Luke's ENGLISH Podcast - Learn British English with Luke Thompson

Survey: What kind of episodes of LEP do you prefer?

Please click here to take my survey. It'll just take you a couple of minutes and I don't need your name or email address. Thanks! Link here: <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-48e">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-48e</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

276. Q&A Session #5

In this episode I'm responding to more questions from my listeners. These are all questions that found their way to me via the discussion forum or as comments or emails.  This one is Q&A Session #5. Click here to read all the questions and some transcripts of my answers <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3XU">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3XU</a>  To download a free audiobook go to <a href= "http://www.audibletrial.com/teacherluke">http://www.audibletrial.com/teacherluke</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

275. The Phrasal Verb Chronicles #2

100 episodes ago I recorded The Phrasal Verb Chronicles #1 - remember that? The point of that episode was to improvise a made-up story as a way of reviewing the first 50 phrasal verbs from my other podcast which is called A Phrasal Verb A Day. I had to just come up with a random story, and add in a load of phrasal verbs. Your task was to try and spot the phrasal verbs as I used them, while also following the story. It's time to do it again because I've done over 100 episodes of A Phrasal Verb A Day. So now, in this episode I'm going to attempt to improvise another story using phrasal verbs #51-100. Click here for the full list of phrasal verbs, with their mini podcast episodes from "A Phrasal Verb a Day" <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3Ue">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3Ue</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

274. Q&A Session #4

In this episode I'm going to respond to questions that my listeners have asked me in the teacherluke.co.uk discussion forum. I'll also deal with some other questions I've received from listeners in different ways, either on Facebook, twitter, email or as comments posted on my website. This is the 4th time I've done a Q&A session on the podcast like this, and I plan to do more! To send me your questions and to read a transcript for this episode, click here <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3oL">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3oL</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

273. The Bad Haircut Situation Part 2: More Role Plays & Improvisations (with Amber & Paul)

(Longest title ever?) In the last episode, Amber, Paul and I talked about giving compliments, sharing bad news, and generally saying negative things in a careful and diplomatic way. We then did a couple of role play improvisations to help you notice specific language. In this episode we continue with the improvisations and some language feedback. You can see some samples of the language used in those improvisations by clicking here <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3uQ">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3uQ</a>  Enjoy!<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

272. The Bad Haircut Situation (with Amber & Paul) How to use English in sensitive situations

In this episode we're going to look at how to deal with sensitive situations in English, and that includes ways of delivering bad news or saying negative things. We're going to consider ways of using language carefully in order to avoid upsetting people or making them angry. You'll hear a discussion on this topic between Amber, Paul and me and then a few role plays in which we have to deal with some sensitive situations. Watch out for the specific language that we use. Click here for all the details on teacherluke.co.uk <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3s9">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3s9</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

271. Catching Up with Amber & Paul

Today I'm joined by my mates Paul Taylor and Amber Minogue, both of whom have been on the podcast before. Let's catch up with them and see what they've been doing. Listen to the episode to hear a completely unscripted and authentic chat between 3 native speakers from England, as we talk about having babies, pedestrian crossings, having ginger hair, the difficulties of being English in the sunshine, and some of our favourite TV shows and films. Click here for more information <a href= "http://teacherluke.co.uk/2015/05/17/catching-up-with-amber-and-paul/"> http://teacherluke.co.uk/2015/05/17/catching-up-with-amber-and-paul/</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

270. UK General Election RESULTS

This is a summary of the results of the UK's general election which took place on May 7. What happened? Who won? What were the main events? What does this mean for the future of the UK over the next 5 years? To read a script and for more information click here to visit the page on the website for this episode <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3P0">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3P0</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

269. UK General Election 2015 (Part 2)

Welcome back to Part 2 of this episode which is all about the UK general election which is taking place in a couple of days on Thursday 7 May 2015. In this part we'll hear statements by 7 leaders from 7 of the main parties in this election, we'll consider exactly what they said, understand some of the vocabulary and key issues, and then look at the possible outcomes and predictions for the result of the election. Click here for a transcript and more information <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3GN">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3GN</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

268. UK General Election 2015 (Part 1)

This podcast contains everything you should know about the general election which is happening across the UK this Thursday 7 May 2015. To read a transcript click here <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3FA">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3FA</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

267. Earthquake in Nepal + other news

This episode is mainly about the recent earthquake in Nepal. Please consider donating to the Disasters Emergency Committee at www.dec.org.uk I'm also going to mention a couple of other news stories that are worth talking about, including the UK's general election which is happening at the end of next week, and the fact that Kate Middleton has just given birth to a baby girl. It's all over the internet and on TV now - but how important is it really, considering so many people's lives are in jeopardy in Nepal at the moment? <a href= "https://teacherluke.co.uk/2015/05/02/267-earthquake-in-nepal-other-news/">https://teacherluke.co.uk/2015/05/02/267-earthquake-in-nepal-other-news/</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

266. Telling Jokes in English (Part 3)

This is the third and final episode in this series on jokes. In this one we're going to consider the psychology of puns, hear an old tape recording of my brother and me telling jokes when we were children, and you'll also get lots more gags and their explanations. Click here for a transcript and to download <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3t3">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3t3</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

265. Telling Jokes in English (Part 2)

In this one we're going to look at some typical joke structures, consider what makes a joke funny, and then I'm going to tell you lots of jokes and explain the vocabulary you need to understand them. Click here to read a transcript and to download the episode <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3rs">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3rs</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

264. Telling Jokes in English (Part 1)

Everything you need to know about when, why and how to tell jokes in English. We'll look at the cultural and linguistic considerations that relate to telling jokes in social settings. Also, you'll hear a few jokes in the process! For a transcript and to download the episode click here <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3qZ">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3qZ</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

263. Past, Present & Future - Verb Tenses

LEP is back! You might be wondering where I've been, or what's going on at LEP headquarters. In this episode I'm going to explain my absence, fill you in on what's going on at the moment, and also talk a bit about what's coming up in the future. The language focus is on ways of talking about the past, present and future. Click here for notes, transcriptions and to download the episode: <a href="http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3jx">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-3jx</a>   <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

262. What is Britishness? (Part 2)

Welcome back to part 2 of this episode in which we are exploring the subject of Britishness. In this one we are looking at how the Brits define and understand their own national identity. For a transcription and to download click here <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2SX">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2SX</a>  Image: Gene Bible <a href= "http://www.genebible.co.uk">http://www.genebible.co.uk</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

261. What is Britishness? (Part 1)

In this episode I'm going to explore the notion of "Britishness", including the stereotypes, the reality and the complexity of defining Britishness, or any other national identity. For a transcription and to download click here <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2Ey">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2Ey</a>  Image: Gene Bible <a href= "http://www.genebible.co.uk">http://www.genebible.co.uk</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

260. (Film Club) Kingsman: The Secret Service

Some feedback on poems written by LEPsters in response to episode 258, and then a film review of Kingsman: The Secret Service - a new spy film set in the UK. For more details click here <a href="http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2JX">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2JX</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

259. Eulogy for Dennis

This episode is devoted to the memory of my Grandfather Dennis, who died at the end of December last year. For more information and a transcript of this episode click here: <a href= "https://teacherluke.co.uk/2015/02/24/259-eulogy-for-dennis/">https://teacherluke.co.uk/2015/02/24/259-eulogy-for-dennis/</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

258. Award Win / Thank you! / Poem

This is a very short podcast episode because I don't have much time, but I just wanted to say a very sincere THANK YOU to everyone who voted for me in the 2014 Macmillan Love English Awards. I've written a poem to express my gratitude. Listen to the episode to hear it. Why not write your own poem in the comment section of my website? Click here to visit the relevant page: <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2JN">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2JN</a>  You'll also hear a short extract from an interview with Eminem in this episode.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

257. Be Positive (A rambling episode)

This improvised and unscripted episode has no specific agenda or language focus, but contains some news, some philosophical conundrums, a few film reviews as well as the usual spoken English and natural phrases. The overall theme which emerged during the recording was that of being positive and making the most of what you've got. Click here to visit the page for this episode: <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2DH">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2DH</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

256. Reading Books In English (and listening to them too)

This is an episode all about the benefits of reading books and listening to audiobooks in English. It contains lots of advice for using books for improving your English, and several lists of recommended books too. Also, claim your free audiobook from Audible.com - click here for details: <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2lr">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2lr</a>  Claim your free audiobook here: <a href= "http://www.audible.com/t1/30trial_at?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R"> http://www.audible.com/t1/30trial_at?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

255. Taken 3 / Expressions with 'Take'

My response to the film Taken 3, plus 12 expressions which use the word 'take'. Click here for vocabulary notes and more: <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2tb">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2tb</a>  #Taken3 #film #english #tefl<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

254. IELTS Tips & Tricks

In this one I’m going to go through all parts of the IELTS test, giving you some tips and general advice. I’m recording this because it is one of the most commonly requested episodes. People are always asking me to do episodes about IELTS and I have never done one until now. So here it is, the eagerly awaited IELTS episode. Loads of people around the world take the IELTS test to get a grade of their English. More and more it is becoming the world’s #1 test of English level. It is a notoriously tough test which challenges many people aroudn the world every day, so what wisdom can I impart to my loyal LEPsters who are hoping to prove themselves in the IELTS challenge? Well, quite a lot I hope. Click here for a transcript, links and more <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2k6">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2k6</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

253. Rapping with Fluency MC!

Chatting and rapping with Jason R. Levine aka Fluency MC! Click here for more information including YouTube videos and lyrics of our rapping <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2bD">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2bD</a>  I'm feeling pretty excited today because I've got a bit of a celebrity on the podcast. Jason R. Levine, also known as Fluency MC is something of a legend in the world of online English language teaching. He's become pretty well known on YouTube in particular for his videos in which he uses hip hop to bring a fresh approach to teaching English. Jason raps his English lessons, and many of those raps have become YouTube sensations - for example "Stick stuck stuck" the past participle rap (over 2.5million views on Youtube), and the present perfect rap which is a full on explanation of the grammar rules for the present perfect tense, delivered in rhyme. But, Jason is not only a teacher who raps - a look at Jason's CV shows that he is involved in a number of very interesting English teaching projects - he leads workshops, has published material and is an English specialist for the US department of State - which makes him sound like a government agent, and he has a very interesting academic and personal background which has led him to take this fresh new approach to language teaching. On the musical side, Jason raps but he also plays the drums like me, and he DJs and produces his own tunes. There's so much to ask him and so much to talk about, and hopefully Jason will do some rapping on Luke's English Podcast too, and who knows - I might even get involved in that as well. You can look forward to all of it in this episode. (In fact, if you listen to the whole episode you will hear both Jason and me rapping on some of my brother's music). #hiphop #rap #rapping #rhyme #english #tefl #learning #teaching<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

252. Marooned With My Music: James Thompson

Welcome to Luke's English Podcast and this special series, called Marooned With My Music. My castaway today is my brother James Thompson. Click here for a song list and more information <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2ip">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2ip</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

251. Welcome to LEP / 16 Things You Should Know about LEP

The podcast has been nominated in the Macmillan Dictionary Award and the voting is now open here http://www.macmillandictionary.com/love-english-awards/voting-blog-2014.html This episode is a chance for me to say "HI" to any new visitors to my website, and to tell you 16 things that you should know about LEP. For more info click here <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2lh">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2lh</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

250. Marooned With My Music: Gill Thompson

Welcome to Luke's English Podcast and this special series, called Marooned With My Music. My castaway today is my Mum, Gill Thompson. Click here for more information <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2im">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2im</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

249. News / LEP Merchandise / Messages (A rambling episode)

This episode is just a chance for me to talk to you about these things: - Yesterday's violent attack at the Charlie Hebdo magazine office in Paris - New LEP merchandise - Messages from Listeners at podcastreply@gmail.com For more info click here <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2jF">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2jF</a>  To buy LEP merchandise, visit the LEP shop here: <a href= "http://www.cafepress.co.uk/teacherluke">http://www.cafepress.co.uk/teacherluke</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

248. Marooned With My Music: Rick Thompson

"Marooned with my Music" is an interview concept based on a popular and long-running BBC Radio programme called "Desert Island Discs". In that BBC programme, celebrities and noteworthy people are invited onto the show for an interview. They imagine that they have been stranded on a remote desert island and are only allowed to take certain items with them, namely: 8 pieces of music, one book and one luxury item. During the programme, the interviewee is asked about their life and their musical choices. Desert Island Discs remains one of the BBC's most beloved radio programmes and has been broadcast on the radio for many years. In my version, "Marooned with my Music" I have decided to interview members of my family: My Dad, my Mum and my Brother. Click here for more information and song titles: <a href= "http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2ha">http://wp.me/p4IuUx-2ha</a> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>