.
Referring to a pork sausage could upset just about everyone who follows a religion other than Christianity.
Referring to a vegetarian sausage might be ok – but why would she compare my cat to a vegetarian sausage?
My mind slowly drifted back, especially when the cat attacked the scales which were there to weigh him.
“He actually hates everyone” I quipped “It’s not just you”.
“I am usually very good with black and white cats” she replied. Her remark was an incredibly weird thing to say. It reminded me of some kind of speed dating event. My mind drifted to the only speed dating event I ever attended. It was in a sushi bar I was more interested in the sushi passing by on the belt. The fried tempura prawns were delicious, but I also discovered that I love raw salmon. I don’t remember any of the people from that day but I do remember the dishes.
My mind returned to the situation on hand…“Cat stereotyping?” I thought. “black and white cats like me more?”
We got into the usual conversation about how strange cats can be, neither of us noticed that my cat had been eyeing up the PC and had decided to chew her monitor cable. He jumped off the table just as the screen went black.
“Oh he’s such a cutie” she nervously laughed, before advising me to get his teeth checked as she disconnected the power on her computer.
“He’s definitely obese” – “8 kilograms”. The cat and I looked puzzled. Obese is such a hard word for anyone to hear. It seemed like only yesterday a nurse was talking about my diabetes and told me the very same thing. I could feel his pain. Was this the vet’s revenge for the chewed cable?
“That’s 1.52 stone” she muttered under her breath…
“Ahh – now I get it” – Kilograms mean nothing to me.
“Yes, I’m also not ok with the metric system” was her reply.
Then came the uncomfortable conversation about the bill. It felt like that moment at the end of the movie where you think to yourself “the movie has finished? What about that last character, and what about that storyline and that character…” So many unanswered questions.
“So…. That’s £140.58 pence please…”
“OK” – I answered
“Any plans for today? – back to the awful weather?” she uttered to try and break the ice a bit.
“Not really – I need to clean my apartment”
She petted Ptofi, he hissed at her and then bit her…..
“Oh I think he likes you” I commented while she winced in pain.
“its my perfume” she said….. “they always go crazy for it”.
I thought for a second that maybe I had missed some undercurrent in this conversation. Did she realise that he “wasn’t going crazy for it” – he just bit her…which for me means he didn’t like it but I decided to ignore her words.
While clutching my American Express card I carried the cat to the till. The receptionist blew loads of kisses at him, He turned and faced the other way and then we launched into a really weird conversation:
“How do I claim this from my pet Insurance?”
“If you have pet insurance we will tell them”
“I do have pet insurance”
“If you have that’s great”
“Would you like the details”
“If you have them that would be great”
I was getting kind of tired of all these “if’s” and handed her the policy number. Direct communication usually gets easier once you pay people.
Then my cat Ptofi and I booked a taxi and went home, the cat felt better, my wallet felt lighter and the vet was £140 pounds better off. The whole thing reminded me of a series of British public information videos called “Charley Says…” which they used to show on TV. You should YouTube them, they are very strange and eccentrically British. A talking cat with a little boy who translates the voice of his pet cat called Charley.
Anyway, my cat was later admitted to an emergency animal hospital on Saturday afternoon, where he still is. The hospital called me a few times to say that he keeps biting everyone. So I guess he’s making a good recovery and I am hoping to pick him up later today.
Note to myself, for later: Head to a sushi bar this week, to relax.
Bison are now here in the UK
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Teachers to be Given More Incentives
Knock Back – Phrasal Verb
To Catch a Glimpse Idiom
News Stories from London
What is a NIMBY?
Embellish/Embellishment Meaning
Weekly Lesson Audio: Killer Cows
Weekly Lesson: Killer Cows
For study until 22nd of September 2024
Subject: Killer Cows
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
Embellishment is a big part of storytelling in some parts of the UK, especially in Scotland and Ireland. When I first heard about cows killing people I rolled my eyes. As far as I was concerned this was another one of my Grandmother’s tall tales.
Continue reading “Weekly Lesson: Killer Cows”Schools Begin Eliminating Mobile Phones in England
Ideas for Speaking Better
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
To Slot /A Slot Meaning
Handshakes – A Very British Custom
Prisoner Early Release Scheme Kicks In
To Meet your Match – Idiom
To Scour Meaning
Australia to Set Minimum Age for Social Media
Every Nook and Cranny meaning
All about Piers
Weekly Lesson: Doors Open Day 2024
For study until 15th of September 2024
Subject: Doors Open Day
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
When I am out and about one of my little joys is discovering new buildings, architecture and exploring different places. I really love taking pictures of every nook and cranny that I can possibly access. With that in mind you can imagine then that I really look forward to Doors Open Day, that weekend of the year when my town suddenly loosens its chains and I can access anywhere. Such as local Courthouses or underground tunnels beneath one of the main streets. Even local businesses jump on the bandwagon and are keen to show their wares.
Across the country around September time, the doors of old buildings are flung open for around two days and members of the public can go and explore them. The great thing is that every area has their own weekend so for the whole month, you can visit old buildings in surrounding areas and see inside some of these amazing structures.
Of course some of these places offer us great examples of Victorian kitsch. Famous and popular in their day but now presenting us with laughter, head scratching and incredulity. For example, there are a number of Victorian swimming pools, grand in their appearance with colourful marble and with roman pillars at the entrance. There are others which offer us a glimpse of history, into a time long forgotten, reminding us how we used to live. Forgotten metro stations, underground streets for example.
As always on Doors Open weekend, I scour the Internet searching for the places I want to visit. It feels a bit like that euphoria you get when you buy a lottery ticket. “This time you are going to win for sure” you tell yourself, but yet somewhere inside you know that your expectations aren’t going to be met.
The list of places for Doors Open Day looked something like this:
The Old Church – Hmm – I did that last year
The Abbey – Eh, no, I got married there, that was enough
The Courthouse – Exciting last year but not this year
The Cemetery – Seriously? No. Besides, I was there last week
The Observatory – yeah, yeah, a possibility
The Library – really, there’s no way. I was there for its opening
The University – there’s no way
The old Prison – Um… why does that sound exciting to me?
So finally I decided upon another local Church that no one ever goes to. In fact attendance is so low that it will be closing its doors permanently in the near future. It was only a short walking distance away.
As I approached the main door, a woman stepped forward wearing a navy coloured business suit and pearls:
“Feel free to walk around” she said in a way that sounded almost menacing… “don’t forget to check out our refurbished Victorian toilet suite” she beamed.
I had completely forgotten, British people are immensely proud of toilets, toilet humour and things associated with the body.
“Um… thanks ok” I responded, trying not to show how bizarre the whole thing sounded….
“Would you like a…(pause, stare) magazine?” she continued.
“Eh yes…. (pause, stare) I’ll take one” I smiled and walked a few steps away. I never understood why Churches always seem to be full of people with fake upper class English accents. Our class system died years ago, yet there are many people here who would love to keep that going. I put my best Received Pronunciation on rerun – just to make her feel comfortable. She’d certainly met her match, if she was trying to play a game of accents with me.
“How lovely” I responded.
Attending Church in the UK can be a little bit creepy and she reminded me of all the reasons why I like spending Sunday mornings at home cooking or talking to people on Skype. Her attempt at smiling seemed terribly out of date with red lipstick stuck to the front of her teeth – clearly this Church wasn’t accustomed to visitors.
By the time she had another victim, the woman who walked in after me, I had moved on:
“I love your bracelet” I heard from a distance.
“Oh this little trinket…?” she commented as she revealed a chunk of gold twisted around her wrist.
I was half expecting two security guards, employed solely to guard the bracelet to emerge from the darkened corners because that chunk of gold looked expensive. This Guide clearly didn’t come from my side of town.
I toured the Church – it was nice and had all the charm of a prison, it even had bars on the windows. Then of course I followed the signs to their top attraction – the Victorian toilet which had its own security guard, to remind us that it’s “for display only” (in other words don’t try to use it). I didn’t quite know what to say about it. I mean it really was a toilet made of marble.
“It was put in, in 1897” she murmured…
“Great, yes…” I replied, slotting into politeness and small talk mode.
She must have been at least age 70 with a hair style which I hadn’t see since Prince Andrew’s marriage to Sarah Ferguson in the 1980s. Hence the term “Fergie Bow” – a type of hairstyle tied back in a piece of linen cloth. Just as Princess Catherine is called “Kate”, Diana was called “Di”. Sarah is “Fergie”.
“Oh well, I have to dash…..” – “it’s been lovely” I chirped… backing away towards the door.
I was grateful for the experience but the British eccentricity was overpowering and so was the general discomfort of mixing with others. It was greatly reassuring to sense they felt the same way.
As these old buildings find other uses and are converted into gyms, bars, nightclubs and even Ikea shops. I wonder how much longer the sense of the sacred will be preserved and whether these Doors Open Days will be a thing of the past. Until then they remain stark reminders, of the British Empire, complete with war memorials, roll books, gold and silver. Keeping alive the very thing the rest of us are trying to forget. Yet very soon Religion here will be a thing of the past.
Our state sponsored Christian Churches like the Church of England along with the Military and Parliament represent something eccentrically and uniquely British. Three sides of the same triangle. It’s hard to imagine a trinity with one part missing. A country with only Military and Parliament sounds more like some kind of South American Dictatorship. Change is coming but what that looks like, nobody knows.
What’s coming next? That’s the key question.
Ian McKellen Criticizes Queen Elizabeth II
Universities in England may hike Prices
Mouth Movements for Sounding Better
Phrasal Verb – To Stub Out
Lessons Learnt from a Tower Block Disaster
English Idiom – To Raise an Eyebrow
Jack Reacher and Public Libraries
What is a Game Changer?
More about Education Reporting
What Does the word “Enthralling” mean?
Government Announces Changes to School Reporting
Weekly Lesson Audio – Return to Education
Weekly Lesson: The Return to Education
For study until 8th of September 2024
Subject: The Return to Education
Audio: On usual social media platforms
Deciding to go back to study at University sounded enthralling. It brought back memories of Education when I was younger. Being part of something, a time when we all knew for sure we were loved and affirmed by forming deeper friendships.
As I work in the Education sector, I am very aware of the changing face of teaching but this was going to be interesting. To be on the other side of the classroom for a change, not the one in front of the class. It came as a bit of a shock to find that “Campus life” was simply online. Opening a new tab on my browser is hardly the same as bursting through the University doors wearing too much aftershave and white socks in 1987.
My first day arrived and I was feeling intrepid. It was something of a relief to find an Internet room full of middle-aged cynical bitter looking faces staring at me. I was expecting teenagers. Arriving into an Internet video chat is like changing a TV channel, you give it a few seconds to gauge what it’s like before you feel altogether settled and you are immediately hit with feelings but you don’t quite know what they are yet.
I am no stranger to Internet chats, but this was one of the few times I was in a room full of native speakers – that was a bit of a game changer. The balance of power felt different – these people had years of experience of judging others and there was no language barrier to protect me from that. I felt like I was being X-rayed and anxiously awaiting the results. For the first time in a long time, I was vulnerable in an online learning environment.
The song “Forever Young” by Alphaville played in my mind. Jeez, they were more cynical than I was – this was not about having fun, for them, they were more concerned about funding. Their online background scenery was interesting, some people lying in bed, others sitting on the sofa, some empty chairs and a few with cameras turned off. Was this really the new definition of diversity at University?
I’d forgotten how much American Psychology had crept in over the years. The Tutors had been told to tell us one exciting fact about their personal lives. I really didn’t care who had driven a tank through a desert or who makes kitsch medieval tapestries when they aren’t out walking dogs. My mind drifted, Forever Young played in my head again as I remembered the first day of University the first time round. I was studying Theology and Philosophy back then, we should in theory have been very well behaved kids with such a serious subject but we weren’t, we were crazy maladjusted kids with a tutor who looked like a relic from the Dark ages. Riding brightly coloured cars, wearing crazy hats and listening to Elton John defined us, we were teenagers.
I was quickly brought down to earth again with a thump when another student asked me the question:
“Tell us something about yourself Joseph?”
“I’m an avid traveller” I quipped looking around the screen to see who was listening. Most of them were busy surfing the web – I doubt the answer even registered with them “and happily married” I quickly added. That last comment got the attention of a few people and clearly raised a few eyebrows.
“Great”, she cackled voraciously.
“My first husband was like you…. Not the happily married bit, I mean…. He travelled” while she took another puff of the cigarette and then stubbed it out in the ashtray, blowing smoke in the air…..
“What about you Sonia?” she said in a loud gritty voice moving her head around the screen to her next victim.
“Oh by the way, are all of our lectures on Fridays? I have the grandchildren the rest of the week” she chortled.
No one else seemed to care except for one woman who kept sending me private messages to help her find stuff on the Uni. website while asking questions about MS Teams. I’d forgotten how my role in group situations is always the “helper”. There to bring a bit of calm to panicking hysterical women.
“We can meet after class” I quipped – “just like last time”. We had previously met online at the intro. sessions a few days before…. Suzanne was an interesting person, she carried an immense sense of tragedy and didn’t have a clue about computers. Just like the kind of women who always seem to find special places in my English classes by booking lots of packages and then self-predicting that they will never pass exams. Then there were the others who kept asking me about times of lectures. I’m not sure what bit of “its all online – there are no lectures” that they couldn’t understand. Yes, I grappled with that as well, we just had to like it or lump it – we read, write and then submit things.
Like it or lump it – this was indeed University for older people, fun meant going for blood tests and Covid vaccines.
Like it or lump it was always the preferred idiom in my family growing up and it simply means “take it or leave it”. It is one of those phrases that you can hear everywhere, especially when there is little choice in a decision which has to be made. My mother used to say – “you are having potatoes for dinner like it or lump it… you don’t want them? Fine, you can lump it then”. (in other words, starve).
The one curious thing was how the tutors kept pleading with us to attend lectures:
“I know we are all busy but can we please try to get to lectures? You will struggle if you don’t…”
That was repeated many times and I remembered the countless times I waited for students who weren’t going to appear online for English classes. I don’t plead anymore, I’m kind of past that stage.
My mind drifted again and I remembered how middle aged teachers feel like parents sometimes but not with this crowd. Walking sticks, crutches and doctors appointments meant that I wasn’t about to find myself cruising through the streets in brightly coloured cars this time, this was post middle age – cruising up to the local Doctor’s surgery is as good as it gets. For some people here the best years of their lives had quickly become the last years of their lives. I was one of the youngest and as such expected to be the IT expert of the room.
I was no longer the English teacher around here, I was the baby.
UK Government Plans to Ban Smoking Outside Pubs
Speak Better with these Simple Tips
At the Supermarket
What does to be “Dumbed Down” mean?
Public Library Closures in Huddersfield
Song Lyrics, Fernando by ABBA
Passive Voice: I was urged
What is a Fleece Top?
Protests at Library Closures
Idiom: I Rolled my Eyes
More about Public Libraries in the UK
Weekly Lesson Audio: A Visit to the New Library
Weekly Lesson: Visiting the New Library
For study until 1st September 2024
Subject: Visiting the New Library
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
Visiting the new Library
My Town decided to move the local public library to a new purpose built complex around a decade ago. They started work on it in 2020, suspended it because of Covid in 2021 and finally unveiled the new building earlier this year in 2024.
Continue reading “Weekly Lesson: Visiting the New Library”Notting Hill Carnival – London
Gatwick Airport hopes for a new Runway
Shadowing and Tips for Speaking Better
Amidst and Forthcoming – Meanings
Putting the Rubbish Out
Scotland named as Drug Death Capital of Europe Again
National Radio Day
Idiom: First Port of Call
Chatty Benches – What are they?
Idiom – To Nurse a Drink
Weekly Lesson Audio: The Leak from the Bathroom Ceiling
Weekly Lesson: The Leak from the Bathroom Ceiling
For study until 25 August 2024
Subject: The Leak from the Bathroom Ceiling
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
Continue reading “Weekly Lesson: The Leak from the Bathroom Ceiling”Song Lyrics: From Prisoner Cell Block H
Presenting Yourself Better
Scotland’s Schools Can Now Ban Mobile Phones
Fanciers / Fans
Stonehenge has Scottish Links
A View from my Window
Idiom: Spit and Sawdust
To be in on the Act
Could Fox Hunting be Uncancelled?
Pique, Peek and Peak
Examples of Cancel Culture
Weekly Lesson Audio, Cancel Culture: Pigeon Racing
Weekly Lesson, Cancel Culture: Pigeon Racing
Subject: Cancel Culture: Pigeon Racing
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
Cancel Culture: Pigeon Racing
In the 1970s before the Internet came, pigeon racing was all the rage. It was fairly common to see both young and old men owning pigeon lofts. These were like large garden sheds specifically custom-built to house racing pigeons. The culture of pigeon racing always piqued my curiosity because both my Father and Grandfather had their own lofts at the bottom of their gardens and were fee paying members of their local pigeon racing club. Even the Queen was in on the act, she had her own pigeon loft and was racing her own pigeons until her death. Sadly the new King withdrew his patronage from pigeon associations and charities shortly after he was crowned. People who breed and race pigeons are sometimes known as pigeon fanciers.
Breathing for a Better Presentation of English
Police Celebrate Turning Point as Riots Ease
The Verb – to Pedestrianise
In American English it is Pedestrianize (with the letter z)
UK Government Bans Protesters from Football Matches
Graffiti – Always a Negative Word in English
Song Lyrics – Let it Be
What Does “Gripped” mean as a metaphor?
UK Government to Exclude the Drinks Industry when making Policy Decisions
Weekly Lesson Audio: The Shopping Mall
Weekly Lesson: The Shopping Mall
For study until 11 August 2024
Subject: The Shopping Mall
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
The Shopping Mall
Until the early 80s my town had a Butcher, Fishmonger, Newsagent, a really weird shop that sold only towels and a Fruit shop. By 1984 the country was gripped with a political fervour. A new breath was sweeping over the country in the early eighties with the promise of Capitalism.
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Intonation and Its Importance
My Heart Leapt – Meaning
Princess Kate Keen to Visit Olympics
Southport Riots: UK Government Calls for Respect
We were like Fish out of Water
The Olympics are in “Full Swing”
To have a Penchant for Something
Olympics Opening Ceremony upsets Conservatives
Weekly Lesson Audio: Competitive Sport
Weekly Lesson: Competitive Sport
For study until 4 August 2024
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
We all can recount stories of our school days and in my life too there were always those awkward moments when it came to competitive sport.
Firstly, at school there were teachers who had a penchant for watching kids running round the entire school complex (approximately 5 miles) twice. The teachers were sheltered under umbrellas, wrapped up in coats, scarves and gloves while we were wearing the obligatory skimpy school uniform for sport, running in the snow. Secondly there was the procedure for selecting players and putting them into teams. The most athletic boy was of course the captain and he got to select his team. It was common practice for those of us who were more academic and less able physically, to be left on the sidelines along with the fat twins whom, of course everyone hated. There were clear winners and losers in this system and I was near the bottom of the list with my new best friends. We enjoyed watching sport, after all we were rarely selected to actually play.
That moment of calling out names for each team was the hardest because I knew I was never going to hear “Joseph, today you will be the goalkeeper”. I felt like a prisoner in a jail when they have that mail call. As much as you kind of hoped there would be a letter there for you, you somehow knew that it wasn’t going to happen.
I don’t remember my Father ever taking me to sports matches but I do remember being taken by my Grandfather. I could never fathom why one man wearing red boxing gloves wanted to punch the living daylights out of the other guy and more importantly why Americans referred to that time spent with children at sports matches as “quality time”. If there was anything qualitative about watching a boxing match, I never found it. It was a place full of old men who were wheezing and coughing clutching cigarettes, who seemed pleased to see bloody noses.
On Saturdays I started going to the library instead and soon discovered a clandestine group of kids who were hiding there and studying. They too were bored of “quality time” with family. We didn’t want to be called nerds but we had earned that reputation. Spending time guessing the names of Capital Cities of the world seemed so much more peaceful, these kids knew the meaning of quality. It was fun learning where Moldova was and you would be surprised how relevant that is in my life these days. I also learnt how to solve the Rubik’s cube in minutes. I admit that it wasn’t exactly a crowning moment in the world of sport but it did earn me a reputation, albeit not a positive one.
Sport in 1970s UK was not about competition. It was about learning to hate each other.
George Orwell once said:
“Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence. In other words, it is war minus the shooting.”
I never understood why they wanted to divide us and force us to compete against each other. It supposedly made us stronger but for me and many others it was a very painful time realising that we didn’t fit the mould. Groups of us found solace in books and in our own imagination, we were different. All of us children came from the same gritty economic background, our parents were all miners, iron labourers or factory workers. Some of us knew we were destined for something greater but we didn’t know what. Our parents couldn’t relate to us, they didn’t know how to win us over, kids who weren’t destined for the mines or steel works “how would they survive”?
Not only were we different from our parents we were different from our older kin as well. My brother knew how to bounce a ball like Pele, enter an old mineshaft without getting caught and I knew how to play the piano like Richard Clayderman or James Last. Somebody somewhere should have realised there was a problem. For kids like me this was something much deeper than choice of playground, it was something else rising, a new horizon with global promise. It felt magical but made us vulnerable, we were fish out of water, a tribe of misfits sitting alongside a pack of lions who were conditioned in a very different way, waiting to prey on anything weaker. We avoided confrontation about hating sport, we were outnumbered. It was survival of the fittest. Yet sport was supposed to unite us, it was competitive and had shared vision, winning defeating and building character.
I watched the Olympic Torch being carried into the Auditorium in Paris yesterday. My heart leapt at the symbology of true sportsmanship, the unity of watching the torch and all that it represents. Something which illuminates and burns away the twisted version from school and raises the standard. A standard which encompasses all people, disabled, male, female, strong and weak and all the other dualities we have to work our way through.
I’m wondering how the newer generations work through problems like this or maybe the definition of sport itself is evolving to meet their needs. Either way, it took many years for me to find peace about it. In Arabia I found a new hobby in watching Camel racing and returning to the UK have found myself at ice hockey matches, during “quality time” with family. A far cry from tribal football matches and sectarianism which still sends shudders up my spine.
I think I understand these things more now than ever before and have definitely found peace about sport.
- What is motivating you today to study?
- What motivates you daily to get up and go to work – is it Habit? Money? Targets? Meeting people, burning energy, using positivity, joy level.
- What is your joy level today – and what raises your joy level?
- “My Heart Leapt” – When we think about motivation – what does it mean for you?
Expression: The World Over
Voter ID Law is Unfair – A News Story
Idiom: To Fall on Deaf Ears
UK Government Stops Producing 1p and 2p Coins
The Verb: To Budge
Government Plans Optional Digital ID Cards
More about ID Cards
The Verb and Idiom: To Trot / The Trots
And Then the Police Came – A Story about ID Cards
Weekly Lesson Audio – Life Without ID Cards
Life Without ID Cards
For study until 28 July 2024
Subject: Life Without ID Cards
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
This particular bank looked the same as any other, bandage coloured wallpaper, glass rooms and an assistant who looked so young that I’m sure I have food in my freezer older than her:
“Computer says no” she said, during my latest attempt to offer ID to open a bank account. Despite my protests and assurances that I was actually British, she wanted more, one piece of photo ID and a Utility Bill from where I live, clearly showing my name and address. The first one was no problem, I have a Passport but they clearly had me over a barrel with the second bit.
I explained twice “I’ve just moved back here from Spain – I don’t have a permanent address yet” but my appeal fell on deaf ears: “When you have ID showing an address – come back to me and we will process your application – like an Electricity Bill from the last three months for example.” was her latest way of getting rid of me.
She was an impressive opponent, dressed in a navy coloured business suit, she meant business. Looking her over I noticed that she had more curves than a Formula One car race track and no doubt she was twice as dangerous. Her bling jewellery was a testament that poverty is not only about cash, but a state of mind. I needed a bank account and clearly she wasn’t going to budge. I was beginning to agree with my Spanish friends, how do we cope without ID cards in the UK?
I finally found an old bank account that I had forgotten about from years before – I hadn’t used it since I left the UK. I trotted along to their branch and simply told them I needed a new bank card and where to send it. Fortunately, I remembered all of my old security passwords.
Dealing with organisations without ID cards is always rough, but trying to deal with Financial Institutions is worse still and involves an endless cycle of conversations, I think that’s the same the world over. The problem in the UK though is not only the lack of ID cards, it’s also about our legalistic approach to the world and our lack of social structure.
If I had been living with relatives, there would have been no problem I could have asked my parents to give me a letter saying I was living there. Friendships here are never large enough to encompass those kinds of favours and that left only my Brother to turn to for help. He lives around here somewhere but I haven’t spoken to him in ten years. I wasn’t about to turn up like a long lost brother just for a favour – I’d rather shoot myself with a gun.
My Grandmother used to tell me stories about how they were given ID cards during the war to buy food and as soon as it was over, they quickly burned them. Our view of democracy means that the Government cannot hold one central list of who we all are and what we look like, but no doubt there are a number of other lists they could use if they really wanted to find me. It’s not just about ID cards, its more about how we live, how we are, the way we all seem to live in bubbles now without social interaction.
I pay a vet to come and feed my cat twice a day when I go on holiday. (I wouldn’t trust my neighbour with a stuffed toy let alone my cat and she’s not the kind of person I would associate with). Strangely, the vet (who is female) looks like me wearing a wig, I’m sure if we talk long enough she also is going to be a relative three times removed. Business is business though and she also has a huge list of ID requirements before she takes my house key.
With ever changing politics I have no doubt that they will be forced to give us some kind of ID card in the future, but for now I need to make sure I’m ready and armed with a Passport and utility bill with my name and address, just in case I ever need it. Well old age is coming and my free concessionary travel card will do more than give me free bus rides, it will act as a beautiful piece of evidence that I live here. At least old age is good for some things.
Affirmations
Monday – People help me to grow and encourage me with English.
Who supports you most in your learning journey and what type of encouragement do they give you?
Tuesday – Learning helps me connect with others.
Who have you met on your learning journey and how have they influenced you?
Wednesday – I reach out when I need to on my learning journey.
Describe a time when you had to accept the help of another person in your journey?
Thursday – Asking for help is not a weakness.
Describe a time when you felt insecure about an English problem you had. What did you do? Did asking for help come naturally?
Friday – Learning English is truly satisfying.
Do you believe this? If not, take a moment to think about why.
Updates
News Headlines
Breathing Correctly While Speaking
No Hugs Please: I’m British
Using the Word “Crutch” as a Metaphor
Drink Spiking is “the Tip of the Iceberg”
Idiom: “I Never got that Email”
Song Lyrics: Melting Pot by Blue Mink
Idiom: Like Chalk and Cheese
Diversity in the UK
Weekly Lesson: My Mate Karim
For study until 21 July 2024
Subject: My Mate Karim
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
Sometimes I forget how diverse British culture is because I just go with the flow. I don’t really have any hard and fast views of what a British man is supposed to look or act like.
So when my mate Karim appeared one night back in 2006 telling me his mother finally found someone for him to marry, it didn’t come as any great shock. We came from different backgrounds but we simply didn’t care. We were very good friends.
He started by telling me how he was a little bit nervous about his forthcoming marriage. He had agreed that his parents would find a bride and that the wedding would take place in the town where his grandparents had immigrated to the UK from, back in the 1960s.
“We are like chalk and cheese” he said referring to himself and his future wife. Then he told me his great idea:
“Why don’t we fly to Pakistan together and you can get married too?” he suggested.
I could see he had a look of desperation in his eyes. He didn’t want to face this alone.
“Thanks” I replied…
“but that’s not really workable for me”. and nervously laughed at what I hoped was a joke.
I had seen that look before, I always thought of it as the kind of look a deer gets before it gets struck by a car in the middle of the night.
“It really is game over” he continued.
Karim was just as British as I am and culturally he pushed himself to enjoy everything he could, a sportsman, popular with the ladies and one of these guys who always had a friend, cousin or uncle who was ready to offer any kind of “deal” that you might be after.
I’ve had enough British Born Pakistani friends in my life to know that there was no way out of this for him and he had been preparing for this moment for some months. He considered himself lucky that he knew the girl, it was one of his cousins. Although I could never really figure out how they were related, they were cousins but 5 times removed and he barely knew her.
I considered Karim to be very fortunate because he walked between two worlds, which left his mind open in a way few people reach. By day he was very much living up to his parent’s high expectations of Islamic South East Asian living and by night he was the disco king, with a childlike determination to achieve everything Western living could offer until 1am most weekends. He was able to merge the two ways of life without going insane and without the usual crutches young white men rely on, drugs and alcohol. Mixing with Karim introduced me to a lot of places and people where alcohol was not at the forefront of people’s minds.
I had almost the same conversation with my Chinese friend, although he came to Britain in the 1990s to study and eventually stayed. There was a moment when his parents simply advised “it was time to marry” and he went scurrying off to China. He also maintained that look of fear which he tried to hide behind a kind of masculine persona.
Karim had certain qualities that I never found in my own peer group, loyalty, friendship, brotherliness and in many ways he was more of a Brother to me than my own brother was. I often wished I was half the man he was, yet he faced discrimination, judgement, intense expectations from his kin and from the society that we live in. The difference between his life and mine was that he came from a community, a network of people who loved and supported him yet he wanted to be independent. Like most British people I was taught not to expect help from people and to make the best of what I can achieve alone. I had independence but was seeking community.
I was invited to his British wedding celebration, he arrived on a white horse dressed in Indian Clothes with photographers, surrounded by his family and I was reminded again how different culturally we are. His wedding had 300 people, in contrast, at my wedding there were 4, me, my other half and two witnesses and even one of them I didn’t know personally. My parents had long since passed away and there was no one else in the family I keep in touch with. In his words “Arranged Marriage isn’t that bad – you just fight for six months then you learn to live with each other”.
Karim moved to the Emirates, I moved to Spain and we kind of found what we wanted – some sense of knowing more about who we are. To be British was to be a Global Citizen in the 1990s, but by today’s standards I’m not sure that’s the message the next generation are receiving. With Borders closing, Brexit, crimes rising and attitudes changing, Karim says he was right to move to raise his family in a place where he knows they will be in a diverse atmosphere. After all, diversity is the one true thing we all have in common.
As extreme political views ebb closer to the front in Politics the gap between those of us who want a diverse mixed culture and those of us who don’t is widening. There’s obviously people who feel that being British means something else – maybe Karim, my Chinese friend and many others never got that Email.
(Never got that Email in this case simply means “were not aware”)
Affirmations
Monday – My English keeps getting better.
Do you truly believe that statement? If not, why not.
Tuesday – My efforts are paying off.
What are you doing differently from when you first started studying English? How long did it take before you saw results. Why was there a delay?
Wednesday – Others are amazed at how quickly I learn.
Being honest…. how long did it take you to get to this point? Why was that?
Thursday – I love learning English.
Did you hesitate when you read this? Why do you think you don’t love it?
Friday – English is becoming more natural daily
What progress are you measuring?
Weekly Audio: My Mate Karim
Do All Men Need a Tribe?
Stonehenge: An Update on the Controversial Tunnel
English Idiom: The Jury’s Out
Overcrowding in Prisons
Accent Reduction Tips
News Article about Council Housing
Idiom: Going Round the Houses
A Delicious Gyoro Recipe
Song Lyrics: Tammy Wynette, I don’t Want to Play House
Weekly Lesson Audio: Government Housing, Friend or Foe?
Affirmations and Colour
Weekly Lesson: Government Housing-Friend or Foe?
For study until 14 July 2024
Subject: Government Housing-Friend or Foe?
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
The UK was a very industrial place until Margaret Thatcher came on the scene in the 1980s. For many people up until that time the daily grind involved working shifts in the local factory. In my case, my whole family worked in the local steel factory, that included my Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and even my Great Great Grandfather until he was fired for promoting Trade Unions in the early 1900s. Meanwhile the women were working (where there were not enough men) in the local thread mills, which offered lighter work.
In the early days, going back to the 1840s my family lived in small cottages which were only big enough to hold a handful of people. Like most people of their day they raised between ten to fifteen children. By the time the 1920s came, slums had developed, there was no running water, no indoor sanitation and “rows” of houses were built around the steel work factory with simply two rooms and running water with outside toilets. In the 1930s the Government realised there were issues with sanitation and started to build housing estates known as “housing schemes” or “council estates” which they could rent to employees of local factories. This marked the beginning of organised housing – built around towns which were themselves formed to support local industry.
Moving forward 100 years to 2024, the Northern part of the UK is dominated by these estates and the Government remains one of the largest property owners. In Scotland the Government owns a quarter of all total rentable accommodation. I remember visiting my Grandparents in the 1980s and both my maternal and paternal Grandparents were happily living on Council Estates. The towns where they lived had three Council Estates. They knew all of the neighbours, people who were economically the same and were either friends or relatives. These estates tended to be full of old hardened women who clearly had battled their way into old age whose families had left home years before. In many ways they were the matriarchs of these estates, knowing exactly what “buttons to press” to ensure the Government took action when they need a repair to their homes or have someone forcibly removed. It felt strange because the people were poorer compared to today yet they were incredibly proud.
In the North of the UK today, renting an apartment or house from the Government is considered perfectly normal and accessible for everyone (because there’s little choice) whereas in the South where there was less industry and more education, fewer of these estates exist.
Since the Government owns a lot of property, they are also one of the largest employers in Scotland and Northern England. Plumbers, Electricians, maintenance people, office staff and housing managers are all required. As you would expect from the Government, the salary isn’t great even though the working conditions are better than the private sector, so they generally attract unskilled workers who are happy with a lower pay. This is a very attractive option for boys who do not want to enter further education, many of whom grew up and live on Council Estates themselves.
Things are slowly changing. The local Government here has started to demolish some of these old homes in order to build new ones for residents. The combination of an ageing population as well as houses no longer meeting basic standards of living such as energy saving and noise pollution means that they need to look at how they provide accommodation. Some of these estates historically had very bad reputations and needed to be demolished as well owing to their high crime rates and social problems.
Since the 1990s the Local Government has been proactively demolishing and rebuilding, making these properties safer to live in. Selling the ground to property developers also means many Council estates are surrounded by luxury privately owned property developments, which creates a kind of a hydrid, displacing the cold sting of poverty associated with these estates in the past.
Unlike today where we can define “home” as a mental construct, a structure of Love and Family, a place of peace we can choose to reside in, in the old days home and house was all about physicality, bricks and stone.
As the metaverse or holographic universe comes upon us, we will once again be asked to redefine dwellings as an ethereal space. The jury is out on what exactly the future will look like but it will likely offer us personal and communal spaces to live together.
_______________________________________________
Affirmations
Monday – There is a place for me in the Learning Community
Compare how learning alone compares to your experience of being in School with others. What is your learning tribe or community?
Tuesday – I can Learn at any age or point of life
Why do you think age is a barrier for some people?
Wednesday – I am flexible enough to make change
Why do we lose our mental elasticity as we get older? How do we stop that process?
Thursday – I choose to learn today because it brings me joy
What other healthy choices do you make daily to support your learning and your mental health?
Friday – I speak English and it gets better every day
How do you measure your progress? If you do not measure your progress, make a mental note to ask your teacher for ways to do this.
News Headlines from the UK
Song Lyrics: Tarzan Boy by Baltimora
Idiom: Past it’s Sell By Date
A Little Bit of History
Election Day
Idiom: To Leave a Mark
Song: Leader of the Pack
Pink Floyd: Another Brick in the Wall
Playing Up – A Phrasal Verb
Weekly Lesson Audio: Teachers, Then and Now
More about Focus
Weekly Lesson: Teachers, Then and Now
For study until 7 July 2024
Subject: Teachers, Then and Now
Audio: On usual social media platforms.
Women in particular used to have very defined roles in society and I recall that my teachers in the 1970s and 80s were for the most part unmarried women.
There was an expectation that they would devote their lives to education and could not be educators as well as look after a husband. Female teachers were simply not allowed to marry, culturally or legally.
That rule had been officially lifted in 1944 yet the tradition remained, likely out of fear that a community may judge a woman unfairly. After all, in the 1970s and 80s, most of our elders were born before 1944 and they themselves were educated by unmarried teachers. Sex, sexuality and physicality were completely repressed during the 19th century so a woman who was abstaining in order to educate children was a serious vocation. It was perhaps a throwback to a time when we would have been educated by Catholic nuns and Priests. There were practical reasons for this as well, particularly regarding the high number of unemployed men.
By default we often referred to teachers as “Miss” rather than “Mrs” because it showed more respect. Female teachers here in the UK were expected to be single until 1944 and if they were found to be married then they were sacked. Women working, was generally seen as something negative but exceptions were made of course for cooks, cleaners and general domestic roles, but even those kinds of roles were reserved for single women or spinsters who had no chance of marriage or a profession because of their age or class system.
By the time the 1970s came, times were indeed changing and more women were becoming teachers. Our social revolution of the 1960s had left its mark and women felt empowered to do anything they wanted. The Headmaster in my School was Mr Cameron, of course the opinion was that his job as Head Teacher with all of its administrative tasks needed a man to manage it and I often wonder how he dealt with ten woman on a day to day basis. He was an older man, never having been married himself. When he was due to retire the school held special celebrations for him and wished him well. He was so taken by our Love for him that he changed his mind and decided to stay longer which perhaps gave us a glimpse into what his life was really like. Perhaps just like the rest of us, he had his own self doubts and loneliness but he was not allowed to show those publicly.
The Teachers I recall were very happy. The older ones who were well passed their sell by date seemed very contented. They were like matriarchal figures, quick to give advice with a very blunt practical masculinity (yes they were all women) which surfaced when required. Corporal punishment was still in place until 1981 and you really did not want to be on the receiving end of that, especially if you were in any way squeamish. It involved being belted across the hands with a trouser belt or cane until you almost bled. The weirdest part of that punishment was the ritual. The most well behaved boy in the class was sent to collect the belt from another teacher, giving the message to the other class that someone had been playing up. That belt was then carried back with great reverence to the class of the troublemaker so that everyone could see what was about to happen. A few of the teachers even cried when carrying out this brutality as I recall and on the other hand (excuse the pun) some of them enjoyed it. Questions remain in my mind about why a bunch of middle aged women had men’s belts hanging on the walls to punish us with?
By the mid 80s married teachers were becoming as common as single ones. In my community today there are still a number of older teachers who choose note to marry, but they are mainly retired, morally upright woman who look like relics from another time and then of course there are also nuns. Some of them are in prison serving sentences for physical cruelty to children in the 1960s. Others are simply sweet old ladies.
Times have changed and now teachers are required to be formally educated. In the past they simply had to attend “teacher training colleges” whereas now there is an expectation that they will hold at least a Degree. Headlines appear regularly about inappropriate relations between kids and teachers as well as violent threats and lack of safety in the classroom. Some of the teachers do not look much older than the kids.
As my colleagues and I discuss our experience of school days, one thing we all agree upon is this: We would never send our children to British schools, we would either “home school” them or live in another country. There is an opinion that frankly speaking, children here are exposed to too many things.
I yearn for the old days but do understand things were not perfect then either, it simply looked that way through the eyes of a child.
Monday’s Affirmation – I am a valued member of the language learning community
Reflect on your own childhood – what opinions do you hold about school? Describe your friends you learnt with and compare them to exchange partners that you have now.
Tuesday – I am making progress every day
In what ways were you successful in education? What do you regret?
Wednesday – I am a capable learner
Write a short essay on how education has changed in your country.
Thursday – I find joy in learning
What could you do to improve your joy level in learning? What would stepping outside your comfort zone mean?
Friday – Mistakes help me learn
Compare punishments – making mistakes at school and making mistakes as an adult.
The Erosion of Arts in State Schools
The Elephant in the Room (Idiom)
Where Does Cheddar Cheese Come From?
Brazilian Chicken Recipe
More about Energy
Physical and Mental Energy
Working with Energy
Searching for British Restaurants
Child Obesity – Are We Eating Too Much?
Searching for British Restaurants
A Typical British Food Menu
An Introduction to British Eating Habits
Weekly Lesson Audio: British People and Food
Weekly Lesson: British People and Food: My Story, by Teacher Joseph
For study until 30 June 2024
Subject: British People and Food: My Story, by Teacher Joseph
Audio: On usual Social media platforms.
Continue reading “Weekly Lesson: British People and Food: My Story, by Teacher Joseph”To Be Cleared of Doing Something
My Little Cat Enjoying a Moment of Affection
Usually my cat ignores me but today he is enjoying a moment of affection.
It is Summer Solstice!
Today’s Affirmation: I will Speak English Today
Languages and Dialects
More about Indigenous Languages in the UK
Cornish makes a Comeback
A Welshman Ditched His Accent and then Found it again
How to Use the Weekly Lesson Effectively
British and Irish Languages
Weekly Lesson Audio: Indigenous Languages in the UK
Alan Bates gets a Knighthood
To Plant (meanings)
Making Pancakes
Is Your Energy Flowing?
At the Supermarket
Affirmation: I Practice Without Stress
Northern Ireland’s Leader: Michelle O’Neill
Affirmation: I Learn English Well
Transgendered People’s Rights
What’s your Great Ambition?
Weekly Audio: Women’s Right to Vote: Suffragette Movement
Women’s Right to Vote: The Suffragette Movement
Weekly Lesson: For study until 16 June 2024
Audio: On usual Social media platforms.
- The suffragette movement in the United Kingdom was a key force in the fight for women’s right to vote. This struggle led to women gaining some voting rights in 1918 and full voting rights in 1928. The word “suffrage” means the right to vote, and “suffragette” describes the women involved in this movement.
Merton Gets a New Polish Mayor
Playing with my Little Cat
Song Study – Runaway Train by Soul Asylum
You Need to be Rooted
More Kids Get Free School Meals
Do We Appreciate Free Things?
King Charles Appears on UK Bank Notes
Accent Reduction: Mouth Movement
My Opinion is Heard and Respected
My Local Museum and University
Accent Reduction: Elocution and Intonation
What is your Key Motivator?
Accent Reduction: Shadowing
Audio: Free Access to Museums and Art Galleries in the UK
Free Entry to Museums and Galleries
Weekly Lesson – for study until Sunday the 9th of June
Audio – Available on all usual social media
Subject: Free Entry to Museums and Galleries, by Teacher Joseph
1.The Universal Access Scheme which granted free access to all Government Sponsored Museums, Art Galleries and some places of national interest in the UK began in December 2001. This was known as a DCMS Scheme since the Government department responsible for these places is currently called the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Research claims that free entry to these places are key motivators for tourists visiting the UK. By removing entrance fees to these places, everyone, including tourists has free access to a type of Education which only the Arts and a dialogue about living history can bring.
Continue reading “Free Entry to Museums and Galleries”Learning English is Musical
How to Describe things Well
I take a little walk and describe what I see.
More Women Choosing Private Maternity Care
Do you Want to Remember More Words?
Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox
Some Thoughts for Today
What is a Shadow Government (with transcript)
The Sea and Learning English
British People and Cemeteries (with transcript)
Post Office Scandal Update
War Memorials in the UK
Why am I Not Motivated?
Weekly Lesson Audio – Cat Stevens
Exciting new Changes from June 1st 2024.
From the 1st of June some exciting new changes are coming:
1. My daily youtube clips will be focusing on questions from a new expanded weekly lesson on my site, issued on Sundays for weekly study. http://teacherjoseph.com
2. My podcast will also be changing to support the valuable learning we can take from the weekly lesson.
Any issues, let me know.
TJ.
Weekly Lesson is now online – Cat Stevens
You can read it below or else click here for the most up to date weekly lesson.
Title: Cat Stevens: A Journey of Music and Spirituality
Audio will be published on Monday 27th of May 2024 via the usual social Media channels.
Continue reading “Weekly Lesson is now online – Cat Stevens”Mobile Phones Could be Banned for Kids
The UK Government could ban Mobile Phones for Children (transcript of podcast)
Hello, everyone, and welcome again to another Joseph podcast.
Well, our Government is examining whether it can ban people from using mobile phones. It’s currently considering removing the right to use a mobile phone from people under the age of 16. Now, of course, as I’ve told you in many other podcasts, our Government love to play the role of a parent because our parents here don’t really like to make decisions for their children.
Continue reading “The UK Government could ban Mobile Phones for Children (transcript of podcast)”Keep the Candle Burning (an English Idiom)
This phrase is a very popular and we say it to each other in order to encourage each other with a dream. It basically means “Don’t lose hope” or “Keep the dream alive”.
Continue reading “Keep the Candle Burning (an English Idiom)”World Tarot Day
Arab Chicken Recipe
George Harrison’s Birth House Gets a Blue Plaque
The Sad Tale of How People Approach Learning English.
Language Learning like other systems of knowledge has been reduced.
Continue reading “The Sad Tale of How People Approach Learning English.”Change you Mood by Describing Things Well
International Tea Day (with transcript)
International Tea Day – Transcript for the podcast dated 24 May 2024
Hello, everyone, and welcome again to another Teacher Joseph podcast.
International Tea Day is observed every year on May 21st and it aims to raise awareness of the long history and deep cultural and economic significance of Tea around the world. The idea is to promote and to somehow Implement activities in favour of promoting everything related to tea.
Continue reading “International Tea Day – Transcript for the podcast dated 24 May 2024”What’s the Connection Between Spirituality and Language Learning?
Laid Bare Meaning
News from 1969 Paul McCartney gets Married
It is OK to Make Mistakes
Emotional Support Chickens (with transcript)
Changes to Podcast Details
I am currently automating the process of posting new podcast details. In the next few days you will see some changes. Things will look a bit different from before.
I will be watching everything to make sure that it works ok. if you have any problems, please let me know.
You can also find everything on my YouTube channel if you have problems accessing anything.
Adopt a Grandparent (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #776 Adopt a Grandparent (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/776-Adopt-a-Grandparent-with-transcript-e2jtsl0
Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pnBi3dFkGDQWEj_A0Av_sFINfI-rBKLMEU_t2q4l3Rs/edit?usp=drivesdk
Weekly Lesson Audio -1960s.
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #774 Weekly Lesson Audio: The 1960s https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/774-Weekly-Lesson-Audio-The-1960s-e2js8oh
The New Weekly Lesson is now Online -1960s
You can view it below or else click on the following link. Audio will be published on Monday 20th May via the usual Social media channels.
Title: Outline of the 1960s Social Revolution in the UK
Continue reading “The New Weekly Lesson is now Online -1960s”To be Knocked Down
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #773 Knocked Down https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/773-Knocked-Down-e2jp9k7
This will also be on my YouTube channel shortly
Care for Older People in the UK (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #772 Care for Older People in the UK (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/772-Care-for-Older-People-in-the-UK-with-transcript-e2jqag4
It will be on youtube shortly too.
Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h_1HX3Bsi1CMHmMKQoPT0G36CwgMdNBS0uekz6NK7EE/edit?usp=drivesdk
We all want our friends and relatives to be happy, but who is responsible for their care?
Today we read a story about a 95 year old woman in the UK.
Top of the Charts
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #771 Top of the Charts https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/771-Top-of-the-Charts-e2jp1i0
Top of the Charts or Chart Topper is today’s phrase.
Also, Finland tops the charts as the World’s happiest place and Glasgow is a chart topper but for different reasons.
To Focus (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #770 To Focus (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/770-To-Focus-with-transcript-e2jnmd5
Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/19E1q6pK03LswlyXGzhTZi8NEnZtAnIjQO4dajuWu-O8/edit?usp=drivesdk
Today’s phrase for ESL Learners is “To focus”.
Also today:
Darts becomes Britain’s most exciting sport and Scientists study the language of Apes.
To be treated like Cattle (with Transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #768 To be treated like Cattle (with transcript). https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/768-To-be-treated-like-Cattle-with-transcript-e2jm6j7
Full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o1Cxj13Rbidow4B972fyccKk2IAOluoPgnfZasJiI20/edit?usp=sharing
Continue reading “To be treated like Cattle (with Transcript)”What do you think about your English?
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #766 What’s Your View of Your English https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/766-Whats-Your-View-of-Your-English-e2jkosm
1980 News Report: The man who killed John Lennon.
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #767 1980 News Report: The man who killed John Lennon.
To Be Hooked on.. (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: To Be Hooked on Something (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/To-Be-Hooked-on-Something-with-transcript-e2jj93u
Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JLikBSeqMOjVYniaOzLwQxaN7N-nm6jj-teWCEm3pqE/edit?usp=drivesdk
Today’s Learning English idiom for ESL learners is to Be Hooked on Something (with transcript)
Also:
Are British people addicted to Smartphones?
The English Breakfast is evolving – we now have cheese with coffee.
British People now drink Japanese wine “sake”.
To Hit the Right Note (With Transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #763 To Hit the Right Note (with transcript)
Today’s Idiom to help you learn English is “to hit the right note”. Also:
- Nemo, a Swiss non binary singer wins Eurovision.
- An Archeological dig in Orkney will vanish again into the earth.
Coffee Shops and Tearooms
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #762 Coffee Shops and Tea Rooms https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/762-Coffee-Shops-and-Tea-Rooms-e2jhk98
This is the audio for the weekly lesson from my site https://www.teacherjoseph.com
Weekly Lesson for Study – Tea Rooms
Title: The Evolution from Tea Rooms to Coffee Shops: A Cultural Shift
Audio: This will be posted shortly on my YouTube channel and Spotify
Continue reading “Weekly Lesson for Study – Tea Rooms”To Probe (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #760 – To Probe (With Transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/760—To-Probe-With-Transcript-e2jh8ro
In Today’s Podcast to help you learn English:
The verb and noun “Probe”.
Antidepressants are being probed by the Government.
Cheers Stars, Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson begin a new podcast.
Tom Sellick from Magnum PI writes a Book
Jurors in the UK get offered Counselling.
Private Police in the UK
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #758 Private Police in the UK https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/758-Private-Police-in-the-UK-e2jg2kh
1964 News Report: The Beatles Visit New York
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #756 1964 News: The Beatles visit New York https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/756-1964-News-The-Beatles-visit-New-York-e2jelnv
Worlds Apart (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #757 Worlds Apart (With Transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/757-Worlds-Apart-With-Transcript-e2jem1i
Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NSCB3ktTvM0IhB2TXAIWkdlBzabDmNsXsQlsn515slA/edit?usp=drivesdk
Today’s podcast for learning English:
The English idiom world’s apart,
The King and Prince Harry don’t want to meet,
Young British People have anxiety about using phones.
Why some Students don’t like speaking English in an English Class.
When learning a new language, individuals may find comfort and security in their native language. This tendency can be particularly noticeable in English language classes, where some students may choose to communicate only in their native language, even when English is the expected medium of instruction. There are several reasons why this happens, and understanding these reasons can help educators create a more effective and inclusive learning environment.
Continue reading “Why some Students don’t like speaking English in an English Class.”Taking its Toll
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #754 Taking its Toll https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/754-Taking-its-Toll-e2jd650
English learning phrase of the day: to take its toll, Britain’s obesity crisis,
Very large croissants and
Britain’s Airports E-Gates crash.
The idiom “to take its toll” means to be damaging or harmful, cause loss or destruction. It is often used to describe the negative effects of something over time, such as the civil war taking its toll on both sides. The phrase is derived from the taking of toll, a tribute or tax for other costs. It can also be used to describe the negative effects of stress on people, such as the constant stress taking its toll on emergency room worker
1965 News Report: The Death of Winston Churchill
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #755 1965 News: The Death of Winston Churchill https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/755-1965-News-The-Death-of-Winston-Churchill-e2jd6b0
1994 – The Eurotunnel opens
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #753 1994 News: The opening of the Eurotunnel. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/753-1994-News-The-opening-of-the-Eurotunnel-e2jbn2c
I read the news report about the tunnel opening.
No Qualms (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #752 To Have no Qualms… (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/752-To-Have-no-Qualms—-with-transcript-e2jbmoi
To have no qualms,
Scotland gets a new First Minister who says he wants to eliminate child poverty.
My thoughts on Miss World and beauty contests.
Full Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ai6G0i621YlF94L9p7Ox-SH4c8dav5VJhVWcYBuQRFo/edit?usp=sharing
Continue reading “No Qualms (with transcript)”To be Fed Up (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #751 To be Fed Up (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/751-To-be-Fed-Up-with-transcript-e2ja5bf
Full Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p14A3_eBXZQD9bTOqN8s5NxSrtF9wwNFwX-5lncg0Sg/edit?usp=drivesdk
Extract:
Hello, everyone, and welcome again to another Teacher Joseph podcast.
Today, the phrase we have is “to be fed up”. To be fed up, and it basically means to be bored or to be mentally tired of a particular situation. Now, it can also mean a little bit depressed.
So for example, you might hear your friends say:
Oh, I’m really fed up of this job, I’ve been doing it now for 10 years.
I’m fed up of my boss’s behaviour. He always acts inappropriately.
Today, I feel really fed up. It’s wet outside and I don’t have very much to do.
To be fed up. A synonym of bored or perhaps even to be depressed.
New Weekly Lesson Now Online – Roberto’s Story
Next week’s lesson is now online. I am also posting it below for your future reference so it will always be here in the blog.(Audio will be in tomorrow’s podcast).
Continue reading “New Weekly Lesson Now Online – Roberto’s Story”To Go With the Flow
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #750 To Go With the Flow https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/750-To-Go-With-the-Flow-e2j90ep
News Headlines:
Sadiq Khan wins the London Mayoral Elections,
Prince Andrew may get evicted,
Joanna Lumley will announce Britain’s Eurovision Scores.
Shoplifters to be banned from stores.
Frankie Valli gets a place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Background Music: The Epic 2 by Rafael Krux
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5384-the-epic-2-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Getting the Best from Online Lessons (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #749 Getting the Best from Online Lessons (with Transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/749-Getting-the-Best-from-Online-Lessons-with-Transcript-e2j85n5
Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/13_FTArCu98SOXOw3oGTjV0XdHVqvIMGhTlNmtDKWYvc/edit?usp=drivesdk
Extract:
Today. I want to explore with you the difference between face-to-face classroom lessons and e-learning lessons on the internet. I’ve done both and there’s a very real difference. And if you’re someone who hasn’t had an online lesson before or you’re just not sure how they work, we’re going to be looking at that today.
Pints of Wine (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #748 Pints of Wine (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/748-Pints-of-Wine-with-transcript-e2j6q1u
Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s9FlLsMihQwiRdgsN4A2pXyw_32R3JxLKgLopkLY-Ow/edit?usp=drivesdk
Extract: Well, there’s a story in one of our newspapers today. This is from the Daily Mirror and it’s saying that pints of wine will be on sale from this coming Autumn. Now, you may remember a few months ago, I told you about this….that pint size glasses and bottles of wine were to be made available in the UK. And of course, as a nation, we don’t really taste things. We just drink in volumes because we, we don’t really have an appreciation you know…. we don’t taste the wine and say
“Oh delicious, dry, sweet,,,, would be nice with fish”.
No…. we just drink to get drunk so it’s no surprise then that we would want wine by the pint rather than appreciating the delicacy and beauty of the drink. So we’re going to go through this story and we’ll be talking about it as we go.
Listening to the Invisible World with Olga Strashun
https://youtube.com/watch?v=HilNmLrjIB0&si=5hkDdLY1bKmYdSQ1
Olga received her medical degree from Russia’s prestigious Leningrad’s First Medical School, and worked in the hospital emergency as a specialist in Internal Medicine. She later received her specialization in Acupuncture from the Acupuncture College for MDs to help improve the lives of patients with chronic illnesses.
During this time she started her training in the field of Subtle Energy at the multidisciplinary research laboratory founded by the USSR Ministry of Space. In this research lab, Subtle Energy was studied in depth and applied in technology, medicine, business infrastructures, art history, as well as in the selection and training of Russian astronauts. The training at the lab was a revelation for Dr. Strashun: everything that she learned at school, and everything she believed in, was revealed to be just a fraction of reality. The knowledge she gained changed her life.
In 1988, Olga Strashun emigrated to Canada with her husband and two sons, with a strong desire to continue her investigation and work in Subtle Energy. Since then, she has established a reputation among many of Canada’s elite as a remarkably gifted “seer” and wellness counselor. from https://www.strashuninstitute.com/olga-strashun
To be Rigged (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #747 To be Rigged (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/747-To-be-Rigged-with-transcript-e2j5dfn
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EAOtcKX3LOgmTEWRU5SaEV4pLLDDtzx9/view?usp=drivesdk
Today’s phrase is to be rigged. Now when something is rigged, it is believed that it’s operated using deceit or some kind of malicious behaviour to promote a desired outcome. Now, let me just give you some examples to show you what I mean:
So, if we say, for example,
We had an election today to vote for our Union leader but I honestly believe the election is rigged.
Continue reading “To be Rigged (with transcript)”To Give the Heads Up
To Give the Heads Up, May Day, Maypole celebrations and the British Government sends an illegal immigrant to Rwanda.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/745-To-Give-the-Heads-Up-e2j408k
At the Supermarket (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #744 At the Supermarket (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/744-At-the-Supermarket-with-transcript-e2j28lu
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D0DDTVLAhyFZeXGa0qhpCjZ5Kz3N3n7M/view?usp=drivesdk
The Great Fire of London
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #743 The Great Fire of London https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/743-The-Great-Fire-of-London-e2j0mcf
New Weekly Lesson has been posted
What is an OAP? (With Transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #742 What is an OAP? https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/742-What-is-an-OAP-e2ivl8p
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/17gxy9GKIHUbIDKpFoEvPVFFSm9VHD1QQ/view?usp=drivesdk
To Pin Blame (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #741 To Pin the Blame (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/741-To-Pin-the-Blame-with-transcript-e2ium2f
Out for a Walk
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #740 Out for a Walk https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/740-Out-for-a-Walk-e2itelo
To Bow to Pressure
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #739 To Bow to Pressure https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/739-To-Bow-to-Pressure-e2is05s
What is Morris Dancing (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #738 What is Morris Dancing (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/738-What-is-Morris-Dancing-with-transcript-e2iqafq
Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dPY23DVZ6YZErRpDVfruh_vmVRWUEozdikQlqdLxRX0/edit?usp=sharing
Shakespeare’s Birthday (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #737 Shakespeare’s Birthday (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/737-Shakespeares-Birthday-with-transcript-e2iok4m
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-yXZLuEYazD3tzVVJA9Eg81by-4XF498/view?usp=drivesdk
Stephen Lawrence Day (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #736 Stephen Lawrence Day (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/736-Stephen-Lawrence-Day-with-transcript-e2in1q1
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p36bMaG6cn1iWSch5GIPZF6bKKirCKxh/view?usp=drivesdk
New Weekly Lesson Now Online
What does Saga mean?
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #735 What does Saga Mean? https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/735-What-does-Saga-Mean-e2ilpom
Sick Note Culture (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #734 Sick Note Culture (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/734-Sick-Note-Culture-with-transcript-e2iksm5
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14MnnqtzL6miySq2a7-rwxmaVyIZnOhpH/view?usp=drivesdk
The Learning Process
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: The Learning Process https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/The-Learning-Process-e2ijn93
To be at Risk (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #732 To be at Risk (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/732-To-be-at-Risk-with-transcript-e2ii9jp
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Ra-c46fwU7GJ5qQEP62rKSWn5S1GZoj/view?usp=drivesdk
Thorn in my Side
The phrase thorn in my side, Britain’s new smoking ban and ambulances now begin to disappear. Also a song from Eurythmics.
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #731 Thorn in my Side https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/731-Thorn-in-my-Side-e2igocd
National Joseph Name Day
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #730 National Joseph Name Day. (With transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/730-National-Joseph-Name-Day–With-transcript-e2if8cs
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16ZrQW0JlEjns4ZT6DJ_gn02PFejhugIP/view?usp=drivesdk
To Trigger (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #729 To Trigger (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/729-To-Trigger-with-transcript-e2ido1f
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/11jIY9mAnOb9pnMpO5TLjzZZDrG8YE0Yk/view?usp=drivesdk
New Weekly Lesson – The Grand National
The new weekly lesson is online. You can find it here
To Be Crowned
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #728 To be Crowned
To be Crowned, London is no longer a place to party and Royal wedding cake slices.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/728-To-be-Crowned-e2ici9s
To be Held Up (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #727 To be Held Up (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/727-To-be-Held-Up-with-transcript-e2ibj89
Transcript:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x8YnkubhBa7BFKKC–RjIP8004_s2E1b/view?usp=drivesdk
Describing a Street
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #726 Describing a Street
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/726-Describing-a-Street-e2iaa6c
Strapped for cash (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #725 To be Strapped for Cash (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/725-To-be-Strapped-for-Cash-with-transcript-e2i8n2h
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1unu4Uk_x3d5mHeBtmp0-sifhOSd2Ktg-/view?usp=drivesdk
To Let Rip
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #724 To Let Rip, Mark Knofler and Jamaica Inn. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/724-To-Let-Rip-e2i792o
Me-Time (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #733 Me-Time (with transcript)
Me-Time meaning and what it means in British Culture. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/733-Me-Time-with-transcript-e2i5qha
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hAeGXpTLP8-KxI25TQWc2799T47OdIRf/view?usp=drivesdk
To set the wheels in motion (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #722 To Set the Wheels in Motion (with transcript)
British soldiers turn to Paganism and Britain invents new pizza toppings.
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M6MOiD2O2J5waS3i3sRkB7yrLGS4dIiQ/view?usp=drivesdk
Weekly Lesson – Until 14 April 2024
You can find the lesson and audio for this week here
Motivation
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Motivation https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/Motivation-e2i30cj
All about Libby – The Library App
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: All about Libby – The Library app
All about Libby, the Public library app in the English world….A great resource for E-books magazines, audio books etc https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/All-about-Libby—The-Library-app-e2i219m
Who calls the Shots (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #719 Who Calls the Shots? (With transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/719-Who-Calls-the-Shots–With-transcript-e2i0laq
Transcript:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dmHFaaQsOtPg22TAWCqMcV4jQSW4j4gV/view?usp=drivesdk
Concrete Jungles
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #718 Concrete Jungles.
Concrete Jungles, Jungles and the lyrics of Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/718-Concrete-Jungles-e2hv461
To be Packed Out (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #717 Packed Out (with transcript) all about packed out and America’s versions of Stonehenge. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/717-Packed-Out-with-transcript-e2htiqr
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q2H70MoBA4qpVB-zP2aSz1TtcsB-LrWV/view?usp=drivesdk
To Wade In
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #716 To Wade In https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/716-To-Wade-In-e2hrvmk
To Stir Up (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast. It’s all about the phrase “to stir up” and Scotland’s anti-hate law: #715 To Stir Up (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/715-To-Stir-Up-with-transcript-e2hqjm6
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ceF7Znxd11vsOWUeC2ibDzkT-8NIDqEh/view?usp=drivesdk
New Weekly Lesson Now Online
Shadowing: Joining the words (with transcript)
Shadowing, joining words and more about British Easter. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/714-Shadowing-Joining-the-Words-with-transcript-e2hpfbp
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IneEgMi6ecf8zqpuHnLbIhADoJwPjD29/view?usp=drivesdk
Shadowing and Intonation
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #713 Shadowing and Intonation https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/713-Shadowing-and-Intonation-e2hog2i
Shadowing and Accent Reduction (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #712 Shadowing – Getting Started (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/712-Shadowing—Getting-Started-with-transcript-e2hnep3
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HmJI980xuZkRVLBJMCJYksudZE5dFstY/view?usp=drivesdk
To Strike a Chord (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #711 To Strike a Chord (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/711-To-Strike-a-Chord-with-transcript-e2hm1oj
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QmtSCStUoW-AhG05Q9YCzyTRUskerJYx/view?usp=drivesdk
Walk or Walkabout?
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #710 Walk or Walkabout? (With transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/710-Walk-or-Walkabout–With-transcript-e2hkhvk
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HAlrIKqbP6Hu0KZtO7vs7BlkppJ5q20f/view?usp=drivesdk
On Second Thoughts
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #709 On Second Thoughts and song lyrics from a song called Jessie by Joshua Kaddison https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/709-On-Second-Thoughts-e2hivq2
To Prop Up
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #708 To Prop Up.
The Phrase to prop up and British Airways now charges for food and drink. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/708-To-Prop-Up-e2hhhdj
New Weekly Lesson
The New Weekly Lesson is now online. I will record it later today.
In the Town Square.
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #707 In the Town Square https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/707-In-the-Town-Square-e2hg65j
To Fuel (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #706 To Fuel (with transcript). I talk about Earth Hour and a song from Brotherhood of Man called Angelo. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/706-To-Fuel-with-transcript-e2hf6ul
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/145eB8kYzHPrdwU7aUusvW87dzjAtzk5f/view?usp=drivesdk
Ideas for Learning Better (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #705 Ideas for learning better (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/705-Ideas-for-learning-better-with-transcript-e2hdu7t
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U3dxfix2Fm3earcS71IXgTpyRu6zuW7L/view?usp=drivesdk
What’s a Tirade?
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #704 What’s a Tirade? https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/704-Whats-a-Tirade-e2hc9qc
What a Fiasco (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: What a Fiasco (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/What-a-Fiasco-with-transcript-e2haoka
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QzSXRsk9GTfBeU69oOuvRm3IvypLiBtb/view?usp=drivesdk
To Brace for (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #702 To Brace for (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/702-To-Brace-for-with-transcript-e2h95mv
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tx-YEITAFzVPLjRO8S02Obz13yVfXA_O/view?usp=drivesdk
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations (with transcript)
Check out my podcast, Teacher Joseph podcast, on Spotify for Podcasters: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z2SljV73hkBiKhZpO9c6n7wsG5AjUlZM/view?usp=drivesdk
New Weekly Lesson Uploaded
I have uploaded the new weekly lesson. Please click here
More about St Patrick’s Day.
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #700 More about St Patrick’s Day https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/700-More-about-St-Patricks-Day-e2h6bib
Set to Become (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #699 Set to Become…(with transcript)
The Phrase “set to become”, Wales to get a new leader and my shopping gets delivered with insults. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/699-Set-to-Become—with-transcript-e2h5f5k
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ce3ihBzN_4myidBf-5XnPTbgtWfkAzrj/view?usp=drivesdk
To Kick the Habit.
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #698 To Kick the Habit
St Patrick’s day is coming, Concorde takes a trip and Meaghan Markle’s back on Instagram. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/698-To-Kick-the-Habit-e2h44o2
To Speak Volumes (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #697 To Speak Volumes (with transcript). And an update on the Post Office Scandal. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/697-To-Speak-Volumes-with-transcript-e2h2nkc
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z_Ua8aZwBfPzta2TpVQwVCObw2Z0l_mz/view?usp=drivesdk
Heyday (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #696 Heyday (with transcript), I talk about Blackpool and Kategate. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/696-Heyday-with-transcript-e2h0ujn
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K-qYh81KrJdeFmbVmG9dZdlFXTGnkcNc/view?usp=drivesdk
Weekly Lesson Guidance.
Just a few quick guidance notes:
Some of you are asking about the vocab list. This week, the list should be used to describe the style of the essay. The words may not be in the essay itself.
Secondly, you can hear me reading the essay and get further guidance on my youtube channel here.
Washed up Starfish (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #695 Washed up Starfish (with transcript), Eric Carmen dies, Lillian Gish and London’s AIDS memorial. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/695-Washed-up-Starfish-with-transcript-e2gv5vc
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/17S6tkvTqNvx8C-Ox8QAU0V9KDNb6hDVO/view?usp=drivesdk
To Grapple (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #694 To Grapple (with transcript).
Royal Scandals and more…. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/694-To-Grapple-with-transcript-e2gtm9o
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T-UjWbiXMJTeDHfDJi0O1aWcs8v_FrpE/view?usp=drivesdk
New Weekly Lesson – Now Online
The new weekly lesson is now online. Click here
My Cat: Microchipping in the UK
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #693. I talk about the different laws which exist in the four nations which make up the UK. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/693-My-Cat-Microchipping-in-the-UK-e2gsd9k
Links to my Podcast Stories
Fits of Laughter (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast. The phrase fits of laughter, strange Royal waxwork statues in Krakow, Poland and a very creepy doll causes fear in the UK. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/692-Fits-of-Laughter-with-transcript-e2grbr9
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ux4bRen_1lZUYchC80OME0Ap-hFkkTt8/view?usp=drivesdk
Stories
The Christmas Speech of Queen Elizabeth II, 1952
To Lash Out (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #690 To Lash Out (with Transcript)
The phrase to lash out, the mayor of London defends the metro crime figures and the vigilantes who used to defend the Metro system. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/690-To-Lash-Out-with-Transcript-e2gq5e4
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fBz2Rr3Z9fjX–cHdPNZTlo63mOnJm1G/view?usp=drivesdk
Bruce Dickinson – The Mandrake Project (Album Review)
For those of you who loved the music group “Iron Maiden”
Walking by the river
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #689 Walking by the River https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/689-Walking-by-the-River-e2gomcu
A Poem about the Lilac next to the River
Describing a River
As I walk alongside the river, its gentle murmur accompanies my thoughts, a constant companion on my journey. This river, with its ceaseless flow, seems to hold the secrets of the universe, whispering tales of ancient times and far-off places. Each step brings me closer to understanding the life that thrums along its banks, a life both wild and serene.
Continue reading “Describing a River”World Book Day Essay
World Book Day, celebrated annually is a global tribute to books and reading, marking an important moment to recognize the invaluable contribution of authors, illustrators, and books themselves to our collective culture and society. This essay explores the origins of World Book Day, its significance, the benefits of reading, and how different countries celebrate this momentous occasion, weaving together a narrative that underscores the universal power of books.
Continue reading “World Book Day Essay”World Book Day (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #688 World Book Day, (with transcript)
World Book Day, the Queen’s favourite book and MC Grammar, a rapper who tries to get kids to read.
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hzqNDYE-Z7MPypVM93tDnTss3vMHE7XM/view?usp=drivesdk
Getting Started with Accent Reduction (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Getting Started with Accent Reduction (with transcript) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/Getting-Started-with-Accent-Reduction-with-transcript-e2gll6l
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b9heA2sPs8UI-aac2YKOznlKw41RKM_L/view?usp=drivesdk
National Grammar Day
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: National Grammar Day.
National Grammar Day, Banksey’s real name and the lyrics of a song by the Stylistics.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/National-Grammar-Day-e2gjv39
Transcripts will be back tomorrow
Weekly Lesson for Study until 10 March 2024
The new weekly lesson is online, you can find it here
I visit the Supermarket
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: I visit the Supermarket https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/I-visit-the-Supermarket-e2gimo1
To Spend a Fortune
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #684 To Spend a Fortune.
The phrase to spend a fortune, homelessness in London, Bruno Mars and Tony Orlando’s songs about marriage.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42/episodes/684-To-Spend-a-Fortune-e2ghmdv
This, That & the Other (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #683 This,That and the Other (with transcript)
The Phrase This,That and the Other, Princess Catherine disappears and Prince Harry gets reduced security.
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CK67vd2UBlgmrsDMKfw5Z4DJ4exems3w/view?usp=drivesdk
In a Quandary (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #682 In a Quandary (with transcript).
I look at the phrase “in a quandary” and discuss students who sometimes become confused while learning.
https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/682-In-a-Quandary-with-transcript-e2geaf6
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14FKIA9KlmhM_-HmFXas4WFEXaSc9261B/view?usp=drivesdk
Eye-watering (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #681 Eye-watering (with transcript).
The phrase Eye-watering, Freddy Mercury’s House, Madonna and the grave of Edward Munch. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/681-Eye-watering-with-transcript-e2gcmrq
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aA01sA3LPUlGVQBqGbRe3kvMcCBr_1C8/view?usp=drivesdk
The Life of Riley (or Reilly).
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: The Life of Riley (or Reilly).
Today, I am in a coffee shop talking about the phrase “the life of Riley or Reilly” and the 60s movie Mary Poppins gets a parental guidance warning. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/The-Life-of-Riley-or-Reilly-e2gb5k3
Under the Hammer (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #679 Under the Hammer (with transcript)
The Phrase Under the Hammer, the gun that killed John Lennon and actress Pamela Salem dies.
https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/679-Under-the-Hammer-with-transcript-e2g9eo2
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/141Y6dHtNSfuvQVd2cda1AAoiWpmSEqU6/view?usp=drivesdk
Weekly Lesson for Study before 3rd March 2024
The new weekly lesson is online, you can find it here
The Phrase “To Play Out” (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #678 To Play Out (with transcript)
The phrase to Play Out, a British Falklands Helicopter becomes a bedroom and Glamping, the new version of Camping. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/678-To-Play-Out-with-transcript-e2g84p1
Transcript : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ri4VbtFpyQGVP13m9KD5_4RqGFFVm4m8/view?usp=drivesdk
The Rising Trend of Cafe Bars (Essay)
The rising trend of café bars in the UK mirrors a broader cultural shift towards more versatile and sociable dining and drinking experiences. These hybrid spaces, which blend the relaxed atmosphere of a coffee shop with the more vibrant energy of a bar, cater to a wide array of preferences and schedules, reflecting the increasingly flexible lifestyles of their patrons. This essay explores the factors contributing to the popularity of café bars, the impact they have on local communities and social habits, and the potential challenges and opportunities they face.
Continue reading “The Rising Trend of Cafe Bars (Essay)”Inside a Cafe Bar
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #677 Inside a Cafe-Bar.
Today, I am inside a cafe-bar. I look at the menu and describe the surroundings. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/677-Inside-a-Cafe-Bar-e2g75f1
To Shed Light On (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #676 To Shed Light On (with transcript).
I look at the phrase “to shed light on”, a new William Blake Art Exhibition and a London Museum wants to employ a Taylor Swift fan as an adviser. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/676-To-Shed-Light-On-with-transcript-e2g5ttf
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/169vSssT9OzHRbTeLDL3mM2Duzfw2TXm6/view?usp=drivesdk
The British Telecom Tower, London
The BT Tower (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #675 The BT Tower London (with transcript).
Today I talk about the Phrase “To be Gutted” and details about the BT Tower which will be converted into a hotel.
https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/675-The-BT-Tower-London-with-transcript-e2g4cc9
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B9HKPOh5noUZoB8OyqkIzXgN2IWP4fOk/view?usp=drivesdk
To Fall Through (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #674 To Fall Through (with transcript).
Today I talk about the phrase “to fall through”,the young couple who lied about a house sale falling through and a story about a woman defending her seat on an airline. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/674-To-Fall-Through-with-transcript-e2g2t1m
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R1RwlljBdc4KKhyjPmnLP_t2zv6OPO56/view?usp=drivesdk
Getting Nowhere Meaning (from Today’s Podcast)
The expression “getting nowhere” is used to describe a situation where no progress is being made or when someone is not achieving any success despite their efforts. It suggests that despite the time, energy, or resources invested in trying to accomplish something, the outcome remains unchanged or the goal remains unattained. This phrase can be used in various contexts, from personal endeavors like trying to learn a new skill without seeing improvement, to professional scenarios where efforts to complete a project or achieve a target are proving fruitless. It conveys a sense of frustration or stagnation, where actions do not lead to any significant advancement or positive results.
- In a professional context: Despite the team’s overtime and weekend work, the project’s completion date seems no closer. The manager sighed and admitted, “We’re getting nowhere with this approach; it’s time to rethink our strategy.”
- Learning a new language: After months of trying to learn Japanese on her own, Maria felt she was still unable to hold a basic conversation. She expressed her frustration to a friend, saying, “I’ve been studying every day, but I feel like I’m getting nowhere.”
- In personal fitness: Kevin had been going to the gym regularly for the past year but saw little change in his physique. Disheartened, he told his trainer, “I’ve been consistent with my workouts, but it seems like I’m getting nowhere with my fitness goals.”
- In a relationship: Emma and Alex had been attending couples therapy to work on their communication issues. However, after several sessions with little improvement, Emma reflected, “We’ve been trying to work through our problems, but it feels like we’re getting nowhere. Maybe it’s time to reconsider our approach.”
Auctions – An Explanation (B2)
Auctions can be categorized into several types, each with unique rules and strategies. The most common include:
- English Auctions: Also known as open ascending price auctions, these involve bidders openly submitting higher bids until no further bids are made. The item is sold to the highest bidder. This type is prevalent in traditional auction houses and online platforms like eBay.
To Snap Up (with transcript)
Today we look at the phrasal verb “to snap up”. Winston Churchill’s false teeth sell for 18,000 pounds and we look at the song “They Don’t Know” by Tracey Ullman. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/673-To-Snap-Up-with-transcript-e2g187k
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ODI-GK3oegsN2dgHJw88mUT1ke2DvhCV/view?usp=drivesdk
The Gerund
A gerund is a verb form that ends in “-ing” and functions as a noun in a sentence. It’s an essential aspect of English grammar, allowing verbs to play the role of subjects, objects, or complement to other words in sentences. Here are some key points about gerunds with examples to help illustrate their use:
1. As a Subject of a Sentence
Gerunds can act as the subject of a sentence, where they refer to an activity or a process.
- Example: “Swimming is a good exercise.”
- In this sentence, “Swimming” (a gerund from the verb “swim”) is the subject performing the action of being a good exercise.
2. As an Object of a Verb
Gerunds can serve as the object of a verb, which means they receive the action of the verb in a sentence.
- Example: “I enjoy reading.”
- Here, “reading” is the gerund functioning as the object of the verb “enjoy.”
3. As an Object of a Preposition
Gerunds are often used as the object of a preposition within a sentence, linking it to the rest of the sentence’s elements.
- Example: “She is good at drawing.”
- “Drawing” acts as the object of the preposition “at,” indicating the activity she excels in.
4. As a Subject Complement
Gerunds can also function as a subject complement, which is a word or group of words that follows a linking verb and renames, describes, or provides more information about the subject.
- Example: “My favorite hobby is painting.”
- “Painting” is the gerund used as a subject complement to describe the subject “my favorite hobby.”
5. After Certain Verbs
Specific verbs are followed directly by gerunds rather than infinitives. These include verbs like enjoy, avoid, consider, and suggest.
- Example: “They avoided walking after dark.”
- “Walking” is the gerund used after the verb “avoided” to specify the action they avoided.
Usage Tips
- Not all “-ing” words are gerunds; they can also be present participles acting as adjectives or forming continuous tense verbs. Context determines whether an “-ing” word is a gerund.
- Gerunds are useful for making sentences more concise and for focusing on the action as a concept rather than on its execution by a subject.
Understanding and correctly using gerunds can significantly enhance your writing and speaking in English, allowing for more variety and complexity in expressing actions and ideas.
MBA Scholarships (C1 Level Essay)
MBA scholarships represent a pivotal investment in the cultivation of future business leaders, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between academic institutions and the broader business ecosystem. These financial awards are not merely mechanisms to alleviate the fiscal burden of higher education; they are strategic tools that foster diversity, meritocracy, and innovation within the MBA candidate pool.
Firstly, scholarships serve as a beacon for attracting a diverse array of talent. By mitigating the financial barriers to entry, institutions can ensure a rich tapestry of perspectives within their cohorts. This diversity is not solely demographic but extends to professional backgrounds, fostering a learning environment where cross-pollination of ideas stimulates innovation and critical thinking. In the context of global business challenges, the ability to draw upon a wide range of viewpoints is invaluable.
Merit-based scholarships, in particular, underscore a commitment to excellence. They reward individuals who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, or professional accomplishments, signaling to both recipients and their peers the paramount importance of sustained performance and ambition. This not only elevates the caliber of the student body but also aligns with the meritocratic ethos prevalent in competitive business landscapes.
Furthermore, MBA scholarships can act as a catalyst for innovation. By providing financial support to those with entrepreneurial aspirations, institutions can nurture the development of novel business solutions and ventures. This aligns with the broader objective of MBA programs to contribute to economic advancement and societal progress.
However, the strategic distribution of scholarships requires a nuanced understanding of the evolving dynamics within the business world. It demands that academic institutions not only recognize merit and potential but also consider the importance of creating equitable access to education. This approach ensures the cultivation of a leadership pool capable of navigating the complexities of the contemporary business environment.
In conclusion, MBA scholarships are more than financial aids; they are a critical investment in the future of business leadership. They play a crucial role in shaping an inclusive, dynamic, and innovative business landscape. As the global economy continues to evolve, the strategic importance of these scholarships in fostering a diverse and capable cadre of business leaders cannot be overstated.
The Highway Code (with transcript)
In this episode, I talk about how we should behave on the road as we are taught in the Highway Code. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/672-The-Highway-Code-with-transcript-e2fvkj7
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kk5RH1HUuf–INBKHBVqMB9AEFdZ2-aP/view?usp=drivesdk
New Weekly Lesson for Study until 25th February 2024
I have uploaded next week’s lesson for study until 25th February 2024.
You can see it here or the menu at the top.
To Fob Off (Phrasal verb)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #671 Phrasal Verb: To Fob Off.
https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/671-Phrasal-Verb-To-Fob-Off-e2fubnj
Describing my Neighbourhood
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #670 Describing my Neighbourhood as I walk around the streets describing what I see. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/670-Describing-my-Neighbourhood-e2ft995
Here’s a Poem for Today. Happy Saturday!
It is called “And What of Love”
Continue reading “Here’s a Poem for Today. Happy Saturday!”Examples of “Head nor Tail”
More examples, supporting my podcast from this morning.
- I’ve read the instructions for the new software several times, but I can make neither head nor tail of them.
- After listening to the lecture, I could make neither head nor tail of the professor’s main argument.
- She told me her plans for the weekend, but I could make neither head nor tail of what she actually intends to do.
- The plot of the movie was so complicated that I could make neither head nor tail of it by the end.
- I received an email from the bank about my account, but I can make neither head nor tail of its content.
- He gave me directions to his house over the phone, but I could make neither head nor tail of them and got lost.
- The witness’s testimony was so contradictory that the jury could make neither head nor tail of it.
- I tried reading the philosophical text, but I could make neither head nor tail of the author’s theories.
- The financial report was filled with so much jargon that I could make neither head nor tail of our company’s performance.
- After trying to decipher the ancient manuscript, the historian admitted that he could make neither head nor tail of its meaning.
Can’t Make Head nor Tail (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: ##669 Can’t make Head nor Tail of Something (with Transcript)
I look at the phrase “can’t make head nor tail”, the new London Underground Map and Duffy’s song “Warwick Avenue”.
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YHb4TuT8Lo9GMs_cXDsQwzaFOSOvbkSJ/view?usp=drivesdk
We Belong To the Night (song)
This is the song I spoke about today on my Podcast. Please click here.
To Be Better Off
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: To Be Better Off.
Today I talk about the phrase “to be better off”, Prince Harry’s kids get a new surname, Britain opens “daytime clubs” as an alternative to night clubs and song lyrics from Ellen Foley, We Belong to the Night.
https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/668-To-Be-Better-Off-e2fqcei
To be “Hard Pushed” (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #667 To be Hard Pushed” (with transcript), I talk about the phrase “hard pushed”, the man who threw away his USB worth millions and we talk about Kelly Clarkson’s song Stronger. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/667-To-be-Hard-Pushed-with-transcript-e2fouhk
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZRaNJvcbNlwr_llDhvJ2lb7FhlmPXSdX/view?usp=drivesdk
Railway Station, A Far Cry, to Pull it Off and Fly-tipping
Here is an essay using the above phrases from the last few days’ podcasts. It is designed to get you to a C1 level.
In the heart of the urban expanse, where the railway station buzzes with life, a phenomenon far removed from the organized chaos of commuting emerges as a blight upon the landscape. Fly tipping, the illegal dumping of waste in unauthorized areas, has become an eyesore in urban management, tarnishing the beauty and functionality of our cities. This essay explores the intricate challenges and solutions fly-tipping presents, the collective effort required to pull it (the solution) off, and the transformative vision needed to reclaim these spaces, using a railway station as a focal point of change.
The railway station, a hub of activity, serves as a microcosm of urban dynamics, reflecting both the best and worst of city life. It is here that the issue of fly-tipping becomes not just an environmental concern, but a symbol of neglect and decay within our urban fabric. Fly-tipping at such sites is a far cry from the intended use of these spaces as gateways to the city’s heart. Instead of welcoming vistas, visitors and residents are often greeted by the sight of refuse and rubble, turning potential first impressions into lasting disappointments.
Addressing this issue requires more than just cleaning up; it demands a comprehensive strategy to pull it off successfully. It necessitates a multifaceted approach involving policy enforcement, community engagement, and infrastructure development. Law enforcement plays a crucial role in deterring offenders through fines and penalties. However, punitive measures alone are insufficient. There must be an equal emphasis on creating awareness about the consequences of fly-tipping and fostering a sense of community responsibility towards maintaining cleanliness and order.
Community engagement is pivotal in this endeavor. Initiatives that encourage local residents and businesses to take ownership of their environment can transform attitudes towards waste disposal and management. Educational campaigns, combined with easy access to proper waste disposal facilities, can significantly reduce the inclination to resort to fly-tipping. Moreover, involving the community in beautification projects around the railway station can instill pride and a sense of belonging, further discouraging the misuse of these areas.
Infrastructure development also plays a critical role. The provision of adequate, accessible, and user-friendly waste disposal options can greatly diminish the appeal of illegal dumping. This includes not only more frequent and strategically placed bins and recycling centers but also the development of green spaces that enhance the urban aesthetic. Transforming areas prone to fly-tipping into community gardens or recreational spaces can shift the narrative, turning these spots from eyesores into assets.
The challenge of fly-tipping, particularly around crucial nodes like railway stations, is indeed a formidable one. However, it is not insurmountable. Through a concerted effort that involves enforcement, education, and infrastructure improvement, cities can pull off the transformation from neglected dumps to vibrant, welcoming spaces. This journey from degradation to rejuvenation is a far cry from simple, yet it is essential for the health and vitality of our urban environments.
In conclusion, the battle against fly-tipping near railway stations and beyond represents a critical juncture in our relationship with the urban landscape. It is a test of our collective will to invest in the cleanliness, beauty, and sustainability of our cities. By pulling together, we can address this issue head-on, transforming our urban spaces from symbols of neglect to beacons of community pride and environmental responsibility. The railway station, once a site marred by the carelessness of fly-tipping, can emerge as a testament to what can be achieved when a community unites for the greater good.
To Pull it Off (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #666 To Pull It Off (with transcript). The phrase “to pull it off” is examined and Harry and Meaghan get a new website. We also look at ways of speaking better. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/666-To-Pull-It-Off-with-transcript-e2fnhhb
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fmexu0yzB522TY4Z60jzH_U7HkGrBiK1/view?usp=drivesdk
To Live it up (Sentence Examples)
- For her 30th birthday, she decided to live it up in Las Vegas, staying at a luxury hotel and seeing all the shows.
- They worked hard all year and saved up just so they could live it up during their two-week vacation in Europe.
To Live it Up (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: To Live it Up (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/To-Live-it-Up-with-transcript-e2fm2ab
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ujCC0T0GyY_VC1mk2tKpIGPQ3l0sZ-fc/view?usp=drivesdk
Weekly Lesson for the week ending 18th February 2024
I have updated the lesson for next week. You can find here.
Fly Tipping (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Fly Tipping (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Fly-Tipping-with-transcript-e2fkqlp
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/153Qe3t0ZBKfZdAg_5EyoqloKDF8eAHCf/view?usp=drivesdk
Inside the Railway Station
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Inside the Railway Station https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Inside-the-Railway-Station-e2fjspi
A Far Cry (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #662 A Far Cry (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/662-A-Far-Cry-with-transcript-e2fik3d
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/18KLT3VmY42m_vFo9DeD9ulnT0x6QVf0r/view?usp=drivesdk
CAE Exam – Writing Practice Examples.
For the CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced) exam, Part 2 of the Writing section requires candidates to write a text based on two points given from a prompt, with a third point of their own to be added. This part assesses your ability to write different types of text, such as an essay, a letter, a proposal, a report, or a review. Here are a couple of example tasks you might encounter in Part 2 of the CAE Writing section:
Continue reading “CAE Exam – Writing Practice Examples.”To Split Up (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #661 To Split Up (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/661-To-Split-Up-with-transcript-e2fh21i
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kvGCsSkCDTmZHuah2oqJ09E2QfpJn49I/view?usp=drivesdk
In the Shopping Centre
Check out my podcast, Teacher Joseph podcast, on Spotify for Podcasters: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joseph-mc42
Like Clockwork (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Like Clockwork (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Like-Clockwork-with-transcript-e2fe2rq
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ElcF-ZmDLG-jJ6wS8l6aNw9d8xnDn8m1/view?usp=drivesdk
First Day of our New Weekly Lesson
Don’t forget this is the first day of our new weekly lesson. It is completely free. You can access it in the main menu or click here.
Turning Tables (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #658 Turning Tables (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/658-Turning-Tables-with-transcript-e2fckrv
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lE6MSoQcoqkFURjekbBTHxsLiX0awFBi/view?usp=drivesdk
At an Art Exhibition (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #657 At an Art Exhibition (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/657-At-an-Art-Exhibition-with-transcript-e2fba3m
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BZu1Cs1zNRYTwUnUf6NCafd3O_0DjUi-/view?usp=drivesdk
To Skedaddle (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #656 To Skedaddle (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/656-To-Skedaddle-with-transcript-e2fab2k
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GER2wJlJdRgfcoIz0C1OCp3rR_g9nG-b/view?usp=drivesdk
The Verb to Slash
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #655 To Slash https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/655-To-Slash-e2f8unb
New Weekly Lessons on this Site
I have started a new weekly lesson series to get you moving from B2 – C1 Level. Each lesson includes a daily study.
Please note these will not be archived, a new one will replace the old one weekly on the same page.
Please click in the menu at the top to access them.
Motivation (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #654 Motivation (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/654-Motivation-with-transcript-e2f7fph
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ayPWE3VpeOPQHd7bt4z31B4EmSEpxxfU/view?usp=drivesdk
The Morning After (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #653 The Morning After (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/653-The-Morning-After-with-transcript-e2f5vn3
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qTeMyBV18HL8ECNm2W-a6__W627Jd27-/view?usp=drivesdk
Coffee Shop Verbs
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Verbs in the Coffee Shop https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Verbs-in-the-Coffee-Shop-e2f4g4e
The verb To Nab (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #651 The Verb To Nab (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/651-The-Verb-To-Nab-with-transcript-e2f2u6d
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/11zgEYDqxpxrEfkWXromj7uOVH-vUofl4/view?usp=drivesdk
The Flu Jab (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: The Flu Jab (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/The-Flu-Jab-with-transcript-e2f1ibl
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M-temcs5uZzv9bUneeHlio0d4AMYDDon/view?usp=drivesdk
In the Supermarket
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: In the Supermarket https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/In-the-Supermarket-e2f0jt9
Double Negative in Songs (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #648 Double Negatives in Songs (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/648-Double-Negatives-in-Songs-with-transcript-e2ev9j4
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cplo1gOOVgz32H8cOVi34uaMg8_sutUu/view?usp=drivesdk
Robert Burns Night (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Robert Burns Night (with Transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Robert-Burns-Night-with-Transcript-e2etqnc
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZCwL9K15p7dCv7XBO0i1BGoMosxZ075H/view?usp=drivesdk
Popular Names in the UK (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #646 Popular Names in the UK (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/646-Popular-Names-in-the-UK-with-transcript-e2es40a
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fgeVLK2eX5MRxti0di2kiCPRfslMMmaF/view?usp=drivesdk
Here’s Your Hat…What’s Your Hurry?
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Here’s Your Hat…What’s Your Hurry? https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Heres-Your-Hat—Whats-Your-Hurry-e2eqk51
Mouth Movement (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #644 Mouth Movement (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/644-Mouth-Movement-with-transcript-e2ep1af
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B6lCs7dHWDt0gexxaXrbTtnVqrVur3nP/view?usp=drivesdk
To Waltz Off
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: To Waltz Off https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/To-Waltz-Off-e2enoo3
Count on Me (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #642 Count on me (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/642-Count-on-me-with-transcript-e2emldk
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tRE-wxs6tJzjUfRtaz_U_FI1I8DVJShi/view?usp=drivesdk
You Couldn’t Make it Up (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #641 You Couldn’t Make it Up (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/641-You-Couldnt-Make-it-Up-with-transcript-e2elavd
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rhuX3yiVL-MN_3Lgkv6UNTSc6pJ0DvrM/view?usp=drivesdk
-6 Degrees Celsius
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: -6 Degrees Celsius. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/-6-Degrees-Celsius-e2ejq9m
Pharmacy or Chemist (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #639 Pharmacy or Chemist (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/639-Pharmacy-or-Chemist-with-transcript-e2eib3k
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BAq10Dc6NyQSY4A2WBaXtdNNv7qC1T-1/view?usp=drivesdk
At the Helm (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #638 At the Helm (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/638-At-the-Helm-with-transcript-e2egsa6
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pi-6wRawo0zdj_atiFZu2lo8F18Bqi7x/view?usp=drivesdk
All At Once (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: All At Once (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/All-At-Once-with-transcript-e2ef7b4
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iHnhq6DMDuSG7vu7GQum70EtzV05otV1/view?usp=drivesdk
Morningtown Ride (no transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #636 Morningtown Ride https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/636-Morningtown-Ride-e2edur7
Laying it on Thick (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #635 Laying it on Thick (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/635-Laying-it-on-Thick-with-transcript-e2ed12a
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_ZDaeQFksyRiDJfs5R9AIvtYJ4JEjuRQ/view?usp=drivesdk
In a Supermarket (No transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #634 In a Supermarket. (No transcript today) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/634-In-a-Supermarket–No-transcript-today-e2eblvj
Written in the Stars (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Written in the Stars (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Written-in-the-Stars-with-transcript-e2ea406
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fCZOy076YUABWcImlcoJ0Q0HVedWSpSf/view?usp=drivesdk
The Knife Angel (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: The Knife Angel (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/The-Knife-Angel-with-transcript-e2e8c4a
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hkd35uP3XZLe0Dho5Q0S-Fuc0mOuXqGJ/view?usp=drivesdk
Weird and Wonderful Idioms (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #631 Weird and Wonderful Idioms (with Transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/631-Weird-and-Wonderful-Idioms-with-Transcript-e2e6s0t
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J01uKnQPbfRfTDHtOYHb9pV2pSKtzupJ/view?usp=drivesdk
The Post Office Scandal (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #630 The Post Office Scandal (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/630-The-Post-Office-Scandal-with-transcript-e2e57oi
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xbflx-BrgmbgwY0DsSLwLgporuWaQFqV/view?usp=drivesdk
Silver Lady (no transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: #629 Silver Lady https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/629-Silver-Lady-e2e3sqa
Idioms about Getting Married (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idioms about Getting Married (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idioms-about-Getting-Married-with-transcript-e2e2pqh
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vf0KoOoVpGcpvCY4crL5ChuuCYl-4UAb/view?usp=drivesdk
The Name of the Game (no transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: The Name of the Game (no transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/The-Name-of-the-Game-no-transcript-e2e1fun
Smack Bang in the Middle (with trabscript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Smack Bang in the Middle (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Smack-Bang-in-the-Middle-with-transcript-e2e05kb
Tranacript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LEb34qgi6pyNGjp1wTLxsyzIde0__Qqn/view?usp=drivesdk
Idioms to Describe Annoying People (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idioms to Describe Annoying People (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idioms-to-Describe-Annoying-People-with-transcript-e2duncs
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vg50VffnN0nv8Q8W-aLDlfyPQEf9Uzdp/view?usp=drivesdk
Idioms about Fruit and Vegetables (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idioms about Fruit and Vegetables (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idioms-about-Fruit-and-Vegetables-with-transcript-e2dtfrn
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jQYB61o-K1Qv1tUQKzvlzZGZcP8Q–tK/view?usp=drivesdk
Happy New Year (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Happy New Year (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Happy-New-Year-with-transcript-e2dsfv4
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nSmipEfi-UqgsZhpmB0a7951eCwTqhWQ/view?usp=drivesdk
New Year Traditions.
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: New Year Traditions. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/New-Year-Traditions-e2drmeg
Speaking Better, Conclusion (no transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Speaking Better, Conclusion. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Speaking-Better–Conclusion-e2dqkan
Speaking Better Part 3 (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Speaking Better Part 3 (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Speaking-Better-Part-3-with-transcript-e2dplrm
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o1Q2IX0GF2WtVHQpketnPTsnnuiTuCo9/view?usp=drivesdk
Speaking Better Part 2 (no transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Speaking Better Part 2 (no transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Speaking-Better-Part-2-no-transcript-e2do9h0
Speaking Better Part 1 (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Speaking Better Part 1. https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Speaking-Better-Part-1-e2dn3jg
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/15ZNNaB7uKnm1-0USkLtvQaRbwPBCvMXP/view?usp=drivesdk
Boxing Day – 26th of December
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Boxing Day – 26th of December
No one really knows why we call it Boxing Day.
https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Boxing-Day—26th-of-December-e2dlt3f
Happy Christmas (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Happy Christmas (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Happy-Christmas-with-transcript-e2dl6i6
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WJUnERCfvwaoBCO6JCJ2NvWe7jJnvcPW/view?usp=drivesdk
Mental Health at Christmas (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Mental Health at Christmas (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Mental-Health-at-Christmas-with-transcript-e2dkdnc
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/12TCCt0ptkYq2LABqQf4UHQtsOssMAKy8/view?usp=drivesdk
At the Supermarket (no transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: At the Supermarket (no transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/At-the-Supermarket-no-transcript-e2djgnu
What? No Chicken? (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: What? No Chicken? (With transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/What–No-Chicken–With-transcript-e2difsm
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OnRpV9jx4W31GZNt43bJT8qgEEdtEJeP/view?usp=drivesdk
The verb “to thaw” (no transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: The verb “to thaw” https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/The-verb-to-thaw-e2dh7eq
What’s a “sob story” (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: What’s a “sob story” (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Whats-a-sob-story-with-transcript-e2dfo11
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BBBq8y_9CLTPsSxztSSmA-VOTGF2YrOE/view?usp=drivesdk
Christmas Hampers (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Christmas Hampers (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Christmas-Hampers-with-transcript-e2de6jt
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wCSKBLkmOiYp_VmK0wwykjSCyJpXJgBh/view?usp=drivesdk
Idiom: On the Blink (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idiom: On the Blink (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idiom-On-the-Blink-with-transcript-e2dcrij
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/197BR3X-uO3cRD23-b2PT88qWvjt33Has/view?usp=drivesdk
What Do You Believe about Your English (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: What Do You Believe About Your English? (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/What-Do-You-Believe-About-Your-English–with-transcript-e2dbm9i
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KOHbOr53XdmyyuyXMAjBqXg7o457b0oT/view?usp=drivesdk
Phrasal Verbs (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Phrasal Verbs (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Phrasal-Verbs-with-transcript-e2daqaa
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x40egNH4BCi7kDcwo1hoQNnbnKIrFgZI/view?usp=drivesdk
In a Department Store (no transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: In a Department Store (no transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/In-a-Department-Store-no-transcript-e2d9htp
The Royal Family at Christmas (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: The Royal Family at Christmas (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/The-Royal-Family-at-Christmas-with-transcript-e2d80fb
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rBHxthJ-SEpcpQGezRgpPF_Ci3V2MTBN/view?usp=drivesdk
Bedding – How to Describe it (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Bedding: How to Describe It (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Bedding-How-to-Describe-It-with-transcript-e2d6k0n
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1puoVnFGX0uGByNEgL-AtzfP9BRKivhkj/view?usp=drivesdk
Idiom: It Threw Me (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idiom: It Threw Me (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idiom-It-Threw-Me-with-transcript-e2d53hn
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PcBGc2Y0DnkPfcIEQ2SXRZBD2ilr7BxN/view?usp=drivesdk
Christmas Songs (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Christmas songs (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Christmas-songs-with-transcript-e2d3ij8
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pvZ6qoT0GtvLNpv5TLZYPmOfz0GBV-ta/view?usp=drivesdk
Walking to the Barber Shop (no transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Walking to the Barber (no transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Walking-to-the-Barber-no-transcript-e2d29k0
All about Cheese (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: All about Cheese (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/All-about-Cheese-with-transcript-e2d1bd1
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ixD-TaYNB_YUlO1f4Z7csIQdQLYeUcH1/view?usp=drivesdk
Stretch your vowels (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Stretch your Vowels (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Stretch-your-Vowels-with-transcript-e2d069q
Transcript
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w9wGYDipzufhiby2GfHdxdX78T0z2V94/view?usp=drivesdk
Walking in the Street (no transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Walking in the Street (no transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Walking-in-the-Street-no-transcript-e2cue7j
A few Motivational Thoughts (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: A few Motivational Thoughts (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/A-few-Motivational-Thoughts-with-transcript-e2cstr7
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xh0luMdhIl9JL-0moeHBmOZlEegtbmt2/view?usp=drivesdk
All about the TV Licence (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: All about the TV Licence (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/All-about-the-TV-Licence-with-transcript-e2cr98h
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1byOILFnZozqxkvornvsZvbBlUepV6uin/view?usp=drivesdk
Interview with Avilio (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Interview with Avilio (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Interview-with-Avilio-with-transcript-e2cpftc
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sti2XIiKVGCclq2qus62YyQLJFXMBIfK/view?usp=drivesdk
A View from My window (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: A View from my Window (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/A-View-from-my-Window-with-transcript-e2co8l4
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZI2wni4lr6qTUNTNVV5Fbuek69CY5BjO/view?usp=drive_link
Trust Your Intuition (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Trust Your Intuition (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Trust-Your-Intuition-with-transcript-e2cn5v4
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qku9YK59xqaSGwOAYDUMrIap8sOuysZH/view?usp=drivesdk
Mouth Movement when Speaking (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Mouth Movement when Speaking (no transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Mouth-Movement-when-Speaking-no-transcript-e2clsai
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L7CvnMGlCEEeW8QYLd4dgvQvhlCpPMuD/view?usp=drive_link
National Meth Awareness Day (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: National Meth Awareness Day (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/National-Meth-Awareness-Day-with-transcript-e2ck5tg
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/12mcetDTR9kGi__pOYycwtSpmrcoRCv0v/view?usp=drivesdk
It’s -3 Degrees Celsius (no transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: It’s -3 Degrees Celsius (no transcript today) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Its–3-Degrees-Celsius-no-transcript-today-e2cic4k
UK Government “Fireworks to become Quieter”
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: UK Government: “Fireworks to Become Quieter” (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/UK-Government-Fireworks-to-Become-Quieter-with-transcript-e2cgobb
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGTeu5FTMo6s7KnSVTa1SG9jVlbOUCeN/view?usp=drivesdk
Adjectives for Cyber Monday (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Adjectives for Cyber Monday (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Adjectives-for-Cyber-Monday-with-transcript-e2cf6e1
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qloBP6lsVzHX556FYGn6RQVFdkzZ_ti8/view?usp=drivesdk
Buying Christmas Cards (no transcript today)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Buying Christmas Cards (no transcript today) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Buying-Christmas-Cards–no-transcript-today-e2cdtci
Describing Scents and Smells (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Describing Scents and Smells (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Describing-Scents-and-Smells-with-transcript-e2ccqpq
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qsfMjYT92NOM0fNlEpJtT15xm0nsiE2u/view?usp=drivesdk
What’s your Story? (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: What’s your Story? (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Whats-your-Story–with-transcript-e2cbl2o
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fKcd51p2nb7ARyNJ-_63Wzosact-6-KS/view?usp=drivesdk
At the Coffee Shop (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: At the Coffee Shop (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/At-the-Coffee-Shop-with-transcript-e2cabdc
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CDdpYDIiEhOpOFqhky_gBzarsEjMAu7s/view?usp=drivesdk
Concorde and Hovercrafts (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Concorde and Hovercrafts (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Concorde-and-Hovercrafts-with-transcript-e2c8rpq
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ENR0_w8qe1l-GRixhpntMAC_ZaWQbGr9/view?usp=drivesdk
World TV Day (no transcript today)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: World TV Day (no transcript today) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/World-TV-Day-no-transcript-today-e2c78e7
Speaking Better Resources (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Speaking Better Resources (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Speaking-Better-Resources-with-transcript-e2c5mvp
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G2UjqNj82C2Qc6q9pcg7lqfqKRtNejz1/view?usp=drivesdk
Idiom:To Be Awash With (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idiom: To Be Awash With (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idiom-To-Be-Awash-With-with-transcript-e2c4gd2
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_wE3P45fQEVO_X9VO_mE_rcwQ3mVHvKy/view?usp=drivesdk
How to Breathe Properly (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: How to Breathe Properly (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/How-to-Breathe-Properly-with-transcript-e2c3jb3
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kut0OSTebfPIIouO7f_cLYdQig_TWPwk/view?usp=drivesdk
Police Demand Larger Uniforms (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Police Demand Larger Uniforms (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Police-Demand-Larger-Uniforms-with-transcript-e2c26jd
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CMzgaWaheSFK9OXgNe5cese65F6Sb72U/view?usp=drivesdk
James Bond Celebrated in Coins (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: James Bond celebrated in Coins (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/James-Bond-celebrated-in-Coins-with-transcript-e2c0jo9
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zBiSXSx-z1DKUHl0Jss9GIOK2Kjh31Lx/view?usp=drivesdk
What is a Power Cut? (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: What is a Power Cut? (With transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/What-is-a-Power-Cut–With-transcript-e2bv6he
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PK8GNHVYOUqkVYHiU3d36rLFnQwxg1SJ/view?usp=drivesdk
World Diabetes Day (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: World Diabetes Day (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/World-Diabetes-Day-with-transcript-e2btjma
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/15MZkeHf5fOLEv7EIfOCntlI8rQ_vg5mM/view?usp=drivesdk
Lightbulbs (no transcript today)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Lightbulbs (no transcript today) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Lightbulbs-no-transcript-today-e2brveq
Remembrance Sunday (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Remembrance Sunday (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Remembrance-Sunday-with-transcript-e2bqq2o
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/11oQZuOMS-KPjM3ElpIa-dF7UzRvYlcwb/view?usp=drivesdk
Drive-in Movies at Stansted Airport (with trandscript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Drive-in Movies at Stansted Airport (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Drive-in-Movies-at-Stansted-Airport-with-transcript-e2bplan
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e3YFhb5iXlwxRqHRBpFCLgq99IA7WfiH/view?usp=drivesdk
Jeannie: A new Chatbot from Teacher Joseph.
If you have paid access to ChatGPT you can access my new completely free chatbot “Jeannie“.
She is designed to help you with your English and she speaks many languages too.
If you are using the free version of ChatGPT you might need to wait a bit.
A View from the Window [with transcript]
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: A View from the Window [with transcript] https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/A-View-from-the-Window-with-transcript-e2bo9o6
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IRS00fusEOnIBYjoCLz0f16Oi6zCl9Oc/view?usp=drivesdk
Idioms about Meat (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idioms about Meat (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idioms-about-Meat-with-transcript-e2bmnla
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QDjcHIboPR5XUV5TYJgmGeAdlZgwAlMD/view?usp=drivesdk
Intonation and Speech Patterns (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Intonation and Speech Patterns (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Intonation-and-Speech-Patterns-with-transcript-e2bl6lo
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y7lPvqkJ9r8cumZ98sf_ZEgB6BSgqB_V/view?usp=drivesdk
A visit to the Supermarket (no transcript today)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: A visit to the Supermarket (no transcript today) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/A-visit-to-the-Supermarket-no-transcript-today-e2bjh2f
Do you feel Marooned with English? (With transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Do you feel Marooned with Learning? https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Do-you-feel-Marooned-with-Learning-e2bhudn
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a2zIMtg7aht–a9Y6R352BLdFCLjVNXU/view?usp=drivesdk
Remembrance Sunday is on 12 November 2023
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Remembrance Sunday is on 12th November 2023 https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Remembrance-Sunday-is-on-12th-November-2023-e2bgmn5
No transcript today.
Idiom: Like there’s no Tomorrow (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idiom: Like there’s no Tomorrow (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idiom-Like-theres-no-Tomorrow-with-transcript-e2bfmsi
Transcript:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x1FHT4BlE3nL2yDxgNARNFduCauS9d0Y/view?usp=drivesdk
What is a Loan Shark? (With transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: What is a Loan Shark? (With transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/What-is-a-Loan-Shark–With-transcript-e2beber
Transcript
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f7kCR_x_6ivM0gnjHLzEslpGKG7KpVH4/view?usp=drivesdk
Adjectives and Idioms about Cold Weather (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Adjectives and Idioms about Cold Weather (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Adjectives-and-Idioms-about-Cold-Weather-with-transcript-e2bctss
Transcript:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OK1cpnp-7GFRhArmeQGpCXLdRbCdVd-g/view?usp=drivesdk
Intonation and Traffic Reporting (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Intonation and Traffic Reporting (with transcription) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Intonation-and-Traffic-Reporting-with-transcription-e2bbarj
Transcript
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XDXrimwCAcbgt6JodsRsv6AUz7tq-wNr/view?usp=drivesdk
Halloween (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Halloween Adjectives and Songs (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Halloween-Adjectives-and-Songs-with-transcript-e2b9opm
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KVh4Y9JL3skMg69ZAZTnR6NRj___Ahm2/view?usp=drive_link
World Audio Drama Day (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: World Audio Drama Day (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/World-Audio-Drama-Day-with-transcript-e2b867m
Transcript
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hPVb0tgpX93Bh0-8iPLq5wccrqY2ZDae/view?usp=drivesdk
Idioms about Time (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idioms about Time (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idioms-about-Time-with-transcript-e2b6t6g
Transcript
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1givcXTvWkDURCyWnInHuIyETS33f2Jl9/view?usp=drivesdk
An Autumnal Day (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: An Autumnal Day (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/An-Autumnal-Day-with-transcript-e2b5vgi
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SurwB27lFNrIBE4UkkmaBcUpnNpg0zYm/view?usp=drivesdk
A Trip to the Zoo (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: A Trip to the Zoo (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/A-Trip-to-the-Zoo-with-transcript-e2b4iu7
Transcript
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YbL5e2LqbD0nnFubpJ2XNjGpGIPh6r6e/view?usp=drivesdk
Waiting for the Tram [no transcript today]
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Waiting for the Tram [no transcript today] https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Waiting-for-the-Tram-no-transcript-today-e2b2vet
No transcript today
Idioms about the Voice [with transcript]
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idioms about the Voice [with transcript] https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idioms-about-the-Voice-with-transcript-e2b1i9b
Transcript
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1if_3XBxclaZ1k6qIDRmYE5mFE0lZE1kO/view?usp=drivesdk
National Kangaroo Day (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: National Kangaroo Day (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/National-Kangaroo-Day-with-transcript-e2avvqp
Transcript
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xESlCRuX1bFcF7dmILnmu0CWMwXnLk2-/view?usp=drivesdk
Breathing Techniques when Speaking (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Breathing Techniques while Speaking [with transcript] https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Breathing-Techniques-while-Speaking-with-transcript-e2auf97
Transcript:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_4VnHRXh_YQxu-27J96xUEh3y6pSxN6r/view?usp=drivesdk
Shan’t [no transcript today]
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Shan’t [no transcript today] https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Shant-no-transcript-today-e2at4c8
No transcript today.
Idioms involving Pain (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idioms involving Pain (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idioms-involving-Pain-with-transcript-e2as6p3
Transcript
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a0CNY6qKby-5D6r5gCTYZr3TlEN25Nnc/view?usp=drivesdk
Small Talk (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Small Talk (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Small-Talk-with-transcript-e2aqql5
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W8aRChc5hF_sxC88ci2AsjWXthYfD1PZ/view?usp=drivesdk
Stormy and other Names (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Stormy and other Names (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Stormy-and-other-Names-with-transcript-e2apb95
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U0d5cF2jm94maZQKdxCH_AGDMtFtVbro/view?usp=drivesdk
The English Breakfast (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: The English Breakfast (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/The-English-Breakfast-with-transcript-e2ans89
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UVYHupHye-xb-94QbyBXbTs-jJC8oqND/view?usp=drivesdk
Marrying Beneath You [idiom]
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Marrying Beneath You [idiom] https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Marrying-Beneath-You-idiom-e2am95e
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VQtmZP0pXTL0o_u-Daq6SG7Ykwirpc9k/view?usp=drivesdk
British People and Croissants (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: British People and Croissants (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/British-People-and-Croissants-with-transcript-e2aknq4
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jogP09SnAhe4S6nNpa0DSKuhgThgy97k/view?usp=drivesdk
Describing a Musical Event (no transcript today)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Describing a Musical Event (no transcript today) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Describing-a-Musical-Event-no-transcript-today-e2ajgio
No transcript today.
The Letter D (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: The Letter D (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/The-Letter-D-with-transcript-e2aihff
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-n0v5QQCbtvFg8PvvGMjPp1fDdkfaMp4/view?usp=drivesdk
English Language Day (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: English Language Day (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/English-Language-Day-with-transcript-e2ah9oo
Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xp19eQV-PfPY5AFcGtA_-cmXRsylY3ca/view?usp=drivesdk
Idioms about Eyes and Sight (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idioms about Eyes and Sight (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idioms-about-Eyes-and-Sight-with-transcript-e2afon4
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VWQFQhUSTEhCoNK90MCQQjsXes1zrs8S/view?usp=drivesdk
Languages in the UK (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Languages in the UK (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Languages-in-the-UK-with-transcript-e2aea9t
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RPmK7OMy-_KWNLl6Y9AYo90yUtZl7KZ8/view?usp=drivesdk
Past Continuous with a Song (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: The Past Continuous in a Song https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/The-Past-Continuous-in-a-Song-e2acpg4
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VUG9-OryeJu9A4XrVIRnHtRX1-tDgU8W/view?usp=drivesdk
The Power of Intonation
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: The Power of Intonation (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/The-Power-of-Intonation-with-transcript-e2abale
Transcipt:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kFgNyyItY1fo8_oEJm6HvP771YhWrk5t/view?usp=drivesdk
What is a Lollipop Lady (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: What is a Lollipop Lady (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/What-is-a-Lollipop-Lady-with-transcript-e2aa679
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10g60_mfuilokwzNMeTEk8HLYDXeXXwfz/view?usp=drivesdk
Shadowing: An Easy Way to Speak Better
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Shadowing: An Easy Way to Speak Better (no transcript today) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Shadowing-An-Easy-Way-to-Speak-Better-no-transcript-today-e2a95f4
No transcript today.
At the Shopping Centre (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: At the Shopping Centre (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/At-the-Shopping-Centre-with-transcript-e2a81ph
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZQ3bX6ptPjnIMjPBLQP9HpZp78RCjXBv/view?usp=drivesdk
World Teacher Day (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: World Teacher Day (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/World-Teacher-Day-with-transcript-e2a6i7g
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wJSpH10EwDi7Y5rpZesSXPQ-pNIk9fyU/view?usp=drivesdk
A Throw or a Blanket (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: A Throw or a Blanket? (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/A-Throw-or-a-Blanket–with-transcript-e2a50mn
Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fZRlxjLU3c_3blUq_QIqtfKUxfjfgus7/view?usp=drivesdk
Don’t Leave Spaces between Words (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Don’t Leave Spaces between Words (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Dont-Leave-Spaces-between-Words-with-transcript-e2a3gpa
Walking in my Town (no transcript today)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Walking in my Town (no transcript today) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Walking-in-my-Town-no-transcript-today-e2a20g4
No transcript today.
Idiom: To Cough Up (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idiom “To Cough Up” (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idiom-To-Cough-Up-with-transcript-e2a0q7b
Transcript
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l7rRVlSDLH4vik_Ve_jAeRSh2Sl1nfVm/view?usp=drivesdk
Idioms about Ghosts (with transcript)
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Idioms about Ghosts (with transcript) https://anchor.fm/joseph-mc42/episodes/Idioms-about-Ghosts-with-transcript-e29vpha
Transcript is here
National Coffee Day (with transcript)
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Pronouncing the Letter “T” (with transcript)
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Murphy’s Law (with transcript)
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“To Quip” in Reported Speech (with transcript)
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European Day of Languages (with transcript)
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Learning Two Languages at the Same Time (with transcript)
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Idioms with the Colour Blue (with transcript)
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Pronouncing the Letter “S” (with transcript)
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Idiom: To Have Arrived (with transcript)
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Idioms about Books and Learning (with transcript)
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To Pull the Plug on Something (with transcript)
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Tips for Speaking Better (with transcript)
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Attitudes and Motivation (with transcript)
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For Love nor Money (idiom) (with transcript)
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National Online Learning Day (with transcript)
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National Sober Day (with transcript)
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Describing Sounds (with transcript)
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National Police Woman Day (with transcript)
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At the Supermarket again (with transcript)
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Describing the Tower of London (with transcript)
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The Second Conditional in Songs (with transcript)
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Dealing with Mental Blocks (with transcript)
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Rubbish Collection Day (with transcript)
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The Flu Jab (with transcript)
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Comparing and Contrasting Pictures (no transcript today)
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Idioms referring to Birds (with transcript)
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UK Supermarket Staff to get Bodycams (with transcript)
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You can Speak like a Native (with transcript)
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Emma M. Nutt Day (with transcript)
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An African Celebration (with transcript)
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500th Podcast (with transcript)
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Hearing and using Intonation (with transcript)
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Visiting a Windmill (with transcript)
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In Eindhoven, Netherlands (with transcript)
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Outside the Rembrant Museum in Amsterdam (with transcript)
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My First day in Amsterdam (with transcript)
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At the Airport (with transcript)
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From Pillar to Post (with transcript)
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Ayr Flower Show (with transcript)
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Diversions (with transcript)
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A Visit to Ayr Beach (with transcript)
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National Potato Day (with transcript)
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Ideas for Speaking Better (with transcript)
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The Tooth Fairy (with transcript)
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Gloria Estefan (with transcript)
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Indian Independence Day (with transcript)
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Holidays of Vacations? (with transcript)
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The Milky Bar Kid (with transcript)
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Blood Donations and Tattoo Parlours (with transcript)
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Zimbabwe to Punish Parents for Kid’s Crimes (with transcript)
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Your Passion Speaks to Others (with transcript)
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Buying Cat Food (with transcript)
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Learning Strategies (with transcript)
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National Lighthouse Day (with transcript)
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We’ve Got a Right One Here (with transcript)
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How to Speed Up Your Learning (with transcript)
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National Anti Frizz Month (with transcript)
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Shadowing Practice Recordings (no transcript today)
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No transcript. Please focus on the sounds.
Exploring Creativity in Learning (with transcript)
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Our Postal Service and Drones (with transcript)
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Defining Success in Learning (with transcript)
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More on Shadowing (with transcript)
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Describing the View from my Window (with transcript)
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National Soccer Day (with transcript)
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Sinead O’Connor: She Bought the Farm (with transcript)
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Do Affirmations and things like Hypnosis work? (With transcript)
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At the Pharmacy (with transcript)
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To Take Someone For Granted (with transcript)
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Describing the River (with transcript)
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National Cowboy Day (with transcript)
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Introduction to Shadowing (with transcript)
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How to Motivate Yourself Quickly (with transcript)
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Flight Attendants Safety Day (with transcript)
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Over the Counter Medication (with transcript)
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To Scare the Living Daylights Out of Someone (with transcript)
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The quality of the transcript has been updated to avoid typing errors.
Glasgow Pride 2023 (no transcript today)
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There’s more about this with videoclips over on my youtube channel here
Pubs in the UK (with transcript)
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George Michael Virtual Concert (with transcript)
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Touchy-Feely meaning (with transcript)
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“To be Awash” (with transcript)
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Choosing English Resources for Study (with transcript)
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Why are London’s Airports not in London? (With transcript)
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Mental Barriers to Learning (with transcript)
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Cinemas Under Threat (with transcript)
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At the Coffee Shop (with transcript)
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Doing a Double Take (with transcript)
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Marking the Coronation in Scotland (with transcript)
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Threads is Coming (with transcript)
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More on Motivation (with transcript)
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Blackpool Tower Ballroom (with transcript)
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A Rainy Day in Blackpool (with transcript)
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At the Supermarket again (with transcript)
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Motivation (with transcript)
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Cash Dispensers in the UK (with transcript)
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There is or There are? (with transcript)
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In a Pickle (with transcript)
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Tom Cruise is in London (with transcript)
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Green Fingers (with transcript)
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Like There’s No Tomorrow (with transcript)
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To Never Hear the End of Something (with transcript)
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A Supermarket Recording (with transcript)
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Summer Solstice: Stonehenge will be heaving today (with transcript)
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Principles of Speaking Better (with transcript)
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Describing Things (with transcript)
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Bottoms Up (with transcript)
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Carry on Regardless (with transcript)
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Spewing Out (with transcript)
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AI Artificial Intelligence is coming (with transcript)
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17th Century Witchcraft Trials (with transcript)
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Gay Bob (with transcript)
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Standing there like Lemons (with transcript)
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Goldfish (with transcript)
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Misgendering (with transcript)
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Going Bananas (with transcript)
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Making Questions with the Present Perfect (with transcript)
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Tea Culture in the UK (with transcript)
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The Full Moon (with transcript)
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The Strangest Dream (with transcript)
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Going up in Flames (with transcript)
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Book Recommendations (with transcript)
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Steps to Fluency (with transcript)
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Manhattanhenge (with transcript)
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Chuggers (with transcript)
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Plain Sailing (English Expression) (with transcript)
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IELTS Speaking (with transcript)
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Under the Spotlight, an English Expression (with transcript)
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Pushing the Boat Out (English Expression)
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Anoraks and Celebrity Deaths (with transcript)
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The Whole Nine Yards (English Expression) (with transcript)
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Why am I not Motivated? (with transcript)
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Shelf Life : An English Expression (with transcript)
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Jambalaya Recipe (no transcript today)
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Second Wind (English Expression)
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The Great Fire of London 1666 (with transcript)
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The Joy of Learning (with transcript)
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New Photos of the Titanic (with transcript)
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Do you want better English? (With transcript)
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UK Schools and Celebrity Chefs (with transcript)
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The Donny and Marie Show (with transcript)
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Learning with Authenticity (with transcript)
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Number 10 Downing Street, London
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The Voice Within (with transcript)
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Tips for speaking better (no transcript today)
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Robbie Swale (with transcript)
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Motivational Tips for Learning (with transcript)
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At Saltcoats (with transcript)
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Coronation Day (with transcript)
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Holiday Camps (with transcript)
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The King of 15 Countries (with transcript)
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A Party Trick (with transcript)
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Chocolate Pizza (with transcript)
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Limiting Ideas (with transcript)
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Florence Nightingale (with transcript)
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The King’s Coronation (with transcript)
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Fad Diets (with transcript)
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No Free Pub Snacks (with transcript)
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How to Learn Easily (with transcript)
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Harold Camping (with transcript)
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The Conditional Tenses (with transcript for study)
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The Food Festival (no transcript today)
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(No transcript today)
The Invaders (with transcript)
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The Perfect Holiday (with transcript)
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Meditation (with transcript)
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You Can Speak Really Well (with transcript)
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UK News Headlines (with transcript)
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The Royals Study Slavery (with transcript)
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Passive Voice (with transcript)
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Fifty Years of Barcodes (with transcript)
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Broken links
Sorry, there were some broken links on my blog over the last few days. These aee fised now.
Dear Teacher Joseph (with transcript)
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May Pole Celebrations (with transcript)
McDonalds (with transcript)
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Soul Train (with transcript)
Present Perfect (with transcript)
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Petula Clark at Easter (with transcript)
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Easter Saturday (with transcript)
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The Fifty Sounds of English (no transcript today)
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no transcript today
Jelly Babies and Doctor Who (with transcript)
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Easter Week (with transcript)
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Priscilla and Elvis Presley (with transcript)
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How to make Cornbread (with transcript)
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Theatres (with transcript)
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My Feet are Killing me (with transcript)
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Getting Ready for the holidays (with transcript)
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Checking your Joy Level (with transcript)
Milk Trains (with transcript)
Easter Cards (with transcript)
The Butcher (with transcript)
A visit to a College (with transcript)
A Visit to the Supermarket (with transcript)
The English Breakfast (with transcript)
Clock Change (with transcript)
The Monday Meditation (with transcript)
St Patrick’s Day (with transcript)
Making Cheese (with transcript)
Meghan Markle has been tipped…(with transcript for study)
Eurovision Song Contest (with transcript for study)
Shadowing Recordings for Practicing
Just Like a Christmas Card (with transcript for study)
Telling the Time (with transcript for study)
English Idiom – In Hot Water
United Nations Day against Islamophobia (with transcript for study)
Americans and Baseball Caps (podcast with transcript)
Teach me how to Speak (With transcript)
Shelley Winters (with transcript for study)
All about Total Eclipse of the Heart (no transcript today, sorry)
Speaking Well (with transcript)
The Letter o
World Book Day (with transcript for study)
In the UK we don’t have ID Cards (with transcript)
Northern Ireland (with transcript for study)
Perfect Tenses (with transcript)
Kickstart your English (with transcript for study)
Have they found Madelaine McCann? (With transcript)
News Headlines (February 25th)
The Water Fountain (with transcript)
Seaweed – A Far Cry from British Cuisine (with transcript)
What….No Tomatoes? (With transcript)
Channeling Erik (Podcast with transcript)
Cemeteries in the UK (with transcript)
Scam Emails (With transcript)
News Headlines (with transcript)
The Death Penalty (with transcript for study)
Our Political System (with transcript for study)
Could you Live in a Hotel? (Podcast with transcript)
Balloons Above us! (Podcast with transcript)
Meditation (podcast with transcript for study)
The Importance of Shadowing (with transcript)
Property Types (with transcript for study)
Dating British People (with transcript for study)
World Leprosy Day (with transcript for study)
Diversity (podcast with transcript)
Still Waters Run Deep (podcast with transcript for study)
British Police (podcast with transcript)
More Tips for Speaking Better (transcript with podcast for study)
No More Mummies (podcast with transcript)
My Favourite Idioms (podcast with transcript for study)
Trash / Bins (with transcript)
Do Grammar Books work? (With transcript)
Being Flexitarian (with transcript for study)
Chinese New Year Celebrations (podcast with transcript)
Turmeric Latte Recipe [with transcript]
At the Post Office (with transcript for study)
Holocaust Memorial Day (with transcript for study)
The Letter “R” (podcast with transcript for study)
Death in Suburbia (podcast with transcript for study)
Robert Burns Night (podcast with transcript for study)
Beware of the Cows (podcast with transcript for study)
Birthdays (Podcast with transcript for study)
No Cakes for you! (Podcast with transcript for stidy)
IELTS Speaking and Listening (podcast with transcript for study)
At the Railway Station (Podcast with transcript for study)
Language Partners (podcast with transcript)
Dealing with the Government (podcast with transcript for study)
Shadowing with Music [podcast with transcript for study]
Child Actors (podcast with transcript)
Breathing and Intonation (podcast with transcript)
Updated social media links
Current Media
I use my Facebook Page and Youtube account to broadcast video and audio. You don´t need an account to see them.
My Podcasts are on Italki, Google, Anchor, spotify and Amazon music. Just search “Teacher Joseph Podcast” or use this rss link to search: https://anchor.fm/s/d91c2788/podcast/rss
I’ve only just submitted my podcast to Google and Amazon. It might be a week or so before they update.
Archive
My archived podcast is here,
A view from the Window (podcast with transcript)
Supermarket Delivery [with transcript]
BBC Breakfast at 40. (With transcript for study)
British Politeness (with transcript for study)
A Trip to the Retail Park [podcast with transcript]
Post Boxes (podcast with transcript)
Postal Service honours Music Group Iron Maiden (podcast with transcript)
Double Negative (with transcript)
The word “eccentric” (podcast with transcript)
Is British and American English the same? (Podcast with transcript)
A short meditation (podcast with transcript for study)
E-Learning Hints and Tips
New Year Resolutions (podcast with transcript)
Binaural Beats. Do they work? (Podcast with transcript)
New Year Celebrations (with transcript)
“Will” or “Going to” (podcast with transcript)
Speaking Better 2 (podcast with transcript for study)
Plans for the New Year with English (podcast with transcript for study)
Boxing Day (podcast with transcript for study)
Christmas Day Podcast (no transcript today)
Happy Christmas, Kwanzaa and Solstice (podcast with transcript)
Subscribe to my Podcast Channel.
All of my podcasts can be found here:
Teacher Joseph’s Podcast https://www.italki.com/podcast/channel/fxgndfjpkqjn8k2uxtm3wd
Each podcast is also shared in the Italki community forum so you can open the transcript link.
At the Supermarket (podcast with transcript)
Where is English Spoken? (Podcast with Transcript)
English Pub Culture (podcast with transcript)
Unencumber Yourself (podcast with transcript)
Small Talk (podcast with transcript)
Christmas Traditions (podcast with transcript)
Standing at the Window [podcast with transcript for study]
Celsius or Fahrenheit (podcast with transcript)
Your Constitution of English (podcast with transcript for study)
Mentality of Change (podcast with transcript for study)
Sunday Afternoon (podcast with transcript for study)
Procrastination (podcast with transcript for study)
Speaking Better (podcast with transcript for study)
Coffee with my Polyglot Friend (podcast with transcript for study)
King Charles visits a Gurdwara Temple [podcast with transcript]
Motivation and Learning (Podcast with transcript for study)
Christmas 2022, Podcast with Transcript for Study
News Headlines [with transcript for study]
Big Daddy, UK Wrestler [podcast with transcript for study]
Universal Truths about Learning Podcast [with transcript for study]
How to use Shadowing [podcast with transcript for study]
Speaking Better (podcast with transcript for study)
Albert Pierrepoint – Britain’s Last Hangman [Podcast with Transcript for Study]
Italki Bookings
There is currently a waiting period of around 2 weeks for new students. Please ensure you book early.
Many people are rescheduling classes daily so please check my calendar regularly if you are looking for a lesson without waiting.
Vaccination Day – Podcast with transcript for study
Today’s Podcast with transcript for study
Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Christmas 1984 Special Show
Click the link to open youtube:
Approaches to Learning – Podcast with transcript for study
Today’s Podcast: Approaches to Learning.
https://www.italki.com/podcast/episode/53zbsza5tqjcqf6twdgodl
Listen to my Free Daily Podcasts.
Do you like podcasts? Please visit my podcast page over on the italki app. You can subscribe just under my profile video or follow this link
Teacher Joseph
Social Media Links
Conversations with Aussies # 2 — Mary’s English Blog
Today, I’m talking with Rachel about life on The Gold Coast, her overseas travels, and how she feels about teaching English. For more information about learning English with Rachel, visit her website: https://rachelschultzenglishteacher.wordpress.com/ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Conversations with Aussies # 2 — Mary’s English Blog
How to Follow a Process / Instructions — Mary’s English Blog
Here in Australia, it will soon be summer. On the Gold Coast, where I live, it’s like summer most of the year! However, for many of you, winter is fast approaching so I thought you might enjoy a short video by Vocabulary in Chunks about Hygge and learn some English at the same time. As […]
How to Follow a Process / Instructions — Mary’s English Blog
A Very Useful Idiom from #petulaclark
Here is a great idiom to start the weekend, brought to us by Petula Clark. The Other Man´s Grass Is Always Greener.
New Posts
Slow Cooker – My Curry.
Paraphrasing Tips for ESL Students VIDEO — educational research techniques
https://youtube.com/watch?v=QZI_JnOFyrs%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Paraphrasing Tips for ESL Students
via Paraphrasing Tips for ESL Students VIDEO — educational research techniques
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach interviews “candidates” seeking to join online ESL platform 51Talk — Jellybeans in the City
Pia Wurtzbach interviews candidates who wish to be part of online English platform 51Talk. The live stream, with hints of a reality and talent show, aims to attract 30,000 new online English teachers to join the platform.
3 Minute English #7 – English Pubs — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=1mEQ-P5gfCA%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Originally posted on Vocabulary in Chunks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mEQ-P5gfCA [Loescher Editore Video] Vocabulary chunks to learn from video : One of the oldest pubs in the UK. Over a thousand years ago The word pub is short for a public house. In other words a house open to everybody to meet Pubs need a license to sell alcoholic drinks To young people under 18 UNIT…
via 3 Minute English #7 – English Pubs — Mary’s English Blog
A song with Possessive Adjectives — Mary’s English Blog
When English students first learn Possessive Adjectives, they should feel encouraged. There are only seven forms: my, your, his, her, its, our, & their. That’s all! Many European languages have 14 – 20+ forms, depending on whether the noun is singular, plural, male or female. The rules are simple: ♦ Possessive Adjectives always go before […]
Colour Blind – Michael W Smith
New Facebook Live
I just cooked a lovely chicken dish over on facebook live. Come and see me www.facebook.com/englishwithjoseph
Being an ESOL tutor. An Interview with Kamil Gwozdz — Teacher Phili
https://youtube.com/watch?v=8FT7bOIwors%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
On 7 April, I was interviewed for a Masters research project by Kamil Gwozdz, a student at Leeds Beckett University in the UK and an ESOL teacher in Leeds. His research title is: ‘Attitudes of Further Education ESOL Teachers Towards Teaching Mixed-Ability ESOL Classes in the UK.’ It came just as I was trying to […]
via Being an ESOL tutor. An Interview with Kamil Gwozdz — Teacher Phili
Scotland and the UK: Slavery Street Names
Search the UK database https://www.ucl.ac.uk/lbs/
Scotland and the UK: Slavery Street Names
How to Write an Opinion Essay
♦ Opinion & Fact: It is essential when writing an opinion essay to clearly separate opinion and fact. When teaching essay writing and critical reading skills to students (adults), I have often been dismayed to discover that they accept written opinions as facts. Alas, such is the power of the written word! How can we […]
How to Write an Opinion Essay
Bilingual and Even Multilingual Does Not Always Equate to Professional Translation or Proofreading Services
– A Guest Post by Ofer Tirosh The new business is up and running, the website is up and running, and now it is time to expand and move into a more diverse market with a larger potential customer base. Should you find a professional translation company to hire certified and professional proofreaders or is […]
Bilingual and Even Multilingual Does Not Always Equate to Professional Translation or Proofreading Services
IELTS Essay Correction: Money Is The Best Gift. — ELTEC English
IELTS Essay Correction.
via IELTS Essay Correction: Money Is The Best Gift. — ELTEC English
5 Best books for IELTS preparation in 2020 — Canada Immigration Blog
For better preparation, you would need good books to do your study. Preparing for the IELTS exam requires a lot of determination, positive attitude, willingness to learn and of course, preparatory books.There is nothing as helpful as picking up some good IELTS preparation books to understand the test and take the exam expecting what to […]
via 5 Best books for IELTS preparation in 2020 — Canada Immigration Blog
IELTS Essay Correction: Money Is The Best Gift. — ELTEC English
IELTS Essay Correction.
via IELTS Essay Correction: Money Is The Best Gift. — ELTEC English
PAST PERFECT (Chronology) — AskPaul English
Please remember to join me on Facebook Live
Please remember to join me on Facebook, where I have been podcasting these last few days. Please like my page as well.
Keep Fit in Isolation & Improve your English! — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=YvVonQ7LUJ0%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Dua Lipa has a new song called PHYSICAL and she has made a Let’s Get Physical Work Out Video which is the perfect workout class for all of you who are stuck at home feeling bored. While you watch and follow the instructions, your English will improve. Here’s a challenge for you: How long will […]
via Keep Fit in Isolation & Improve your English! — Mary’s English Blog
English Classes Online — Mary’s English Blog
In my last post, April 26, 2020, I recommended my colleague Leonie Bywater https://www.facebook.com/ProficiencyExamExpert for those of you who were enquiring about learning English online, particularly for learners wanting private lessons and /or tutoring for English exams. For Elementary and Pre-intermediate level students who are interested in being part of an Online English Class, I’m excited to […]
Keep Fit in Isolation & Improve your English! — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=YvVonQ7LUJ0%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Dua Lipa has a new song called PHYSICAL and she has made a Let’s Get Physical Work Out Video which is the perfect workout class for all of you who are stuck at home feeling bored. While you watch and follow the instructions, your English will improve. Here’s a challenge for you: How long will […]
via Keep Fit in Isolation & Improve your English! — Mary’s English Blog
Holocaust Remembrance Day 2020 #ShoahNames #RememberingFromHome
Here, in this clip I am reciting the names of those who died during the Holocaust, from the USSR.
Free Online Andrea Bocelli Concert Easter Sunday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huTUOek4LgU&feature=youtu.be
Beloved opera singer Andrea Bocelli is set to stream his ‘Music for Hope’ concert from the Duomo Cathedral in Milan.
The 61-year-old was invited to perform for the City, the Cathedral, Archpriest and the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo.
Andrea will only be accompanied by the cathedral’s organist, Emanuele Vianelli, for the concert.
English Words that are often Confused #4 — Mary’s English Blog
First, read English Words that are often Confused #1, #2, & #3. Today, I’m continuing with English Words that are often Confused: words starting with ‘E’. If you would like to receive all my future posts explaining confusing words, just click on ‘Follow’. Let’s have a look at some confusing words: a) edible, eatable […]
via English Words that are often Confused #4 — Mary’s English Blog
How to Give Your Vocabulary a Boost as You Prep for Your IELTS Exam — Mary’s English Blog
How to Give Your Vocabulary a Boost as You Prep for Your IELTS Exam – A Guest Post by Ofer Tirosh The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is a standardized test of the English language used to measure the proficiency of non-native speakers. Recognized by employers and universities all over the world, it […]
via How to Give Your Vocabulary a Boost as You Prep for Your IELTS Exam — Mary’s English Blog
How I Got 8.0 Overall Band Score In My IELTS Test — The Creator’s Pen
A few days ago, I received my IELTS result and here’s what I had: Listening: 9.0, Speaking: 80, Reading: 7.0, Writing: 7.0 and Overall: 8.0. Honestly, I could have done better if I had just practiced well enough but that’s not what we’re here for. On social media, people have been asking for tips, advice […]
via How I Got 8.0 Overall Band Score In My IELTS Test — The Creator’s Pen
Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 2020 (Graphs, Charts, Maps, Processes) — How to do IELTS
These are the most recent/lastest IELTS Writing Task 1 Task topics and questions starting in 2019 and continuing into 2020. I Googled all over the internet and checked Facebook to find these graphs, charts, maps and processes – they are much harder to find and record than writing task 2! That is why the format […]
via Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 2020 (Graphs, Charts, Maps, Processes) — How to do IELTS
A Song with First Conditional, Imperatives, and Collocations — Mary’s English Blog
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Dua Lipa sings a song, Don’t Start Now, in which she tells an ex boyfriend very clearly that their relationship is finished and she is not interested in seeing him again. Her life is so much better without him. Her message to him is clear: If you don’t want to see me with another man, […]
via A Song with First Conditional, Imperatives, and Collocations — Mary’s English Blog
English Idioms in Pictures #9 — Mary’s English Blog
Click on the picture below to find out the meaning of the idiom PULL YOUR SOCKS UP. Once on the site, you can click on Follow at the bottom of the page to receive more pictures and explanations of idioms FREE. PULL YOUR SOCKS UP
English Idioms in Pictures #9 — Mary’s English Blog
Click on the picture below to find out the meaning of the idiom PULL YOUR SOCKS UP. Once on the site, you can click on Follow at the bottom of the page to receive more pictures and explanations of idioms FREE. PULL YOUR SOCKS UP
English Idioms in Pictures #9 — Mary’s English Blog
Click on the picture below to find out the meaning of the idiom PULL YOUR SOCKS UP. Once on the site, you can click on Follow at the bottom of the page to receive more pictures and explanations of idioms FREE. PULL YOUR SOCKS UP
Christmas 2019 — Mary’s English Blog
Happy Christmas! It’s that time of year again when many of us prepare to celebrate Christmas. Traditionally, for Christians, it is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ approximately 2,000 years ago. However, Christmas has become an important time for celebrating with family and friends for both Christians and non-Christians. Let’s have a look at […]
Do you ENJOY your English Classes?! — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2tvpZb7) The best language centres are definitely the ones that everyone is talking about. But the question is why. What makes an English language centre a place with a great reputation. It sounds very simple to say that it’s because there are great teachers, but what is it about a teacher that makes […]
via Do you ENJOY your English Classes?! — The FUTURE of Learning
6 Tips to Learn English Fast — FASHION ENGLISH
When it comes to Spanish-speaking natives who are striving to learn English, I’ve seen it all—from 3-year-olds who were so good you’d think they were born for it, to forty-somethings who have been taking classes their whole lives but still can’t speak in the past tense correctly. En cuanto a hispano-hablantes que están intentando aprender […]
Song with Present Tenses for Opinions and Beliefs — Mary’s English Blog
We can use Present Simple Tense to talk about how we feel, what we believe in, and what we think about how we live in the 21st century. We use Present Continuous Tense to explain or describe what is happening now or at this time in our lives. The song Freedom (Fight For It) by […]
via Song with Present Tenses for Opinions and Beliefs — Mary’s English Blog
SPELLING MISTAKES – the ESL teacher’s endless battle — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/1QzAj5f) The interesting thing about spelling is that it is not a problem exclusive to ESL students, it is a problem in any language spoken by both native and non-native. For those people I know who are native English speakers who are also terrible spellers, they…
via SPELLING MISTAKES – the ESL teacher’s endless battle — The FUTURE of Learning
#BBC refers to animal as “he” – new shift in the language or making the story more emotional?
New #Youtube clip #motivation Learning English
You can find the youtube clip here: https://youtu.be/xCbGBZrtwmo
Remember to visit my radio station as well for some great music, lessons and audio books. You can hear it on your PC as well as your mobile phone if you put it into desktop mode.
Joe.
Learn English with Films: History of Halloween — ENGUROO ONLINE ENGLISH SCHOOL
https://youtube.com/watch?v=uTGYxRdm79Q%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Halloween is an ancient, originally Celtic celebration, which goes back some 3000 years. How did a pagan harvest festival evolve into a globally observed holiday? …
via Learn English with Films: History of Halloween — ENGUROO ONLINE ENGLISH SCHOOL
Happy Station Radio
My new radio station is now online. A mixture of news and music to help you with English. Please click here
Song with Present Tenses for Opinions and Beliefs — Mary’s English Blog
We can use Present Simple Tense to talk about how we feel, what we believe in, and what we think about how we live in the 21st century. We use Present Continuous Tense to explain or describe what is happening now or at this time in our lives. The song Freedom (Fight For It) by […]
via Song with Present Tenses for Opinions and Beliefs — Mary’s English Blog
A PERFECT ANTEDOTE for today’s OVER-CURIOSITY issue — The FUTURE of Learning
When I was young being bored was almost a crime, according to my parents, but perhaps this will be the exact thing we need in the future. Check out this article and let me know what your opinion is on this.
via A PERFECT ANTEDOTE for today’s OVER-CURIOSITY issue — The FUTURE of Learning
New Podcast for Shadowing
I have recorded today´s news headlines and stories in Special English (slower English). You can hear it here
Media on my website
Current Media
I am currently using my Facebook Page and Youtube account to broadcast video and audio. You don´t need an account to see them.
Archive
There are two places where you can view my archived clips.
My archived podcast is here
The future of learning is in the child IN FRONT OF YOU — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2MWfl5S) When we think of learning we tend to equate it with children. When we thinking of examinations we think of teenagers, and when we think of career building we think of university or college students. In some ways we are right, but in other ways…
via The future of learning is in the child IN FRONT OF YOU — The FUTURE of Learning
Should everyone be BILINGUAL? — The FUTURE of Learning
https://open.spotify.com/embed-podcast/episode/1JR4Fwn6wXBDiZTD8tLaNu?si=IZWbC_FsR1uV3cZ6lw9eRA
A great discussion between Aiyshah and Winston on a very topical issue about bilingualism. Worth a listen.
My Youtube Channel updates!
Lots of new videos on my youtube channel
You CAN learn English! — Kevin`s English Schools
You can learn English! It’s just a matter of putting in the time to study and coming to class to speak and listen. When you miss classes, that’s a missed chance to practice your speaking and listening. You learned one of the most difficult languages in the world–Japanese. You can learn English. Luckily, there are […]
How to Learn English — blogFarmasi
hello Pharmacy friend, this is my second post on my blog ..come on now who likes english ??? surely many like it yaa..hehehe friends ,because learning English is not only at schoollearning English is actually easy,it turns out we can learn through 1.Learn English Through HumorHumor is a thing that can make people happy. Surely […]
6 Tips to Learn English Fast — FASHION ENGLISH
When it comes to Spanish-speaking natives who are striving to learn English, I’ve seen it all—from 3-year-olds who were so good you’d think they were born for it, to forty-somethings who have been taking classes their whole lives but still can’t speak in the past tense correctly. En cuanto a hispano-hablantes que están intentando aprender […]
the worst ways to learn english — The Bland Blog
“Nationality is a construct!” I exclaim in my native language of English as I sip milky breakfast tea from a bone china cup. I am reading Harry Potter and by my elbow is a replica of the Elgin Marbles and a diamond the size of my head that I ripped from the sub-continent of India […]
Learn English with Films: History of Halloween — ENGUROO ONLINE ENGLISH SCHOOL
https://youtube.com/watch?v=uTGYxRdm79Q%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Halloween is an ancient, originally Celtic celebration, which goes back some 3000 years. How did a pagan harvest festival evolve into a globally observed holiday? …
via Learn English with Films: History of Halloween — ENGUROO ONLINE ENGLISH SCHOOL
How Can You Master English From A To Z Without Paying A Penny! — Gehad’s Journey
If you want to study abroad rocketing your future, you have to learn English. Diseases are terrifying, unexpected, yet they can be treated and cured if you are acquainted with its disorders. English is the language of science and research. We are locked up into the same room, insulars, parochial, digest only what we receive. […]
via How Can You Master English From A To Z Without Paying A Penny! — Gehad’s Journey
IELTS Essay Correction: People Don’t Do Enough Physical Exercise. — ELTEC English
IELTS Essay Correction.
via IELTS Essay Correction: People Don’t Do Enough Physical Exercise. — ELTEC English
How can I learn basic English? — Self-Training STO
Can I learn English by myself? Learning English by yourself can be a challenge but it is possible. There are ways you can improve your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills — even though there is no-one physically around you to help you practice What is the best English learning website? Best Websites for Learning English, Writing, […]
Ask Alisha: Your English Questions Answered #86 – How to Use English Modal Verbs? Basic English Grammar — Learn English speaking
[display_podcast] Source: https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/ask-alisha-your-english-questions-answered-86-how-to-use-english-modal-verbs-basic-english-grammar/
FREE DOWNLOAD BASIC ENGLISH GRAMMAR BOOK PDF — mutehuni
https://youtube.com/watch?v=lI5zbUxpQuA%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
FREE DOWNLOAD BASIC ENGLISH GRAMMAR BOOK PDF Gratis verzending €20 Zondagbezorging mogelijk Veilig achteraf betalen Basic English Syntax with Exercises Mark Newson Grammar and Linguistic Theory This book attempts to describe some of the basic grammatical characteristics of the AdKoop nu English. Snel in huis & Voordelig besteld! AdVind grammar book. Zoek Nu Sneller, Beter […]
Most People Don’t Know 15 Of The Most Basic English Words — Do You? — Rexton digital
Most People Don’t Know 15 Of The Most Basic English Words — Do You? https://www.buzzfeed.com/audreyworboys/most-people-dont-know-15-of-the-most-basic-english-words-do?utm_term=.wiaD2DDaLz#.wiaD2DDaLz
via Most People Don’t Know 15 Of The Most Basic English Words — Do You? — Rexton digital
When even Winston Churchill was tempted by ‘Basic English’ — Cavalier Persuasion
“Newspeak” — the pared down monstrosity of a language invented by George Orwell in “1984” — drew its inspiration from, perhaps unsurprisingly, an academic at Cambridge.
via When even Winston Churchill was tempted by ‘Basic English’ — Cavalier Persuasion
How to Blog in English Even If It’s Not Your First Language — The Art of Blogging
Considering the fact that I am not a native English speaker, I thought I should write about one of those topics almost no one writes about: does it matter if English is not your first language, and you still decide to blog in this language? How do poor language skills affect your ability to share […]
via How to Blog in English Even If It’s Not Your First Language — The Art of Blogging
English Grammar Course For Beginners: Basic English Grammar — DailyHealthyFitness
Teaching Basic #English: A Second Chance — English with Jennifer
It’s been seven years since I last decided to create a series of online lessons for beginners, and I clearly remember the challenges I faced the first time. (See 2012 post.) Apart from the physical challenge of trying to find a place with a board to write on, I had to decide how to teach […]
via Teaching Basic English: A Second Chance — English with Jennifer
[Phrases] 10 Basic #English Phrases You’ll Always Use — U-Dictionary
Hi guys! The answers to the last episode is A: “came away empty-handed”, did you get it? Do you want to say more than “Hi” and “How are you?” And would you like to sound like a native English speaker now? You’re in the right place! Below are 10 basic phrases that people use every day. They are useful phrases that’ll also help your […]
via [Phrases] 10 Basic English Phrases You’ll Always Use — U-Dictionary
PODCAST!! Beyond the TEXTBOOK : IELTS WRITING TASK 1 – Things to remember — The FUTURE of Learning
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Episode 11: IELTS Writing Task 1 – Things to remember https://anchor.fm/elit-language-centre/episodes/Episode-11-IELTS-Writing-Task-1—Things-to-remember-e6h1ui
via PODCAST!! Beyond the TEXTBOOK : IELTS WRITING TASK 1 – Things to remember — The FUTURE of Learning
Is understanding REALITY useful for future learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Ehud Neuhaus on Unsplash Good question. Well, yes, understanding reality has always been good for any kind of learning, but I do think in the future it will be even more so. As the future of learning I believe will be all about our relationships, the most important thing when dealing with another person is what […]
via Is understanding REALITY useful for future learning — The FUTURE of Learning
My New Family Member
My new family member, his name is “The Count Archie Petofi”
Understanding CONTEXT as a skill should be on our future CURRICULUM — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash Everything’s relative right? Well, nowdays more than ever. The days of putting us all into the mainstream are slowly disappearing. Everyone not only wants to feel special, they KNOW they are special and deserve something personalized. So too should we be thinking in terms of how we execute our education system. Primary […]
via Understanding CONTEXT as a skill should be on our future CURRICULUM — The FUTURE of Learning
How to deal with VUCA – Learn to ACCEPT yourself — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash VUCA? – I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling it! What is it? It’s the new state of mind we need for the future world. In a nutshell, this is it: Volatility Uncertainty Complexity Ambiguity This is what we should expect in our everyday thinking for the future. I know some of […]
via How to deal with VUCA – Learn to ACCEPT yourself — The FUTURE of Learning
How to Write a Sentence: #1 — Mary’s English Blog
What is a sentence? There are three necessary parts to a sentence: SUBJECT (noun or pronoun) & VERB (finite) & the sentence must also have MEANING. SUBJECT: There are several ways to make a subject, but for now, let’s look at the following: ♦ A subject can be one word; eg, sharks. Sharks kill. (Yes, this is a sentence. It […]
Essay-Improvements in health, education and trade are essential for the development of poorer nations. However, the governments of richer nations should take more responsibility for helping the poorer nations in such areas. — pteielts
The development of any nation lies in the improvement of the health, education and trade of that country. Keeping good health keeps you mentally and physically fit which is essential for people to contribute towards their country. It is said that the stronger the foundation, the stronger will be the building. Similarly education forms the […]
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Remember, you do not need a Facebook account to hear my podcasts.
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Learning OVER 50 – You’ve still got a LONG WAY to go yet — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2M3UwjH) Remember the days when 30 was over the hill? When you were young and you met a 30 year old person, they were a real adult, someone who knew exactly what was what. Well, soon it changed to 40. Then you become forty yourself, and…
via Learning OVER 50 – You’ve still got a LONG WAY to go yet — The FUTURE of Learning
How to Write a Sentence: #1 — Mary’s English Blog
What is a sentence? There are three necessary parts to a sentence: SUBJECT (noun or pronoun) & VERB (finite) & the sentence must also have MEANING. SUBJECT: There are several ways to make a subject, but for now, let’s look at the following: ♦ A subject can be one word; eg, sharks. Sharks kill. (Yes, this is a sentence. It […]
#Meatloaf #Birthday
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Today in #1973 #Concorde First flight.
Learning OVER 50 – You’ve still got a LONG WAY to go yet — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2M3UwjH) Remember the days when 30 was over the hill? When you were young and you met a 30 year old person, they were a real adult, someone who knew exactly what was what. Well, soon it changed to 40. Then you become forty yourself, and…
via Learning OVER 50 – You’ve still got a LONG WAY to go yet — The FUTURE of Learning
Carnival Row #Amazonprime
Whatever happened to #fivestar #80s
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Exams! 🤯🤯😭😭 — Chaitanya’s Blog
At what time of the year are you most active, scared and tense? Most probably in your exams. Right now I have my exams going on and in order to study 📖 I have to wake up till 11:00 🕚 in the night. It is very tiring. However, I like them a lot as they […]
Beyond the Textbook: Episode 9: Is partnering a good way to improve your English? — The FUTURE of Learning
https://open.spotify.com/embed-podcast/episode/5hrYuuhHgLcuHGjJ7T4bRg?si=oJ2MiBXtS3W9br-F1GcQgA
Are we trying to LEARN TOO MUCH at once? — The FUTURE of Learning
by Sawyer Bengtson on Unsplash With the massive onslaught of digitalization over the last 10 years, many people are frantically learning about digital analytics, digital marketing, digital programming but how many people are actually putting it into place long term? Is simply doing an online course, making it that easy to catch up? Or are we overloading ourselves […]
via Are we trying to LEARN TOO MUCH at once? — The FUTURE of Learning
Yesterday’s 3 R’s will soon be GONE, but one R will STILL remain — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: ? (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2NLMgdf) It still surprises me that educationists are still discussing the importance of the 3 R’s (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic). Firstly, it isn’t and has never been the ‘3 R’s’, so why this even became a notion in the first place is just annoying. It…
via Yesterday’s 3 R’s will soon be GONE, but one R will STILL remain — The FUTURE of Learning
Whenever you solve a problem CORRECTLY – you have ENGAGEMENT — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2M7tnMS) One of the common complaints of teachers today is that they say that it is hard to motivate the class or keep the class interested. This in one way is a simple management problem, but to look closer at the issue, the real answer is…
via Whenever you solve a problem CORRECTLY – you have ENGAGEMENT — The FUTURE of Learning
New VideoClip: Bananas
English people and what we do with bananas – click here
Online Verb Conjugator
New video clip: Royals
EDUCATION SYSTEM OF INDIA: A COMPLETE OVERVIEW. — Unsophisticated Articles
https://videopress.com/embed/m8gNC58t?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=0&loop=0
* We all believe that the future of any country lies on how well developed is the education system of that country. Though gaining a professional degree is not possible for everyone due to various reasons, but what actually matters is the basic education. That is, one should know how to read and write. *Indian […]
via EDUCATION SYSTEM OF INDIA: A COMPLETE OVERVIEW. — Unsophisticated Articles
How Can You Master English From A To Z Without Paying A Penny! — Gehad’s Journey
If you want to study abroad rocketing your future, you have to learn English. Diseases are terrifying, unexpected, yet they can be treated and cured if you are acquainted with its disorders. English is the language of science and research. We are locked up into the same room, insulars, parochial, digest only what we receive. […]
via How Can You Master English From A To Z Without Paying A Penny! — Gehad’s Journey
Beyond the Textbook: Episode 9: Is partnering a good way to improve your English? — The FUTURE of Learning
https://open.spotify.com/embed-podcast/episode/5hrYuuhHgLcuHGjJ7T4bRg?si=oJ2MiBXtS3W9br-F1GcQgA
A Must-Read Thriller for Advanced English Students — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=eh6iYLyZP38%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
I have previously recommended the fascinating books written by author JC Ryan, not only for those studying English as a second language, but also native English speakers who enjoy a spellbinding mystery or thriller. Well, now there is a short video to whet your appetite! Is there a better way to improve your knowledge and […]
via A Must-Read Thriller for Advanced English Students — Mary’s English Blog
Yesterday’s 3 R’s will soon be GONE, but one R will STILL remain — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: ? (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2NLMgdf) It still surprises me that educationists are still discussing the importance of the 3 R’s (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic). Firstly, it isn’t and has never been the ‘3 R’s’, so why this even became a notion in the first place is just annoying. It…
via Yesterday’s 3 R’s will soon be GONE, but one R will STILL remain — The FUTURE of Learning
How to deal with VUCA – Learn to ACCEPT yourself — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash VUCA? – I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling it! What is it? It’s the new state of mind we need for the future world. In a nutshell, this is it: Volatility Uncertainty Complexity Ambiguity This is what we should expect in our everyday thinking for the future. I know some of […]
via How to deal with VUCA – Learn to ACCEPT yourself — The FUTURE of Learning
New Podcast
For my next podcast, I would like you to send me an mp3 of your favourite music track. It can be in any language and you should include:
Your name,
The name of the song and singer.
Why you like it so much.
Please send it to: [email protected]
A Must-Read Thriller for Advanced English Students — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=eh6iYLyZP38%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
I have previously recommended the fascinating books written by author JC Ryan, not only for those studying English as a second language, but also native English speakers who enjoy a spellbinding mystery or thriller. Well, now there is a short video to whet your appetite! Is there a better way to improve your knowledge and […]
via A Must-Read Thriller for Advanced English Students — Mary’s English Blog
BEYOND THE TEXTBOOK — The FUTURE of Learning
https://open.spotify.com/embed-podcast/show/7AvOYapHhN366o1SpAQenD
Hi everyone, Just wanted to post a link to our new podcast we have created at ELIT Language Centre. It’s about teachers and students talking about the reality of learning English. (Great for IELTS listening too!) There will be new episodes tackling a different aspect of learning every week. It’s available on Spotify, Anchor, Google […]
Learning for the 100 year LIFE SPAN — The FUTURE of Learning
What will learning look like when we all live to be over 100 years old?
via Learning for the 100 year LIFE SPAN — The FUTURE of Learning
Is understanding REALITY useful for future learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Ehud Neuhaus on Unsplash Good question. Well, yes, understanding reality has always been good for any kind of learning, but I do think in the future it will be even more so. As the future of learning I believe will be all about our relationships, the most important thing when dealing with another person is what […]
via Is understanding REALITY useful for future learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Yesterday’s 3 R’s will soon be GONE, but one R will STILL remain — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: ? (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2NLMgdf) It still surprises me that educationists are still discussing the importance of the 3 R’s (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic). Firstly, it isn’t and has never been the ‘3 R’s’, so why this even became a notion in the first place is just annoying. It…
via Yesterday’s 3 R’s will soon be GONE, but one R will STILL remain — The FUTURE of Learning
BEYOND THE TEXTBOOK — The FUTURE of Learning
https://open.spotify.com/embed-podcast/show/7AvOYapHhN366o1SpAQenD
Hi everyone, Just wanted to post a link to our new podcast we have created at ELIT Language Centre. It’s about teachers and students talking about the reality of learning English. (Great for IELTS listening too!) There will be new episodes tackling a different aspect of learning every week. It’s available on Spotify, Anchor, Google […]
English Words that are often Confused #2 — Mary’s English Blog
First, read English Words that are often Confused #1 Today, I’m continuing with English Words that are often Confused: words starting with ‘C’. I couldn’t find any common confusing words starting with ‘B’, so let’s move on to ‘C’. Take note of prepositions (about, to, on, etc.) which often collate with the confusing words. Using the […]
via English Words that are often Confused #2 — Mary’s English Blog
English courses should not just be UNIQUE but UNIQUELY VALUABLE — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2wPTZhN) This is the future of all learning. Right now we want whatever course we do to be valuable to us, it should give us the tools to move forward in our lives, however the future is more complex. The future of learning says that the…
via English courses should not just be UNIQUE but UNIQUELY VALUABLE — The FUTURE of Learning
6 Ways AI will transform EDUCATION — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: It seems that still today most teachers and Educational practitioners on the ground don’t fully understand the impact of technology on education. As this article points out, the Education world still seems to be the most resistant to the influx of new technologies. Somehow Teachers underestimate the way…
via 6 Ways AI will transform EDUCATION — The FUTURE of Learning
Learning for the 100 year LIFE SPAN — The FUTURE of Learning
What will learning look like when we all live to be over 100 years old?
via Learning for the 100 year LIFE SPAN — The FUTURE of Learning
Improve your English with a fun song: Old Town Road — Mary’s English Blog
Have you heard the song, Old Town Road, by Billy Ray Cyrus and Lil Nas X? It’s a mix of American Country and Hip Hop style. While native English speakers are generally used to country-style lyrics, they can be quite confusing for English learners. I’ve noticed that my English students really enjoy this song so […]
via Improve your English with a fun song: Old Town Road — Mary’s English Blog
Future: SOLVE INTERESTING PROBLEMS then LEAD others with what you LEARNED — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2KWPc5h) The wonderful new direction of learning today is all about troubleshooting as well as innovation. Together these two mindsets build incredible learners for the future. But the biggest issue for most teacher is ….how do you do this? Simple – get your students to solve…
via Future: SOLVE INTERESTING PROBLEMS then LEAD others with what you LEARNED — The FUTURE of Learning
How to open up BRAIN LIMITS — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2M0AnPG) Over the years I have noticed that there are predominantly two kinds of people: People who have an unlimited mindset People who give themselves limits To grasp the concept of an unlimited world view requires quite an amazing amount of openness on the part of…
How will major SOCIETAL SHIFTS impact our future learning? — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash Firstly, it seems to me that anyone will be able to become anyone. The rules of power will shift because it won’t be about money and status anymore, it will be about the relationships we have with each other. Easy to say when someone else is sitting in a country right now […]
via How will major SOCIETAL SHIFTS impact our future learning? — The FUTURE of Learning
How to THINK EXPONENTIALLY — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2LfTlST) Currently most people think in a linear fashion. This is simple e.g. 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6… and so on. To graph this is simple, it looks just like a slowly increasing straight line. This kind of thinking tends…
BEYOND THE TEXTBOOK — The FUTURE of Learning
https://open.spotify.com/embed-podcast/show/7AvOYapHhN366o1SpAQenD
Hi everyone, Just wanted to post a link to our new podcast we have created at ELIT Language Centre. It’s about teachers and students talking about the reality of learning English. (Great for IELTS listening too!) There will be new episodes tackling a different aspect of learning every week. It’s available on Spotify, Anchor, Google […]
The art of ENCOURAGEMENT: the TEACHERS core skill for TOMORROW — The FUTURE of Learning
by CoWomen on Unsplash Waw, such a nice topic, but nothing new. I remember when I was at teachers college it was all about positive reinforcement. Everything had to be done in a way that supported and encouraged children’s learning, so there’s nothing new on that front – well except for one important point. In the future there […]
via The art of ENCOURAGEMENT: the TEACHERS core skill for TOMORROW — The FUTURE of Learning
English Words that are often Confused #2 — Mary’s English Blog
First, read English Words that are often Confused #1 Today, I’m continuing with English Words that are often Confused: words starting with ‘C’. I couldn’t find any common confusing words starting with ‘B’, so let’s move on to ‘C’. Take note of prepositions (about, to, on, etc.) which often collate with the confusing words. Using the […]
via English Words that are often Confused #2 — Mary’s English Blog
Videoclips and Podcasts
I am currently using Facebook Live to post media, so please follow me there to find my latest updates! The link is on my site here.
Thanks
Joseph
English courses should not just be UNIQUE but UNIQUELY VALUABLE — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2wPTZhN) This is the future of all learning. Right now we want whatever course we do to be valuable to us, it should give us the tools to move forward in our lives, however the future is more complex. The future of learning says that the…
via English courses should not just be UNIQUE but UNIQUELY VALUABLE — The FUTURE of Learning
Amazon Books
For those of you who don´t know, I have loads of books about English Grammar and poetry on Amazon. At the moment there are around 9 or 10 books available. You can search for me in your local store or find my profile here
Successful LEARNERS still spend 61% of their time in FACE TO FACE interaction — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2KVvsvA) It might be easy to say that this statistic is the current rate of face to face learning, and that things will be changing in the future with the increase of technology in schools and the workplace. However, we have to understand in fact what…
Essay Topic: Some people think studying from the past offers no benefits to today’s life, while others believe that history is a valuable source of information for us. Discuss both views and give our own opinion. — pteielts
There has been considerable debate about the values of studying history. While it is argued that there are no advantages of learning history, I believe that history can bring more benefits. It is claimed that it is not beneficial to learn from the past. At various schools, students may put exam-based learning methods into practice […]
THINKING for the future ELDERLY – We’re all going to be there, but what will it LOOK like? — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Sunny Ng on Unsplash Well to be honest, people are people, we haven’t actually changed much in the last 2000 years, though the world around us has, enormously, and our perception of it has grown with it. But the fundamental thinking of people hasn’t. We still all get excited, angry, jealous, annoyed, frustrated, elated and so […]
Improve your English with a fun song: Old Town Road — Mary’s English Blog
Have you heard the song, Old Town Road, by Billy Ray Cyrus and Lil Nas X? It’s a mix of American Country and Hip Hop style. While native English speakers are generally used to country-style lyrics, they can be quite confusing for English learners. I’ve noticed that my English students really enjoy this song so […]
via Improve your English with a fun song: Old Town Road — Mary’s English Blog
Future: SOLVE INTERESTING PROBLEMS then LEAD others with what you LEARNED — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2KWPc5h) The wonderful new direction of learning today is all about troubleshooting as well as innovation. Together these two mindsets build incredible learners for the future. But the biggest issue for most teacher is ….how do you do this? Simple – get your students to solve…
via Future: SOLVE INTERESTING PROBLEMS then LEAD others with what you LEARNED — The FUTURE of Learning
THINKING for the future ELDERLY – We’re all going to be there, but what will it LOOK like? — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Sunny Ng on Unsplash Well to be honest, people are people, we haven’t actually changed much in the last 2000 years, though the world around us has, enormously, and our perception of it has grown with it. But the fundamental thinking of people hasn’t. We still all get excited, angry, jealous, annoyed, frustrated, elated and so […]
Aiyshah’s NEW PODCAST — The FUTURE of Learning
https://open.spotify.com/embed-podcast/show/7AvOYapHhN366o1SpAQenD
Just thought I would give a brief plug for my latest podcast. Every week I’ll be interviewing someone about learning English and the future of learning generally. It could be a teacher or it could be a student or someone else….we’ll see. If you are on Spotify would love your feedback or input, or you […]
Changing WHAT we think vs Changing HOW we think — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash Currently the shelf life of general knowledge is approximately 5 years and the gap is narrowing by the day. Therefore, the days of the Encyclopedia Britannica being that one place where all knowledge is kept is of course gone. Now Wikipedia can give you some information that is current, but you need […]
via Changing WHAT we think vs Changing HOW we think — The FUTURE of Learning
A necessary need for change in teaching and learning —
Reading Martin Ford’s The Rise of the Robots shook me up a little just like any good book should. The idea that technology, for the first time in history, is taking more jobs than it replaces. Typically, a new automation will shuffle workers into other positions, but those other positions are also being replaced by […]
There are only TWO kinds of English-es – FLUENT and ones that never got off the ground — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2sbTd9h) English is a business, and I’m not talking about money making ventures, I’m talking about the process of building your English being just the same as the process of building a business. There are only two kinds of business – those that survive and do…
Mastery vs Fixed pace LEARNING — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Dragos Gontariu on Unsplash In the old days we all had to learn at a fixed pace. That meant that if you were in a first grade class you would learn the alphabet and numbers, if you were in the second grade you would learn addition and subtraction…etc. Everything was fixed based on your age. If […]
How can we live without ROUTINE – will we learn anything? — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhiQk3i6aA8 Gedr Leonard Routine really came for the notion or ordering something so that we would never forget it. But anyone who has lived and worked in a routine world can vouch for the fact that daily routine has to be the biggest killer of creativity. It dehumanizes the soul and makes […]
via How can we live without ROUTINE – will we learn anything? — The FUTURE of Learning
How Exams CORRUPT learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2mB8AXy) If you have ever been in a situation in a country where you are stuck and you need something badly, and you know it will be difficult to get, so you consider the ‘corrupt way’ you will understand the concept of corruption. Meaning you consider…
AI and the future of LEARNING — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2IRZ6F3) There’s a lot of talk and action happening in the artificial intelligence line nowadays. People bander around the term ‘AI’ but most people don’t really understand the impact of what it will be like on our lives. Frankly speaking, right now we have some key…
You can’t be ANGRY and CURIOUS at the same time — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Japheth Mast on Unsplash The world that is now set upon us demands our curiosity. It would be foolish to sit back and decide to set our brain to concrete in order to have stability, we must wonder. Considering this to be true, how will we actually be if we are not able to be angry. […]
via You can’t be ANGRY and CURIOUS at the same time — The FUTURE of Learning
Do you think consumers should avoid over packaged products or is it the responsibility of producers? — pteielts
In my opinion over packaged products poses a threat to the environment and it should be reduced to a bare minimum level. According to me both the customers and the manufactures should share the responsibility of this burden. First of all, during the festive seasons the products are over packed unnecessarily, just to give a […]
The Visual Guide to English Prepositions Part 1/2 (Infographic) — Mary’s English Blog
Here is another excellent Infographic from Jenn at
via The Visual Guide to English Prepositions Part 1/2 (Infographic) — Mary’s English Blog
Keeping the concept of ‘Where you FIT’ is KILLING your learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Nagy Arnold on Unsplash Never before have we been as global as we are today. You can be sitting at a laptop in Kenya or downtown Manhattan and you have the same amount of information at your feet. To add to this you can now communicate anywhere, anytime and to anyone in the world. Even the […]
via Keeping the concept of ‘Where you FIT’ is KILLING your learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Aiyshah’s NEW PODCAST — The FUTURE of Learning
https://open.spotify.com/embed-podcast/show/7AvOYapHhN366o1SpAQenD
Just thought I would give a brief plug for my latest podcast. Every week I’ll be interviewing someone about learning English and the future of learning generally. It could be a teacher or it could be a student or someone else….we’ll see. If you are on Spotify would love your feedback or input, or you […]
Successful LEARNERS still spend 61% of their time in FACE TO FACE interaction — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2KVvsvA) It might be easy to say that this statistic is the current rate of face to face learning, and that things will be changing in the future with the increase of technology in schools and the workplace. However, we have to understand in fact what…
How can we live without ROUTINE – will we learn anything? — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhiQk3i6aA8 Gedr Leonard Routine really came for the notion or ordering something so that we would never forget it. But anyone who has lived and worked in a routine world can vouch for the fact that daily routine has to be the biggest killer of creativity. It dehumanizes the soul and makes […]
via How can we live without ROUTINE – will we learn anything? — The FUTURE of Learning
How Exams CORRUPT learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2mB8AXy) If you have ever been in a situation in a country where you are stuck and you need something badly, and you know it will be difficult to get, so you consider the ‘corrupt way’ you will understand the concept of corruption. Meaning you consider…
You can’t be ANGRY and CURIOUS at the same time — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Japheth Mast on Unsplash The world that is now set upon us demands our curiosity. It would be foolish to sit back and decide to set our brain to concrete in order to have stability, we must wonder. Considering this to be true, how will we actually be if we are not able to be angry. […]
via You can’t be ANGRY and CURIOUS at the same time — The FUTURE of Learning
Do you think consumers should avoid over packaged products or is it the responsibility of producers? — pteielts
In my opinion over packaged products poses a threat to the environment and it should be reduced to a bare minimum level. According to me both the customers and the manufactures should share the responsibility of this burden. First of all, during the festive seasons the products are over packed unnecessarily, just to give a […]
Understanding FLUIDITY is the key to improving future learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2JI8bff) Just as the millennial now checks anything and everything online and then quickly swipes to the left, right or up or down, so too will the learner and employee. This is the backbone of the fluidity principle. Going back a century, we can see that learning…
via Understanding FLUIDITY is the key to improving future learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Female English Teacher?
Until 1919 in the UK, If you were a married woman, you could not be a school teacher….. this continued as a general cultural “norm” until the 1960s.
Today we have a lot of retired teachers who live alone without family.
An ESL Student’s wish list — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/21nIfaF) Often the quietest person in the business is the customer and in the world of ESL – particularly if you are teaching Asian students, this could be your student. And yet when they apply to come to your school they are the most excited person…
Research indicates that characteristics we are born with have more influence on our personality and development than any experience we may have in our life. Which do you consider to be the major influence? — pteielts
Study points out that the people born with certain inherent traits have an astounding effect on their personality and growth, in comparison with experience and knowledge they gain during their lifetime. In my opinion, the qualities which a person inherits at the time of birth do affect the building of a personality, but gaining experience […]
New Technology for learning is like new technology for driving —
I was recently driving a rental car full of advanced features that car companies hail will help me get from point A to point B safely. But in fact, I felt the car company labeled me an inattentive, high-risk driver in need of a crutch to protect me and those around me. These features actually made […]
via New Technology for learning is like new technology for driving —
Online courses need to be strangely familiar for instructor buy-in —
This information may be strangely familiar to you, but it might be able to help you develop online courses or help others develop their online courses. In the book Who Can You Trust (2017), the author Rachel Botsman dedicates a chapter to the phenomenon of the “strangely familiar” to sell products, services, and ideas. As […]
via Online courses need to be strangely familiar for instructor buy-in —
The BIGGEST problem with having a GOAL — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2sdk1Iy) The biggest problem with having a goal is that once you reach it you really wonder …so now what? We work hard, study hard, take risks and constantly learn more to help us reach our goals. We’ve all been through it. Working hard to reach…
via The BIGGEST problem with having a GOAL — The FUTURE of Learning
How Exams CORRUPT learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2mB8AXy) If you have ever been in a situation in a country where you are stuck and you need something badly, and you know it will be difficult to get, so you consider the ‘corrupt way’ you will understand the concept of corruption. Meaning you consider…
Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing #2 — Mary’s English Blog
Today, I’m going to highlight more mistakes that ruin your writing. First, check out Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing #1 These spelling mistakes are also serious because they indicate grammar issues. Let’s have a look at the problem words: a) to, too, two […]
via Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing #2 — Mary’s English Blog
CONNECTEDNESS changes everything in learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Clint Adair on Unsplash I always have a laugh when people get concerned that they are not reaching the audience they want when trying to teach something. They often say – “I got a lot of likes but they were all from Bangladesh’, as if they are a non-market of people who don’t want anything and […]
via CONNECTEDNESS changes everything in learning — The FUTURE of Learning
The BIGGEST problem with having a GOAL — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2sdk1Iy) The biggest problem with having a goal is that once you reach it you really wonder …so now what? We work hard, study hard, take risks and constantly learn more to help us reach our goals. We’ve all been through it. Working hard to reach…
via The BIGGEST problem with having a GOAL — The FUTURE of Learning
Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing #2 — Mary’s English Blog
Today, I’m going to highlight more mistakes that ruin your writing. First, check out Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing #1 These spelling mistakes are also serious because they indicate grammar issues. Let’s have a look at the problem words: a) to, too, two […]
via Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing #2 — Mary’s English Blog
New Technology for learning is like new technology for driving —
I was recently driving a rental car full of advanced features that car companies hail will help me get from point A to point B safely. But in fact, I felt the car company labeled me an inattentive, high-risk driver in need of a crutch to protect me and those around me. These features actually made […]
via New Technology for learning is like new technology for driving —
Research indicates that characteristics we are born with have more influence on our personality and development than any experience we may have in our life. Which do you consider to be the major influence? — pteielts
Study points out that the people born with certain inherent traits have an astounding effect on their personality and growth, in comparison with experience and knowledge they gain during their lifetime. In my opinion, the qualities which a person inherits at the time of birth do affect the building of a personality, but gaining experience […]
How we REALLY learn is the FUTURE of Education — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2Ja9irN) There was a time (maybe for the past 5000 years!), that learning come to two forms. Learning from our parents and/or religious leaders and learning from our teachers. The first was more about our moral life and the second was more about our vocational life,…
via How we REALLY learn is the FUTURE of Education — The FUTURE of Learning
ABUNDANCE is the core of future learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Raphael Rychetsky on Unsplash Remember the days when we had a job to do and so would catch the train to work, do the work then come home on the train and sit at home, make dinner and watch tv and go to bed? Well, it all seemed to be normal then, but it’s changing fast. […]
via ABUNDANCE is the core of future learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Always REIMAGINE and REBUILD your English — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2kSI0Yk) Deciding to take on a new language on a serious level (e.g. using it for your job or to get a university degree), requires more than just sitting down and passing some exams. It requires a decision on the part of the learner to take…
via Always REIMAGINE and REBUILD your English — The FUTURE of Learning
Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing — Mary’s English Blog
English spelling is not easy for anyone learning English as a second language. It may surprise you to learn that many native English speakers are not good at spelling in their native language. They know that spelling is very important for writing a job application or an essay for university exams and bad spelling can […]
via Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing — Mary’s English Blog
MINIMALIST APPROACH to learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash In a lot of ways I love this notion. Minimalism allows so much abundance in your life. Imagine today if you live in a simple, small but pleasant and relaxing place that has very little around you but enough for you to live a simple life. Then from there allow the world […]
via MINIMALIST APPROACH to learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Starting from ZERO is the best — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2vyd6NZ) I see it again and again. Those people who start from zero in anything and have a strong commitment and determination to move through whatever it takes to reach the sky, almost always reach way further than they expected, and with such a higher quality…
REWIRING for learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Matthew Guay on Unsplash One of the old school approaches to learning was to basically ‘train’ your students to learn things in a certain way. This made things easier all round for everyone. The teacher, the student and most importantly the world they were living in. The goal for any teacher and student was to make […]
ABUNDANCE is the core of future learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Raphael Rychetsky on Unsplash Remember the days when we had a job to do and so would catch the train to work, do the work then come home on the train and sit at home, make dinner and watch tv and go to bed? Well, it all seemed to be normal then, but it’s changing fast. […]
via ABUNDANCE is the core of future learning — The FUTURE of Learning
ESL Screen-face – the new TECH ISSUE — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2nNS8EU) I had a laugh when I first heard the term ‘screen face’, but it really can be true, spending too long looking at a computer screen can make you totally expressionless. Something similar can happen too when learning either online or with a teacher who…
via ESL Screen-face – the new TECH ISSUE — The FUTURE of Learning
MINIMALIST APPROACH to learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash In a lot of ways I love this notion. Minimalism allows so much abundance in your life. Imagine today if you live in a simple, small but pleasant and relaxing place that has very little around you but enough for you to live a simple life. Then from there allow the world […]
via MINIMALIST APPROACH to learning — The FUTURE of Learning
GENEROSITY is a connector – Choose to be GENEROUS with your English — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2HhYpjn) When I was growing up, being generous was considered a ‘family’ word. That meant that when you are around family generosity was to be accepted as the most important personality trait to have. As kids we never wanted to share (of course, we were kids! We wanted everything for ourselves!) but we […]
via GENEROSITY is a connector – Choose to be GENEROUS with your English — The FUTURE of Learning
Zero waste – Be Inspired while improving your English! — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=OS9uhASKyjA%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Originally posted on Vocabulary in Chunks: great big story The village of Kamikatsu in Japan has taken their commitment to sustainability to a new level. While the rest of the country has a recycling rate of around 20 percent, Kamikatsu surpasses its neighbors with a staggering 80 percent. After becoming aware of the dangers of…
via Zero waste – Be Inspired while improving your English! — Mary’s English Blog
IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Topic Art. — Học Viện Anh Ngữ ICA
READINESS vs MATURITY to move to the next level of learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Javier Reyes on Unsplash I heard a wonderfully timeless story recently about a conversation between a father and son. The son had left high school with his his high school diploma and had got a job locally in a shop and was making some money and saving it. Sounds good right? Well he actually saved $USD10,000 […]
via READINESS vs MATURITY to move to the next level of learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Noun Clauses #1 — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=e-ORhEE9VVg%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
The English language is full of Noun Clauses. A Noun Clause is made up of a group of words with a Noun and a Verb. A Noun is the name of a person, animal, place, thing, (or state; for example: happiness, excitement). In other words, a Noun is the name of someone or something. ‘Noun’ means ‘name’. A Pronoun […]
If you want to LEARN ANYTHING today, start by ASKING…(ahhh..online that is) — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash) This should be a no brainer for any learner. The days of taking to time to stroll down to the library to discovery what something is all about died a death 10 years ago. The most probable place to get at least a range of answers to your question is […]
via If you want to LEARN ANYTHING today, start by ASKING…(ahhh..online that is) — The FUTURE of Learning
The only word you will ever need to look up in the DICTIONARY for Future SUCCESS — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash I had an interesting (or dare I say it – eloquent learning moment) just recently. I was teaching an English class and one student took me aside at the end of the class. He said ‘Teacher I was wondering if you could help me, I have a presentation I have to give […]
LEARNING means – to REACH, to REALISE and then to REALIGN ourselves — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2kAJebH) We usually associate learning with courses, school work, degrees and certificates but these are just the outer shells of something far bigger. Learning as a process happens in every aspect of our life, in every day of our lives and without warning or expectation. Learning…
via LEARNING means – to REACH, to REALISE and then to REALIGN ourselves — The FUTURE of Learning
If you want to LEARN ANYTHING today, start by ASKING…(ahhh..online that is) — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash) This should be a no brainer for any learner. The days of taking to time to stroll down to the library to discovery what something is all about died a death 10 years ago. The most probable place to get at least a range of answers to your question is […]
via If you want to LEARN ANYTHING today, start by ASKING…(ahhh..online that is) — The FUTURE of Learning
222 Words to Use instead of “Said”. — Mary’s English Blog
Jenn from http://www.grammarcheck.net regularly sends me Infographics. Infographics are easy-to-read graphics which contain information that improves your English. Perhaps you saw the last Infographic I re-posted on November 24, 2018, 147 Words to Use instead of “Very”? Many English students, as well as native English speakers, have found that particular Infographic very helpful and their […]
via 222 Words to Use instead of “Said”. — Mary’s English Blog
Noun Clauses #1 — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=e-ORhEE9VVg%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
The English language is full of Noun Clauses. A Noun Clause is made up of a group of words with a Noun and a Verb. A Noun is the name of a person, animal, place, thing, (or state; for example: happiness, excitement). In other words, a Noun is the name of someone or something. ‘Noun’ means ‘name’. A Pronoun […]
IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Topic Art. — Học Viện Anh Ngữ ICA
222 Words to Use instead of “Said”. — Mary’s English Blog
Jenn from http://www.grammarcheck.net regularly sends me Infographics. Infographics are easy-to-read graphics which contain information that improves your English. Perhaps you saw the last Infographic I re-posted on November 24, 2018, 147 Words to Use instead of “Very”? Many English students, as well as native English speakers, have found that particular Infographic very helpful and their […]
via 222 Words to Use instead of “Said”. — Mary’s English Blog
ESL Screen-face – the new TECH ISSUE — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2nNS8EU) I had a laugh when I first heard the term ‘screen face’, but it really can be true, spending too long looking at a computer screen can make you totally expressionless. Something similar can happen too when learning either online or with a teacher who…
via ESL Screen-face – the new TECH ISSUE — The FUTURE of Learning
READINESS vs MATURITY to move to the next level of learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Photo by Javier Reyes on Unsplash I heard a wonderfully timeless story recently about a conversation between a father and son. The son had left high school with his his high school diploma and had got a job locally in a shop and was making some money and saving it. Sounds good right? Well he actually saved $USD10,000 […]
via READINESS vs MATURITY to move to the next level of learning — The FUTURE of Learning
AI and the future of LEARNING — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2IRZ6F3) There’s a lot of talk and action happening in the artificial intelligence line nowadays. People bander around the term ‘AI’ but most people don’t really understand the impact of what it will be like on our lives. Frankly speaking, right now we have some key…
Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing — Mary’s English Blog
English spelling is not easy for anyone learning English as a second language. It may surprise you to learn that many native English speakers are not good at spelling in their native language. They know that spelling is very important for writing a job application or an essay for university exams and bad spelling can […]
via Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing — Mary’s English Blog
I was broadcasting live on Facebook
Bonnie Tyler
I think Bonnie Tyler should be mandatory for every Friday
Tips for PTE Exam Preparation — Creative Journal Ideas
PTE or Pearson’s Test of English is a very famous test which has been used since a long time to measure the performances of foreign students who are trying to pursue further studies in the native English-speaking countries. In simpler words it is a test taken students who aim to pursue further studies in foreign […]
Tips for PTE Exam Preparation — Creative Journal Ideas
PTE or Pearson’s Test of English is a very famous test which has been used since a long time to measure the performances of foreign students who are trying to pursue further studies in the native English-speaking countries. In simpler words it is a test taken students who aim to pursue further studies in foreign […]
IELTS Paper vs Computer — Travel with Karla
Which is better? IELTS paper-based test or IELTS computer-delivered test? I tried both of them to know the answer.
ESL Screen-face – the new TECH ISSUE — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2nNS8EU) I had a laugh when I first heard the term ‘screen face’, but it really can be true, spending too long looking at a computer screen can make you totally expressionless. Something similar can happen too when learning either online or with a teacher who…
via ESL Screen-face – the new TECH ISSUE — The FUTURE of Learning
PCJ Radio
Zero waste – Be Inspired while improving your English! — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=OS9uhASKyjA%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Originally posted on Vocabulary in Chunks: great big story The village of Kamikatsu in Japan has taken their commitment to sustainability to a new level. While the rest of the country has a recycling rate of around 20 percent, Kamikatsu surpasses its neighbors with a staggering 80 percent. After becoming aware of the dangers of…
via Zero waste – Be Inspired while improving your English! — Mary’s English Blog
Zero waste – Be Inspired while improving your English! — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=OS9uhASKyjA%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Originally posted on Vocabulary in Chunks: great big story The village of Kamikatsu in Japan has taken their commitment to sustainability to a new level. While the rest of the country has a recycling rate of around 20 percent, Kamikatsu surpasses its neighbors with a staggering 80 percent. After becoming aware of the dangers of…
via Zero waste – Be Inspired while improving your English! — Mary’s English Blog
New Shadowing Recording
How to Write a Sentence: #5 Adjectives & Adverbs; Nine Parts of Speech — Mary’s English Blog
There are nine parts of speech in English: nouns, pronouns, adjectives, articles, verbs, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections. This means that every word in an English sentence belongs to one of the nine parts (or groups). Remember that words can often belong to more than one group; for example: verb – to demand, to guide, to […]
via How to Write a Sentence: #5 Adjectives & Adverbs; Nine Parts of Speech — Mary’s English Blog
Train your brain to recognize opportunity — Mary’s English Blog
There is so much information about how to be successful in life: self-help books, videos, the internet. It can be overwhelming. Would you like to know how your brain filters the information that it receives? How about using visualization to reprogram your brain to recognize opportunity? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your brain could spot […]
via Train your brain to recognize opportunity — Mary’s English Blog
GENEROSITY is a connector – Choose to be GENEROUS with your English — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2HhYpjn) When I was growing up, being generous was considered a ‘family’ word. That meant that when you are around family generosity was to be accepted as the most important personality trait to have. As kids we never wanted to share (of course, we were kids! We wanted everything for ourselves!) but we […]
via GENEROSITY is a connector – Choose to be GENEROUS with your English — The FUTURE of Learning
English Idioms in Pictures #8 — Mary’s English Blog
Click on the picture below to find out the meaning of the idiom HAVING A WHALE OF A TIME. Once on the site, you can click on Follow at the bottom of the page to receive more pictures and explanations of idioms FREE. WHALE OF A TIME ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼
What USE is a UNIVERSITY degree? — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2pHc4tV) What use is a university degree other than being able to throw your hat into the air in celebration that the whole thing is over!! When I was young (1000 years ago!), to have a university degree was really something. It meant that you were…
via What USE is a UNIVERSITY degree? — The FUTURE of Learning
A Song containing Relative Clauses: #2 — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=KNZH-emehxA%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Shania Twain sings a song called “You’re Still The One” which has several Relative Clauses in the chorus. (See also Shakira, and One Republic.) Links below: one link is the official music video, and the other link has lyrics only, so that you can sing while you’re listening. Because she sings the chorus three times, […]
via A Song containing Relative Clauses: #2 — Mary’s English Blog
test
A Song containing Relative Clauses: #2 — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=KNZH-emehxA%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Shania Twain sings a song called “You’re Still The One” which has several Relative Clauses in the chorus. (See also Shakira, and One Republic.) Links below: one link is the official music video, and the other link has lyrics only, so that you can sing while you’re listening. Because she sings the chorus three times, […]
via A Song containing Relative Clauses: #2 — Mary’s English Blog
Essay – Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer. — pteielts
Optional attendance to classes at universities has been an increasingly popular way for students to study for several years in quite a few countries. However, it has not yet had its intended results as it had been hoped. In fact, today, this system seems to be one of the reasons for the corruption of university […]
New videoclip – 9 point plan to #learnEnglish
Easy Listening – Practical and Social English #8 — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=MgGAvzuwAIE%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
If you would like to improve your English speaking and listening, watch this video from New English File Elementary. It features speakers from England and The United States. The conversations are written under the video. Listen carefully and repeat what you hear: Conversation 1: Checking out Receptionist: Good morning, sir. Mark: Good morning. Can I have […]
via Easy Listening – Practical and Social English #8 — Mary’s English Blog
Essay – In a cashless society, people use more credit cards. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this phenomenon? — pteielts
In today’s generation public is using the plastic money instead of cash. In my opinion the advantages of using credit cards removes the risk of carrying cash, can be used for all types of transactions globally and it is easy to carry. Simultaneously, the disadvantages includes its misuse, can be easily hacked and involves paying […]
PTE EXAM READINGS
You can find some paragraph recordings here
Let CURIOSITY continue to be the cornerstone of learning — The FUTURE of Learning
I’d like to think that these days, as we all have cameras on our phone, that we are taking more pictures than ever, because we are constantly curious about the world out there and want to capture it to discover more. Perhaps that is so, but as the picture above shows, are we really taking […]
via Let CURIOSITY continue to be the cornerstone of learning — The FUTURE of Learning
Essay-What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in an era in which new things are constantly invented? — pteielts
Today’s era is considered to be technological driven. After the industrial era many inventions have taken place which are beneficial to the society. The most significant aspect, in which the people of this generation have been aided, is through the introduction of new technology, which saves time and effort. On the other hand the drawback […]
Essay-What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in an era in which new things are constantly invented? — pteielts
Today’s era is considered to be technological driven. After the industrial era many inventions have taken place which are beneficial to the society. The most significant aspect, in which the people of this generation have been aided, is through the introduction of new technology, which saves time and effort. On the other hand the drawback […]
Essay-The belching and unauthorized behavior is unacceptable in modern offices. How far you support this view? Give your response with justification. — pteielts
Burping and unlawful conduct of people in the present day office premises should not be permitted. I fully agree with the above statement because belching habit among some people, creates foul smell which irritates the colleagues, brings awkwardness among people and clearly shows lack of etiquette and manners. Simultaneously, unauthorized behavior like being racist, speaking […]
Speak the ENGLISH that comes naturally — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2g3nLX3) As with all of us, we want to somehow impress people. It sounds phoney but it’s true, in one way or another we know that first impressions are very important, and what we say or how we speak can be a really engaging point or…
via Speak the ENGLISH that comes naturally — The FUTURE of Learning
The life and soul of the party (How we behave at social events) — Mary’s English Blog
Originally posted on About Words – Cambridge Dictionaries Online blog: Tara Moore/DigitalVision/GettyImages by Kate Woodford How do your friends behave at social events? Is one of them the life and soul of the party, chatting, laughing and dancing with everyone? Or perhaps you know a party pooper, someone who spoils other people’s enjoyment by refusing to…
via The life and soul of the party (How we behave at social events) — Mary’s English Blog
Shadowing recording
I have uploaded another recording which you can use for shadowing
English Idioms in Pictures #8 — Mary’s English Blog
Click on the picture below to find out the meaning of the idiom HAVING A WHALE OF A TIME. Once on the site, you can click on Follow at the bottom of the page to receive more pictures and explanations of idioms FREE. WHALE OF A TIME ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼
Newscast for shadowing #learnenglish
Many of you have asked for a recording which you can use for shadowing. I have created a news buletin on my podcast. You can find it here
If you prefer to download it as an MP3 – please click here
New #Podcast uploaded #LearnEnglish
The Five English Verb Forms — Verbatim, Literatim
Did you know the English verb has five forms? Base Form (Present Tense) Infinitive: to + base form Past Form (Past Tense): –ed Present Participle/Gerund^: base form + –ing Past Participle: have + –ed Base Form talk […]
What’s the FUTURE of our CHILDREN’S communication skills? — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2DbhCV7) A few days ago I was at a family gathering. There were a large number of children under the age of 10 there as well as parents and friends of family etc, and there was one very interesting phenomenon that stuck out to me. Firstly…
via What’s the FUTURE of our CHILDREN’S communication skills? — The FUTURE of Learning
Where do you work? — Learn English
The question “Where do you work?” means “What do you do?” or “What do you do for a living?” You can answer with “I work…” or you can say “I’m a/an… (your job title).” I’m a teacher. I’m an engineer. But we have many possible answers, for example: ▪ I work at… ▪ I work in… ▪ […]
Should Music Be Taught In Schools? — Charlotte Hoather
I read an article in The Guardian about music disappearing from the English school curriculum as research has shown the number of schools offering the subject at A-level (Advanced Level) is in sharp decline, and fewer students are taking Music at thirteen to sixteen years of age which I believe is down to the new […]
[Exploring] Learn English with Asian Games 2018 ① — U-Dictionary
Hey guys, starting from today, we are gonna read some articles related to Asian Games 2018 and improve our English skills! Interested? Let’s go! The 18the edition of the Asian Games, also known as Asiad, will kick off from August 18 to September 2 in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang. Around 10,000 athletes […]
via [Exploring] Learn English with Asian Games 2018 ① — U-Dictionary
The BEST way for YOU to learn English online: https://www.engvid.com/ — careercounsling4job
https://youtube.com/watch?v=I-GDHRzYYFA%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
The BEST way for YOU to learn English
via The BEST way for YOU to learn English online: https://www.engvid.com/ — careercounsling4job
Essay – Whether studying films at school is as important as studying literature? — pteielts
Whether studying films at school is as important as studying literature? Analyzing motion pictures while at a place of education is as vital as learning literature. I agree with the statement because studying films helps in developing creativity, is a source of inspiration for many students and it helps the child in choosing correct life […]
via Essay – Whether studying films at school is as important as studying literature? — pteielts
6 Ways AI will transform EDUCATION — The FUTURE of Learning
It seems that still today most teachers and Educational practitioners on the ground don’t fully understand the impact of technology on education. As this article points out, the Education world still seems to be the most resistant to the influx of new technologies. Somehow Teachers underestimate the way technology can enhance their role. The keys […]
via 6 Ways AI will transform EDUCATION — The FUTURE of Learning
6 Ways AI will transform EDUCATION — The FUTURE of Learning
It seems that still today most teachers and Educational practitioners on the ground don’t fully understand the impact of technology on education. As this article points out, the Education world still seems to be the most resistant to the influx of new technologies. Somehow Teachers underestimate the way technology can enhance their role. The keys […]
via 6 Ways AI will transform EDUCATION — The FUTURE of Learning
It’s Christmas Time!! — Mary’s English Blog
It’s time for Christmas Carols! Carols is the name we give to Christmas songs, especially religious Christmas songs. For many people, Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. For others, it is simply a festive time to spend with family and friends. For many Christians, it is a combination of both. I […]
Where will your English be in 10 YEARS TIME? — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2iP6mma) Many of you are thinking right now, how wonderful it is going to be when your English is so proficient you could almost be taken for a native speaker, where you are able to talk fluently and freely in virtually any situation and you also…
via Where will your English be in 10 YEARS TIME? — The FUTURE of Learning
Learning OVER 50 – You’ve still got a LONG WAY to go yet — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2M3UwjH) Remember the days when 30 was over the hill? When you were young and you met a 30 year old person, they were a real adult, someone who knew exactly what was what. Well, soon it changed to 40. Then you become forty yourself, and before you know it 50 comes knocking […]
via Learning OVER 50 – You’ve still got a LONG WAY to go yet — The FUTURE of Learning
Reflexive Pronouns ∼ Easier than You Think! — Mary’s English Blog
Do you think that Reflexive Pronouns are confusing? If so, read on. The good news is that they are limited in number and limited in use. We only use Reflexive Pronouns to reflect back on someone or something, just like a mirror. Look at the monkey in the picture. 1. The monkey is looking at itself. […]
via Reflexive Pronouns ∼ Easier than You Think! — Mary’s English Blog
147 Words to Use instead of “Very” — Mary’s English Blog
How often do you use the word “Very” to add emphasis to an ordinary word? How about trying out some dynamic new words? (Don’t you think that “dynamic” is preferable to “better”?) Once again, GrammarCheck.net have created an easy-to-use, helpful Infographic to boost your English. Keep in mind that the recommended words are not the only […]
via 147 Words to Use instead of “Very” — Mary’s English Blog
New video clip
Descriptive Language & Persuasive devices – Advanced & Proficiency Level Students — Mary’s English Blog
In a post published April 26, 2015, I recommended A guide to understanding persuasive language, provided by the University of New South Wales, Australia. This guide provided excellent advice on developing writing and speaking skills. Unfortunately, this link is no longer available, but don’t despair! I have found a well-written, concise guide on Literary Techniques by the BBC […]
147 Words to Use instead of “Very” — Mary’s English Blog
How often do you use the word “Very” to add emphasis to an ordinary word? How about trying out some dynamic new words? (Don’t you think that “dynamic” is preferable to “better”?) Once again, GrammarCheck.net have created an easy-to-use, helpful Infographic to boost your English. Keep in mind that the recommended words are not the only […]
via 147 Words to Use instead of “Very” — Mary’s English Blog
Three Queens Mourning #royalfamily
The Queen, her Mother and Grandmother.
The WORLD is no longer BIG and SCARY – but there is another LEARNING problem — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2PXbL9h) In the past our world was literally the connection we had with our family and friends. Anything outside of that world was big and scary. It was only the brave who ventured beyond that comfort zone, and it was only those brave ones who moved the world forward. Needless to say the […]
Reflexive Pronouns ∼ Easier than You Think! — Mary’s English Blog
Do you think that Reflexive Pronouns are confusing? If so, read on. The good news is that they are limited in number and limited in use. We only use Reflexive Pronouns to reflect back on someone or something, just like a mirror. Look at the monkey in the picture. 1. The monkey is looking at itself. […]
via Reflexive Pronouns ∼ Easier than You Think! — Mary’s English Blog
Take advantage and go HARD in English – but be careful of the BURNOUT — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2zOkRwy) This topic does keep coming up again and again, but I think it needs to be defined more clearly this time, and to be aware of some possible fall out too. The concept of ‘going hard’ in English is really just like the picture above.…
via Take advantage and go HARD in English – but be careful of the BURNOUT — The FUTURE of Learning
Reflexive Pronouns ∼ Easier than You Think! — Mary’s English Blog
Do you think that Reflexive Pronouns are confusing? If so, read on. The good news is that they are limited in number and limited in use. We only use Reflexive Pronouns to reflect back on someone or something, just like a mirror. Look at the monkey in the picture. 1. The monkey is looking at itself. […]
via Reflexive Pronouns ∼ Easier than You Think! — Mary’s English Blog
English Pronunciation: 20 VOWEL-SOUNDS IN 20 Minutes — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ah9ypblR3Rg%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Back by popular demand is a lesson I did four years ago. Follow my instructions, practise regularly, and your pronunciation will improve. The practice is necessary as you are training your mouth to make new, different movements. It is physical practice like learning to surf or drive a car. The students who were in my class (from Asia, […]
via English Pronunciation: 20 VOWEL-SOUNDS IN 20 Minutes — Mary’s English Blog
latest podcast #learnEnglish #Idioms
The INTERNET now consumes more time than TELEVISION – So how is learning changing? — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2J4DRes) Say bye bye to the tellie my friends, as very soon it will be just as out of date as the old wireless radio your grandma had in her living room. The way we digest information now is much more active compared to the passive approach of the television. Active learning compared […]
Learning OVER 50 – You’ve still got a LONG WAY to go yet — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2M3UwjH) Remember the days when 30 was over the hill? When you were young and you met a 30 year old person, they were a real adult, someone who knew exactly what was what. Well, soon it changed to 40. Then you become forty yourself, and before you know it 50 comes knocking […]
via Learning OVER 50 – You’ve still got a LONG WAY to go yet — The FUTURE of Learning
English Pronunciation: 20 VOWEL-SOUNDS IN 20 Minutes — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ah9ypblR3Rg%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
Back by popular demand is a lesson I did four years ago. Follow my instructions, practise regularly, and your pronunciation will improve. The practice is necessary as you are training your mouth to make new, different movements. It is physical practice like learning to surf or drive a car. The students who were in my class (from Asia, […]
via English Pronunciation: 20 VOWEL-SOUNDS IN 20 Minutes — Mary’s English Blog
Getting students to say something important in ENGLISH — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2xedKQ3) Imagine that moment when you are learning a language and finally realise you have to divulge something very important to you to others in that new language. If you can imagine that feeling, you as a teacher can see what it takes to bring up…
via Getting students to say something important in ENGLISH — The FUTURE of Learning
When words get in the way – ENGLISH COMMUNICATION 101 rule — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2wS10MI) Both teachers and students do get consumed with English being all about words, but the truth is it is all about communication, and the way we communicate really has nothing to do with the language we choose to speak in. Saying that we could say…
via When words get in the way – ENGLISH COMMUNICATION 101 rule — The FUTURE of Learning
Dean Martin – Glory of Love
Getting students to say something important in ENGLISH — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2xedKQ3) Imagine that moment when you are learning a language and finally realise you have to divulge something very important to you to others in that new language. If you can imagine that feeling, you as a teacher can see what it takes to bring up…
via Getting students to say something important in ENGLISH — The FUTURE of Learning
New #podcast to #LearnEnglish
I have uploaded a new podcast here – In this one I am talking about the phrase “the one and only” and we look at two musical tracks and some radio jingles from the 1980s radio station @countysound “the one and only one for you”
The jingle was written by Les Reed and which has the words:
“Here comes the morning, it’s a brand new day (different lyrics for afternoon and evening: We are your music, and your news each day). Turn on the sunshine. The County Sound way. Open up your heart, and you will let a little sunshine through, with County Sound, the one and only one for you. We’ll always be here, each and every day. Where ever you’re going, we’re going your way. Come with us and ride the airwaves discover something new, on County Sound – the one and only one for you. County Sound, the one and only one for you”.
Descriptive Language & Persuasive devices – Advanced & Proficiency Level Students — Mary’s English Blog
In a post published April 26, 2015, I recommended A guide to understanding persuasive language, provided by the University of New South Wales, Australia. This guide provided excellent advice on developing writing and speaking skills. Unfortunately, this link is no longer available, but don’t despair! I have found a well-written, concise guide on Literary Techniques by the BBC […]
What is the role of DISCIPLINE in the future of LEARNING — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2NsUVgm) Firstly let’s get something clear here, I’m not talking about discipline as in teachers punishing students, I’m going to explore the idea of the role of personal discipline in the learning process for the student. In the past all forms of discipline were left up to the teacher to instill in the student. […]
via What is the role of DISCIPLINE in the future of LEARNING — The FUTURE of Learning
A song with Collocations and Idioms — Mary’s English Blog
The English language is full of collocations and idioms. By collocations, I mean words that naturally go together like ‘high hopes‘, ‘heavy rain‘, and ‘make friends‘. We don’t say ‘tall hopes’, ‘huge rain‘ or ‘produce friends‘. Idioms are expressions whose meaning cannot be predicted by the words in the expression; for example, ‘to kick the […]
via A song with Collocations and Idioms — Mary’s English Blog
Better Pronunciation New #videoclip #learnEnglish
I have uploaded a video called “Better Pronunciation” to my site. You can see it here.
IELTS Essay, September 2018: Medical Surveys Of Treatments To Reduce Health Problems. — ELTEC English
IELTS Essay, September 2018.
Project Compass: Brazil #LearnEnglish
I have a free “drop in” English class for Brazilian people weekly. If you would like to join this weekly class or would like more details please contact me. It is open to all Brazilians who are trying to learn English and is free. You only need a Skype ID. The class cannot be larger than 25 people.
Brazil has many economic and social problems – if you are a teacher and you would like to participate in this voluntary project please contact me.
Easy English Grammar Exercises-Punctuation, Full Stops, Capital Letters — Easy & Simple English Learning!
Easy English Grammar Exercises Write the sentences and add capital letters, full stops and question marks: how do I get to the library from here
— Learning to write
Having relatively recently taken my learning of the English language seriously, I have come across the idea of descriptive versus prescriptive language. I have always thought that as long as the intended message is sent, received and understood, the way in which this is achieved is irrelevant. What is Prescriptive language? This is where the […]
ESL–Should It Matter if You Blog? — e-Quips
ESL–English as a Second Language. (Confession time–English is my first language. I am functional but would not call myself quite fluent in Spanish. Those are the only two languages I know more than a few words in. I was also an English major in college.) I follow some very fine blogs written in English, where […]
My IELTS Results — Have Courage!
I got my IELTS results yesterday. Overall Band 7.0 L: 8.5 R: 7.5 W: 6.0 S: 6.5 Low scores for writing and speaking but fortunately, I am still qualified in the required scores of the Universities in NL and NZ. I can think of several justifications why I got those scores but mainly, I know, […]
In-depth about GENERAL IELTS — English Forum
As informed in my last writing IELTS is the English Language Proficiency test which is conducted across the globe for those aspiring people who wants to enhance their career or academics in a Native English speaking country. IELTS has two categories namely General IELTS and Academic IELTS. General is for those aspirants who are looking […]
IELTS Speaking Real Test 2018: Part 3 – Children — IELTS UNLOCKED
THINGS TO REMEMBER – (1) Part 3 is the most difficult part of the test. You need to speak about more academic/advanced topics, which you may not be familiar with (2) Therefore, you should focus on giving a well-organized answer. Try to organize your response like a paragraph in an essay (a clear main […]
via IELTS Speaking Real Test 2018: Part 3 – Children — IELTS UNLOCKED
IELTS Essay, September 2018: Medical Surveys Of Treatments To Reduce Health Problems. — ELTEC English
IELTS Essay, September 2018.
Roger Sanchez – Another chance – or Why you should always use the present perfect tense in relationships.
The other day I found this song from the 1990s which I haven´t “watched” in a long time. Its a video-clip and is very telling about our experience of life and how we perceive that experience.
Roger Sanchez – Another Chance
So a young lady is walking through the streets of Los Angeles (or another US city) carrying a massive heart. No one wants her, she tries to get on a bus, get in a taxi, go to a cafe and she is refused because they cannot accommodate her heart and she gets a bit sad, lost and alone. As a result, the heart starts to shrink and it gets so small that she finally carries it under her arm.
At this point she meets someone who asks her on a date and as they say goodbye, the heart starts to grow because her faith in human love is restored. The man looks back and sees the huge heart and is saddened because he does not want a commitment and is not ready to receive a person with such a big quantity of love (a large heart).
This is why you need to always use the present perfect tense – if she had said “my heart has been bigger in the past” or “it has gotten smaller” , “it has shrunk” it would let the man know that her heart can change sizes. Instead she tells him “It was bigger” which indicates that in one time and one place in the past it became smaller, (which indicates she may have been hurt or it might be because of a specific event or events in a short time).
Note: Americans don´t often use the present perfect in the same way as British people.
My book on the perfect tenses is in the menu. Its a free PDF.
#free #grammar #Ebooks #learnenglish
There are 5 books in the menu above, you can download these as PDFs.
Happy reading!
The best reasons to learn English — Magic Translations
Spanish version: https://magicaltranslations.wordpress.com/2018/08/26/la-importancia-de-aprender-ingles/ In this new article, I want to share with you the reasons why it seems to me that learning a new language can be important for many aspects of everyday life. The reasons for studying English are many and varied. Here we would like to offer you the most important ones, apart […]
Who’s in charge of the English language? — Scientist Sees Squirrel
Image: Oxford English Dictionary, Mrpolyonymous CC BY 2.0 via flickr.com. But no, the Oxford Dictionary is not in charge. Who’s in charge of the English language? Nobody, of course. You might think that would make our writing easier; but actually, it makes it considerably harder. Here’s something you see all the time: someone either asks […]
via Who’s in charge of the English language? — Scientist Sees Squirrel
How should Programmers learn English and 10 things you need to do to improve your English. | Learn To Code and Design Together
Hello friends, welcome back to my blog. As you can see, English is one of the most popular languages in the world. We can catch everyone using English everywhere. It helps a lot in our lives, it helps us to communicate, it helps us to exchange, it helps us understand each other or it helps […]
Learn English Having Fun! — ENGUROO ONLINE ENGLISH SCHOOL
As a language learner, you must know that mastering English (as well as any other foreign language) is a long process. Nothing good comes overnight, they say, and of course it is true. But this lengthy learning process should be exciting too. Besides, only if you enjoy the ride, you can make great progress. The more interested you are, the more impressive the result is…
via Learn English Having Fun! — ENGUROO ONLINE ENGLISH SCHOOL
A Song with Past Simple Tense & Past Continuous Tense — Mary’s English Blog
https://youtube.com/watch?v=8xg3vE8Ie_E%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent
* First, let’s look at the form (conjugation / spelling) of English verbs. They follow very simple patterns. English verb forms are much easier than many European languages like Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, and German. The Turkish language also has many more verb forms than English. There are patterns in every language which, if you can […]
via A Song with Past Simple Tense & Past Continuous Tense — Mary’s English Blog
Essay – Whether studying films at school is as important as studying literature? — pteielts
Whether studying films at school is as important as studying literature? Analyzing motion pictures while at a place of education is as vital as learning literature. I agree with the statement because studying films helps in developing creativity, is a source of inspiration for many students and it helps the child in choosing correct life […]
via Essay – Whether studying films at school is as important as studying literature? — pteielts
When you ‘hit’ your English in the RIGHT WAY — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2ucsxdT) Ever listened to your favourite song and asked yourself why you liked it? It’s usually because there is a certain part of the song you really like the sound of – and when you are listening to the song you can hardly wait until that…
via When you ‘hit’ your English in the RIGHT WAY — The FUTURE of Learning
Free Resources
I have uploaded some free E-books to my site, click into my site menus and have a look at them.
Joseph
English Idioms in Pictures #7 — Mary’s English Blog
Click on the picture below to find out the meaning of the idiom TIME FLIES. Once on the site, you can click on Follow at the bottom of the page to receive more pictures and explanations of idioms FREE.
IELTS |TIPS AND TECHNIQUE |BASIC INTRODUCTION OF IELTS EXAM — ieltsnisha
If you are aiming for the elusive and the highest possible score, a band 9, in IELTS because it opens more doors, then you need to know the following information. In IELTS you will be tested on your proficiency with the English language. These will be divided into sections which will test your core skills. […]
via IELTS |TIPS AND TECHNIQUE |BASIC INTRODUCTION OF IELTS EXAM — ieltsnisha
IELTS Essay August 2018: Illegal to Reject Someone Applying for a Job Because of Her Age. — ELTEC English
IELTS Essay August 2018.
Test
Learn English Phrases Everyday [audio] — U-Dictionary
1. Add insult to injury The phrase “add insult to injury” is a common English idiom. It means to make a bad situation worse. This phrase is usually used as part of a sentence. Here are three example sentences for your reference. “They told me I didn’t have enough experience, and to add insult to […]
SMASH IELTS: Things To Do Before You Write I — naijawriter
Writing is hard or easy, depending on how you approach it. If you approach it with dread and disdain you will find it hard and you won’t get the best out of yourself. If you approach it with interest and a genuine desire to improve, you will find it easy. You will enjoy writing […]
via SMASH IELTS: Things To Do Before You Write I — naijawriter
6 Ways AI will transform EDUCATION — The FUTURE of Learning
It seems that still today most teachers and Educational practitioners on the ground don’t fully understand the impact of technology on education. As this article points out, the Education world still seems to be the most resistant to the influx of new technologies. Somehow Teachers underestimate the way technology can enhance their role. The keys […]
via 6 Ways AI will transform EDUCATION — The FUTURE of Learning
IELTS Essay Correction: Career VS Family and Friends. — ELTEC English
IELTS Essay Correction Checking.
via IELTS Essay Correction: Career VS Family and Friends. — ELTEC English
IELTS Essay Correction: Spend Money to Enjoy Life or Save it for Future? — ELTEC English
IELTS Essay Correction Checking.
via IELTS Essay Correction: Spend Money to Enjoy Life or Save it for Future? — ELTEC English
Look up an English word; learn it forever. — Mary’s English Blog
I have found a wonderful website that will help you remember vocabulary! (I wish there were similar websites in French and Italian for me. Alas!) I could write a lot of detail here but it would be quicker for you to go straight to the website and see for yourself. Click here to meet your new […]
via Look up an English word; learn it forever. — Mary’s English Blog
Problem viewing my posts
There is currently a problem – only the header is showing on some posts.
I will try to get this repaired as soon as possible.
Road to IELTS
IELTS Essay Correction: Illegal to Reject Someone Applying for a Job Because of Her Age.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Correction: Students At University in the United Kingdom.
Choose The Best PTE Coaching Classes
Classical Music #voiceover
You know you are old when Radio Stations offer you work presenting classical music programmes.
Should teachers TRANSLATE for their ESL students?
IELTS Essay Correction: Protecting Environment and Limiting Energy Use.
IELTS General Task 1 Correction: Recently Moved to a New Apartment.
IELTS Essay Correction: Tendency of Humans to Copy One Another – 1.
IELTS Essay Correction: New Technology is Improving the Lives of Workers – 4.
IELTS Essay Correction: Illegal to Reject Someone Applying for a Job Because of Her Age.
Look up an English word; learn it forever.
My Holiday
Its that moment where the other hotel guests ask “WHERE do you teach?” and I spend the next hour trying to explain it.
New Podcast
New podcast now available: https://www.mixcloud.com/EnglishLessons/21-august-2018/
#humantrafficking
One difficult thing about teaching is seeing how Filipino people are moved around the world into menial jobs, to lives which resemble slavery to avoid poverty. I cant believe this is the 21st century sometimes.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Educating Young and Adults.
#IELTS General Task 1 Correction: Letter to Your Friend About Job Offer.
#IELTS(Academic) vs UKVI IELTS
Occupational English Test
so to speak definition
#IELTS Essay Correction: Using Animals to Test the Safety of Human Medicines.
Free Internet Library #LearnEnglish
One of my favorite sites and completely free. Books to download free and to borrow, media, video audio etc.
For Those Of You Who Keep Asking How Brexit Is Progressing
Latest IELTS writing questions
ESL Future
A computer can never ‘BELIEVE’ in a student — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2vh3XXo) With so much learning now happening online the question still comes up – what about the human teacher, will their jobs disappear too? Well the good news is (in some cases), yes the teachers jobs will be lessened, if the teacher simply isn’t good enough, however there are still a number of […]
via A computer can never ‘BELIEVE’ in a student — The FUTURE of Learning
A computer can never ‘BELIEVE’ in a student — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2vh3XXo) With so much learning now happening online the question still comes up – what about the human teacher, will their jobs disappear too? Well the good news is (in some cases), yes the teachers jobs will be lessened, if the teacher simply isn’t good enough, however there are still a number of […]
via A computer can never ‘BELIEVE’ in a student — The FUTURE of Learning
Recent #IELTS topics 2018
#ielts Topics May-Aug 2018
Topics used in the Exams this year so far
http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-part-2-topics-may-to-aug-2018/
How to Prepare for a Job Interview
How to THINK EXPONENTIALLY
How to speak so that people want to listen — Mary’s English Blog
Would you like to be able to speak so that people want to listen to what you have to say? Would you like to feel more confident when you have something important to say? If you have a spare ten minutes, listen to Julian Treasure on TED Talks explaining how to improve the way you speak. […]
via How to speak so that people want to listen — Mary’s English Blog
How to Say Thank You in Business English: 20 Phrases for Any Situation
Just keep SHOWING UP
Understanding FLUIDITY is the key to improving future learning
Getting the RIGHT TEACHER – what does it mean and how does it happen? — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2ut6omF) Getting the right teacher isn’t about getting simply someone who is qualified, it’s about getting the teacher who understands your style of learning. Usually most people would say that they want someone who know their topic, but they forget that humour and positivity are just…
via Getting the RIGHT TEACHER – what does it mean and how does it happen? — The FUTURE of Learning
Classroom PRESENCE – what actually is it?
How Exams CORRUPT learning
New #videoclip #learnenglish
A new videoclip for you to watch and enjoy:
Learning FASTER is no longer the point
How to Prepare for a Job Interview #ielts
#PrideGlasgow 2018 Pictures
A selection of pictures from the Glasgow LGBT festival in July.
http://seosaidh.com/2018/07/28/gay-pride-glasgow-2018-pictures/
New #Podcast #learnenglish
How to Prepare for a Job Interview — Mary’s English Blog
Are you ready for a job interview in English? Not sure? Well, help is at hand! Read on: TALKENGLISH.COM has an extensive selection of lessons to help you to equip yourself for a job interview, from basic to more in-depth questions. Questions, answers, and explanations are provided. These lessons are all available for self-study and […]
via How to Prepare for a Job Interview — Mary’s English Blog
Successful LEARNERS still spend 61% of their time in FACE TO FACE interaction — The FUTURE of Learning
(Photo credit: https://bit.ly/2KVvsvA) It might be easy to say that this statistic is the current rate of face to face learning, and that things will be changing in the future with the increase of technology in schools and the workplace. However, we have to understand in fact what this statistic really means. This statistic came […]
FACTS AND FIGURES: How many people in the world speak English? — The FUTURE of Learning
Originally posted on The FUTURE of Learning: Okay so today it’s just going to be a simple facts and figures day, just so that you can understand how important English really is.Read and tell me what you think… English has official or special status in at least 75 countries with a total population of over…
via FACTS AND FIGURES: How many people in the world speak English? — The FUTURE of Learning
A Drop In Class?
I am looking at a new idea for teaching.
I would like to make an informal “drop in” class at least once a week which would last one and a half hours, maybe longer.
My idea is that this should be free for everyone who has had a class with me in the past, but if you bring a friend the cost would be Five British Pounds per class.
There are a few difficulties which I need to think about. Firstly, Skype holds conferences but there is a maximum number. I am unclear how many that is. I think it is 25.
I want it to be as informal as possible, its simply another chance to learn something new.
If interested please let me know, it is likely to be on a weekday around 10am UK time.
Special Offer
I currently have a special offer for English Learners.
If you book 10 lessons with me (cost of ten British pounds per hour), then you will get two free.
If you are interested, please let me know.
Conditions:
the total must be payable in advance on paypal
any no show or non attendances must be paid for
Going to #Mull #scotland
On my way to the Scottish Island of Mull, I will make a videoclip there.
New #Podcast episode with some light music #learnenglish
New podcast #learnenglish
Hello everyone,
I have uploaded a new podcast. This week´s Music theme is Gospel.
https://www.mixcloud.com/EnglishLessons/13-june/
Enjoy!
A Beautiful Scottish Night
Podcast.
I will upload my next podcast in the next few days.
A song with the present perfect #learnenglish #ielts
Present Perfect Tense If you want to understand and remember how to use Present Perfect Tense, just listen to the song FRIENDS by Marshmello and Anne-Marie. Here is the chorus: Haven’t I made it obvious? Haven’t I made it clear? […]
via A Song with Present Perfect & Present Simple — Mary’s English Blog
#newpodcast #learnenglish
Hi All, I have uploaded my new podcast, you can here it below, or here
New videoclips and podcast #ielts #learnenglish
I have uploaded four new videos and a podcast
An Exciting Project
As you all know I regularly teach people online using Skype.
From time to time, I also like to get involved with voluntary teaching – that means giving some lessons free of charge to a deserving organisation.
If you know of a school, orphanage, institution, which may be economically deprived or perhaps in a poor area, I would be very happy to hold English classes weekly or more on skype free, without payment.
If you know of a place in your country which might be interested in this idea, please ask them to contact me. They would need to have Skype (or another platform) and the ability to use a screen which could be seen in a classroom setting.
Thanks
Joseph
New #podcast discussing the #royalwedding
new #podcast #learnenglish
Conditional Tenses #ielts
The song Parachute by Cheryl Cole is perfect for studying Future Tenses as well as First Conditional and Zero Conditional. She is not literally singing about a parachute. The parachute symbolizes ‘help’ or ‘rescue’. We have various ways to talk about the future. You may like to read my earlier posts (Future tenses – part one , Future […]
via A Song with Future Tenses and Conditionals: First & Zero — Mary’s English Blog
My Local Radio Station #radioclyde
It opened in 1973 – here is a video clip of it, before opening in 1973.
https://scotlandonscreen.org.uk/browse-films/007-000-000-381-c
I have also just uploaded 2 new clips to my video channel as well
New #podcast uploaded
This cartoon is still my favourite
#IELTS Task 1 Academic Correction: Water Filtration.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Animal Species Becoming Extinct due to Human Activities.
#IELTS Essay Correction: People Should not Work Once they Reach the Retirement Age.
new #podcast uploaded
An Easier Learning Chart
Here is another Chart, perhaps more practical than the last one:
#videoclip of the River Clyde #Glasgow #scotland
This is me by the River Clyde in Glasgow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtbL_8XQfCE&t=24s
#Learning structure chart #learnenglish #ielts
Last week I posted a draft learning pedagogical structure which shows how we learn a language. I am currently developing and typing it and hope to post it on this blog next week.
I have shared it with many of you during classes and everyone has asked “how can it help me learn?”
In practical terms, it is a chart which shows how we learn. By understanding these points, your mind will be better equipped to study. It can help you to see and examine different points:
1. The chart is divided into two halves: the practical (speaking and listening) and academic (writing and reading). This allows you to see what parts of learning you have been focussing on.
2. It is further split into two lots of rows, subconscious and conscious where the top two rows are the outward functional ego and the bottom two are the inner deeper aspects of Mind.
There’s many things you can do with this chart. Firstly you can ask yourself why and how you are learning. Is it only for the outward ego, or to earn money or work? As learning takes place in the bottom two rows as expressions of Love/God/Spirit or collective mind (you can choose your own name for it) then superficial learning only for practical reasons has no real basis of existence. Learning for outward reasons cannot help you grasp any deep points of expression. As the outward functional part of your mind is opinionated, it often blocks learning, unless it can see a functional use for it. In reality, the outward functional mind should be a reflection of the deeper subconscious. Sadly for many of us thats not the case.
Secondly you can use it to see where you and your teacher fit into this. Learning by cramming your mind with grammar, vocabulary and fact will not and cannot teach you from a place of expression. In other words, to learn effectively you must bond and connect with or relate to your teacher and others on a deeper level to allow you a worthy expression.
Thirdly, it can teach you that language as a commodity lowers the efficacy of learning down to its existence in the top two rows only.
New #learnenglish #podcast uploaded
#idiom “true colours” #cyndilauper #learnenglish
cyndi lauper true colours on youtube
Idiom” true colours”
to see someone’s real personality for the first time when it is unpleasant:
“she showed her true colours yesterday”
(notice the American spelling color instead of colour)
LYRICS
Don’t be discouraged
Oh I realize
Its hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small
Oh I realize
Its hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small
But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
Show me a smile then
Don’t be unhappy, can’t remember
When I last saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy
And you’ve taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I’ll be there
Don’t be unhappy, can’t remember
When I last saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy
And you’ve taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I’ll be there
And I’ll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
If this world makes you crazy
And you’ve taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I’ll be there
And you’ve taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I’ll be there
And I’ll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors
True colors
Shining through
True colors
True colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
new #podcast #learnenglish
I have uploaded a new podcast episode
New #videoclip at #Lochlomond #scotland
I have uploaded a new video clip:
#learn English
Today’s song is about a wishing well.
A wishing well is a term from Europeanfolklore to describe wells where it was thought that any spoken wish would be granted. The idea that a wish would be granted came from the notion that water housed deities or had been placed there as a gift from the gods. This practice is thought to have arisen because water is a source of life, and was often a scarce commodity.
Song by wet wet wet: click for youtube
lyrics
You hear me so clearly
And see how I try
You feel me, so heal me
And tear me apart
And see how I try
You feel me, so heal me
And tear me apart
And I won’t tell a soul
I won’t tell at all
And do they have to know
About my goodnight girl
I won’t tell at all
And do they have to know
About my goodnight girl
Caught up in your wishin’ well
You hopes inside it
Take your love ‘n’ promises
And make them last (you make them last)
You hopes inside it
Take your love ‘n’ promises
And make them last (you make them last)
You keep me so near you
And see me so far
And hold me and send me
And deep in your heart
And see me so far
And hold me and send me
And deep in your heart
And I won’t tell a soul
I won’t tell at all
And i won’t let them know
About my goodnight girl
I won’t tell at all
And i won’t let them know
About my goodnight girl
Caught up in your wishin’ well
You hopes inside it
Take your love ‘n’ promises
And make them last (you make them last )
You hopes inside it
Take your love ‘n’ promises
And make them last (you make them last )
Caught up in your wishin’ well
You hopes inside it
Take your love ‘n’ promises
And make them last (you make them last )
You hopes inside it
Take your love ‘n’ promises
And make them last (you make them last )
It doesn’t matter how sad
I made you
Doesn’t matter…
I made you
Doesn’t matter…
New #Podcast #learnEnglish
The #Goldengirls theme #idioms
The Youtube clip is here
Today’s Idiom: “to throw a party” which means to arrange or make a party
Lyrics:
Thank you for being a friend
Travelled down the road and back again
Your heart is true you ‘re a pal and a confidant.
And if you threw a party
Invited everyone you ever knew
You would see the biggest gift would be from me
And the card attached would say thank you for being a friend.
#idioms in the song Alone by #annwilson
Todays Idiom can be found in this song on youtube
“And now It chills me to the Bone” – to be afraid of something (or to be extremely cold)
I hear the ticking of the clock
I’m lying here the room’s pitch dark
I wonder where you are tonight
No answer on the telephone
And the night goes by so very slow
Oh I hope that it won’t end though
Alone
Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
You don’t know how long I have wanted
To touch your lips and hold you tight, oh
You don’t know how long I have waited
and I was going to tell you tonight
But the secret is still my own
and my love for you is still unknown
Alone
Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
Alone, alone
#wilsonphillips singing “Daniel”
Another great song on youutube
Lyrics
Daniel is traveling tonight on a plane
I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain
Oh and, I can see Daniel waving goodbye
God it loks like Daniel
Must be the clouds in my eyes
I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain
Oh and, I can see Daniel waving goodbye
God it loks like Daniel
Must be the clouds in my eyes
They say Spain’s pretty
Though I’ve never been
And Daniel says it’s the best place that he’s ever seen
Oh and, he should know ’cause he’s been there enough
Lord I miss Daniel
Oh I miss him so much
Though I’ve never been
And Daniel says it’s the best place that he’s ever seen
Oh and, he should know ’cause he’s been there enough
Lord I miss Daniel
Oh I miss him so much
Oh, Daniel my brother
you are older then me
Do you still feel the pain
of the scars that won’t heal
Your eyes have died
But you see more than I
Daniel you’re a star
in the face of the sky
you are older then me
Do you still feel the pain
of the scars that won’t heal
Your eyes have died
But you see more than I
Daniel you’re a star
in the face of the sky
I miss Daniel
Oh I miss him so much
Oh I miss him so much
Oh, Daniel my brother
you are older then me
Do you still feel the pain
of the scars that won’t heal
Your eyes have died
But you see more than I
Daniel you’re a star
in the face of the sky
you are older then me
Do you still feel the pain
of the scars that won’t heal
Your eyes have died
But you see more than I
Daniel you’re a star
in the face of the sky
Daniel is traveling tonight on a plane
I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain
Oh and, I can see Daniel waving goodbye
God it loks like Daniel
Must be the clouds in my eyes
Oh God,
It looks like Daniel
Must be the clouds in my eyes
I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain
Oh and, I can see Daniel waving goodbye
God it loks like Daniel
Must be the clouds in my eyes
Oh God,
It looks like Daniel
Must be the clouds in my eyes
New #podcast
#Bananarama – Love in the First Degree #80s #ielts
Here is a great English song, from youtube, the title “Love in the first degree” comes from the expression “first degree murder”
the lyrics are below:
Last night I was dreaming
I was locked in a prison cell
When I woke up I was screaming
Calling out your name
I was locked in a prison cell
When I woke up I was screaming
Calling out your name
Whoa and the judge and the jury
They all put the blame on me
They wouldn’t go for my story
They wouldn’t hear my plea
They all put the blame on me
They wouldn’t go for my story
They wouldn’t hear my plea
Only you can set me free
‘Cause I’m guilty
Guilty as a girl can be
Come on baby can’t you see
I stand accused of love in the first degree
Guilty
Of love in the first degree
‘Cause I’m guilty
Guilty as a girl can be
Come on baby can’t you see
I stand accused of love in the first degree
Guilty
Of love in the first degree
Someday I believe it
You will come to my rescue
Unchain my heart you’re keeping
And let me start anew, ooh
The hours pass so slowly
Since they’ve thrown away the key
Can’t you see that I’m lonely
Won’t you help me please
You will come to my rescue
Unchain my heart you’re keeping
And let me start anew, ooh
The hours pass so slowly
Since they’ve thrown away the key
Can’t you see that I’m lonely
Won’t you help me please
Only you can set me free
‘Cause I’m guilty
Guilty as a girl can be
Come on baby can’t you see
I stand accused of love in the first degree
Guilty
Of love…
‘Cause I’m guilty
Guilty as a girl can be
Come on baby can’t you see
I stand accused of love in the first degree
Guilty
Of love…
My Learning Chart
If you are interested in HOW we learn, I have just created this chart to map the process. It looks confusing and messy, I will try and reproduce it on the Computer. In the meantime, if you have questions about it, please let me know.
Joseph.
A GOOD TEACHER will choose your #ielts BATTLE
Originally posted on AIYSHAH’S ENGLISH PAGE: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2nwfxIj) As a student when you start an English course, no matter what level you are at you are definitely sure that there is a lot more to learn. Everything can appear daunting and impossible at the start, but with some calculated decision making on which…
via A GOOD TEACHER will choose your ESL BATTLES for you — AIYSHAH’S ENGLISH PAGE
New #podcast now available #learnenglish
Go the top of the site and choose podcast or click here
#ielts essay correction
IELTS Essay Correction Checking.
via IELTS Essay Correction: Regions Affect a Successful Person. — ELTEC English
New #Podcast episode now online #learnenglish
Please click below or else choose the “Podcast” option from the menu on my page.
#Transport – IELTS Writing Exercise
#IELTS Essay Correction: Regions Affect a Successful Person.
In #cumbrae for the day
Three Queens Mourning #learnenglish #ielts
#Podcast #learnenglish
School Photo
Can you guess which one is me?
#victorian picture of #williamterriss #adelphitheatre
#podcast #ielts
New #Podcast to help #learnenglish #ielts
I just uploaded a new podcast: https://www.mixcloud.com/EnglishLessons/30th-march-2018/
My latest #podcast #ielts #learn English
My latest podcast is here
Watch “I know him so well (live) – #ElainePaige & #BarbaraDickson # on YouTube
Students have to pay all cost essay #ielts
Happy #stpatricksday
I’m listening to Maureen McGovern in concert. A great way
New #videoclip #ielts
I have uploaded a new videoclip tonight….
New #videoclip #ielts
YOu can find it here
Describing photos or scenes #ielts #learnenglish
I have uploaded a new videoclip to my site. You can accesss it on my youtube channel on my website www.teacherjoseph.com
new #videoclip #ielts
I have uploaded a new videoclip on my you-tube channel
#ielts essay
IELTS Essay with answer and structure.
via IELTS Essay, December 2017: Cooking At Home VS Fast Food. — ELTEC English
#ielts essay
IELTS Essay with answer and structure.
via IELTS Essay, December 2017: Cooking At Home VS Fast Food. — ELTEC English
The flowers by my window yesterday. Amazing.
IELTS Essay Correction: Sports Played in Teams are Better Than Individual Sports.
New #podcast
I have recorded it, it will be online hopefully tonight
A Theme Tune #tvthemes
I really had to post this, its from a very old British TV show called “crossroads”
#IELTS-Speaking-Band 9
#IELTS Task 1, Academic Correction: Online Shopping Sales for Retail Sector New Zealand.
Some Spelling Rules – #IELTS Test
I have uploaded a new#podcast #learnenglish #ielts
Another great song #cillablack
#Podcast episode uploaded today #ielts
#IELTS Essay Correction: People Should be Encouraged to get Married Before the Age 30.
A great #deanmartin #song for #Saturday
Please remember #venezuela today #humanrights
There are many people without food today as the problem deepens.
I can´t believe this is 2018 and we are still dealing with food shortages. I know nothing of politics but for a Government to watch it´s people starve should be a human rights abuse.
It´s heartbreaking.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Advertisements And Effects of Consumerism.
The BEEHIVE approach to learning English – possible? #ielts
#IELTS Essay Correction: Crimes Committed by Teenagers.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Travel Necessary to Learn About Other Nations – 3.
7 Surprising Ways to Enhance Your Creativity for #IELTS Review
#IELTS Essay Correction: Technology Used to Monitor People.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Continuous Rise in the World’s Population.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Senior Management Professionals Have High Salaries.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Technology Used to Monitor People.
#IELTS Cue Card January 2018: Activities That Keep You Fit.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Travel Necessary to Learn About Other Nations – 2.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Travel Necessary to Learn About Other Nations – 2.
#IELTS Essay Correction: More and More Material Possessions.
This is a great song. Can you hear the lyrics? #ielts #learnenglish
#alcohol uk news story #ielts #learnenglish
#snow in #scotland
#Christmas song #annwilson
Wonderful song #ielts #learnenglish
This is a wonderful song….. do you know all the words?
#merrychristmas everyone!
Merry Christmas to all my students, past and present!
I hope you have days filled with happiness and cheer.
Joseph
#ielts #learnenglish
So often we get confused with the idea that English is about words….well its actually about much more, and I’m not talking about the grammar, idioms or sentence structure, I’m talking about what message you are passing to someone when you speak. This is one of those situations where you could say that one sentence […]
via When the English we communicate is far more than the English we USE — AIYSHAH’S ENGLISH PAGE
Pitch, Tone and Breathing #IELTS #Learn #English
3rd video of Dailymotion Teacher Joseph Series
Accent Work: You Can Speak English #IELTS #Learn #English
2nd video from the Dailymotion Teacher Joseph Series
You Can Speak English #IELTS #Learn #English
First video from the Dailymotion Teacher Joseph Series
Greetings from the Scottish Parliament #IELTS #Learn #English
3 Facts you need to know about PARTICIPLES #ielts #learnenglish
How to improve your #IELTS speaking score
#IELTS Experience — Travel with Karla
#IELTS Task 2, October 2017: Playing a Musical Instrument.
#ielts #learnenglish
Hi everyone I published a new videoclip and new podcast last night on my site here enjoy!
Remember to follow me on twitter and facebook for daily updates! incliuding ielts exam papers for October 2017.
IELTS Task 2 Correction: Traffic Jams and Congestion.
#IELTS Task 1 Academic Correction: Reasons for Study and Support from Employers.
Difference between #IELTS general and academic
#IELTS Task 1 Academic Correction: Work-time in the United Kingdom – 1.
#IELTS Task 1 Academic Correction: Work-time in the United Kingdom – 1.
#IELTS Essay October 2017: Companies Use Sports Events to Promote Products.
#IELTS Answer Correction: The Water Cycle.
#ielts Happy Halloween! 6 Words For This Spooky Day
#IELTS Essay Correction: Money Can Bring Happiness.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Celebrities More Famous for Glamour than Achievements.
English Phrases Decoded #ielts
#IELTS Task 1 Academic: Unemployment Rates in U.K.
#IELTS Academic Task 1, Correction: Bottled Water Consumption – 1.
#English Phrases Decoded #8
#IELTS Academic Task 1 Correction: Consumer Spending on Five Different Items – 1.
#IELTS Academic Task 1 Correction: Consumer Spending on Five Different Items – 1.
#IELTS Task 2 Correction: Traffic Jams and Congestion.
#IELTS Task 2 Correction: Success is About Hard Work or Money?
#learnenglish podcast
#ielts
I have been preparing others for Academic IELTS for more than five years now, and I can see its growing popularity – especially among young people who want to study abroad. To be honest, I do encourage my students to choose a nice university abroad – most Polish universities are not famous for their friendly […]
via How to prepare for Academic IELTS in 35 hours (+ free syllabus) — That is Evil!
#ielts
#ielts exams mistakes
#ielts Sample Speaking Part 2-Describe a piece of art
#ielts 7 Things To Know Before Studying In Canada
#IELTS LISTENING TEST 6
PTE Essay ( #IELTS task 2) Correction: Researching Family’s History.
#IELTS Writing Task 2 – Sample [5]
Handwriting #ielts
#digitalcurrency #bitcoin #ethereum
I know nothing about using or investing in digital currency, but these reliable people at Coinbase made it much easier for me .
New podcast episode #ielts
I have uploaded a new podcast “commitment to learning English”
Finally got a 7.5 in #ielts writing but ….
#ayrflowershow
#ielts #learnenglish
#esl #ielts
Hu everyone, Ive just uploaded another videoclip to my youtube channel
#barcelonaterror #memories #
Remembering with fondness, my wonderful years living in Barcelona.
#ielts #learnenglish
Looking forward to another exciting day teaching English via skype on Italki.
#IELTS Academic Task 1 Correction: Share of Internet Browsers.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Number of Animals and Plants Declining.
#IELTS Improve Vocabulary (11 August 2017): A Migration Crisis in Spain.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Workers Should Wear Uniforms – 3.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Animal Testing for Cosmetics and Drugs.
#IELTS Essay Correction: Radio vs Television 3.
#kilbirnie cemetery #genealogy #ayrshire
I was in Kilbirnie cemetery yesterday taking pictures of family graves (the Glass family) During the session I caught a few pics of nearby stones. The names are: burns/miliken, merry/cameron, reid/sweeney, shearer/jackson, kerr, galt/kerr/conn, whyte/spencer, clark/mcphee, chapman/irving, stirling, mcalister/mclean, steele/findlay, mclaughlan/mccolm, hunter/gibb, davidson, bowie/clark, tait/young, biggart/hogg, biggart/fyfe, mcqueen/maxwell, jamieson/walker, thomson, martin, houston, mcneil/ jamieson, mcneil/davidson, steel/allison, paterson/richmond/coulter, greenan/mcveigh, Tinnie, Hood/mcmaster, Knox, evans, And Warnock.
if you want pictures, let me know
Joseph
#ielts #learnenglish #podcast
Just uploaded my latest podcast: HERE
#ielts #learnenglish
My new youtube clip to help you with describing pictures.
#martinlandau #sadness #obituary
What a fantastic actor: space 1999, mission impossible, he turned town the role of Spock.
My thoughts are with #barbarabain and the family.
I#ELTS Reading strategies (Emma)
#IELTS Speaking Cue Card July 2017: An Interesting Book.
#cheap #Englishlessons #ielts
Cheap English lessons from 10USD per hour . Click here
#ielts #learnenglish
My summer sale with very cheap English Lessons is going very well. Please book some time with me on Italki . Lessons from 9.99 USD for one hour.
#blessed
Feeling blessed to have such wonderful students from every part of the world.
#IELTS Speaking Cue-Card June 2017: An Interesting Neighbour
#IELTS Task 1, G.T, June 2017: Equipment you bought.
Happy #Eid
To all my dear students
#skybroadband
Sky broadband, down since yesterday in Glasgow area, seems to be getting better after 24 hours. Sorry for any cancelled lessons.
#ielts #podcast
I have uploaded a new podcast to www.teacher-joseph.com
“Hello Talk” app to practice Languages #ielts #learnenglish
Ive been using this app to find language partners and to practice my writing. Its very good and free for basic use!
#ielts #learnenglish #idioms
Common idioms. My latest videoclip is here
#IELTS Writing Task 2
#IELTS Task 1 Academic: Housing Prices in Five Cities.
#IELTS Task 1 Academic: Housing Prices in Five Cities.
#ielts Idioms and Phrases
#Ielts Download Ebooks For Free
#ielts BAND 9.0 Essays: Problems and Solutions – Too Many Cars
Download Listening Strategies For The #Ielts Test
#Ielts Books Free Download Pdf
#ielts #learnenglish
Sign up to italki and book cheap lessons in my summer sale, only 9.99 usd for new students . June July and August.
Joseph mctaggart
#ielts #learnenglish
Sign up to italki and book cheap lessons in my summer sale, only 9.99 usd for new students . June July and August.
#IELTS Task 1 correction: General Training – full time job and an evening course
#IELTS Writing Task 1: Process Questions
Learning from M’s mistakes in #IELTS exam
#Podcast for #ielts #learnenglish
Watch “Rob Fowler & Sharon Sexton: What Part Of My Body Hurts The Most” on YouTube
https://youtu.be/maWK8yv1AZg
Watch “Rob Fowler & Sharon Sexton: What Part Of My Body Hurts The Most” on YouTube
Beautiful!!!!!
https://youtu.be/maWK8yv1AZg
New videoclips #ielts
#deathpenalty
Am I the only person that thinks this is completely barbaric and wrong?
#PaisleyAbbey #paisley #easter #savingpaisleyabbey
I went to Paisley Abbey over Easter, less than 10 people for compline last Sunday and 16 of us on Good Friday.
Please make an effort otherwise it will be another closed building in the town and I know nobody wants that.
You can donate on their website or by their text system. If you feel strong enough go along and see them or tweet using #savingpaisleyabbey
#learnenglish #ielts
3 mistakes that ruin your sentences – http://wp.me/p3mQGa-2Vd
#Happy #ielts #easter
Happy Easter everyone!
#ielts #learnenglish #podcast
#lelts resources #learnenglish
IELTS Material – http://wp.me/p67kGZ-by
Music and chat #podcast #ielts #learnenglish
Red Sky #johnstone #ielts #learnenglish
Here is another picture of my local town, I took this picture last night at the supermarket. We have a proverb in English “a red sky at night, is the shepherd’s delight but a red sky in the morning is the sailor’s warning”.
Watch “Ships and boats 1” and 2 more on YouTube #ielts #learnenglish
Podcast: conditional tenses #ielts #learnenglish
#learnenglish podcast #ielts
Learn English with Music and chat. Please click here
Brief Intro to #ielts
The Monster Called IELTS – http://wp.me/p7E0V7-al
Podcast with music and chat #learnenglish #ielts
Present Perfect #ielts #learnenglish
#Irvine Beach #scotland
Speaking Better #ielts #learnenglish
My latest podcast, helping you to speak better is on my website www.teacherjoseph.com
Speak Better Podcast #learnenglish #ielts
Podcast this week: to help you speak better, please click here
Idiom “Round The Bend” on YouTube #ielts #learnenglish
A Phrasal Verb #lelts #learnenglish
To account for – Phrasal Verb – http://wp.me/p5V7cL-1uc
Free English Learning #books #ielts #learnenglish
This site has hundreds of free books on pdf click here
Watch “Present Perfect Tense” on YouTube #lelts #learnenglish
Watch “Speaking Better” on YouTube #lelts #learnenglish
Describing Weather #ielts #learnenglish
Details of my new podcast, on YouTube #ielts #learnenglish
dailymotion banned in Russia #Ielts #learnenglish
As Dailymotion has been banned in Russia, all of my future videoclips to help you will also be available on YouTube here
As Dailymotion has been banned in Russia, all of my future videoclips to help you will also be available on YouTube here
dailymotion banned in Russia #Ielts #learnenglish
As Dailymotion has been banned in Russia, all of my future videoclips to help you will also be available on YouTube here
George Walker #canada #toronto
Does anyone know whatever happened to George Walker, the famous canadian cabaret singer who made an album with James Last?
#ielts #learnenglish #podcast
Podcast of music and chat to help you learn English, click here
New podcast #learnenglish #ielts
A new podcast to help with your English. its on mixcloud, please click Here. In this first episode theres loads of advice for the Spoken Ielts.
Theres a competition to win a book, if you know where the Bells came from at the beginning.
Describing #Weather #ielts #learnenglish
#learnenglish #ielts Win Sherlock Holmes Books
For my videoclip with the competition, please click here
#Learnenglish Videos
Planet Venus, seen from my camera phone #astronomy #planets #venus
[wpvideo 34j5vlAq]
#learnenglish #videoclips
Johnstone High Parish Church #johnstone #renfrewshire
A Beautiful. Service today, it was nice to reconnect with my roots. I went to school in that town.
Prince John and his nanny #history #royal #royalfamily
Video about #esperanto #ielts
Skype is back up now #skype
Skype has returned after being down for the last few hours. Skype update page
Finding English Radio #ielts #learnenglish
#ielts #learnenglish
LEARN ENGLISH through funny VIDEOS – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-XD
#ielts videoclip
Www.dailymotion.com/englishwithjoseph
#ielts speaking
Band 9 Speaking: Part 3 – Roads – http://wp.me/p827YP-9N
#ielts videoclip about the sea #learnenglish
#ielts speaking : Online Shopping #learnenglish
Band 9 Speaking: Part 3 – Online Shopping – http://wp.me/p827YP-7c
A Winter’s Day #ielts videoclip #learnenglish
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x51b1ji_a-winter-s-day_school
Free #learnenglishvideoclips #ielts
#ielts self study guide #learnenglish
My IELTS 30-day Self-Study Guide – http://wp.me/p7Yb8q-3v
#ielts listening
IELTS LISTENING Practice – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-Vh
#ielts listening and speaking #learnenglish
IELTS Preparation and Practice Listening and Speaking – http://wp.me/p821Ag-rR
#lelts band 9 #learnenglish
Band 9 Speaking: Part 3 – Extreme Sports – http://wp.me/p827YP-66
Free Videoclips #ielts #learnenglish
You can see all of my free videos here
#ielts advice #learnenglish
Pre-sessional identity: from IELTS student to smart scholar – http://wp.me/p6V54W-2K
Past #ielts papers #learnenglish
Past Papers – http://wp.me/p5PloG-2yk
Advanced Grammar: PASSIVE VOICE – #ielts #learnenglish
Advanced Grammar: PASSIVE VOICE – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-TX
IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion (Band 6) #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion (Band 6) – http://wp.me/p3boyp-5t
Listening Activity on #ielts #learnenglish
Listening Activity based on the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’s video –“EXPLORING THE OCEAN FOR SIXTY YEARS –… – http://wp.me/p5V7cL-1hz
Learn English in the Shower! #ielts #learnenglish
Learn English in the Shower! – http://wp.me/p3mQGa-2K9
A Song with Relative Clause #ielts #learnenglish
A Song with Relative Clauses: #8, Noun Clauses & Adverb Clauses – http://wp.me/p3mQGa-2DQ
#ielts #learnenglish Winston Churchill
IELTS Writing Task 2: Two questions/ two-part questions (Band 6) – http://wp.me/p3boyp-5e
Theatre Royal Glasgow #glasgow #theatre #glasgowkings
Photos from my visit of the tour of Theatre Royal Glasgow, once the home of Scottish Television,
Reading comprehension #ielts #learnenglish
: “Ladakh’s tourism boom is slowly changing the age-old way of life in a corne… – http://wp.me/p5V7cL-1ii
IELTS Task 2:Causes/Problem #ielts #learnrnglish
IELTS Task 2:Causes/Problem and Solution (BAND 6 SAMPLE) – http://wp.me/p3boyp-4O
Describing Places And Things #ielts #learnenglish
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4xe8x4_describing-places-and-things_school
Top 5 #ielts sites #learnenglish
My Top 5 IELTS Sites – http://wp.me/p72Txd-y7
#ielts videoclips #learnenglish
Water videoclip #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-dV
Describing Places and Things videoclip #ielts #learnenglish
#esl purpose #ielts #learnenglish
The PURPOSE of ESL is to open doors – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-Tw
Real #ielts questions from last week’s exam #learnenglish
Questions from the actual test last week – http://wp.me/p7GHFo-2F
Moving To The UK? #ielts #learnenglish #glasgow
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4x8x2h_moving-to-the-uk_school
Videoclips #ielts #learnenglish
You can see all of my 220 videoclips here
Water videoclip #ielts #learnenglish
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4wydzt_water_school
Videoclip from Glasgow #ielts #learnenglish
Weather in Glasgow videoclip #learnenglish #ielts
A Walk Around The Garden #ielts #learnenglish
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4wqash
Hi from scotland #ielts #learnenglish
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4wd06p_hi-from-scotland_webcam
Exam Venue Issues #Ielts #learnenglish
Taking the IELTS: Review Centers and Exam Venues Issues – http://wp.me/p7Yb8q-15
#Ielts Discussions
IELTS Task 2 : 3. Discuss two views plus your opinion – http://wp.me/p3boyp-4E
Shared from WordPress
IELTS Task 2 : 3. Discuss two views plus your opinion – http://wp.me/p3boyp-4E
#IELTS OR #TOEFL
IELTS vs. TOEFL – http://wp.me/p7PdWM-eT
#ielts General
IELTS GENERAL – http://wp.me/p2T52X-2b
Staff #ielts #learnenglish
You are NOT a staff! – http://wp.me/p73nSA-18W
Beautiful Scotland #scotland #ielts #learnenglish
My Country.
IELTS Question #ielts #learnenglish
In under developed countries, tourism has disadvantages and can be said the opposite as well. Discus… – http://wp.me/p72Suy-fJ
Grammar Inversions #ielts #learnenglish
Inversions – http://wp.me/p553Ke-up
#IELTS Practice Site
Is speaking enough? #ielts #learnenglish
Is just LEARNING to ‘SPEAK’ English only ENOUGH? – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-T9
Im not or I am’nt #ielts #learnenglish
UNRESOLVED ESL ISSUE No.4: I’m not vs I amn’t? – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-Te
# IELTS Experience
Sum up my IELTS course – http://wp.me/p672NB-aB
Glasgow this morning #glasgow
Glasgow UK this morning #glasgow #glasgowisgrande
IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC with Exam English. #ielts #toeic #learnenglish
IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC with Exam English – http://wp.me/p78f0g-4x
TOEIC Listening #learnenglish
TOEIC Listening Tests and More – http://wp.me/p3mQGa-2KN
Greetings, Hello and Goodbye – #ielts #learnenglish
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4v2cmt_greetings-hello-and-goodbye_school#.V-ujiO-hO5g.wordpress
Watch the video «Greetings, Hello and Goodbye» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Filipinos, Healthcare and Ireland #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS – An Uphill Climb – http://wp.me/p7KUPs-V
Remembering Words #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS Speaking Practice: Part 3 – What’s the word? – http://wp.me/pLaO9-2OL
Language Exchange Sites – #ielts #dailymotion
Watch the video «Language Exchange Sites» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Rudeness – Videoclip #ielts #learnenglish
Watch the video «Rudeness» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
“English Express” on knls radio today #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS Writing #ielts #learnenglish
Ielts Writing Practice – http://wp.me/p2xCG7-7U
Have or Have Got? #ielts #learnenglish
UNRESOLVED ESL ISSUE No.3: Have vs have got – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-SQ
Favourite podcasts – #ielts #learnenglish
Watch the video «Favourite podcasts» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
The two “musts” of learning. #ielts #learnenglish
KNLS Radio #ielts #learnenglish
knls features great music and information as well as a short English Lesson to discuss favourite English expressions and phrasea. Theres one hour in English daily!
Ielts Band 7 #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS Writing Task 2 : Band 7 – http://wp.me/p3boyp-4c
Ielts step by step #ielts #learnenglish
A Step-by-step Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2 (Argument) – http://wp.me/p4pOcP-p
Ielts speaking part 2 #ielts #learnenglish
PPF Strategy – IELTS Speaking Part 2 – http://wp.me/p7STUm-31
My favourite Coca Cola ads in English #ielts #learnenglish #cocacola #coke
IELTS WRITING #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS Writing Task 1 : Bar Graph – http://wp.me/p3boyp-3J
Everyday phrases #ielts #learnenglish
PRACTICE everyday English PHRASES – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-S0
Politeness in English Culture Videoclip #ielts #learnenglish
Politeness in English Culture Videoclip #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-c8
Writing IELTS Task 2 Advantages / Disadvantages. #ielts #learnenglish
Writing IELTS Task 2 Advantages / Disadvantages – http://wp.me/p3boyp-38
IELTS FREE MATERIAL #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS FREE MATERIAL – http://wp.me/p7U57N-1M
Videoclip: Words for Transport #ielts #learnenglish
Watch the video «transport» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Conditionals #ielts #learnenglish
Conditionals! – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-QS
IELTS ESSAY TOPIC: Are Zoos Cruel to Wild Animals? #ielts #englishlessons
IELTS Essay #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS ESSAY TOPIC: Will migration impact the developed world socially and politically? – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-RT
#ielts
Teaching and Learning MIXED CONDITIONALS – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-So
IELTS EXAMINATION PAPERS #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS_Sample_Writing_Academic_Task_2_5 IELTS_Sample_Writing_Academic_Task_2_4 IELTS_Sample_Writing_Academic_Task_2_3
IELTS IN TEN DAYS #ielts #learnenglish
Two weeks ago I had to sit through yet another english exam. I’ve been taking english tests since I was in elementary school, I gladly avoided taking the FCE (First Certificate in English) when I was in high school, but I took the CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) after attending an ESL school in Vancouver. […]
English Preposition Book #ielts #learnenglish
English Preposition Book #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-bu
Learn Grammar with Kindle Books #ielts #learnenglish
Learn Grammar with Kindle Books #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-bq
Politeness in English Culture Videoclip #ielts #learnenglish
Watch the video «politeness» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Learn Grammar with Kindle Books #ielts #learnenglish
Learn Grammar with Kindle Books #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-bq
Grammar Books on kindle #ielts #learnenglish
My Amazon Kindle Books to help you with Grammar #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-ba
Ielts First time pass #ielts #learnenglish
How to Clear the IELTS Exam in One Attempt? – http://wp.me/p78XMr-1P
The Immigrant In Florida #immigration #ielts
Immigrant’s Daily Life In The Krome Detention Center, Florida USA – http://wp.me/p4RRNW-5lQ
Essay Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide-Introductions #ielts #learnenglish
The dreaded essay is certainly one of the most intimidating parts of any language test, from high school, to CAE and IELTS. This series of posts will aim to give you a step-by-step strategy on how to write a great essays. With simple steps, in a reliable sequence, adaptable to any topic, with examples. If you […]
via Essay Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide-Introductions — Mark Teacher’s ESL Blog
Tips to Improve IELTS Writing Skills #ielts #learnenglish
What is IELTS? The English language testing system is English language proficiency test. It is a very popular test for higher education or worldwide migration. Every year million of people take the test. It is designed by experts to evaluate all of your English skills like reading listening writing and speaking and results that how […]
Tips to Improve IELTS Writing Skills #ielts #learnenglish
Qualifying IELTS is very important for those people who wish to study or work abroad. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most important test to be cleared by those candidates, who want to take their career to the next level. IELTS is essential for those who are planning to migrate to foreign […]
Simple Schedule for IELTS #ielts #learnenglish
This post was crafted in response to a friend from Bangladesh, who will sit for the test in a couple of weeks. His question was about how I scheduled my preparation phase to get a desired band in IELTS.
IELTS in 10 days #ielts #learnenglish
Two weeks ago I had to sit through yet another english exam. I’ve been taking english tests since I was in elementary school, I gladly avoided taking the FCE (First Certificate in English) when I was in high school, but I took the CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) after attending an ESL school in Vancouver. […]
IELTS Speaking #ielts #learnenglish
Louis Rogers is a freelance author and senior academic tutor at the University of Reading. He has worked in a number of countries and taught in various contexts ranging from young learners to Academic English. Louis is co-author of Oxford EAP B1+, Foundation IELTS Masterclass, Proficiency Masterclass and Intermediate and Upper Intermediate Skills for Business […]
via IELTS Speaking Practice: Part 3 – What’s the word? — Oxford University Press
5 podcasts by women of color you should know #ielts #learnenglish
Prepositions #ielts
English Preposition Book #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-bu
Should or could #ielts #learnenglish
Should vs Could – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-Ra
Free video clips #ielts learnenglish
IELTS “Speak Like A Native”#ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-7p
Ielts writing #ielts #learnenglish
What do you know so far about Ielts Writing? – http://wp.me/p7KzTD-3I
Rocket Ingles – A course for Spanish people #ingles #learnenglish #ielts
Ielts training #ielts #learnenglish
Học IELTS tại CIP! – http://wp.me/p7I7aT-8F
Ielts tips #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS TOP TIPS #4 – http://wp.me/p7P1IL-5C
Learn Grammar with Kindle Books #ielts #learnenglish
My Amazon Kindle Books to help you with Grammar #ielts #learnenglish
Amazon link please click here
English Preposition Book #ielts #learnenglish
English Preposition Book #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-ax
Ielts: Health #ielts #learnenglish
Task 2: Health – http://wp.me/p7P1IL-5r
Learn Grammar with Kindle Books #ielts #learnenglish
My Amazon Kindle Books to help you with Grammar #ielts #learnenglish
Amazon link please click here
Skype English Teacher #elearning #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS New Zealand #ielts #learnenglish #elearning
Learn English Videoclips #ielts #learnenglish
Www.dailymotion.com/englishwithjoseph
Mixed conditionals #ielts #learnenglish
Teaching and Learning MIXED CONDITIONALS – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-So
Learn Grammar with Kindle Books #ielts #learnenglish
Esl info #ielts #learnenglish
ESL students DON’T ACTUALLY want to LEARN ENGLISH, they want to LEARN ‘THE TEACHER’! – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-S3
My Amazon Kindle Books to help you with Grammar #ielts #learnenglish
Amazon link please click here
Rocket Ingles – A course for Spanish people #ingles #learnenglish #ielts
Rocket Ingles – This is one of the best packages I´ve seen for Learning and its aimed at Spanish people. It covers all of the basics and a lot more. Quickly you can expect to be speaking and the learning time is 50% quicker than anyone else. It also comes with a 60 day guarantee so if you don´t like it, you can get a refund. Its a little bit expensive at 40 US Dollars but definitely worth it. There´s also a premium version. Don´t worry if you are not Spanish, this link will take you to Rockets website and you can find all of their other courses too. Just click on the logo at the top .
Barcelona sunset #barcelona #ielts #learnenglish
Ielts cookbook! #ielts #learnenglish
Our recipe book – http://wp.me/p7qGtF-1F
IELTS ESSAY TOPIC #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS ESSAY TOPIC: Should we innovate road transport? – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-Sc
What Americans Need To Know #usa #love #christian #islam
Europe, after the second world war took steps to ensure that the war could never be repeated.
It refuses to keep records about religion, opinion and nationality of its citizens.
America has never been occupied or invaded by another country. Of course I hope it never happens. But, if it did, it would teach them a lesson, a lesson of tolerance and Love and hopefully they would see that labels and skin colour can never be a starting point for who lives in America.
I sjncerely hope Trump is locked up in a nice comfortable psychiatric hospital because the alternative is world war Three.
Accent reduction videos #ielts #learnenglish
Please click the “videos/vodcast” section of my site.www.teacherjoseph.com
Becoming our betters selves through love and language – #ielts #learnenglish
Peace comes from speaking another language…or does it? – http://wp.me/p25nJR-I8
Becoming our betters selves through love and language. #ielts #learnenglish
Becoming our betters selves through love and language – http://wp.me/p25nJR-Jk
IELTS Simple Techniques #learnenglish #ielts
Simple Learning Techniques for IELTS from Best Classes in Ahmedabad – http://wp.me/p78XMr-1R
Shared from WordPress
3 Secrets you need to KNOW about SPOKEN English – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-Rp
Mother Teresa: live canonisation #catholic #christian
Secrets of Speaking Well #ielts #learnenglish
3 Secrets you need to KNOW about SPOKEN English – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-Rp
Rocket Ingles – A course for Spanish People #ingles #learnenglish #ielts
Rocket Ingles – A course for Spanish People #ingles #learnenglish #ielts – http://wp.me/p7cewP-al
Rocket Ingles – A course for Spanish People #ingles #learnenglish #ielts –
Rocket Ingles – A course for Spanish People #ingles #learnenglish #ielts – http://wp.me/p7cewP-al
Podcasts #ielts #learnenglish
Podcasts – http://wp.me/s553Ke-podcasts
Apology Letter #ielts #learnenglish
Apology Letter #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-87
Ielts Essay Questions #ielts #learnenglish
Task 2: Celebrities – http://wp.me/p7P1IL-1M
Studying In The UK #ielts #learnenglish
The Road So Far… – http://wp.me/p7KuDU-4s
English Preposition Book #ielts #learnenglish
English Preposition Book #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-a7
Essay Writing: A Step-By-Step Guide – Conclusions #ielts #learnenglish
Essay Writing: A Step-By-Step Guide – Conclusions – http://wp.me/p7Obf5-ok
The word “Audience” #ielts #learnenglish
(members of an) Audience (s) – http://wp.me/p73nSA-19T
How Good Is Your English? #ielts #learnenglish
How good is your English? – http://wp.me/p7c2hR-jT
Rocket Ingles – A course for Spanish People #ingles #learnenglish #ielts
Rocket Ingles – A course for Spanish speakers #ingles #learnenglish #ielts – http://wp.me/p7cewP-a0
IELTS Speaking Experience #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS Speaking Lessons from Hurray – http://wp.me/p3ga3f-2l
English Preposition Book #ielts #learnenglish
English Preposition Book #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-a7
Looking for a Skype Teacher? #ielts #learnenglish
Looking for a Skype Teacher? #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-9E
Amazon Kindle Books, English Grammar #ielts #learnenglish
My Amazon Kindle Books to help you learn #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-6e
Rocket Ingles – para personas espanoles #ingles #learnenglish #ielts –
Rocket Ingles – A course for Spanish people #ingles #learnenglish #ielts – http://wp.me/p7cewP-a0
English Preposition Book #ielts #learnenglish
English Prepositions List E-Book – – A wonderful book from Josef Essberger with plenty of examples. It also comes with a 90 day guarantee so if you don´t like it you simply get a refund, no questions asked. Its fairly cheap costing around 7 British Pounds and covers all 150 prepositions. Don´t forget my Ebooks too about English Grammar on Amazon Kindle
Videoclip: New Website and Useful Links #ielts #learnenglish
Videoclip: New website /Links
Watch the video «New Website / Useful Links» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Rocket Ingles – A course for Spanish people #ingles #learnenglish #ielts
Rocket Ingles – This is one of the best packages I´ve seen for Learning and its aimed at Spanish people. It covers all of the basics and a lot more. Quickly you can expect to be speaking and the learning time is 50% quicker than anyone else. It also comes with a 60 day guarantee so if you don´t like it, you can get a refund. Its a little bit expensive at 40 US Dollars but definitely worth it. There´s also a premium version. Don´t worry if you are not Spanish, this link will take you to Rockets website and you can find all of their other courses too. Just click on the logo at the top .
IELTS Task 2 #ielts #learnenglish
Task 2: Animals – http://wp.me/p7P1IL-2T
IELTS ESSAY TOPIC: Should we innovate road transport? #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS ESSAY TOPIC: Should we innovate road transport? – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-Sc
Looking for a Skype Teacher? #ielts #learnenglish
British Online English Teacher, Good Rates and flexible hours Teacher Joseph
Exam Preparation,
Conversation,
Grammar,
Support,
Videoclips etc.
Learn English, Amazon Kindle #ielts #learnenglish #kindle
My books are here
Ielts Top Tips #lelts #learnenglish
IELTS TOP TIPS #2 – http://wp.me/p7P1IL-37
What Did I Learn Today? #ielts #learnenglish
STUDENT QUESTION OF THE DAY: What did I LEARN in class today? – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-RP
IELTS ESSAY TOPIC: Will migration impact the developed world? #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS ESSAY TOPIC: Will migration impact the developed world socially and politically? – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-RT
American and British Spelling #ielts #learnenglish
UNRESOLVED ESL ISSUE No.1: American or British English Spellings? – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-S6
English Teacher Blog #followme #barcelona
English Teacher Blog #follow me
Shared from WordPress
Ways To Improve Spoken English – http://wp.me/p5SAv3-6K
Alcohol, NASA and Barking Dogs, New Video Clip for English Learners #ielts #learnenglish
Three American Dishes You Need To Try — Marcel’s Teaching Blog #ielts #learnenglish
As an English teacher, I love to talk about food because, well… it’s food. It’s the stuff of life! What also makes it a great topic for English lessons, is that it’s polarizing which really gets students talking. And when they do, you can get them to discuss the flavor, smell, texture, sound and look […]
via Three American Dishes You Need To Try — Marcel’s Teaching Blog
PRACTICE everyday English PHRASES — #ielts #learnenglish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-nXkK0foNE
via PRACTICE everyday English PHRASES — AIYSHAH’S ENGLISH PAGE
Barcelona #barcelona
Discount Hotel Link – Perfect for language courses and holidays #hotels #ielts #learnenglish
Going somewhere to study English? Want to get away for a few days?
Remember to use my special link if you are looking for discounts on hotels.
Joseph
Improve Your Spoken English #ielts #learnEnglish
Ways To Improve Spoken English – http://wp.me/p5SAv3-6K
Palacio De Flamenco #barcelona
An amazing performance…carrer Balmes, definitely recommended.
IELTS MATERIAL WEBSITE #learnenglish #ielts
Useful links for Ielts material http://ieltsmaterial.com
Problems with the IELTS Speaking Test #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS stands for International English language testing system. It is different with TOEFL and TOEIC which is pretty well-known. I am not saying that IELTS is not popular, but in Indonesia, if you are applying for a job, usually some universities and enterprises uses TOEFL for the requirement. The big difference between IELTS and TOEFL […]
ESL Textbook: Good or Bad idea #ielts #learnenglish
(Photo credit: http://bit.ly/1NIzotU) This is quite controversial issue and there are so many reasons to not use textbooks, it’s crazy, but let’s set out the debate and I want you to tell me what you think. Pros and Cons of using textbooks in the Classroom For Pros Cons ESL Children 1. Lots of good material […]
via Using ESL textbooks – good or bad idea — AIYSHAH’S ENGLISH PAGE
IELTS Top Tips #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS TOP TIPS #2 – http://wp.me/p7P1IL-37
IELTS Essay Practice #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS ESSAY TOPIC: Does travel promote understanding? – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-QL
For Those of You Who Like My Voice #ielts #learnenglish #christian #voiceover
Hi All,
For those of you who like my voice, you might know that I have recorded loads of audio books and I also play the piano
I have an entire page of audio readings (mainly religious) and my piano music on this page.
Enjoy!
Joseph
Useful English Learning Podcasts #ielts #learnenglish
Podcasts – http://wp.me/s553Ke-podcasts
Practice Tests #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS Essentials – http://wp.me/p78f0g-Tt
British Tax #ielts #learnenglish
Watch the video «British Tax» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Ielts writing task: childhood obesity #ielts #learnenglish
Task 2 – Childhood obesity – http://wp.me/p7P1IL-M
IELTS Essay Topic: Animal Testing #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS ESSAY TOPIC: Is animal testing necessary? – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-Rj
Apology Letter #ielts #learnenglish
Casual letter – apology – http://wp.me/p7P1IL-9
#ielts #learnenglish
6 ESL windows of opportunity – you shouldn’t miss – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-RB
Celebrities #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS ESSAY TOPIC: Are famous people treated unfairly by the Media? – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-Ry
Barcelona Today. #barcelona
When your ESL dream changes #ielts #learneglish
(Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2aRXYBq) For those who are learning English as adults, it is easy to identify the dream of what and why you want your English to be perfect, however at the same time, we are adults and we know that sometimes simply ‘life happens’, and this can have devastating repercussions on many things including […]
Learning English From Religious Texts #ielts #learnenglish
Please see my latest videoclip here: Click Here
The CHANGING FACE of the English Learner #ielts #learnenglish
Originally posted on AIYSHAH’S ENGLISH PAGE: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/1Uh281B) If you are learning English right now, you are one of a new breed of English learners. You may not be living in an English speaking country and may not be working in any kind of English work, but you are interested in ‘being connected’,…
via The CHANGING FACE of the English learner — AIYSHAH’S ENGLISH PAGE
Speaking English #ielts #learnenglish
3 Secrets you need to KNOW about SPOKEN English – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-Rp
Should or Could #ielts #learnenglish
Should vs Could – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-Ra
IELTS and TOEFL #ielts #toefl
Students having the desire to fly abroad for their studies has the necessity to know about these two tests. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are the English language tests that need to be cleared by international students from other countries where English is not native […]
TOEFL #learnenglish #toefl
Whats is the appropriate/Best time to give TOEFL? Deciding an appropriate time for TOEFL depends on 2 factors: TOEFL unlike GRE does not require a lot of preparation time. Also, usually the amount of seats in the pro metric centers are booked up very quickly. Book TOEFL test date before hand. So, the best time […]
IELTS “Speak Like A Native”#ielts #learnenglish
For the video Please click here
Also remember that all my IELTS videos are in my Daily Motion Site
IELTS PREPARATION #ielts #learnenglish
How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam – http://wp.me/p7M7NT-N
English Grammar Kindle Books #ielts #learnenglish
Learning English? My books are available here: http://tinyurl.com/j56xr9h
ESL Discussions #ielts #learnenglish
ESL Discussions: Conversation Questions about terrorism
Learn English Videoclips #ielts #learnenglish
Here is my latest videoclip, about A and An. For more, please remember to click here
IELTS WRITING #ielts #learnenglish
Qualifying IELTS is very important for those people who wish to study or work abroad. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most important test to be cleared by those candidates, who want to take their career to the next level. IELTS is essential for those who are planning to migrate to foreign […]
IELTS General or Academic? #ielts #learnenglish
The Difference between General Training and Academic Module – http://wp.me/p7oHwh-1f
Barcelona now #barcelona
IELTS READING #ielts #learnenglish
(Photo credit: http://bit.ly/1VOSHJ5) Anyone who has sat their IELTS exam has to admit that the Reading section is definitely the most difficult of the four disciplines. But why is that? By the time you get to do IELTS you should be good enough at all the aspects of English that the Reading section should be […]
via The hardest IELTS discipline – Reading – the problems and the solution — AIYSHAH’S ENGLISH PAGE
128 Words to Use Instead of “Very” —#ielts #learnenglish
http://www.proofreadingservices.com/pages/very#.V6IK7Ldntpc.facebook
via 128 Words to Use Instead of “Very” — Adventures and Musings of an Arch Druidess
128 Words to Use Instead of “Very”
http://www.proofreadingservices.com/pages/very#.V6IK7Ldntpc.facebook
via 128 Words to Use Instead of “Very” — Adventures and Musings of an Arch Druidess
IELTS questions #ielts #learnenglish
IELTS Questions #ielts #learnenglish – http://wp.me/p7cewP-6I
IELTS Skype Teacher www.facebook.com/englishwithjoseph #learnenglish #ielts
Free IELTS Courses #ielts #learnenglish
If you are preparing to take the IELTS test and don’t want to spend a large amount of money as well as your time attending IELTS courses at Englisg centres, this course is for you. It is brought to everyone by the University of Queensland, Australia and designed for self-study. You will be supplied with […]
IELTS WRTING SCORE #learnenglish #ielts
In our latest article, I’ll tell you how to improve your IELTS writing score by using parallelism. What is Parallelism? Parallel means two things (lines, objects, etc) running next to each other, having the same space between them at all points. For example, look at the word “parallel” itself – the two ls in […]
IELTS Preparation #ielts #learnenglish
What is IELTS? The English language testing system is English language proficiency test. It is a very popular test for higher education or worldwide migration. Every year million of people take the test. It is designed by experts to evaluate all of your English skills like reading listening writing and speaking and results that how […]
IELTS Questions #ielts #learnenglish
Confused? Lost? Frustrated? These are the emotional torture that IELTS candidates will face while preparing for their test. You have questions but can’t seem to find the answers on Google or from your circle of friends. You feel confused, lost, frustrated… Fortunately, Lecturers on Demand is here to help! Lecturers on Demand is an online education service […]
via Get all your IELTS questions answered! — 2newmelburnians
IELTS HELP #ielts #learnenglish #ielts
Louis Rogers is a freelance author and senior academic tutor at the University of Reading. He has worked in a number of countries and taught in various contexts ranging from young learners to Academic English. Louis is co-author of Oxford EAP B1+, Foundation IELTS Masterclass, Proficiency Masterclass and Intermediate and Upper Intermediate Skills for Business […]
via IELTS Speaking Practice: Part 3 – What’s the word? — Oxford University Press
A Second Language #ielts #learnenglish
To have another language is to possess a second soul. Charlemagne One of the things that I am most grateful for is that my parents taught my brother and I German. We’re first generation Canadian. My parents immigrated to Canada in 1960. Three years later I was born and sixteen months after that my brother […]
IELTS EXAM #ielts #learnenglish
Preparing for the IELTS test can be daunting and tiring, just like me, I tried to find online materials as much as possible and ended up too much information for me to digest. It’s overwhelming,
Teaching in Summertime #ielts #learnenglish
Hi from Teacher Joseph!
Summer Update
Historically June July and August are quiet months. In Europe its summer and many people are away on holiday, universities are closed. Teachers are seeing a slight drop in their student bookings and have more time to come to the forums and perhaps advertise. Its also a good time to sort out websites and blogs.
If a teacher reduces a language to become a commodity (in other words if a teacher views his job only as a way to earn money) then everyone is reduced down to something which is being bought and sold, the teacher, the student etc. and his teaching practice will not be successful. People are not commodities and language isn´t either so there needs to be a balance of “giving” as well as offering free help to those who need it. A good teacher will be raising up his students to empower them, not to try and use them to get money. its unethical. There´s good months and bad months, just like any other job.
Teachers do need to earn but they also need to realize the world is not always about buying and selling. I often help students who have a quick question or need something correcting free of charge. Having said that, I´ve been approached by many people on Facebook who simply don´t want to pay for lessons. Pleading with me to teach them free. I think a good teacher knows from the initial enquiry or from the first lesson who is serious about learning. There are a lot of time wasters, on both sides teachers and students. I am pleased to say though that I have met many wonderful people and I think the system of Skype Teaching works well, but people should monitor Teachers more to see exactly what their ratings are, to ensure quality at all times or even do some kind of random survey or checks.
I´m happy to help.
Joseph
My Amazon Kindle Books to help you learn #ielts #learnenglish
Remember you can buy all of my kindle books on English grammar by clicking here
What kind of learner are you? — Ace Your Class #ielts #learnenglish
Do you learn best by watching, listening, or doing something? These 3 different ways to learn are also called visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. If you know your best learning styles, you can study better; focus on materials in your styles. For example, if learning English is easier by listening, you can study with a lot […]
IELTS Essay Topic #ielts #learningenglish
IELTS ESSAY TOPIC: Are Zoos Cruel to Wild Animals? – http://wp.me/p4DSYN-R2
The Articles “A” and “AN” #ielts #learnenglish
A wonderful descriotion about how to use the Articles in English, click here
IELTS Exam #learnenglish #ielts
IELTS in 10 days – http://wp.me/p7LqNO-o
Sobriety story #recovery
Passing Time – http://wp.me/p7cHmG-3l
CULTURE: Learning About Home — Matthew Cowan #ielts #learningenglish
Today is Australia Day. It’s our national day of BBQs, beers and sunburn. A celebration of the larrikin within us ending with a riot of fireworks displays in our major cities and sausage sizzles put on by local councils and community groups. Our shenanigans in public parks and pubs “Down Under” draw a global audience […]
5 Top Grammar Books for the CELTA Course #ielts #learnenglish
In this video, I look at my favourite 5 grammar books for the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) course. What are your favourite CELTA grammar books? Would you recommend any…
Affect vs. Effect | Grammarly Blog — #ielts #learnenglish
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/affect-vs-effect/
via Affect vs. Effect | Grammarly Blog — Adventures and Musings of an Arch Druidess
Predicting the future with will — Mirelle Nascimento – English Teacher
Hi, guys! What’s up? Today I am bringing different ways to predict the future using WILL. Be attentive to these lessons and do not hesitate to share your doubts in the comments section!
via Predicting the future with will — Mirelle Nascimento – English Teacher
The Gerund and a walk to Plaza Espanola – Video Dailymotion #ielts #learnenglish
lona
Watch the video «The Gerund and a walk to Plaza Espanola» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
English Grammar: The Gerund #ielts #learnenglish
A wonderful explanation of the gerund, click here
World ‘ENGLISHES’ – is this really the FUTURE of English? — AIYSHAH’S ENGLISH PAGE #ielts #learnenglish
Originally posted on AIYSHAH’S ENGLISH PAGE: (Photo credit: http://bit.ly/1VVO3bt) Ever heard of Singlish? Manglish? Chinglish? Spanglish? These are all now recognised as ‘forms of English-es’. But do they really represent the future of English? People now completely accept American English, British English, Australian English and New Zealand English – 99.9% of these English language…
via World ‘ENGLISHES’ – is this really the FUTURE of English? — AIYSHAH’S ENGLISH PAGE
Accent and Pronunciation in American and British English #ielts #learnenglish
A wonderful site with MP3s is here
Learning English? #ielts #learnenglish
Precedence vs precedents #learnenglish #ielts
Remember #ielts #learnenglish
If you ever feel stupid, learning English or if you have a bad day, remember there are people who are more stupid than you, they are outside right now, searching for pokemon.
BHS
Another British shop vanishes.
I loved the restaurant there in the shop in Glasgow.
Everything changes.
william Joyce – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «william Joyce» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
I am priest #jesuispretre
St. Augusti Church in Barcelona #barcelona #catholic #virgin
Lena Zavaroni #scotland #lenazavaroni #80s
A fabulous song from Lena,
Camp nou #barcelona
Barcelona in the Morning #Barcelona
Pitch and tone – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Pitch and tone» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Hello Hello Hello! – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Hello Hello Hello!» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Good Morning from Barcelona – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Good Morning from Barcelona» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Skype English Lessons, Good Prices
Hi Everyone,
I can help you with your English, Good prices, classes made especially for you.
Flexible Hours,
Please contact me for more information,
Joseph
The Shadow Method – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «The Shadow Method» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Theresa May – Video Dailymotion
Speaking Better Quickly – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Speaking Better Quickly» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
A Better Picture – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «A Better Picture» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Accent Reduction, Breathing – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Accent Reduction, Breathing» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Racism in the UK. Please report it to the Police. – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Racism in the UK. Please report it to the Police.» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Brexit – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Brexit» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Accent Reduction 2 – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Accent Reduction 2» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Accent Reduction – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Accent Reduction» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
A Solstice greeting (the longest day) – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «A Solstice greeting (the longest day)» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
The Brexit – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «The Brexit» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
A Solstice greeting (the longest day) – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «A Solstice greeting (the longest day)» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Happy Ramadan!
Happy Ramadan to all my Muslim Students. If you need to change any Lesson times, let me know.
Happy Ramadan – Video Dailymotion
Conditional Tenses – Video Dailymotion
British royals / Adverbs – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «British royals / Adverbs» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
British royals / Adverbs – Video Dailymotion
The Verb ‘To get’ (used to) – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «The Verb ‘To get’ (used to)» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
The verb ‘to get’ – Video Dailymotion
Medical terms – Video Dailymotion
Assertiveness Skills – Video Dailymotion
More Business English – Video Dailymotion
Barcelona / My view of the London Mayor – Video Dailymotion
English Teacher
Mother Angelica’s death – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Mother Angelica’s death» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
More about Business English – Video Dailymotion
Learn renglish
Business English. Meetings – Video Dailymotion
Possession Again – Video Dailymotion
Possessives – Video Dailymotion
Saint Georges Day – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Saint Georges Day» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Working in the UK – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Working in the UK» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Accent Reduction. – Video Dailymotion
Public Transport London – Video Dailymotion
A country of Cities and Towns – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «A country of Cities and Towns» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
British People and Food (sorry for the audio quality) – Video Dailymotion
Ireland – Video Dailymotion
Britains Electoral Voting system – Video Dailymotion
‘Must’ and ‘Have to’ – Video Dailymotion
Why you need to use the perfect tenses – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Why you need to use the perfect tenses» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Diversity in Britain – Video Dailymotion
Time and Dates – Video Dailymotion
Identity Cards and the UK – Video Dailymotion
How to speak English fluently in less than a month – Video Dailymotion
Adverbs and idioms for the weather. – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Adverbs and idioms for the weather.» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Conditionals – Video Dailymotion
The Future Perfect and a great book about Celtic Legends and Myth. – Video Dailymotion
The Future Perfect tense and a Book review about Celtic Legend and Myth
Easter – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Easter» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Reading The News – Video Dailymotion
Glasgow Cathedral, Tomb of St Mungo – Video Dailymotion
Glasgow Necropolis Cemetery – Video Dailymotion
Happy station – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Happy station» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
using the perfect tenses – Video Dailymotion
How to use the perfect tenses
Timelines – Video Dailymotion
How timelines can help you learn.
What is the UK – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «What is the UK» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
Direct and Indirect Speech (say and tell) – Video Dailymotion
Free sites to help you learn – Video Dailymotion
yikes! – Video Dailymotion
The word ‘will’ and its other uses – Video Dailymotion
When to use the perfect tenses – Video Dailymotion
Idiom ‘He’s in a huff’ , Radio and more. – Video Dailymotion
Idiom….. ‘its raining cats and dogs’ – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Idiom….. ‘its raining cats and dogs’» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
view of Barcelona (2) – Video Dailymotion
A beautiful scene of Barcelona
Idioms, Books and stories – Video Dailymotion
Prepositions, Harry Potter, Sufis and More – Video Dailymotion
Prepositions, Harry Potter and Sufism.
Idiom ‘Best of Both Worlds’ – Video Dailymotion
Free E-Book, Speaking Better English
My New book is now available free on Amazon Kindle “Speaking Better English” You can find details on my Books page (above)
Idiom ‘caught red handed’ – Video Dailymotion
Reported Speech, Tea and music – Video Dailymotion
The Brexit – Video Dailymotion
FREE ENGLISH PODCAST
You can learn English with my free English Lesson Podcast
www.dailymotion.com/englishwithjoseph
Mixed Conditional Tenses – Video Dailymotion
Daily Vodcast: Music (2) – Video Dailymotion
Music – Video Dailymotion
The Verbs Speak and Talk – Video Dailymotion
How are you? – Video Dailymotion
Radio – Video Dailymotion
British History Freddie Mercury – Video Dailymotion
test
British History – Winston Churchill – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «British History – Winston Churchill» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
My New Book
My New book is now available on Amazon Kindle “Speaking Better English”
You can find it here:-
About Learning
“Learning English is a little bit like being in a relationship, some days are good, some days are bad & some days you just want to run away. But its the commitment which brings you back, the commitment you made to carry on”
Feedback Please – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «Feedback Please» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
British History, The BBC – Video Dailymotion
British History. Gerry Anderson – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «British History. Gerry Anderson» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
British History – Winston Churchill – Video Dailymotion
British History – Gertrude Bell – Video Dailymotion
British History – Islam – Video Dailymotion
Watch the video «British History – Islam» uploaded by English With Joseph on Dailymotion.
British History: The Royal Family – Video Dailymotion
British History – The Hovercraft – Video Dailymotion
Ash Wednesday, what will you do for Lent? – Video Dailymotion
common mistakes of learners (6) – Video Dailymotion
The new dailymotion app – Video Dailymotion
Common Mistakes Learning English (5) Fear – Video Dailymotion
common mistakes (4) to say or to tell – Video Dailymotion
Common Mistakes Learners Make (3) – Video Dailymotion
VideoClips
Visit my free Video Podcast site at www.dailymotion.com/englishwithjoseph
Common Mistakes for Learners (2) – Video Dailymotion
Common Mistakes of Learners – Video Dailymotion
Vodcast: what is the church of England? – Video Dailymotion
Vodcast: Tips and Tricks The Letter ‘R’ in Spoken English – Video Dailymotion
Common Mistakes for Learners (2)
Today we speak about how English people use pitch and tone to communicate along with words
Resources for English as a second language
Tips for Accent Reduction
Common Mistakes of Learners
Vodcast about Contractions
Todays Vodcast is about Contractions and you can see it at
My English Grammar Books
Dont forget to check out my Amazon Books to help you with your English Grammar:-
http://tinyurl.com/j97vnsw #ielts #esl #learn english
Vodcast Update Accent Reduction
I have added a new video on accent reduction. Please click below
My videos
[dailymotion-channel user=englishwithjoseph type=grid]
