Stories and Questions to help you practice listening and writing skills. 

English Stories & Questions

Grammar and English tips for kids, beginners and intermediate students. 

Learn English with William

My story began in London 3 decades ago, but my travels into the teaching world would not take long to begin...

Stories from UK to China

🌿 Introducing "Organic English: Clarifying Communication" 🎧✨

Join us on Organic English, the podcast that nourishes language growth and explores the beauty of the English language! In our latest episode, we're diving into the power of seeking clarification. 🌟✨

Communication is key, and asking for clarification is an essential skill for English language learners. We'll equip you with phrases to help you seek understanding and enhance your language proficiency. 🗣️💭

Tune in for a calming experience as you listen to soothing ambient sounds and practice each phrase, empowering yourself to communicate with clarity and confidence. 🎶🗣️

Organic English

008 Clarifying Communication

🌿 Introducing "Organic English: Exploring Emotions" 🎧✨

Discover the power of language and emotions with Organic English, the podcast that nurtures language growth and delves into the beauty of the English language! 🌟✨

In our latest episode, we're immersing ourselves in the fascinating world of emotions. Learn to express yourself with ease as we explore phrases that capture different emotional states. 🗣️💭

From joy and contentment to curiosity and awe, these expressions will empower you to communicate your feelings effectively. 🌈✨


007 Exploring Emotions

Hey iTalkiers, this is Chadwick.

Thanks for listening today.

I am going to answer a question which may appear on a test like the IELTS.

And that question is this:  Do you enjoy outdoor activities?

The short answer to that question is yes.

I do enjoy activites that take place outdoors.

The longer answer needs to be unpacked, or explained a bit more in detail.

To begin with, I am not a fan of winter activities.  I used to be, but not so much anymore.

I was never really keen on skiing, but I used to enjoy snowboarding.

But, those days are gone, and I would much rather be cozied up next to the warm fire during those long cold winter months.

And now when it comes to spring, summer, and fall... I am all in.

Anyone who knows me or follows my Instagram (organicenglishus) knows that I am an avid gardener.

Avid means that I show a keen interest, or am enthusiasitic about, in this case, gardening.

I could spend all day playing in the dirt and watching things grow.

During the warmer months of the year, I also enjoy Hiking the North Country Trail, or paddling around a quiet lake with my wife.

So, yeah, spring, summer and winter are amazing.

Winter time, not so much.

How about you?

Do you enjoy outdoor activites?

Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Thanks for listening, and please subscribe.

006 Do you enjoy outdoor activities?

Hey this is Chadwick.

Today I am going to talk briefly about those little pop-up advertisements, also called pop-up ads, that appear on websites or videos that you are perusing on the internet.

I fully understand the necessity of the pop up ads.  I mean, while the internet appears to offer us so much information instantly, and in most cases 'free', the truth is someone somehow must pay the bills.

So, I completely appreciate the need to sell something in order to bring in some cold hard cash, or, money.

And yes, it's true, occasionally I enjoy having my attention drawn to new and exotic music equipment from my favorite shopping website, Sweetwater.

However, if I am going to be honest, most of the time pop ups annoy me.

I mean, I'm pretty intentional about how I spend my time on the internet.

And if I am looking for some specific information on a topic, or trying to listen some music on Youtube, then it can be a bit of a bother to 'X' out of an ad, or wait 15 seconds before I can watch a video.

How about you? What do you think of pop up advertisements?

Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.

005 Pop Up Ads on the Internet

Hello everyone, this is Chadwick coming to you from, in my opinion, one of the most wonderful times of the year...

The transition between spring and summer in Michigan...

It is during this time of year that we have recently shaken off the last snowflakes of winter as we entered into spring.

During the spring, flowers began to break forth from the once frozen earth.

The days remained cool, but you could feel the temperature rising and the suns warmth on your skin.

Colorful flowers began to bloom and the honeybees are collecting their pollen.

Summer is approaching.

Bon fires and floating down rivers.

Hikes through the forest.

Barbareques, family and friends.

What is your favorite transition time of the year?

Leave a comment, and thank you for listening.

004 Transition from Spring to Summer

How’s it going?… or sometimes in the US we say… How goes it?  It means the same thing.  How goes it is informal and friendly.

So, what are we talking about today.

Techno, Rock, Hip Hop, Classical – whatever the genre is, we have all been exposed to music in one way or another. According to Nielson’s Music 2014 study, 94% of the American population chose to listen to music for 25 hours per week on average. I have a sound system in my office so that I can blast music during my free time throughout the day but do you know that there are health benefits that come from listening to your favorite songs?

In this episode, I am going to talk about 5 ways that music can mentally affect your health.
So, let’s begin…

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QBE5Qfb04aRrD4nK6lSyEXIhoXS4nnJv5oS61zDwqVM/edit?usp=sharing

003 | 5 Ways Music Mentally Affects You

Hey iTalkiers.

In this episode, I want to talk a little about how social media use affects mental health.

Follow this link for a complete script of the podcast.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_9SkTwtd-KeUSPIIK6fcS9MrkQEyHfN4ULZUmVM4kzE/edit?usp=sharing


002 | How Social Media Affects Mental Health

001 Introduction

Hello everyone and welcome to my first ever iTalki podcast.

I just discovered this tool the other day, and thought to myself, 'Hey.  Why not?'

Since this is my first contribution to this particular tool on the iTalki platform, I thought that it would be appropriate to at least offer an introduction of myself, and then as a bonus, offer you the same guidance that I give to my students as they prepare for their sessions with me.

So...

{Message me for the full transcript of this podcast}

Peace