B2 conjunctions

City Life Compared to Country Life

Many people wonder whether they would be happier living in the city or in the countryside. City life offers a fast rhythm and many opportunities, and it can be exciting, though it often feels crowded and noisy. Some people imagine that they would enjoy the peace of rural areas, when, in fact, they admit they enjoy the crowds and the lively lifestyle a city provides.

Life in the countryside is usually quieter, whereas cities are full of cultural events, restaurants and shops. You can find something to do at almost any hour in a big city, while the countryside may seem limited in activities for some people. Still, country life gives you space to breathe, or at least more contact with nature than you would normally have in a city.

Moving from one place to the other can completely change your routine. Now that many people can work remotely, living outside the city has become easier. You may enjoy a healthier lifestyle provided that you don’t mind longer distances to services and entertainment.

Some people say they would choose the countryside if they had grown up in a big city. Others prefer the city once they have tried living in a small village, discovering they miss the energy and convenience that urban life provides. The best choice depends on the stage where you are in your life and what you value most.

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My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
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Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

This is part 1 of my TWO podcasts on B1 linkers: The text for today is:

Many people want to learn a new language, yet they often wonder what method works best. One helpful idea is to treat the language as you would a musical instrument, practising regularly. Learning can also happen as you travel or do other activities, as practice is important because it keeps the language fresh in your mind.

In addition, using a mix of reading, listening, and speaking gives you a balanced approach. In addition to lessons in a classroom or online, try watching films or listening to music in the target language. These activities help you hear natural expressions, although they can sometimes feel difficult, though you may not understand every word at first.

Despite these challenges, progress is possible in spite of busy schedules or limited resources. Try speaking with native speakers. You can do this in person or online.

Support the show

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Here is the text for the B2 story today:

Priorities

Steve was a talented guitarist who had spent years trying to make it big. When his band finally got an album deal, he felt his dreams were coming true. But his wife, Laura, was tired of being alone with their two children. One night, she told him enough was enough: 'Spend time with us, or you'd better leave. We can't go on like this.'

Steve didn’t know what to say. He loved Laura. He had fallen for her at once years ago. He'd come across a little night club where they played jazz, and she was sitting at the bar, and it was love at first sight.

But music was Steve's life. He promised he’d cut down on late-night rehearsals and tours, yet every time he tried, the band had a new music project to follow up.

Laura tried to clear up their communication problems, but Steve kept thinking he could get away with spending just a little more time away. Eventually, she stopped believing his excuses.

One night, sitting alone in his studio, Jake realised he couldn’t do without his family. He packed his guitar and went home, ready to get down to what really mattered—being a husband and a father. The world might forget his music, but at least he wouldn’t lose the people who had inspired it in the first place.

Support the show

My NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the learner enough vocabulary to pass any B1 exam (special help for Cambridge exams).
To read more about my book, click here (you can access it from any Amazon platform):
https://amzn.to/46AVFe9

Learners studying towards B2 level will be interested in my B1 to B2 reader: The Tudor Conspiracy (includes audio version) https://amzn.to/4gPsj0i

For very young learners (from 8-10), I recommend my picture reader book for children learning A1 to A2 English. It comes with a fully dramatised audio version: https://amzn.to/46TCWvv

Oxford Bookworm Graded Readers: Read stories at your level to improve your English. I recommend Oxford Bookworms as the best series of books for learners: https://amzn.to/4r7YVHg

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, free grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)