English For All: 11/01/2011

121. The Flatmates Episode 121

Alice takes Ellie horse riding. Will Ellie enjoy herself? Find out more in episode 121 - Pony riding.

120. The Flatmates Episode 120

Tim pays a visit to the bank. Will the bank manager lend him the money he needs? Find out more in episode 120 - the bank manager.

Express English: Relationships

Express English: Being a woman

Express English: Unhappy children

Express English: Lessons for life

Express English: University life

Express English: Your ideal trip

Express English: Success

Hear what people in London say, then join the conversation!

One woman said: "It depends on what it is – I mean successful in my career? I’m almost successful!"

A man said: "I’ve been a college professor and I’ve taught things. I’ve worked in the media. I’ve been able to explain things to people make things a little clearer so I think I’ve contributed something and I’ve been able to pay my bills."

Did you know?

Fact: In the 2011 Forbes magazine list of the richest people in the world there are 1,210 billionaires worth US$4.5 trillion.

China doubled its number of ten-figure fortunes in the last year, and Moscow has more billionaires than any other city.
Language tip: When talking about the measure of success you use the words 'amount' or 'degree'.

For example:
The company enjoyed a fair amount of success before it went bankrupt.
Cultural tip: In some cultures it is considered rude to ask people how much money they earn.

English Express: Photographs

Hear what people in London say, then join the conversation! What is your most treasured photograph and why?

One woman said "it's a picture of my grandmother... it's interesting to see how she was when she was around my age."

Another man said "it's one of me on a beach in the south of France... it brings back memories of the time; the light, the colour, the atmosphere."

Did you know?

Fact: The first permanent photograph was an image produced in 1826 by the French inventor Joseph Nicephore Niepce.
Language tip: Taking a snap means taking a quick, informal photograph, usually with an unsophisticated camera.
Cultural tip: In some cultures it is rude to photograph someone. Always check before you photograph someone you don't know.

Express English: Awards

Hear what people in London say, then join the conversation! Who would you give an award to and why?

One woman would give an award to her parents because they have been an inspiration and have motivated her to work hard. She wants to make them proud of her.

Another man wants to give a posthumous award to Johannes Gutenberg for inventing the printing press.

Did you know?

Fact: The official name of the Oscars ceremony is the Academy Awards. The first ceremony took place on 16 May 1929.
Language tip: Someone who is nominated for an award is called a nominee.
Cultural tip: If you win an award you might have to make an acceptance speech, but keep it short and to the point!