C1 Advanced with Get Speaking English

Hi everyone! As you may know, I live in Canada and it's currently winter here ☃️. The days are a lot colder and shorter which, to be honest, has been taking a huge toll on my mental health lately. I've always scheduled the majority of my one-on-one lessons, streams and group classes early in the morning (for me) thinking it's the best time for European students and followers. However, I’m considering offering some activities during my evening or late afternoon, making them accessible to people in North and South America. I think they'd also be kinder to myself right now. So I'd love to know from you: - How many of you live in North America or South America? - Would you be interested in live classes or group activities during my evenings? To start, I’m thinking about having a Wednesday Night Coffee and Crossword stream, beginning around 6 or 7 PM my time (22:00 UTC). (Obviously, I will not be drinking coffee at that hour! But the activity will be the same.) If you could answer this poll, it would be extremely helpful!

Hi everyone. CAE Part 3 Question (the follow-up question): Which activity teaches the most valuable skills? Check out this video to learn some useful vocabulary in context and get ideas for talking about a task like this. https://youtu.be/5ipt7XNPRMo Here's the transcript: 1 - Well I think band is important because it teaches many invaluable[1] skills, such as how to work well with others and work as a team. You need to play in time[2] with the other musicians and execute your role well, otherwise, you cannot perform successfully. Additionally, it teaches you about how to take directions or listen to one another... 2 - Sorry. I need to step in[3]. Those are valid points, but I also feel that theatre can offer similar benefits. However, theatre is considerably more accessible as musical instruments often cost a substantial[4] amount.  1 - Yeah, but not everyone can act. Moreover, you need to activate your math skills in order to read music, so it nurtures those important fundamental[5] skills.  2 - Theatre teaches you how to speak before an audience, though, which I think is immensely[6] important. Consider adulthood... how often do you need to engage with strangers, or deliver a compelling presentation in a professional setting? Those skills are indispensable[7].  1 - Perhaps, but music is more relaxing. It can also evolve into a lifelong hobby that people can enjoy forever. Theatre, in contrast, may not have as profound[8] an impact on people...  Here are the vocabulary notes: [1] invaluable - extremely valuable or priceless [2] to play in time - in music, it means to maintain the correct rhythm and speed [3] "I need to step in" - we can use this phrase to interrupt someone else.  [4] substantial - significant in size, amount, or importance [5] fundamental - basic or essential [6] immensely - to a very great degree [7] indispensable - absolutely necessary or essential [8] profound - deeply significant or meaningful How would you talk about this task? You can either find a partner to discuss these points with, or talk about them to yourself. #SpeakingPart3 #SpeakingPart3Response #SpeakingPart3ModelAnswer #ModelAnswer #SpeakingAnswer #Vocabulary #entertainment

Live Stream Recap - January 2 - 12, 2025 Hey everyone! Thanks so much for everyone who came out to the live lesson and coffee and crossword streams this week! Here's a recap of what happened in case you missed it. Live: Article Reading: Why getting distracted can be a very good thing (BBC) Sunday, January 12 - https://youtube.com/live/54ZvlD-b2tM Coffee and Crossword Streams ☕️ Wednesday, January 8 - https://youtube.com/live/IB8s4E1Fp3E?feature=share Thursday, January 9 - https://youtube.com/live/iAHL0r9i4Ls?feature=share Friday, January 10 - https://youtube.com/live/MduuJOvhtqw?feature=share Saturday, January 11 - https://youtube.com/live/NqZn3aJSbyg?feature=share ——— Next Live: Get Speaking about Distractions! B2 First and C1 Advanced - Speaking Part 2 Sunday, December 19, 2025 @ 13.00 UTC Facebook and YouTube Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1544522239596385/ Next Coffee and Crossword Stream: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Streams are scheduled Wednesday to Saturday @ 13.00 UTC Where to participate: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetSpeakingEnglish Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/getspeakingenglish YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getspeakingenglish It would be a huge help if you could tell others about these streams and live lessons. Thanks so much. ❤️

Hi everyone! Here's the video from today's Live Lesson: https://youtube.com/live/54ZvlD-b2tM In this live lesson, I looked at the article "Why getting distracted can be a very good thing" and discussed some of the vocabulary and phrases that you can use in your speaking, too! Why getting distracted can be a very good thing (BBC) https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20180605-why-being-easily-distracted-can-be-a-very-good-thing Lesson notes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OjpDvMCb-zs-23f33_RDk109WXFfN5M5/view?usp=drive_link If you'd like to talk about this article or the topic of distractions with me, you can do so right now by booking a conversational class! Book from January 8 to 22 and use the code C1DISTRACT when booking! https://getspeakingenglish.as.me/ Remember, too that I'm also having a sale on conversation classes! Until January 20th, you can book packages of conversation classes for 25% off. Go to the book page under "View Products/Packages" to find that deal! Be sure to check back for the next few articles in this series. Thanks again and I hope to Get Speaking English with you super soon. - Axl

Hi everyone! Just about ready to go live. I'll be looking at this article here: Why getting distracted can be a very good thing (BBC) https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20180605-why-being-easily-distracted-can-be-a-very-good-thing My aim is to let you hear the pronunciation of the words and learn some great vocabulary for talking about distractions. The video from this class will be available on YouTube after. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetSpeakingEnglish YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getspeakingenglish Thanks!

Hey everyone! I'm just about to go live to do today's crossword! Coffee & Crossword Stream ☕️ Come hang out with me and help me do crosswords. Review some vocab and learn some new things too! Where to participate: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetSpeakingEnglish Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/getspeakingenglish YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getspeakingenglish And be sure to check out the playlist on YouTube of previous Coffee and Crossword Streams after.

Hey everyone! I'm just about to go live to do today's crossword! Coffee & Crossword Stream ☕️ Come hang out with me and help me do crosswords. Review some vocab and learn some new things too! Where to participate: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetSpeakingEnglish Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/getspeakingenglish YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getspeakingenglish And be sure to check out the playlist on YouTube of previous Coffee and Crossword Streams after.

Hey everyone! I'm just about to go live to do today's crossword! Coffee & Crossword Stream ☕️ Come hang out with me and help me do crosswords. Review some vocab and learn some new things too! Where to participate: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetSpeakingEnglish Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/getspeakingenglish YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getspeakingenglish And be sure to check out the playlist on YouTube of previous Coffee and Crossword Streams after.

Hi everyone. CAE Part 4 Question - What are some experiences that make music festivals and concerts unique and special? Check out this video to learn some useful vocabulary in context and get ideas for talking about a task like this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH0NIjT2EmE Here's the transcript: 1 - Oh, I adore music festivals.  2 - Do you? I can't stand them.  1 - Yeah, I think they are fantastic. I love how they take place outdoors so you get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. The atmosphere is incredibly immersive[1]... I can just escape from reality[2] for a bit, you know?  2 - Hmm I see. I prefer concerts actually. I just love it when a lot of people are brought together under one roof to enjoy something. I revel in[3] the energy. It's great, too, because, you know, you're surrounded by die-hard fans[4] and people who have the same interests. 1 - Precisely. It's almost a bonding experience. You can sing along and dance... You can't really do that anywhere else so they are truly special events. 2 - Yes, it's a nice shared moment... All of my concerts have been truly memorable... I'll probably never forget them. I think many people feel similarly.  1 - Exactly. That's why I love music festivals... you get that but multiplied by a few days usually and many, many bands. You go, see multiple acts[5] that often play similar genres[6]... you stay, sometimes you camp with your friends. It's a lot of fun and you never forget them.  Here are the vocabulary notes: [1] immersive - providing a deeply engaging experience [2] to escape from reality - phrase - to temporarily be detached from the everyday world or routine [3] to revel in something - to take great pleasure or delight in something [4] die-hard fans - collocation - extremely devoured or enthusiastic fans [5] a (musical) act - a way to refer to a performance by a musician or band [6] genres - categories or types of music that are similar. Note the pronunciation: /ˈʒɑ:nɹə/ How would you respond to this question? You can either find a partner to discuss this with, or practice talking about it by yourself. #SpeakingPart4 #SpeakingPart4Response #SpeakingPart4ModelAnswer #ModelAnswer #SpeakingAnswer #Vocabulary #entertainment

Thanks to everyone who watched today's stream! Here's some of the things I talked about today: - Difference places where musicians play - What it means to deter someone from doing something - Bowling - The differences between American and British chips - Academic papers - Joints that our bodies have - A new use of the word "flute" In case you missed it, you can watch a recap of today's puzzle in the video below. https://youtube.com/live/IB8s4E1Fp3E?feature=share You're more than welcome to join me for the next stream tomorrow at 13:00 UTC. Coffee & Crossword Stream ☕️ Come hang out with me and help me do crosswords! Learn some vocabulary and phrases in the process. Where to participate: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetSpeakingEnglish Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/getspeakingenglish YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getspeakingenglish Be sure to check out the playlist on YouTube of previous Coffee and Crossword Streams too. Thanks and see you soon!

What do you think entertainment will look like in the future? Let me know in the comments!

Happy new year! I've been MIA a few days for the holidays but I am officially BACK as of today! Please join me for today's crossword! Coffee & Crossword Stream ☕️ Come hang out with me and help me do crosswords. Review some vocab and learn some new things too! Where to participate: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetSpeakingEnglish Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/getspeakingenglish YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getspeakingenglish And be sure to check out the playlist on YouTube of previous Coffee and Crossword Streams after.

Hi everyone! Get Speaking about Entertainment. Discover why taking breaks and embracing distractions might be the key to unlocking your creativity in this interesting article. Advanced (B2/C1): Why getting distracted can be a very good thing (BBC) https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20180605-why-being-easily-distracted-can-be-a-very-good-thing ❓❓❓ VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT Read the sentences and match the words in bold to their definitions. 1 During the meeting, we had to brainstorm to come up with ideas for the new project. 2 She was multitasking by cooking dinner, helping her child with homework, and answering emails all at the same time. 3 The loud music outside was a major distraction while I was trying to study. 4 Solving this math problem requires my total concentration, so please turn off the TV. 5 My first task of the day is to write a report for my manager. 6 The psychologist helped her understand how to manage stress and improve her mental health. 7 His fixation on getting every detail of the project perfect slowed down the entire time. A The act of performing more than one task at the same time B The state of being overly focused on a particular idea or thought C A professional who studies behavior and mental processes D A specific job or activity that needs to be completed E A process of generating many ideas or solutions quickly F The ability to focus one's attention on a single task or activity G Anything that takes your attention away from your main task or focus I'd be happy to discuss the answers with you during a class! ❓❓❓ LIVE ARTICLE READING Sunday, January 12, 2025 @ 13:00 UTC During this live article reading, I will go through this article and discuss the vocabulary, phrases, and any interesting grammar points that come up. I'll also share the video and notes on YouTube afterward so you can review it. Where To Participate: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetSpeakingEnglish YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getspeakingenglish Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/580648304896464/ DISCUSS THIS WITH ME! Book from January 8 to 22 to Get Speaking English about this topic. Book a conversation class ($15). Upgrade to a lesson ($20). Use the code C1DISTRACT when booking. Thanks everyone! I hope to Get Speaking English with you about this article soon!

Conversation Class Series - Winter Sale Between January 6 - 20, buy packages of conversational classes at a discounted price (25% off the regular price) and Get Speaking English about the most recent articles in the series. View the current list of articles here. Buy packages here: https://getspeakingenglish.as.me/catalog/63ba9f4a (I fixed the link!) Spaces are limited.

Conversation Class Series - Winter Sale Between January 6 - 20, buy packages of conversational classes at a discounted price (25% off the regular price) and Get Speaking English about the most recent articles in the series. View the current list of articles here. Buy packages here: https://getspeakingenglish.as.me/catalog/63ba9f4a Spaces are limited.