Posted by Learn Real English Team Posted on 12/01/2017 05:08:00 AM
with No comments
Word on the street 03 - Notting Hill
This is the 3rd episode of Word on the street by BBC Learning English. Stephen and Ashlie visit Notting Hill in London, to take part in the carnival. The Notting Hill Carnival is a multicultural festival celebrated over two days in August. The carnival is organised and led by Caribbean immigrants who settled in the area in the 1950s.
Wow, these are amazing. This one’s really nice. You’d look great in that.
Ashlie
No, I think I’d prefer something like this. This is much more colourful.
Stephen
We’re here in East London planning our costumes for next week’s Notting Hill Carnival. There's lots of work to do before the big day.
Ashlie
Yeah, here at the Mas-Camp, they're busy making all of their own costumes. And today, I'm here to help. So while I'm busy with that, Stephen's going to be picking up some dance moves. Yeah, come on.
Ashlie
Wow, this looks really complicated – what’s it going to be?
Costume maker
It’s called ‘Pollination’ and it’s going to be a butterfly on a flower.
Ashlie
Oh, it’s beautiful. But it must take you hours and hours to work on this.
Costume maker
Actually, we started about three months ago. So yes, hours and hours.
Ashlie
So do you all compete, then, to see who’s got the best costume?
Costume maker
Yes, actually we have the competition in about four days at Alexander Palace.
Ashlie
Wow, you must be nervous.
Costume maker
Yeah, really.
Ashlie
Good luck for this year - I'm sure you'll do brilliantly.
Costume maker
Thank you very much.
.....
Ashlie
Stephen, can you just help me with this?
Stephen
Yes, what do you need me to do?
Ashlie
Can you hold this piece down while I glue this on?
Stephen
Yeah. What is it?
Ashlie
This is going to be part of my head-piece.
Stephen
Wow! That's going to look absolutely amazing. Shall I put my finger here?
Ashlie
Yes, right that’s it. Thank you, I just need to glue this piece down. There we go. Right, shouldn’t you be learning some dance moves? Stephen! You're glued to my hat!
.....
Stephen
Excuse me, mate. Is this the dance lesson?
Man
Yes, I'm the dance teacher. Do you want to join in?
Stephen
Yes, please!
Man
Alright, come on, let me show you what to do. Alright, so, let's see what we're going to do. We’re going to do a criss-cross to the right and kick with our left foot at the same time.
Stephen
I'll do it with you, go on.
Stephen
Criss-cross, kick, kick. OK, I can do that.
Man
Ready?
Stephen
Yep.
Man
Sure? OK, lets go, listen to this, 5,6,7,8...
.....
Stephen
Wow! The costume looks great. What do you think of mine?
Ashlie
Er, well it’s nice, but mine is better. I mean it’s more, more glamorous. And do you know what? I helped make it myself! So how did the dancing lesson go?
Stephen
It was excellent! I had a really good teacher - really hard work though – I’m exhausted already.
Ashlie
Come on then – show me your moves! Yeah, I think you’re going to need a little more practice.
Stephen
Ha – maybe. C’mon you need to practise some moves too, if we're going to win a prize for the best carnival dancers.
Ashlie
I can’t wait. I’m really excited. It’s going to be fab! Come on then.
Scene II
Ashlie
Come on, this way. We need to get to the start of the parade before they set off.
Stephen
OK! OK! We've got plenty of time though. I want to have a look around. It all looks great.
Ashlie
We’re here at the Notting Hill Carnival; one of Europe’s most famous street parties.
Stephen
Where every year thousands of people come to take part in the parade and wear fabulous costumes.
Ashlie
And it’s also a chance to watch some amazing shows and see some pretty strange sights... I know I’m really looking forward to it.
Stephen
Me, too. Come on then. Let’s see what’s out there.
.....
Stephen
Ah - I love it, Ash. And there’s such a good atmosphere, isn’t there.
Ashlie
Oh, come on though - we haven’t got all day.
Stephen
Oh, wait a minute, I want to look up there.
Ashlie
Oh Stephen, I really don’t want to miss the start of the parade. We haven’t got time.
Stephen
Oh, it’ll only take a minute. I'll catch you up.
Ashlie
You know where it is? By the car park.
Stephen
Yeah yeah, go on ahead, I’ll catch you up in a minute.
Ashlie
See you later.
.....
Ashlie
Hi girls.
Dancers
Hiya.
Ashlie
So have you done this before?
Dancer
No, this is my first year actually.
Ashlie
Wow.
Dancer
Yeah, I done it yesterday though, for the children’s carnival.
Ashlie
What was it like?
Dancer
It rained for a bit, but other than that, it was really fun.
Ashlie
Yeah? Oh, it's beautiful weather today. So how long will we be dancing for?
Dancer
Sometimes we can be dancing for like, two or three hours - we, like walk around, but sometimes you can stand in one place for, like ten minutes and be dancing to, like the same kind of music. It's really difficult.
Ashlie
Yeah, we’re going to need some energy for that.
Dancer
That’s right.
.....
Ashlie
Stephen! Where have you been?
Stephen
It took me ages to find you. All of you dancers look the same in those costumes. Ah, phew, just in time; the parade’s about to start.
Ashlie
You go to the front – I’m going to meet the rest of the group, OK? See you later.
Stephen
Oh, hang on, where are we going to meet afterwards in case we get split up?
Ashlie
Well, I’ll ring you when we finish. Oh, Stephen I haven’t got my phone.
Stephen
Me, neither. Where do we finish?
Ashlie
Erm… next to the tube station, I'll meet you there. Oh and don’t get lost again!
Stephen
OK, sounds good.
Ashlie
See you later! Bye.
.....
Stephen
Wow, that was fantastic. Did you see me dancing?
Ashlie
Yes, I saw you. It was amazing, but I didn’t expect to be so tired. We must have been dancing for hours.
Stephen
Now, we need to sit down and get something to eat.
Ashlie
Good idea. So what do you suggest?
Stephen
Something over there?
.....
Stephen
Right, come on you, it’s time for home.
Ashlie
Stephen – how are we going to get home? All the buses are going to be full and I am not taking the underground wearing this costume.
Stephen
Err... taxi?
Ashlie
Stephen. Can you see any taxis? All the roads are closed for the carnival. C’mon, let’s start walking!
Posted by Learn Real English Team Posted on 11/22/2017 10:44:00 PM
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Word on the street 02 - Camden
This is the 2nd episode of Word on the street by BBC Learning English. Ashlie and Stephen are on a mission to find the perfect birthday present for their mum in London’s Camden Market. Camden is known as the birthplace of punk music. Our reporter Carmen looks at the origins of punk, its influence on British fashion and how it’s evolving in the 21st century.
Here we are in Camden Lock Market. It’s a great place to go shopping and we need to buy a birthday present for our Mum. What do you think we should get her, Ash?
Ashlie
Well our Mum loves nice clothes and costume jewellery. So - I’m sure we’ll find something here.
Stephen
It's huge here, Ash. I’ll tell you what, let’s split up, see what we can find and I’ll meet you back here in one hour.
Ashlie
OK, I’ll see you back here in an hour, then.
Stephen
Oh, Ash – can you lend me 50 quid?
Ashlie
50 quid, eh?
Stephen
Don’t worry, you’ll get it back!
Ashlie
That should do it.
Stephen
Thank you.
Ashlie
OK, I’ll see you back here later.
Stephen
See you!
.....
Stephen
Wow, look at these! I’ve never seen one of these before. How much are these?
Shopkeeper
Five pound each.
.....
Ashlie
Excuse me. Do you have this in another colour?
.....
Stephen
Hiya – how’s it going?
Shopkeeper
Hi, very well. How are you?
Stephen
Good, thanks.
Stephen
I like these, how much are they?
Shopkeeper
Er, the leaf lights – they are £21.95.
Stephen
Hmm, I’m not sure she’ll like them. Can you help me? I’m looking for a birthday present for my mum. Any ideas?
Shopkeeper
What type of thing does she like?
Stephen
Well, she’s quite stylish – modern, I suppose.
Shopkeeper
Well, the yin yang’s really modern. What do you think of that?
Stephen
Hmm. What about that one over there?
Shopkeeper
Ah, the ball lights – lovely – it’s fifty pounds.
Stephen
Oh.
Shopkeeper
How about... forty, seeing as it’s your mother’s birthday?
Stephen
Twenty?
Shopkeeper
Twenty? That’s really cheap. How about I meet you halfway – twenty-five?
Stephen
Great, thanks mate. My Mum’s going to love this.
Shopkeeper
You’re welcome.
.....
Ashlie
Aah - I'm running out of time…
.....
Ashlie
Excuse me, how much is this?
Shopkeeper
Er, that’s fifty pounds.
.....
Stephen
So? How did you get on?
Ashlie
Pretty good, I guess. I bought this fantastic candle holder. It was a little bit expensive, but I think Mum will love it. In fact I almost bought one for myself!
Stephen
Yeah… great – and look what I found!
Ashlie
Well, that is just crazy – how did we end up buying the same candle holder in this huge market??!
Stephen
I’ll tell you what we’ll do. You take this one. You said you almost bought one for yourself - and you lent me fifty pounds, right?
Ashlie
Right.
Stephen
So you take this one, I’ll get lunch and we’ll call it quits! Come on – it’s time to get something to eat. Lunch is on me, remember. Come on!
PART II
Ashlie
Well, thanks for that Stephen. That was a great lunch.
Stephen
Ah – you’re welcome. My pleasure! Now come on, we’ve got to get a move on.
Ashlie
Oh, wait a minute. They’re nice.
Stephen
Which ones? Those boots?
Ashlie
No, the shoes at the back - the black ones. Let’s go in and have a look.
Stephen
What size are they? Why don’t you try them on and see if they fit?
Ashlie
Excuse me. Can I try these on, please? Have you got them in a size 6?
Shop assistant
Yes, sure.
Ashlie
Thanks.
Ashlie
Oh wait, they’ve got them in green, too. Maybe they’re nicer. What do you think?
Stephen
Why don’t you try them both on?
Ashlie
Sorry, can I try them both on, please? The green and the black in a size 6.
Shop assistant
OK.
Ashlie
Thanks.
Stephen
Let’s sit down. Shoe shops make me tired.
Ashlie
So, which ones do you prefer? Do you prefer the black ones or the green ones?
Stephen
They’re both nice.
Ashlie
But tell me which ones you like the best.
Stephen
Erm... OK then, the green ones.
Ashlie
Well, what’s wrong with the black ones?
Stephen
Nothing’s wrong with the black ones. I said they’re both nice.
Ashlie
I think I prefer the black ones.
Stephen
OK then, if I say I prefer the black ones, can we just buy them and get out of here?
Ashlie
Yeah, I think I’ll get the black ones. Unless you prefer the green ones?
Stephen
Aaaargh! Come on!
Ashlie
OK, I’ll take the black ones please.
.....
Stephen
OK, I’ll see you later, then.
Ashlie
OK, I’m going this way. See you!
.....
Ashlie
Hi there. Wow, such amazing clothes. Oh, this is nice. Can I try this on in a smaller size, please?
Shop assistant
Yes, certainly.
Ashlie
Great, thank you.
Shop assistant
The changing rooms are just over there.
Ashlie
This is wonderful. How much is it?
Shop assistant
That one’s 110 pounds.
Ashlie
It is beautiful but… I’m not sure.
.....
Stephen
Oh my gosh! Ashley!? What happened to you?
Ashlie
Oh, hiya Stephen. Well, I decided to change my image. What do you think?
Stephen
Well, don’t let Mum see you like that - it's her birthday party tonight.
Ashlie
Don't worry, I'll change first. Are you ready for home?
Stephen
Yes, let's get out of here. Everybody’s looking at you!
Posted by Learn Real English Team Posted on 11/22/2017 10:08:00 PM
with No comments
Word on the street 01 - Snowdon
This is the 1st episode of Word on the street by BBC Learning English. Stephen and Ashlie arrive at the hotel in Snowdonia, but they don't have the same idea about how to relax!. On the second path, Ashlie surprises Stephen by beating him to the top of the mountain.
We’re here in the beautiful mountains of Snowdonia in North Wales. We’re here for a short relaxing break. We’re going to put our feet up and have a complete rest for a couple of days. That’s right, isn’t it Stephen?
Stephen
Speak for yourself, Ash. Snowdonia is a great place for outdoor activities. You can go climbing, cycling, walking... I can’t wait to get out onto the mountains and get some fresh air. Come on Ash. Let’s check in.
Receptionist
Hi - Can I help you?
Ashlie
Hi, yes. We have a reservation for two nights.
Receptionist
OK, what’s the name, please?
Ashlie
Walker.
Receptionist
Walker. Is that Stephen and Ashlie?
Ashlie
Yes.
Receptionist
Two rooms for two nights?
Ashlie
Yes.
Receptionist
Can I just get you to fill this in, please?
Ashlie
Sure.
Stephen
Hey Ash, have you seen all these leaflets? There’s loads of stuff to do here. I’m going to hire a bike and ride to the top of the mountain. Do you want to come?
Ashlie
What, now? You’re joking, aren’t you?
Stephen
Yeah – take these, can I have my room key, please? Thank you. I’m going to go get changed. I’ll meet you back here in twenty minutes.
Ashlie
OK.
.....
Ashlie
OK, so I think I'll have the manicure, the pedicure...
Assistant
OK.
Ashlie
Oh, and I’ll have that Indian head massage, too. And can you just tell me, what’s the hot stones massage?
Assistant
Well, we use volcanic rock. You know, stones from a volcano; we heat them up and then we massage them over your body. It’s really relaxing.
Ashlie
Yeah, that sounds nice. Maybe I’ll have that, too. Oh, and I see you do treatments for men?
Assistant
Yeah, we do a lot of treatments for men.
Ashlie
Stephen doesn't know what he's missing.
.....
Ashlie
Look at you!
Stephen
It’s great, isn’t it? I’m all set to go. What are you going to do while I’m racing to the top of the mountain?
Ashlie
Well, I thought I might try this… It looks really relaxing and much better than cycling to the top of some old mountain.
Stephen
Yeah, it looks like hard work.
Ashlie
Go on you, get going. Have a good time – and call me later.
Stephen
Bye.
Ashlie
Bye.
.....
Ashlie
This is just so relaxing.
.....
Ashlie
Hello.
Stephen
Hi, Ashlie.
Ashlie
Hi, Stephen. How are you doing?
Stephen
I’m... exhausted. I can hardly speak.
Ashlie
Me too. This is lovely. I’m so relaxed.
Stephen
Ah, this is really tough. I’ve got a long way to go but I'm going to make it to the top.
Ashlie
OK, then – well you just take it easy.
Stephen
Yeah, alright.
Ashlie
OK, see you later.
Stephen
OK, bye!
Ashlie
Snowden Mountain Railway. I think he’ll see me sooner than he thinks!
PART II
Ashlie
Hi. Can I have a return ticket, please?
Ticket Seller
Yes, of course you can.
Ashlie
Brilliant. How much is that?
Ticket Seller
Twenty-five pounds, please.
Ashlie
Great. Thank you. Twenty-five. And when is the next train?
Ticket Seller
Four o’clock.
Ashlie
Four p.m. Thank you very much.
Ticket Seller
Thank you.
Ashlie
This is the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Now, this train goes all the way from here, up to the top of the mountain. It’s a steam train so it is quite slow but I’m sure I’ll get to the top before Stephen. Now, I must take some photos.
Train Driver
Yeah – that looks good – nice one! OK then?
Ashlie
Thank you. That’s lovely. Are you the train driver?
Train Driver
Yes, I drive these locomotives and I’ve done so for about 29 years now.
Ashlie
So how long does it take to get to the top?
Train Driver
Just under an hour.
Ashlie
Under an hour? It must be pretty high then. How high is it?
Train Driver
It's about 1000 metres and it is the highest mountain in England and Wales. And it gets very cold there as well, so if I were you, I’d wear something a little warmer!
Ashlie
Don’t worry, I've got a big coat.
Train Man
That’s good.
Ashlie
Thank you.
Train Man
You’re welcome, bye.
Ashlie
What an amazing train!
.....
Stephen
Ashlie! What are you doing here? How did you get here?
Ashlie
Oh, hiya Stephen. What an amazing place. You know, it’s a shame about the view though.
Stephen
What an amazing place? How did you get here?
Ashlie
Well, I got the train, of course. You know, it’s much easier than cycling.
Stephen
You got the train!? You mean to say while I’ve been riding up the mountain all afternoon, you….
Ashlie
Oh, and I also got a spa treatment. Look, aren’t they lovely?
Stephen
You’re unbelievable!
Ashlie
You look exhausted, Stephen. Come on, shall we go and get a coffee or a sandwich or something?
Stephen
A sandwich? You’re on the top of a mountain! It isn’t some kind of High Street, you know.
Posted by Learn Real English Team Posted on 6/19/2017 12:16:00 AM
with No comments
Pronunciation: Schwa
In this learning real English video, you will learn about pronunciation in English. In this video, Tim talks about the pronunciation called Schwa.
English pronunciation is easy, right? Well, maybe it isn't always a piece of cake, but Tim's back in the pronunciation workshop and ready to give a helping hand. This time he's looking at an aspect of spoken English called ‘schwa’. The symbol for the schwa sound looks like this /É™/.
It was the 23rd of April. William Shakespeare's daughter and his actor friends Robert Harley and Thomas Swann are at the Duck and Whistle. They're getting ready for a celebration. Bess the barmaid is in charge.
Bess
Now have we got everything? Beer, ale… Where's that Mary Bassett? She's supposed to be bringing the pies…
Mary
Here I am, pies and all! I've brought some lovely meat pies and I've got Mr Will's favourite here: a nice cherry pie.
All
Ooohhh lovely, he'll like that, lovely…
Daughter
Oh, I'm so excited Mary! I love parties! Isn't it wonderful having a party for Father's birthday!
Mary
Now don't you go telling Mr Will before he gets here, Miss Shakespeare, remember: it's a surprise. Like John Hume says in your father's play Henry VI part II: Seal up your lips, and give no words but mum…
Thomas Swann as John Hume
Seal up your lips, and give no words but mum: The business asketh silent secrecy.
Daughter
Give no words but mum… I promise, I won't say a word to anyone. Really, I won't!
Narrator
We'll leave them there for now. The exact date of William Shakespeare's birth is not recorded, but it's generally believed that the most likely date was Sunday the 23rd of April, which, interestingly, was also the date of his death, in 1616, at the age of 52. The phrase Give no words but mum, simply means: don't tell anyone - it's a secret. These days, it's usually simplified to just keep mum. Take Australian news website 9News, writing about Mark Hamill, the Star Wars actor, who spoke of how he had to keep the Star Wars storyline secret. The headline was:
Clip 1
Mark Hamill to keep mum amid Star Wars Skywalker speculation
Narrator
Another version of the phrase is Mum's the word.
Clip 2
Don't tell anyone you saw me here. Mum's the word!
Mary
Ssshhh everybody, here he comes now!
All
Quick, hide, behind the bar, get down, he'll see you…
Will
Good afternoon Bess, a pint of your finest… Bess? Hello? Where is everyone?!
Studying hard as ever, dad. Can I ask you something as our landlord? Our lease says that we're not allowed animals in the flat. Well, is there a way that we could get around that? You see, Alice found this kitten and everyone really wants to keep her. around that? You see, Alice found this kitten and everyone really wants to keep her.
Dad
You have a cat in my flat? Oh Helen, why can't you ever obey the rules?
Helen
Oh dad! Please, won't you bend them for me?
Dad
Well...
Helen
Please!
Dad
Just this once.
Tim
Kitty, did you hear what I just heard? She called the landlord "dad". What a dark horse Helen is!
Oh, what do you fancy seeing? There's Must Love Dogs - a rom-com. Oh I love romantic comedies, don't you? Pride and Prejudice is on - I adore period dramas. You know all those fine ladies and gents from ages ago, long dresses and grand houses. What kind of films do you like - action, adventure, musicals?
Michal
Films about people living in the future, on other planets.
Alice
Oh, sci-fi - not really my thing.
Michal
Well, what about Nightmare on Elm Street? They're showing that again here.
Alice
No thanks, horror films don't do it for me. Michal
Hi Michal! Look what I found in a box, near the rubbish bins outside the hospital. Can you believe someone wanted to throw her away! Isn't she adorable?
Michal
What are you going to call her? How about Bronka? That's a good Polish name.
Alice
Mm, I think she looks more like a Co-Co...Oh, hi Helen, meet our new flatmate. We just need to find a name for her.
Helen
Em, I don't think so. You know we're not allowed pets in the flat. It's against the rules.
Hello? Helen? It's mum here. How are you my dear? Studying hard? You know how much your degree means to your father and me.
Helen
I was studying before you phoned me! Listen, I need your advice. I'm in love! But he doesn't even notice me. He only has eyes for Alice. What can I do?
Mum
Love? Love! There's plenty of time for that later. Get your head out of the clouds and back into your books. Do you hear me?
