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a bar with a flag hanging from the ceiling

<h3>The Heart of British Culture: Exploring the Role of the Pub</h3>No visit to Britain is complete without stepping into a traditional pub, the beating heart of British life. Pubs—short for "public houses"—aren’t just places to grab a pint; they’re where stories are told, friendships are built, and communities come alive. From locals enjoying a quiet drink to travellers soaking in the atmosphere, pubs are where life slows down, and connection takes centre stage.Many pubs have a rich history, often centuries old and serve as landmarks within their communities. The architecture and interior design are usually quaint and traditional, which adds to the overall charm and experience. Often, each pub has its own story, some tied to famous figures or historic events.<figure id="figure-ntddwr7438m66k53uw"><img id="ntddwr7438m66k53uw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1d4mLb6lkkLTyJRS3XFTVwFgARCLMHQJ30q4yR8at4XeZp9h2R09KgpyPEq0hotQ.jpeg" alt="traditional british pub" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1d4mLb6lkkLTyJRS3XFTVwFgARCLMHQJ30q4yR8at4XeZp9h2R09KgpyPEq0hotQ.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Pub Etiquette and Customs</h3>Navigating a British pub is a cultural experience in itself. First, forget table service—here, you head straight to the bar. Waiting your turn is non-negotiable, so get ready to queue (Britain’s unofficial national pastime). And when you reach the front? Know what you want to order!Then there’s the tradition of "buying rounds." In a group, each person takes a turn buying drinks for everyone. It’s a ritual of trust and camaraderie, so if someone invites you into a round, be ready to reciprocate.<figure id="figure-kb8yf45t48m66k5cj4"><img id="kb8yf45t48m66k5cj4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/29jZ1TN7pq1q3mdfuW7yXa0e38hi86JeFY02IpsR3bp4PMAyUfDRuIVJaXINzksS.jpeg" alt="friends at pub" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/29jZ1TN7pq1q3mdfuW7yXa0e38hi86JeFY02IpsR3bp4PMAyUfDRuIVJaXINzksS.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>What’s on the Menu?</h3>Pubs offer more than just a pint of lager. Whether you prefer a crisp cider, a strong stout, or even a non-alcoholic beverage, there’s something for everyone. Beer lovers can enjoy lagers, bitters, and stouts, each with its own unique character and strength.But the pub experience wouldn’t be complete without "pub grub." Think golden fish and chips served with tartar sauce, hearty bangers and mash in onion gravy, or the quintessential Sunday roast with all the trimmings. These dishes aren’t just meals—they’re comforting, delicious traditions served on a plate.<figure id="figure-xxikgyq7jbm66k5ko0"><img id="xxikgyq7jbm66k5ko0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/34MdZAQUqpKd46DciR4RtxsIKfDYFFJqxbJprTjjupSpCoFP7nR3MJGvMs44Ajvz.jpeg" alt="traditional pub food" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/34MdZAQUqpKd46DciR4RtxsIKfDYFFJqxbJprTjjupSpCoFP7nR3MJGvMs44Ajvz.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Themed Pubs and Special Events</h3>In addition to traditional pubs, the UK also boasts themed pubs. From sports bars showing live football matches to pubs with live music or comedy nights, there's something for everyone. These themed venues can be an exciting way to explore different elements of British culture. Pubs often host special events such as Quiz Night, Comedy Night, Karaoke, or seasonal celebrations like Halloween and Christmas parties.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-oq5g3sxp6im66k5s24"><img id="oq5g3sxp6im66k5s24" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/19aftIlzdybMGpiRITPiIftOKX6FNR9o7PKyiMVnLThIIpkwdmpTTF1oTNG11KFE.jpeg" alt="pub quiz" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/19aftIlzdybMGpiRITPiIftOKX6FNR9o7PKyiMVnLThIIpkwdmpTTF1oTNG11KFE.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>A Tale of Two Pubs: Urban vs. Rural</h3>The pub experience can vary depending on where you are in the UK. In bustling&nbsp;London, you'll find a mix of historic taverns and modern, chic&nbsp; gastropubs serving gourmet meals. Head to the countryside and you will find cosy, village&nbsp;pubs with roaring fireplaces and local ales and a warm sense of community. Each region has its own charm and specialties.<figure id="figure-2jwc04swsgm66k5z7x"><img id="2jwc04swsgm66k5z7x" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/bfbkdQO3zsuGlBB4aV9toNe7g069n8mc7q6loKzdIkszZ9xFOEPpIVykTUMZHgSA.jpeg" alt="pub interior" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/bfbkdQO3zsuGlBB4aV9toNe7g069n8mc7q6loKzdIkszZ9xFOEPpIVykTUMZHgSA.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Vocabulary:</h3><ul style="list-style-type: circle;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: circle;"><li>Beating heart: The most important part of something.</li><li>Soaking in the atmosphere: Enjoying the feeling or mood of a place.</li><li>Take center stage: To become the most important part of something.</li><li>Quaint: Attractive in an old-fashioned or unusual way.</li><li>Camaraderie: A feeling of friendship and trust between people.</li><li>To reciprocate: To do something nice for someone because they did something nice for you.</li><li>Stout: A type of strong, dark beer.</li><li>Pub grub: Simple, traditional food served in a pub.</li><li>Hearty bangers and mash: A traditional British dish of sausages and mashed potatoes.</li><li>Quintessential Sunday roast with all the trimmings: A traditional British meal with roasted meat, vegetables, and side dishes.</li><li>Boasts: To have or offer something special or impressive.</li><li>Bustling: Full of busy activity.</li><li>Historic taverns: Pubs that have been around for a long time and are important in history.</li><li>Chic gastropubs: Stylish pubs that serve high-quality food.</li><li>Gourmet meals: High-quality, carefully prepared food with special ingredients</li><li>Roaring fireplaces: Large fires in a fireplace.</li><li>Specialties: Dishes or items that are famous or unique to a place.&nbsp;</li></ul><figure id="figure-kvlraifedom66k671h" class=""><img id="kvlraifedom66k671h" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/14BQSViz5IwjnUFWEMhPtGDvLFJEJJ2f38AT7BXJJ4JkohtkS9slyw0B0nasaVZv.jpeg" alt="people talking pub" title="people talking pub" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/14BQSViz5IwjnUFWEMhPtGDvLFJEJJ2f38AT7BXJJ4JkohtkS9slyw0B0nasaVZv.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

The More You Know (B2+ Reading): Exploring British Pub Culture

Sign pole representing the past, present and future

<figure id="figure-cv7znx0d8m3ybovpe"><img id="cv7znx0d8m3ybovpe" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/147030109/photo/past-present-future-time-loop-concept-on-blackboard.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=VR0E-CEce-hbzBL28zGWYlp6tVeBMjBWJktrsvY4r_s=" alt="past, present, future, time loop concept on blackboard" title="past, present, future, time loop concept on blackboard" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl selected" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/147030109/photo/past-present-future-time-loop-concept-on-blackboard.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=VR0E-CEce-hbzBL28zGWYlp6tVeBMjBWJktrsvY4r_s=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-mce-selected="1"></figure>Struggling to understand when and why use the Present Perfect! I have just had a great idea! In this BiteSize English Grammar lesson, I will show you three situations we can use the Present PerfectIn the simplest way, we use the Present Perfect to connect a past action to the present. Let’s start with 3 different situations we can use the Present Perfect for, with some examples<h3>Use 1: To talk about life experiences without saying when they happened</h3>Example 1 :Imagine that you went to Paris when you were 10 years old. Now, you are 30 years old.You can use the past simple: "My family and I went to Paris 20 years ago."But, if it doesn’t matter when you went to Paris, you can use the Present Perfect: "I have been to Paris." (I went to Paris sometime in the past and it is still true in the present)Example 2:Let’s imagine you didn’t visit Paris at any point in your life: "I haven’t been to Paris, but I would like to go one day."&nbsp;(I never went to Paris at any point in my life and it is still true in the present)Example 3:Betty: "Do you like sushi, George?"George: "I don’t know. I have never tried it." (in my whole life, I never ate sushi once)<h3>Use 2: When we use stative or state verbs to talk about situations that started in the past and continue to the the present</h3>Example 1:The last time I saw my parents was last year: "I haven’t seen my parents since last year."- NOT "I haven’t been seeing my parents since last year."&nbsp;(between last year and now, I didn't meet my parents)Example 2:Mr and Mrs Tully bought their house in 1982: "Mr and Mrs Tully have owned their house since 1982." - NOT&nbsp;"Mr and Mrs Tully have been owning their house since 1982. (The Tullys bought the house in 1982 and it is still theirs in the present)Example 3:I met my best friend George in 1998 and now it is 2024: "My best friend and I have known each other for over 25 year." -&nbsp;NOT "My best friend and I have been knowing each other for over 25 years."&nbsp;(Mine and George's friendship started in 1998 and continues to today)<h3>Use 3: To talk about recently completed actions (without saying when they were completed) that have a connection to the present. The result of a past action is important in or influences the present</h3>Example 1:I finished painting the wall some time recently and the paint is still wet: "Don’t touch the wall!I have just finished painting it!"&nbsp;(Although I finished painting it, it is still wet now so don't touch it)Example 2:Alain: "We are ordering some food from our favourite restaurant. Do you want anything?"Petra: "No thanks. I have already eaten." (Petra ate recently, so she is not hungry now)Example 3:Paul: "Why do you look so different today?"Sarah: "Because I have had my hair cut!" (my hair was cut recently and now I look different)Paul: “Ah, that’s it. It suits you.”——And that’s it! Three situations in which we use the Present Perfect. Happy learning and keep an eye out for more BiteSize English Grammar.&nbsp;Confident English. Confident You.

BiteSize 5-minute English Grammar: Uses for the Present Perfect Simple

Map of United Kingdom and magnifying glass

<h3>Am I English, British or from the UK? Well, the short answer is yes. For the long-ish answer, let's dive into today's All That is British blog post.</h3>I'm sure you've heard English speakers say that they are English, British or from the UK, and maybe you've wondered what the difference is between the three. To explain this, let's take a short trip through history. Just like every modern country on Earth, the United Kingdom did not always exist as it is today.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-v1kv1ahxllvl9mmkm"><img id="v1kv1ahxllvl9mmkm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/326MJa4PQSTox7ZOzZgFPpMVkGtTSNRG64j46jlq9MuOBCqUZ2twHUqGTs2UST2f.jpeg" alt="England flag on paper background" title="England flag on paper background" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/326MJa4PQSTox7ZOzZgFPpMVkGtTSNRG64j46jlq9MuOBCqUZ2twHUqGTs2UST2f.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>For our history lesson, we will start in the 16th century (the 1500s). At that time, England and Wales were neighbouring regions that had their own identities and rulers. King Edward I of England had conquered Wales in the 13th century (1200s) and joined it to the Kingdom of England, however, Wales continued to have some independence - it had its own laws and system of government that were different to England. This all changed in the first half of the 1500s through two legal acts that were passed by the English Parliament: the Laws in Wales Acts of 1535 and 1542. The two laws stated that Wales would no longer have a separate government and legal system, but would be governed by the English Parliament in London. This formed the Kingdom of England.<figure id="figure-ewpnoyhyvplvl9nbuc"><img id="ewpnoyhyvplvl9nbuc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/18MEVSp3sozgAt2W27SvAF7iDEiQc4nrpswAuNewfPeol5mLG6i2Y3YU5edUE9h1.jpeg" alt="Fabric flag of Wales. Crease of Wales flag background, consists of a red dragon passant on a green and white field. " title="Fabric flag of Wales. Crease of Wales flag background, consists of a red dragon passant on a green and white field. " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/18MEVSp3sozgAt2W27SvAF7iDEiQc4nrpswAuNewfPeol5mLG6i2Y3YU5edUE9h1.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Fast forward to the 18th century (1700s). Just to the north of the Kingdom of England lay the Kingdom of Scotland. It was an independent, sovereign state that had a monarchy, parliament and legal system. At this time, both countries were going through political and economic problems. This led to the Act of Union 1707, also known as the Treaty of Union. This law formally united the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England to create a new political union known as the Kingdom of Great Britain. This meant that there would be a single Parliament of Great Britain based in Westminster, London; however, Scotland would continue to have its own legal and educational systems as well as some of its institutions, such as the Church of Scotland. Now, with England, Wales and Scotland functioning as one political union, Great Britain was born.<figure id="figure-u0of7m3tnolvl9ooi4"><img id="u0of7m3tnolvl9ooi4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/37wZQaxvfSFKo7JEshoHimvM5sZSmPbTmnoZLWewnuuDHC7Nm3eoBnG1gqGTgAYM.jpeg" alt="Fabric flag of Scotland. Crease of Scotland flag background, it is a blue field with a white diagonal cross that extends to the corners." title="Fabric flag of Scotland. Crease of Scotland flag background, it is a blue field with a white diagonal cross that extends to the corners." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/37wZQaxvfSFKo7JEshoHimvM5sZSmPbTmnoZLWewnuuDHC7Nm3eoBnG1gqGTgAYM.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>How did Great Britain become the United Kingdom? To answer this, we fast forward again to the early 19th century (1800s). &nbsp;At this time, Ireland was a part of the United Kingdom, but it had its own parliament in Dublin. This was achieved through the Act of Union 1800, which formed the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. However, due to significant opposition both in Ireland and Great Britain, this union lasted until 1922, when Ireland was divided, with Northern Ireland remaining part of the United Kingdom and the rest of Ireland becoming an independent state now known as the Republic of Ireland. It was then that what we call the UK (The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) today was formed.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-fjjytk4zxjlvla40qi"><img id="fjjytk4zxjlvla40qi" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/6zzuKIwPcTfSUP8bJuL0sNww8NDpdsAMTzCufOeowye3rbGpaUQTpRG9li2YXK16.jpeg" alt="Northern Ireland - Flag on Old Grunge Texture Background" title="Northern Ireland - Flag on Old Grunge Texture Background" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/6zzuKIwPcTfSUP8bJuL0sNww8NDpdsAMTzCufOeowye3rbGpaUQTpRG9li2YXK16.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>So there we have it. The United Kingdom is a union of the countries that form Great Britain (England, Wales, &amp; Scotland) and Northern Ireland.<table border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 50px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 50px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" data-mce-selected="1"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Nation</td><td style="width: 20%; border-style: dotted;" data-mce-style="width: 20%; border-style: dotted;">England</td><td style="width: 20%; border-style: dotted;" data-mce-style="width: 20%; border-style: dotted;">Wales</td><td style="width: 20%; border-style: dotted;" data-mce-style="width: 20%; border-style: dotted;">Scotland</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Northern Ireland</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Capital City</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">London</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Cardiff</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Edinburgh</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Belfast</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Nationality</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">English</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Welsh</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Scottish</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Northen Irish</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Year Joined Union</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">-</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Kingdom of England: 1542</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Kingdom of Great Britain:1707&nbsp;</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:&nbsp;1801</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">Patron Saint</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">St. George</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">St. David</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">St. Andrew</td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;">St. Patrick</td></tr></tbody></table><figure id="figure-s1cndiadzlvlasrz1" class=""><img id="s1cndiadzlvlasrz1" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/24wMdbUGJpOE0fJs66L90IK8EKRAhfoX3WGfrU7R8MvYsRpWidafByEZNS0VJMrq.jpeg" alt="United Kingdom Flag real fabric seamless close up" title="United Kingdom Flag real fabric seamless close up" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/24wMdbUGJpOE0fJs66L90IK8EKRAhfoX3WGfrU7R8MvYsRpWidafByEZNS0VJMrq.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom

Looking for some reading recommendations to help boost your English language learning? Then, you have come to the perfect place. In today's blog, I will cover some great British fiction that learners at different levels can enjoy while getting lost in the wonderful world of great stories. Let's dive in!*Please be aware that the levels are a general guide of the level learners need to have to comfortably enjoy reading the books. Reading confidence and experience, knowledge of certain themes or genres, print editions, etc. can also influence the reading experience.&nbsp;<h2>For A2-B1+ learners: Developing learners</h2><figure id="figure-nhbjzl3okqlv40yd4r"><img id="nhbjzl3okqlv40yd4r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/144TjkoO6LWCNBzTor9hQZ6HKZLkvjCLQezGc4WMZo5TOHXK4AjX01TH1qar0416.jpeg" alt="beautiful schoolgirl sitting in the library and reading a book, education" title="beautiful schoolgirl sitting in the library and reading a book, education" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/144TjkoO6LWCNBzTor9hQZ6HKZLkvjCLQezGc4WMZo5TOHXK4AjX01TH1qar0416.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Borrowers by Mary Norton : Follow the lives of the Clock family, tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house and "borrow" items from the humans who live there. When their daughter, Arrietty, befriends a human boy named "the Boy," their lives become even more adventurous. Why it's good for learners: the language is accessible for A2 to B1 learners, and the story is &nbsp;is filled with imagination, adventure, and themes of friendship and resilience. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory&nbsp;by Roald Dahl:&nbsp;After finding a golden ticket in a Wonka Bar, Charlie Bucket is invited on a tour of the "interesting" and mysterious Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Why it's good for learners: this popular children's book is great for learners at this level, especially younger learners, as its sentence structures are simple enough and will introduce some new vocabulary that won't be too challenging.&nbsp;James and the Giant Peach&nbsp;by Roald Dahl:&nbsp;another Dahl recommendation! This time we join James as he escapes from his two cruel aunts and travels on a giant peach with a group of interesting animals. Why it's good for learners: simple vocabulary and sentence structure and great for learning about perseverance and friendship. <h2>For B1-B2 learners: Expanding learners</h2><figure id="figure-0gzl5uyj0elv411hfo"><img id="0gzl5uyj0elv411hfo" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1633856364580-97698963b68b?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4N3x8aGFycnklMjBwb3R0ZXJ8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzEzMzcxMzk5fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="a couple of books sitting on top of a pile of leaves" title="a couple of books sitting on top of a pile of leaves" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1633856364580-97698963b68b?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4N3x8aGFycnklMjBwb3R0ZXJ8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzEzMzcxMzk5fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire): I'm sure everyone knows the story of&nbsp;The Boy Who Lived, but if you've only watched the films, then reading the books is a must! Discover all the parts of the Harry Potter story that didn't appear in the film while building your vocabulary is this extraordinary story of magic, friendship and courage.&nbsp;Why it's good for learners: the first 3 or 4 books are a great challenge for learners who are progressing through the intermediate level as the books gradually increase in complexity as Harry faces the different challenges of growing up while discovering his destiny.The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett:&nbsp;Mary Lennox, a spoiled and grumpy girl, is sent to live with her uncle in a large, mysterious house in the English countryside. She discovers a hidden, neglected garden, and with the help of a friendly robin and a local boy named Dickon, transforms both the garden and herself.&nbsp;Why it's good for learners: with its clear language and relatable themes of friendship and growth, learners can build vocabulary about emotions and nature while learning about British culture in the early 20th century.&nbsp;The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame: Another great British classic, this book tells the story of sensible Mole, adventurous Ratty, grumpy Badger, and extravagant Toad as they go on adventures in the English countryside.&nbsp;Why it's good for learners:&nbsp;a charming story about friendship and loyalty that uses descriptive language for intermediate learners to build up their vocabulary and discover the beauty of life in the British countryside.&nbsp; <h2>For B2-C1 learners: Advanced learners</h2><figure id="figure-x4gz6orvcdlv413s44"><img id="x4gz6orvcdlv413s44" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1617970912327-8eadf5caa2ed?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzNnx8dGhlJTIwaG9iYml0fGVufDB8fHx8MTcxMzM3MTQ0N3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="brown wooden house with green plants and trees" title="brown wooden house with green plants and trees" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1617970912327-8eadf5caa2ed?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzNnx8dGhlJTIwaG9iYml0fGVufDB8fHx8MTcxMzM3MTQ0N3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Christomanci Series by Diana Wynne Jones: In the Christomanci Series, young apprentices with the magical ability to create spells from words are trained by the wise enchanter Christomanci. They face fantastical creatures, unravel mysteries that threaten the magical world, and learn the importance of responsibility and controlling their powerful gift. Why it’s good for learners: rich vocabulary, engaging plot and characters and an accessible writing style that make these perfect for learners at B2. *Some books within this series might be fine for B1+ readers as well.&nbsp;The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: Another classic that perhaps is better known because of the films. Bilbo Baggins, a peaceful hobbit, leaves his beloved and cozy Bag End to join the wizard Gandalf and a band of dwarves as they journey to take back the dwarves’ mountain home and stolen treasure from the dreadful dragon Smaug. Why it’s good for learners: introduces learners to the rich fantasy world of Tolkein through descriptive vocabulary that will challenge and expand their vocabulary. His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman: In a world where people's souls take the form of animal companions called daemons, Lyra Belacqua, a curious young girl, uncovers a dark secret about a powerful organisation and embarks on a thrilling adventure with a rebellious boy and a powerful armoured bear to fight for freedom and truth. Why it’s good for learners: engaging plot, fantasy elements with philosophical discussions about good vs. evil and free will suitable for B2 learners and above.

British Fiction for Different Levels

young man watching television at home on the floor and eating popcorn

In my last blog post on how to improve your fluency, I wrote about how watching English-language TV shows can have a big impact. Well, in today's blog post, I'll offer some recommendations for TV shows learners at different levels can watch to improve the fluency, and hopefully enjoy.<h2>For Beginners: A1-A2 learners</h2><ul><li>Peppa Pig: This beloved animated show follows the adventures of a cheeky little pig named Peppa and her family as they engage in everyday activities, often ending with snorts of laughter and life lessons learned. Why it's good for learners: Simple vocabulary, clear pronunciation, and everyday situations make it perfect for beginners to grasp the basics of English.</li><li>The Adventures of Paddington This classic and heartwarming series follows the story of Paddington, a polite and curious bear from darkest Peru, as he explores life in London with the Brown family. Why it's good for learners: Gentle humour, everyday vocabulary, and the cultural clash between Paddington and his new environment provide a wonderful opportunity to learn a wider range of English usage.</li><li>Charlie and Lola: This charming stop-motion animated series follows the adventures of siblings Charlie and Lola. Why it's good for learners: Clear pronunciation, focus on everyday situations, and simple sentence structures make it ideal for beginners to build confidence in listening and comprehension.</li></ul><h2>For Intermediate Learners: B1-B2 learners</h2><ul><li>The IT Crowd: This sitcom follows the antics of three IT workers (Roy, Maurice and Jen) who work in a large corporation and spend most of their time tackling IT problems in unconventional and hilarious ways.. Why it's good for learners: The series is full of British humour and everyday vocabulary that intermediate learners should grasp and will help upper-intermediate learners improve their understanding of British cultural references</li><li>Outnumbered:&nbsp;This hilarious sitcom follows the lives of a middle-class London family with three mischievous and entertaining children. Why it's good for learners: Fast-paced dialogue provides a listening challenge, exposes learners to natural, everyday speech patterns, and offers a glimpse into British family life.</li><li>Doc Martin: This drama follows a grumpy but brilliant doctor, Martin, who moves from London to a small coastal town and has to find his place in the community. Why it's good for learners: Clear pronunciation and well-structured dialogue make it easier to follow conversations.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>For Advanced Learners: C1-C2</h2><ul><li>Sherlock: This critically acclaimed show features a modern update on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective stories. Join the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. John Watson in 221B Baker Street as they solve complex and impossible&nbsp;mysteries . Why it's good for learners: Sharp dialogue full of wit and complex vocabulary pushes learners to make the jump from upper-intermediate to advanced.&nbsp;</li><li>Luther: This crime drama follows the brilliant but troubled detective John Luther as he employs unconventional methods to catch London's criminals.&nbsp; With suspenseful storylines and complex characters, it is a great choice for any lovers of the detective genre. Why it's good for learners: Suspenseful storylines that keep you engaged and dialogue that will push and develop your English understanding. </li><li>Fleabag: This dark drama-comedy follows a young woman in London as she navigates her way through life in London, dealing with relationships, family issues, and her own personal struggles. Why it's good for learners: The show uses witty dialogue and sarcasm that is ideal for anyone who wants to better understand the uniqueness of British humour. </li></ul><figure id="figure-e74w9ziz6luic413b"><img id="e74w9ziz6luic413b" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1556711905-b3f402e1ff80?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHx5b3UlMjBnb3QlMjB0aGlzfGVufDB8fHx8MTcxMjA3NzYxMXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="black iPhone 7" title="black iPhone 7" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1556711905-b3f402e1ff80?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHx5b3UlMjBnb3QlMjB0aGlzfGVufDB8fHx8MTcxMjA3NzYxMXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Remember, watching TV shows in English should be a fun and effective way to improve your language skills. Try to watch with subtitles in English to help you follow along and pick up new words and phrases to add to your learning journal. Happy watching and learning!

British TV Shows To Help Boost Your English

Business consultation, business team successful concept

<figure id="figure-2u05vx69fjlu8sawt3" class=""><img id="2u05vx69fjlu8sawt3" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1542744173-8e7e53415bb0?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxQcmVzZW50YXRpb258ZW58MHx8fHwxNzExNDgyMjIxfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="man standing in front of people sitting beside table with laptop computers" title="man standing in front of people sitting beside table with laptop computers" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 45% 55%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="45%" data-positiony="55%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1542744173-8e7e53415bb0?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxQcmVzZW50YXRpb258ZW58MHx8fHwxNzExNDgyMjIxfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 45% 55%;"></figure>Having to give a presentation or talk can be stressful at the best of times. But it's nothing that careful preparation cannot take care of! Just as what you will talk about is important, how you start your presentation will also have an impact. In this Business Skills blog post, we will explore invaluable phrases that will help you introduce yourself and your talk in a way that helps you connect with the audience and set the stage for the rest of your well-structured, professional presentation.<h3>Presentation Introductions</h3>Welcoming Guests and AttendeesThis allows you to establish a connection with your audience and creates a warm &amp; positive atmosphere- "Good morning/afternoon/evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining me today"-&nbsp; "Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to be here today"- "Welcome everyone to today's presentation. I'm delighted to see you all here"- "It's a pleasure to welcome you all to this presentation/talk/discuss on [topic]" Introducing Yourself- "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is [your name] and I am [your position or role]" - e.g.: Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Laura Smith, Head of Operations in our London office- "I'd like to begin by introducing myself. My name is [your name] and I am [your position or role]" - e.g.: I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Pete Dennis and I am the Lead Developer here at Software For You- "First, a little about myself. I am [your name], and I am responsible for [role] at [company/organisation]" - e.g.: First, a little about myself. I’m Stuart Biggins and I am responsible for Product Development and Testing at TechBytes- "First, a few words about myself. I am [your name] and I've been working in [industry] / as [role] for [time]" - e.g.: First, a few words about myself. I am Alina Smiths, Project Lead at Outreach CorpIntroducing Your Presentation TopicThis helps the audience have a clear understanding of what to expert- "Today, I will be discussing [presentation topic]" - e.g.: Today, I will be discussing effective communication strategies in the workplace.&nbsp;- "The focus of my presentation today is on [presentation topic]" - e.g.: The focus of my presentation today is on the importance of teamwork in achieving company goals- "By the end of today's session, you will know a little more about [presentation topic / key objective of your presentation]" - e.g.: By the end of today's session, you will know a little more about the fundamentals of project management and how to apply them in your work- "The purpose of this presentation is to [presentation aim and topic]" - e.g.: The purpose of this presentation is to explore the impact of globalisation on international business practices- "In today's presentation, I am going to share with you some [presentation key features]" - e.g.: In today's presentation, I am going to share with you some essential marketing techniques for small businesses to thrive in a competitive market Introducing Presentation Structure* (Have your presentation agenda slide on the screen)This gives the audience a clear roadmap to follow as you progress through your presentation- "Before we dive into the details, let me provide you with a summary of today's key points.." - e.g.: Before we dive into the details, let me provide you a summary of today's key points. We'll explore the importance of effective time management, discuss strategies for enhancing productivity, and conclude with tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance- "Before we begin, I would like to give you a brief outline of today's key talking points. First, we will look at….[point 1], followed by [point 2,3,4, etc]. Lastly, I will finish with [last point]" - e.g.: "Before we begin, I would like to give you a brief outline of today's key talking points. First, we will look at the challenges facing our industry, followed by potential solutions to address them. Next, we'll discuss the implementation plan, and finally, I will finish with a call to action for all stakeholders- "Just a word or two about the structure of today's presentation. First, I will …, then move on to … and finally I will close with …" - e.g.: Just a word or two about the structure of today's presentation. First, I will introduce the current market trends, then move on to our company's response to these trends, and finally, I will close with our future projections and strategies for growth- "Before diving into the specifics, let me offer a brief outline of the main objectives of this presentation. &nbsp;First ..., next ..., then &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ... and lastly ..." - e.g.: Before diving into the specifics, let me offer a brief outline of the main objectives of this presentation. First, we'll examine the need for innovation in our product line, next, we'll discuss the market research findings, then we'll explore potential new markets, and lastly, we'll outline our proposed action plan.Question Policy and Any RulesBy setting out your policies and rules before jumping into your presentation, you are in charge of managing the flow of your presentation and are unlikely to have to deal with anything unexpected.- "Please do not hesitate to interrupt me if you have any questions or if something isn’t quite clear"- "If anybody has any questions, please feel free to ask as I go through the presentation"- "If anybody has any questions, I would like to ask you to save them until the end of the presentation. We will have a short &nbsp;Q &amp; A (Question &amp; Answer) session then"- "If you have questions, please kindly wait until the end of the presentation. We’ll have ten minutes for an open discussion then"<figure id="figure-h5jqfqb1utlu8uapw9"><img id="h5jqfqb1utlu8uapw9" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/11jjh4IqyQSr8YeJKLSZbVZvSt8z5ltb1yXZgo038BY2OCAbiMEtZ9CFGiviJ9HO.jpeg" alt="Handsome businessman presenting health reports on white board with laser pointer " title="Handsome businessman presenting health reports on white board with laser pointer " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/11jjh4IqyQSr8YeJKLSZbVZvSt8z5ltb1yXZgo038BY2OCAbiMEtZ9CFGiviJ9HO.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Moving Through Your Presentation</h3>Next up, we are going to look at some useful phrases for moving through your presentationStarting The Main Part Of Your PresentationYou've made your introductions to the attendees, given them a little background about yourself and laid out the structure of your presentation. What's next? Jumping into the first part of your presentation.- "Now that we have got the introductions out of the way, I'd like to begin by discussing..." - e.g.: Now that we have got the introductions out of the way, I'd like to begin by discussing effective communication strategies in the workplace- "Without much further ado, let's get started" - e.g.: Without much further ado, let's get started with exploring the importance of effective time management- "Now, let's kick things off by..." - e.g.: Now, let's kick things off by diving into the challenges our industry faces and potential solutions to address them- "Now, let's jump straight into the topic of today's presentation: [topic of presentation]" - e.g.: Now, let's jump straight into the topic of today's presentation: the impact of globalisation on international business practices- "So, what is [topic of presentation]?" - e.g.: So, what is the significance of teamwork in achieving company goals?Moving On To The Next Point/SectionAs you move through your slides or presentation sections, be sure to help your audience know you're moving on to a new point/section/etc. by using signposting language- "Next up,...[next point/section]" - e.g.: Next up, let's explore strategies for enhancing productivity in the workplace- "Following on from [previous point/section]" - e.g: Following on from our discussion on the current market trends, let's now look at how we can leverage those trends in our business strategy- "Now, let's turn to [next point/section]" - e.g.: Now, let's turn to the potential new markets for our products- "Leading on from [previous point/section],... " - e.g.: Leading on from our discussion of market research findings, let's explore the customer feedback analysis- "Moving along,... [next point/section]" - e.g.: Moving along, let's now examine the proposed action plan for implementing the new strategiesIntroducing Visual AidsAny good presentation should have graphics to help illustrate the presenter's message. But don't just expect your audience to know what the image represents - draw their attention to your visual aids- "As you can see from the [visual aid]" - e.g.: As you can see from the chart on the screen, effective communication has a positive impact on productivity and staff satisfaction- "To help illustrate [the point you've just made], if we look at this [visual aid], we can see that..." - e.g.: To help illustrate the importance of teamwork, if we look at this graph, we can see that collaborative projects yield higher success rates- "If you look at this [visual aid], you can see that..." - e.g.: If you look at this diagram, you can see that our sales have steadily increased over the past year- "As an example of [your point], this [visual aid] perfectly shows that... " - e.g.: As an example of the market demand for our product, this bar graph perfectly shows that there's a growing interest among consumers- "To illustrate/highlight [your point], I would like to draw your attention to [visual aid]..." - e.g.: To illustrate the impact of technological advancements, I would like to draw your attention to this infographic depicting the rise of online shopping trendsRecapping Your Main Points/PresentationTo make sure that your attendees take away the key points of your presentation, make sure to spend a few moments recapping your key points or message- "As I pointed out earlier [recap earlier point]" - e.g.: As I pointed out earlier regarding the importance of effective communication...- "As I mentioned in slide #/the section on... [recap earlier point]" - e.g.: As I mentioned in slide 3, during the section on market trends,...- "Before we move to the Q &amp; A, I’d like to recap the key points of my presentation today" - e.g.: Before we move to the Q &amp; A, I’d like to recap the key points of my presentation today. We discussed the challenges facing our industry, potential solutions, and the implementation plan"Before I finish, allow me to summarise the main takeaways from today's presentation;..." - e.g.: Before I finish, allow me to summarise the main takeaways from today's presentation; we explored strategies for enhancing productivity, the significance of teamwork, and the future projections for growthSo, that's it for today's presentation on [presentation topic]. To briefly summarise, the main points were… - e.g.: So, that's it for today's presentation on marketing strategies. To briefly summarise, the main points were the significance of social media engagement, the effectiveness of targeted advertising, and the importance of customer feedback loops”Discussion / Q and A sessionIt's a good idea to allow a few moments at the end of your presentation for any questions the attendees might have. After all, you don't want people to leave your talk with more questions than answers.&nbsp;- "That's it from me today. Does anyone have any questions?"- "I'd like to open the floor to questions, so please raise your hand if there's anything more you'd like to know"- "We have a few minutes if anyone would like to discuss anything from today's presentation"- "I hope you found the presentation informative; if there's anything I can clarify or elaborate on, please don't be afraid to ask"<figure id="figure-j6u1n6xlqgluiomvyr" class=""><img id="j6u1n6xlqgluiomvyr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/3Cv4YUIKWDJrHqDnelUyShLDR1D49dsDTJsPMpa7kin7QQXlCyL6mvbH5jHFuspn.jpeg" alt="White sheet with great job text on a gray background" title="White sheet with great job text on a gray background" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/3Cv4YUIKWDJrHqDnelUyShLDR1D49dsDTJsPMpa7kin7QQXlCyL6mvbH5jHFuspn.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>With these handy phrases and sentences, you'll have no problem grabbing your audience's attention and keeping them engaged. Just remember to practise your presentation beforehand and you'll do great.&nbsp;

One2ReadyEnglish

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England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom

British Fiction for Different Levels

British TV Shows To Help Boost Your English

Functional Language for Presentations