Boost Your English Fluency: Audio, Film, Websites, and Exercises for Every Level: This blog is in response to the high demand for additional resources in a number of my current courses.
Whether you’re preparing for IELTS, IB Language A or Language B courses, or looking to build your foundational skills in English, the following resources will guide you to fluency. Here's a curated list for your weekend study sessions:
EAL (English as an Additional Language) A1-A2 Level for Architects
Podcasts/Audio
The English We Speak (BBC): Short, practical episodes focused on real-life phrases, great for busy schedules.
99% Invisible: A design and architecture-focused podcast that covers interesting topics in short episodes. You can focus on listening to the main ideas and vocabulary.
Films/TV Shows
Abstract: The Art of Design (Netflix): Features episodes on architecture and design, showcasing real projects with straightforward language and captivating visuals.
Grand Designs (Beginner-Intermediate): A British show about the process of designing and building houses, offering architectural context with accessible language.
Magazines/Blogs
Dezeen: An architecture and design website with short, visually-rich articles, perfect for picking up architectural vocabulary while browsing.
ArchDaily: Another architectural news source with articles that feature simpler sentence structures, giving a chance to see key architectural terms in context.
Online Resources
English for Architects: A specialized website that offers vocabulary and practice exercises specific to architecture.
EngVid (English for Architects): Free video lessons specifically tailored to architecture and design vocabulary.
Additional Exercises
Architectural Project Vocabulary Practice: After watching a Grand Designs episode or reading a Dezeen article, write a short description of one of the projects, focusing on architectural terms learned.
Quick Listening Log: Choose one 99% Invisible episode, write down 5 new words, and create sentences related to architecture with those words.
Daily Quick Practice: Set aside 10 minutes each day to read an ArchDaily article or watch a segment of Abstract and jot down important architectural phrases.
2. IB English Language B SL/HL
Podcasts/Audio
6 Minute English (BBC): Short lessons focused on real-life topics and intermediate vocabulary.
Stuff You Should Know: Engaging and informative podcasts for building academic vocabulary.
Films/TV Shows
The Imitation Game: Excellent for historical context and sophisticated vocabulary.
The Queen’s Gambit: Great for developing listening skills and understanding complex dialogue.
Magazines/Blogs
The Guardian: Opinion pieces and articles that encourage critical reading.
TED-Ed Blog: Wide range of topics with thought-provoking content, plus videos with transcripts.
Online Resources
FluentU: Real-world videos with subtitles to build comprehension.
BBC Learning English: Lessons on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary specifically for high-level learners.
Additional Exercises
Critical Commentary: Watch a TED talk and write a 300-word commentary analyzing the speaker's arguments.
Vocabulary Journal: Keep a journal of 10 new words each weekend, including definitions, examples, and context from media you’ve consumed.
3. IB English Language A: Language & Literature SL/HL
Podcasts/Audio
The New Yorker: Fiction: Writers read and discuss classic and contemporary fiction.
The Moth: Real-life storytelling that enhances narrative understanding.
Films/TV Shows
Dead Poets Society: Focuses on literary analysis and themes of poetry.
12 Angry Men: A great film for examining persuasive language and rhetoric.
Magazines/Blogs
The New Yorker: Articles on literature, culture, and politics to deepen analytical thinking.
The Atlantic: Essays that examine society and culture—perfect for practice with analysis.
Online Resources
Project Gutenberg: Access to thousands of free literary works.
Coursera: Literature and analysis courses from top universities, including video lectures.
Additional Exercises
Text Analysis: Choose a New Yorker or Atlantic article, annotate key stylistic devices, and write a short analysis of the author's tone and perspective.
Film Rhetoric: Watch a documentary or film of your choice and write a 500-word rhetorical analysis of the director’s techniques.
4. IELTS Preparation
Podcasts/Audio
IELTS Podcast: Focuses specifically on exam techniques, strategies, and practice questions.
Luke’s English Podcast: A mix of conversational English and IELTS-specific content.
Films/TV Shows
The King’s Speech: Perfect for developing listening comprehension with British accents and formal speech.
Planet Earth: Listen for scientific language and complex sentence structures.
Magazines/Blogs
The Economist: Use for reading practice, focusing on complex texts typical in IELTS exams.
IELTS Liz Blog: Tips and exercises directly tailored to each section of the IELTS test.
Online Resources
IELTS Liz: Free resources and exercises for each part of the IELTS exam.
IELTS Buddy: Practice tests, quizzes, and preparation materials.
Additional Exercises
Timed Writing Task: Complete one IELTS Writing Task 2 question over the weekend and practice finishing in under 40 minutes.
Speaking Practice: Record yourself answering IELTS Speaking Part 2 prompts and listen back for self-evaluation.
With these resources, you’re sure to take your English learning to the next level. Dive into any of these podcasts, films, or exercises and make your weekends productive! What will you tackle first? Please comment below and have a great weekend!
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