Grow Your English

What has a cheeky blackbird got to do with speaking English?This is the second of two short episodes featuring sounds from in and around an international conference in Edinburgh, UK.I reflect on what it means to be a good communicator in this snapshot of a global community.

This is the first of two short episodes featuring sounds from in and around an international conference in Edinburgh, UK.I took my microphone and did some mini interviews with English language teachers.What do you think of their advice? Would you be able to answer these questions on the spot?

Number 3 in my Cambridge English mini-series is a fantastic chat with Sarah Morgan about the C2 Proficiency exam.Find out what she has to say about the challenges that C2 candidates face, why you might not need a teacher (!) and why lexis is a whole other ballgame at this level.Sarah has some invaluable advice for you and this episode is essential listening if you're preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency exam.

In a reflective mood at the end of the year, I give you my bird highlights of 2024 and recommend two brilliant bird-related works.Find me on Instagram @eltreeonline to get a proper transcript of this episode.The book is Birdsplaining by Jasmine Donahaye (published by Parthian, 2023).https://www.walesartsreview.org/birdsplaining-a-natural-history-review/The film is Bird, directed by Andrea Arnold, which came out in 2024.https://mubi.com/en/gb/films/birdThanks for listening! Let me know what you thought of this contemplative episode of Grow Your English. And finally, if you'd like to buy me a coffee to show your appreciation for this podcast, then you can do so here: https://ko-fi.com/eltreecoffeepleaseThank youTree x

In the second in a mini-series of interviews about the Cambridge English exams, I discuss the C1 Advanced exam with Jelena Petkov.Jelena is an Advanced exam expert who knows exactly how to help her students not only pass, but pass with great scores! Find out what she has to say about how to prepare for the exam, what makes a good study routine and why reading is so important.You won't want to miss this insightful chat if you're preparing for the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam.

The first in a mini-series of interviews about the Cambridge English exams, this episode is a goldmine of B2 First information.I chat to Sangeeta Sathe, a Cambridge exams specialist who has some excellent advice for you - including how to handle the speaking test and how to activate your exam brain.If you're preparing for the Cambridge B2 First exam, or just thinking about it, our conversation is essential listening. And it's an enjoyable, informative chat even if you're not an exam student!For a complete Tree-checked transcript, with a vocabulary list, extra activities and language notes, please sign up here: subscribepage.io/lKT7VaYou can access Sangeeta's Habit Tracker here: https://subscribepage.io/makeitahabitFollow us on Instagram:@english_with_sangeeta@eltreeonline

If you have ever been judged on the way you sound in English, then this episode is essential listening!I had an excellent chat with Felicio, who is a researcher and English teacher from Brazil, all about accent bias, the phonology of listening and how to approach these important topics in English language teaching.This episode is aimed at more advanced English learners; teachers of English will find it especially interesting.If you would like the full transcript of this episode (for yourself or for your learners) please contact me and I will add you to the mailout. Find me at eltreeonline on instagram, where you can also sign up for the recordings from the Relax into your English Digital Retreat - but be quick!Read Felicio's fantastic articles here: https://feliciodias.substack.com/ and follow felicioenglishteacher on instagram

Would you like to know what a Digital Retreat is and why you might need one? I talk to Sarah and Lisa about 'Relax into your English', an upcoming online event for curious English learners.Stressed about learning more grammar? Take a break! You deserve to do something enjoyable with your language skills for once. You can sign up for the event by finding us on Instagram and heading to the link. We hope to see you there!@eltreeonline@meaningful.English@your.english.selfIt's over 40 degrees in Spain (where Sarah and Lisa both live) so please excuse the occasional strange sounds from the fan - I'd rather have cool comfortable guests than absolutely perfect audio!If you would like the full transcript and language notes for this episode, just let me know and I'll add you to the mailout.#relaxintoyourEnglish

This time, I bring you two creative ways to grow your English skills: singing and soundscapes.Listen out for...1) some ideas on how to include these creative activities in your language practice,2) my dog trying to join in with the episode, and3) me almost falling over as I was recording in the woods!Head to my instagram for more listening content - and to sign up for the full transcript.

In this episode, I chat to Clare Whitmell, host of the Smart English Coach podcast. We talk about why listening in English can be difficult and discuss the rhythm and musicality of the language.I give you some tips on how to advance your listening skills, including what to do if you don't understand. Clare is hosting the Advanced English Summit, a free online event with 10 wonderful English experts ready to share their ideas with you.See the line-up and register here: https://english-at-home.com/summit/ or sign up via the link @eltreeonline

You will hear some wonderful language from avid reader Iryna as she reviews a challenging three-part novel by Hanya Yanagihara.We also discuss the role of the reader and the benefits of book clubs.You can get a copy of the transcript for this episode by heading to my Instagram @eltreeonline.This is the last of the learner interviews for now, but if you are an English speaker with a passion you'd like to share, then come and join me on a future episode.

Irati is multilingual and speaks English as her third language. In this episode of the Grow Your English podcast, she tells us about two very important aspects of life in the Basque Country: the language and the food. I loved talking to Irati about two of my favourite things!Contact me to get a copy of the transcript.

In episode 6, released on International Podcast Day, Yasha from Japan tells us all about his interest in sound effects, and we set a listening challenge. Can you guess which sound was the real ice? You will also learn why listening to audio drama can help your English listening skills, and what Back to the Future has to do with it! Enrichment for your ears.Contact me if you would like the transcript for this episode!

The second in the series of learner interviews is appropriately themed! Tree welcomes Annamaria to talk about her passion for growing houseplants.This episode features lots of vocabulary of interest to those with green fingers. And can you find Nemo in our conversation?Head over to @eltreeonline for some listening activities.

In the first of the interviews with English learners across the world, Tree talks to Earl in South Korea. Earl speaks with passion and positivity about her English learning journey so far.I love Earl's ideas - and her dream of an English teahouse!You can find us on Instagram @earlgreyinseoul and @eltreeonline

In this episode of the podcast for English language learners, Tree helps you navigate your aural compass. Find out what this has to do with improving your listening skills and get some language study tips. It's inspiration for your ears!

Tree talks about some aspects of English across the world and what it means to be an English speaker. Did you know that you are one of more than 1.75 billion people who speak the English language?

In this first ever episode, you can find out about your host Tree and what has brought her to podcasting.