Episode 203: How can I improve my listening skills?
The ability to listen, hear and understand English is a vital skills in order to learn a language and without good listening skills, it is almost impossible to learn any language?
Episode 203: How can I improve my listening skills?
Understanding what people are saying to you is the first step to taking part in a conversation….. but the problem for many learners is UNDERSTANDING ! But just what is the problem? Accent ? Vocabulary? Speed of speech ?
Many learners say “Accent” and as we know there are many, many English accents this can really cause difficulties. In this podcast we talk about accents and how to get used to them.
Notes
Improving listening skills is one of the most important aspects of language learning and one of the skills that is often not focused on by teachers and trainers of languages.
The long and short of it is that if you can’t hear, listen to or understand what is being said, then you have very little chance of learning that language.
Recap & Takeaways
Here we give some ideas of how you can work independently on listening skills – nobody else can do it for you.
However, it is not a quick fix and takes a lot of work and time – but a vital element of language learning.
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Welcome back to English-Podcasts. In this podcast we talk about Phrasal verbs. Do you really need to learn them? If so, how many and how?
Notes
Join us as we discuss the pitfalls of Phrasal Verbs.
First of all, what are Phrasal Verbs? They are verbs whose meaning changes when a preposition is added. For example, let’s take the verb “Take”, which has many different meaning depending on the preposition; to take off (for a plane, for clothes), to take on (to hire someone.) to take in (the reduce the size of clothes), take out (to remove).
Ok, so do you really need to learn this. The short answer is yes, especially if you’re working with native English speakers. But what is the best way to remember these verbs?
In this podcast we give some tips and focus in particular on phrasal verbs which are frequently used in meetings.
Recap & Takeaways
The first point is ….. do not be afraid of phrasal verbs, they may seem strange to you, but they can be very helpful and they are an essential part of the language.
The best way to learn phrasal verbs is to see them in context.
So think of your context. Is it a meeting? Is it shopping? Is it at the airport? Is it in a restaurant?
Try to notice phrasal verbs when you’re in these particular contexts. It’s extremely difficult (if not impossible) to learn these verbs from a list in a book. Always visualise yourself in the context.
And in this podcast you’ll notice that you don’t need to learn many of them.
Start small and build on them.
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Ever had the feeling that you know what is going to happen next? Ever thought you have been to a place before, even though you know you haven’t been there before? This could be Déjà Vu – to find out more, listen to the podcast …
In this episode we look at that feeling that we feel things and situations are strangely familiar – that somehow we have already lived these experiences, this is the curious case of Déjà Vu!
Notes
Have you ever walked into a place for the first time and felt like you’ve been there before?
Or had a conversation that seemed oddly familiar, even though you know it’s never happened?
That eerie, mysterious feeling is déjà vu.
In this episode, we’re diving into the science, psychology, and theories behind this strange phenomenon.
What causes it?
Is it a glitch in the brain, a trick of memory, or something more?
Let’s explore the curious case of déjà vu.
Recap & Takeaways
Takeaways for Language Learners: Interestingly, déjà vu can also happen when learning a new language.
Have you ever encountered a word or phrase that feels strangely familiar, even though you don’t recall learning it?
This could be your brain recognizing patterns, drawing connections between languages, or tapping into subconscious memory.
The more you immerse yourself in a language, the more these moments happen—so trust the process!
Exposure, repetition, and curiosity are key to making the unfamiliar feel familiar.
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Are you tired of scrolling through endless podcast menus, desperately searching for that one perfect audio gem that will tickle your eardrums and ignite your imagination?
Well, fear not, because we’ve got you covered! Join us as we embark on a sonic adventure through the the world of podcasts on What Makes a Good Podcast as I ask Sue, an avid podcast listener, what she looks for in a podcast.
Have you ever wondered how to choose the perfect podcast for your daily commute, workout session, or cozy evening by the fire?
Is it the gripping content, the charismatic host, or perhaps the snazzy theme music that draws you in?
We’re here to explore the mysteries of podcast attraction and reveal the secrets that lie beneath the earbuds, from captivating storytelling to infectious laughter and everything in between, we’ll delve into the podcast universe to unearth the elements that make your ears tingle with delight.
Join us at English-Podcasts to talk about What Makes a Good Podcast, we will also give some tips on podcasts to subscribe to that you’ll want to share and listen to.
Stay tuned, subscribe, and let’s embark on this auditory journey together.
After all, in the world of podcasts, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination!
So, hit that play button, and let’s get ready to find out what makes a good podcast.
Football will be in the news for a month during the World Cup 2026.
Are you able to talk “footy”? Do you know the football jargon that we hear around us in the bars? Take the opportunity this month to go to bars and start up a conversation with other people about the football matches, it’s a great way to improve your English!
In this podcast Sue puts Chris on the spot when she asks him to explain frequent football words and expressions. You’ll hear that they’re not big fans of football but they’ll make the effort for language learning 🙂
Give yourself a pat on the back when you understand what these words mean;
To kick off / The coin toss /
A goalie / to save a goal / to mark a player
To score a hattrick
A foul / a tackle / to get booked / to be sent off/ to get a red card
Most learners find the concept of the Present Perfect difficult to grasp. It is a particularly of the English language which takes a bit of time to get used to.
It is formed by the the auxiliary “have” plus the past participle of the verb you want to use.
Listen as we explain the main principles of how to use this tense and the examples we cite.
Before listening, take the time to think about these examples which you’ll hear in the podcast:
I have lived in Toulouse for 30 years (I still live here). Write your own example……………..
I have worked for the company for 30 years (I still work for the same company ). Write your own example…………
For a question: Have you ever been to China? (We are asking about your life experiences up to the present time). Write your own example…..
A possible answer: I have never been to China (I’m talking about my experiences up to the present time). Write your own example …………
The weather has been warm recently (this is a recent action). Write your own example of a recent action……..
Now take a moment to think about this example before listening:
I have learned a lot (present perfect simple) since I started (past simple) studying Spanish. Why is this ?
Go one step further and check your understanding with this quick quiz
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