Most people use a lot of technology these days, but is it making less people less sociable - do they interact less with other people? Today, Nick gives you some ideas for this question on the IELTS test. 

IELTS with Nick - World Knowledge 

Is technology making people less sociable?

When we feel we have had a "setback" in our language learning - we often tell ourselves stories that keep us stuck. In this podcast episode, I will offer some ideas for how we can prevent that from happening, and when it does, how we can start to move forward again.

In summary, what I say is that first we need to assess what has REALLY happened. And we need to look at the STORY we are telling ourselves - about what happened. (We can do this by writing or talking to a coach or a friend or to ourselves using the questions below). 

If we can question the stories we have told ourselves about this setback - it becomes easier to take action to get ourselves moving again. Byron Katie is an author who created 4 questions that are helpful in changing our beliefs. The questions are: 1. Is it true? 2. Can I absolutely know that it’s true? 3. How do I react when I believe that thought? 4. Who would I be without that thought? 

Turning the setback into an opportunity to take action - any action - can help us get moving again. Getting support is also very helpful. 

Writing or speaking exercise (talk into your phone!) -- take 7-10 minutes and see what you discover!:

1. Think of a time when you were trying something new (learning to play a musical instrument, starting a new routine, exercise or diet) - and you had a "perceived setback" - or when you felt you hit a wall/were blocked/"failed." What did you tell yourself at that time? Was that "story" really true? What happened after that? Did you continue doing the thing? 

2. Now think of a skill you have mastered. Maybe it's cooking something or riding a bike or being a professional or an entrepreneur. Did you ever have any "setbacks" along the way? (I am sure you did!) What steps did you take to keep going forward? Did you get support to move past these obstacles - or how did you help yourself to continue? What happened next? 

If you want - save your words and share them with me! I would love to hear what you think!  


Hear and There

3. "Setbacks," the stories we tell ourselves, and getting unstuck

Plática sobre El Carnaval ecuatoriano y algo más.

Mucho que decir

El Carnaval

Modern Chinese(時代華語)B1- Reading(短文)

Have you ever said something in English… and someone responds:

“Sorry, can you repeat that?”

Even though your English is strong.

You know the vocabulary.
You understand conversations.
You use English at work every day.

So why do communication breakdowns still happen?

In this episode of the Own Your Speech Podcast, we explore one of the most common frustrations experienced by advanced English speakers: being asked to repeat yourself.

You’ll learn why the issue often has nothing to do with grammar or vocabulary, and how small speech patterns can affect clarity in conversation.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The three key factors that influence speech clarity
• Why pronunciation patterns from your first language carry into English
• How rhythm and word stress affect listener understanding
• Why speech is a motor skill, not just a language skill
• How targeted practice can retrain speech patterns

You’ll also hear a science based tip explaining how the brain stores speech movements and why repetition is essential for lasting pronunciation change.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated when people ask you to repeat yourself, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening — and what you can do about it. 

Own Your Speech | Accent & Communication for Professionals

Why People Ask You to Repeat Yourself — Even When Your English Is Good

La depilación con cera fría mantiene unos resultados óptimos durante tres semanas. Pero, éste es el máximo de tiempo que se mantiene el vello sin crecer. Al cabo de varios días, la espalda, o el torso comienzan a picar de nuevo.

VIDA SANA EN ESPAÑOL

DEPILACIÓN Y PIEL

Today’s tip is all about combining creativity with motivation to enhance your language learning experience. We're going to explore how creating colorful motivational posters in the language you're learning can boost your determination and keep you inspired.

💃🏻111 Tips for Learning a Language 

Tip 33 - Motivate and Inspire Yourself with Colorful Posters! 

Luke Littler became the youngest world champion in darts history on January 3 when the 17-year-old Englishman beat three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final.

"Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy," Littler said after beating van Gerwen. "I can't believe it."

The teenager has also become a sporting sensation. He's an ordinary English teenager who enjoys fast food and video games but has an extraordinary talent for throwing darts.

That talent has earned him fame and fortune. He made $1.28 million in prize money during 2024 and he added another $620,000 to that when he won the 2025 World Championship.

He has become one of the most talked about sports stars in the UK since finishing as the World Championship runner-up in 2024.

According to Google, he was the most searched sportsperson in the UK in December, and the third-most searched celebrity, behind only Donald Trump and Kate Middleton.

Littler's success has also helped bring darts back into the mainstream.

Although Littler is young, he's been working at his game for more than a decade. There are videos of him throwing magnetic darts while still wearing a diaper.

Van Gerwen was previously the youngest world champion in the elite Professional Darts Corporation competition, winning the 2014 final at age 24.

Van Gerwen said losing his record "hurt" but was full of praise for Littler.

"Every 17 years a star gets born," Van Gerwen said, "and he is one of them."

Many were already wondering if Littler can reach Phil Taylor's record of 16 world titles. Claiming a first title at age 17 will now supercharge that conversation.

Practice Listening, Reading & Comprehension

17-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Darts World Champion

Script 

おはようございます。日本語だんだんポットキャストのゆかりです。

私は今日、はじめて"おいっこ"に会(あ)いました。

あなたには、兄弟(きょうだい)はいますか？
きょうだい・・

おにいさん
おねえさん
おとうと
いもうと

のことですね。

私には弟(おとうと)がいます。
私より3さい年下(としした)です。

弟には、今年(ことし)の5月に、こどもが産(う)まれました。

男の子(おとこのこ)です。

弟のこども・・つまり、
私の"おいっこ"になります。

おいっこは、もうすぐ5ヶ月です。

まだ1歳(いっさい)になっていないとき、

1ヶ月(いっかげつ)
2ヶ月(にかげつ)
3ヶ月(さんかげつ)

といいます。

たとえば、

「わぁ、かわいい、あかちゃんですね。
いま、なんさいですか？」

「ありがとうございます。いま8ヶ月です。」

といいます。

おいっこは、まだまだちいさくて、とてもかわいいです。
声(こえ)はしっかりと大きめでした。

これからが、たのしみです。

では、今日も最後まで聞いてくれて、だんだん、です。

また明日！

-------------------
Today's Keywords

□甥っ子(おいっこ)
Nephew

□兄弟(きょうだい)
Brother

□弟(おとうと)
younger brother