Questions with short answers

Questions with short answers

27, July, 2026

Episode 189: How to reply to questions with short answers.

This podcast focuses on replying to questions. Native speakers often use “short answers” in which we repeat the auxiallary. This can be confusing for learners, but it just needs practice. 

How to use Tag questions in English

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we talk about questions. There are many ways to ask a question in English, some ways are suitable for a written style where as Question Tags are really frequent in spoken conversation.

Notes

Are you ready to develop your spoken English?

Native speakers often use Question Tags in conversation. In order to become proficient in this style you need to revise your knowledge of Auxiliaires: Do, Have, To be, Can, Must, Will because they are added at the END of the question.

You’ll notice in the podcast that Question Tags are added to the end of statements to turn them into questions, in this way the speaker wants to check that something is true.

For example, “You’re American, aren’t you? You live in London, don’t you? You can speak Chinese, can’t you?

So have you noticed how they are formed?

We add a clause in the form of a question at the end of a sentence. If the main part of the sentence is positive we usually add a negative question tag.

It’s a bit early, isn’t it?

If the main part is negative, we usually add a positive question tag.

Mum isn’t in trouble, is she?

So now, over to you…. tune in to the podcast and try the exercises.

Recap & Takeaways

You may need to listen several times before you get the hang of it.

So, here are the first 4 questions to help you:

1. Do you live in Toulouse?

2. Have you got a motorbike? Watch out for the answer on that one.

3. Will you watch Netflix tonight?

4. Are you an England rugby fan?

… over to you for the other questions.

 

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Mindfulness & Language

Mindfulness & Language

27, July, 2026

Episode 216: Using Mindfulness in Language Learning

In this podcast, we’ll explore how incorporating mindfulness practices can deepen your connection to the English language, foster greater fluency, and cultivate a sense of presence and clarity in your learning process.

Join us as we delve into practical mindfulness techniques that can be seamlessly integrated into your language learning routine. From mindful listening exercises that enhance your comprehension skills to improving your confidence.

Notes

But mindfulness is more than just a language learning hack – it’s a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. We’ll explore how mindfulness can help you overcome language learning challenges, navigate cultural nuances, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Whether you’re a beginner embarking on your English language learning journey or an advanced learner looking to refine your skills, this podcast is for you.

Recap & Takeaways

By cultivating mindfulness in your language learning practice, you’ll not only enhance your linguistic abilities but also cultivate greater presence, resilience, and compassion in all aspects of your life.

So, grab your headphones, find a quiet space, and join us on this transformative journey to mindful English fluency.

Subscribe now and let’s embark on this empowering adventure together!

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History hiding in street names

History hiding in street names

27, July, 2026

Episode 200: History in the streets of Toulouse

Come with us on a journey around Toulouse. In this video we look the the street names and how they reflect the history of Toulouse. It’s a fascinating ride. 

Welcome back to English-Podcasts. In this episode we take you on a journey around Toulouse where we delve into some of the monuments and street names of this city brimming over with medieval history.

Notes

Let’s look at history from a different angle….. when we visit a city we always look at the most impressive monuments, but in this video journey we take a close look at the street names and reveal what they mean. They are a fascinating way to disover the real history of a bustling city, which built its wealth on these trades.

Take a moment to think about these questions:

Why are there 2 names plaques on most of the streets?

What are the 2 languages that you can hear and see everywhere in Toulouse?

Who are the famous people who lived in Toulouse?

What are the famous landmarks that are a “must” to see?

Recap & Takeaways

ACTIVE PREPARATION 

Before watching try our quiz on Toulouse, it’s like a guide book that has come to life ! You’ll learn so much about this city which Lonely Planet has designated as THE city to visit in 2025.

https://english-podcasts.com/welcome-to-toulouse-our-home-town/ 

 

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Tsle Street names: Comp Check

Tsle Street names: Comp Check

As you probably know Toulouse in South West France is the home town of english-podcasts. So let us take you on a journey around this historical, beautiful  and gastronomic city.

This quiz is full of interesting and off-the-wall facts about the Pink City. You won’t know the answer to some of the questions but don’t worry take it as an opportunity to learn more  about Toulouse if you plan to spend a few days here. This is a Guide Book experience in a quiz !

Some of the questions refer to this video on our YouTube channel where we walked around the streets of Toulouse trying to find out the history behind these strange names. You can see Toulouse and the questions in the quiz will come to life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U47fpBHYw6k&t=753s

Take a moment to think about these questions:

Why are there 2 names plaques on most of the streets?

What are the 2 languages that you can hear and see everywhere in Toulouse?

Who are the famous people who lived in Toulouse?

What are the famous landmarks that are a “must” to see?

The Guide Book Quiz which brings Toulouse to life

 

 

1 000 guitars on the beach

1 000 guitars on the beach

27, July, 2026

Episode 170: 1000 guitars on the beach. A world record.

Deep Purple’s classic hit Smoke on the Water, one of the best known guitar sounds, was recreated by 1000 amateur guitarists on a small beach in a quiet British seaside town. Louise tells us of her adventure.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts. In this episode we talk about a world record for guitars playing Smoke on the Water. What a great song !

Notes

Guitars on the beach with Ian Gillan of Deep Purple

DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan joined thousands of guitarists at the Guitars On The Beach event in Lyme Regis, United Kingdom to perform the band’s classic song “Smoke On The Water”.

Organizers were hoping to draw more than the 2,267 guitarists that appeared at last year’s record-breaking event.

As of mid-June, more than 3,000 guitarists had already signed up for the event.

The musicians were given the chance to play along to a number of songs, with the three main ones being Buddy Holly‘s “Rave On”STATUS QUO‘s “Rocking All Over the World”, and “Smoke On The Water”.

Gillan contacted the organizers and asked them if he could to appear at the gig. He wrote in a letter: “I hear you might be doing ‘Smoke’ with the massed guitars, and if that is the case, I thought I’d offer my services if you need a singer.”

Geoff Baker, who has organized the event, told the Dorset Echo back in June: “My jaw hit the floor.

“This is sensational news. Ian‘s involvement will take Guitars On The Beach to an entirely different level. Everybody involved is thrilled and blown away by his hugely generous offer.”

He added: “Clearly ‘Smoke On The Water’ will now be the main event for many.

“It’s the classic guitar riff and not difficult to play. Massed guitar bands in America, Germany, Canada and Poland have all had a crack at the world record playing ‘Smoke’ — but none of them has ever been led by Ian Gillan before.

“This is going to be amazing, and many more people will now want to take part.

“It’s quite something to write home about, that you once played with Ian Gillan in a band with thousands of guitarists.

‘Smoke On The Water’ was recently voted the greatest guitar riff ever written, it is universally popular and it is anybody’s guess how many will join the band now.”

 

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Recap & Takeaways

In this podcast Louise explains how she accidentally landed on a beach with 1000 guitars playing Smoke on the Water.

Listen in carefully:

Where exactly is the beach?

Who is the famous resident of this seaside town?

Why did she and her partner take the canoe to the beach?

Was she surprised by the distance?

What does she say about the flares?

What does she say about the music?

What were her final impressions?

 

 

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Speak like a native: Use idioms

Speak like a native: Use idioms

How colorful is your language ? Do you want to sound like a native speaker ? Well in that case, you better start using expressions and idioms to make your English come alive !

Idioms are a fun part of language learning and apart from giving colour and interest to your conversation they also add humour and flair to your language skills. 

So tune in to this podcast and listen as we test each other with 15 expressions, you’ll hear that some we know well and some we don’t know at all. 

We all have specific expressions to where we live, what are your favorite idioms in your language? Let us know we’d love to hear them.

You can check your comprehension of the podcast with this great quiz.

Expressions Comprehension Quiz

 

 

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